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[Aurelia Bretane]

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“Culain! Presently!” The golden-haired huntress cupped a gloved hand beside her mouth as she called out to the sky. A falcon circled lazily over her head, looping through heavy grey clouds as they gathered to threaten rain. His eyes keenly scoured the landscape below for signs of life as tiny furred creatures sought shelter from the impending storm.

Without ceremony, the bird tucked back his wings and fell into a dive, plummeting toward the earth with dizzying speed. His landing impaled a shrew with deadly talons as Aurelia turned back toward Ashencrosse. The shaggy white cu sidhe walking by her side paused and lifted his nose into the air. He sniffed, then pawed at the ground impatiently as Aurelia turned back to watch for the falcon.

“Culain!” A rustle came from the underbrush as the falcon emerged from the brambles with bloodied talons and beak. He took flight again, seeking the hand Aurelia held out, her glove scarred and bloodstained from years of the same use.

Before the falcon could find his perch atop his huntress’ hand, a flash of heat and light tore through the forest with blinding speed. A sound so immense that she felt it as much as heard it, chased the dazzling streak. It reverberated through every tree and rock for miles. It resonated within her, and without.

Aurelia had only one thought, and that was to flee. And she did, as far and as fast as her feet could carry her. Her skirts caught in the brambles and tore as she fled for shelter, her falcon and dog close on her heels. The heavens began to open up as the lightning rent them at their seams. The rain poured down, drenching all three as they ran for cover.

At last a cave opened up on the side of the mountain, and all three stumbled inside. Quickly, Aurelia slipped a tiny leather hood down over Culain’s head and perched him atop a stone as the cu sidhe flopped down on the floor. Aurelia laughed lightly as she tousled his great white head and settled down onto the cave floor by his side. The dog curled around to lay his chin on the tattered fabric covering her thigh as Aurelia lit a candle and lifted up her eyes to the marbled wonder of stone curtains and stalactites above her head. With a sigh of contentment barely audible above the roar of tempest outside, she settled in and curled up against the soft underbelly of her companion. A sudden clap of thunder startled both dog and falcon, and Aurelia smiled.

“Let th’ heavens rage till they’re spent. I’ll protect ye both, an’ we’ll be safe here till we can go home again.”

Hours passed, while Aurelia spoke and sang soft words, creating a safe haven for her companions. Outside, like wolves, the maelstrom still howled at the door.