It shouldn’t surprise Renaissance Le Sang, after so many years of existence, that humans possessed so much humanity. Yet, watching Lyselle treat the stubborn fledgling with such humane kindness, reminded Ren that she too possessed that same innocence. She forgot, often, that she was once human. There was a life before this one. A life where she bled, her belly would rumble when she was hungry, she’d dream and take naps and squint at sunlight. That life seemed so far away from Ren now… Almost as if that were a separate person entirely. She supposed, in reality, it was a different person. A young woman in the 1500s, with societal challenges in a world full of cruelty and war and poor health. Her human life was like a TV series she’d watched once upon a time; She could vaguely recall the characters, the setting, the general plot line… But she’d have to watch it again to gain a sense of familiarity. 

And as she watched her beloved Huntress, that gentleness aglow in her delicate features, a pang of something similar to envy struck at the chords of Ren’s still heart. Despite knowing that the essence of her spirit lived on in this undead body, that beautiful humanity her bonded Huntress so easily accessed was a million miles away for Renaissance. Now? She knew too much to be kind without question. She’d seen too much to be naive. Innocence was a fickle thing, torn away from her slowly after years and years of bloodlust and loneliness.

Perhaps being close to Lyselle would reignite her humanity? They still knew so little about the extent of this connection they’d had thrust upon them. The bond was so powerful and ran so deep that perhaps, as well as channelling feelings and thoughts and God knows what else, it could feed her the ghosts of her humanity?

Their hands interlocked like perfect puzzle pieces. Fingers lacing together, Ren wished she could forge them that way so that they remained locked forever. The warmth of Lyselle’s human skin against her cool flesh made her sigh gently, a sigh of bliss and relief. The bond sung in response. 

Wysteria granted Lyselle a brief nod, her eyes flickering with the echoes of gratitude, and she turned her back. Limping slightly as she disappeared into the thick brush of the forest, Ren watched her leave and dismissed her inner questions as to where she was going. She would feed, she would recharge, she would re-enter the world a touch more humble than before. Werewolf attacks could do that to a vampire. A reminder that though eternal, they were not invincible. Death could creep up on them, unbiased and merciless in its approach. Instead of sparing her fledgling another thought, she focused her attention on Lyselle, squeezing her hand gently in glee. 

With nothing for company save for the trees and the rising sun, the ancient vampire revelled in the peace she felt in that moment. A gentle morning breeze to tickle the forest leaves, the sound of the forest awakening. It all looked far prettier in the morning light. 

Taking slow but purposeful steps, Renaissance lead Lyselle through the thicket. Stepping over exposed roots, dodging fallen branches, crunching leaves beneath their feet, they steadily made their way out of the woods. Before it disappeared from view, Ren turned her head to look at the two werewolf corpses they were leaving behind. Abandoned in the clearing, left to rot and eventually feet the forest floor, the werewolves seemed smaller in this light. Just two lupine creatures, at peace in death, forever sleeping soundly in the woodland.

[i]“You fought well,”[/i] Ren said, breaking the soft silence that had fallen between them. [i]”You wield with confidence, accuracy… The Vigil has taught you well.”[/i] The Ancient Vampire paused for a breath, turning her head to allow her gaze to fall on her human. Those beautiful hazel eyes facing out at the world, taking in the surroundings and watching the sunlight grow stronger by the minute. 
[i]”I do wonder what this bond has planned for us, Lyselle”[/i] the ancient mused out loud, watching her Huntress as they took synchronised step after synchronised step. [i]“It’s embryonic in lifespan, I know, but it’s already so powerful. It almost has an entire mind of its own, its own agenda and wishes. I feel your emotions through it; Both the ones you send intentionally and unintentionally-“ [/i] As if aware it were being discussed, the bond hummed in response. Ren gave Lyselle a small smile and gently stroked her thumb over the Humans hand. In slow strokes, she traced tiny repetitive patters in the Human’s skin.
[i]“I think, when we return home, we should see if I’ve got any scripture about a bond like this… We can’t be the first and only ones, I’m sure.”[/i]