A breath slowly escaped her lips as she watched Ren glide off of the werewolf's back, looking as graceful and beautiful as ever, giving her a sense of peace and comfort that the vampire was safe. The sight of the crimson liquid was hardly even on the mind of the young hunter—she had seen more than enough in her short lifespan, even more than most soldiers ever would. Out of habit, she stepped to the side, keeping her boots clean of the sticky pools that slithered across the wet ground.

Despite the battle they had just endured, even the small reassurance that shivered toward her was enough to let the huntress relax, sliding her weapons away with one fluid motion, extremely aware to keep them from touching the pair of undead. Their bond swelled with positive emotions before she watched the ancient quickly close the distance between them, feeling herself being pulled into a tight embrace. She could hardly help closing her eyes and returning the hug, feeling the warmth that their closeness brought melting beneath her skin once more. Lyselle gently nuzzled into Ren's chest happily as she soaked up the feeling of bringing pride to her lover—she had experienced this before, but never quite like this.

[i]“Sire…”[/i] She heard the voice of the younger vampire crack nearby. Pulling her eyelids open, she looked over to see the woman bowing her head, and let a small smile creep across her own face. [i]“Huntress…”[/i]

[i]“I think the words you’re looking for, Wysteria, are ‘thank you.’”[/i] The chilled squeeze given was filled with affection, though she was somewhat disappointed at the short length of it. Still, she followed suit and let the embrace fall before her eyes looked between them both—her smile spreading just a bit at seeing Wysteria humble herself.

Clearly, though, Renaissance did not think this was good enough, grabbing her offspring's chin and forcing her to look at Lyselle straight on. It was clear that Wysteria struggled to thank her so directly and, honestly, she didn't blame her. The feud between vampires, humans, and hunters spanned at least a thousand years, if not more—though it did bring back an old question of hers; what started all this?

Especially seeing that vampires could have heart and emotion like this after being told time and time again they were nothing but evil. The picture was starting to become clearer for the sharp student, who now wondered if all this was similar to when two families would feud and eventually forget why they were fighting. Though it had always been human nature to fear and fight things they did not understand or that were dangerous—spiders came to mind at that, a creature once associated with witches.

[i]“I don’t have the energy to force the appropriate thanks from you, Wysteria.”[/i] Her voice brought Lys back to reality. [i]“And I won’t drag it from your tongue purely because Lys would disapprove. I’m sure she thinks you’ve been through quite enough this evening without me adding to your burdens—”[/i] Renaissance wasn't wrong, as the young woman thought just that.

[i]“It’s time we made our way back home, Lys,”[/i] her tone shifting to a gentleness she did not spare for her offspring.
[i]“It’s too light to fly. Shall we walk?”[/i] She coupled her suggestion with an extended hand, open and waiting for the huntress to take.
[i]“Wysteria, say goodbye to your Huntress saviour.”[/i]

Her brown orbs made their way to Ren's own then as she nodded slightly, an indication that she was ready to leave.
[color=#9BA7C3][b]“A nice walk would be lovely, M'lady,”[/b][/color] her voice now softer and filled with a kindness Ren had begun to know.

Before the younger vampire could speak, Lyselle looked at her with genuine softness in her features—a stark contrast to her expressions while fighting. Reaching out to hold her darling's hand, she spoke first:
[color=#9BA7C3][b]“Wysteria... take care of yourself, all right? Be careful. If you ever find yourself in a situation like this again...”[/b][/color]
She glanced to Ren, a hopeful look in her eyes.
[color=#9BA7C3][b]“I hope Lady Renaissance will let you call on us again.”[/b][/color]

And with that, she offered a smile to Wysteria.