The sky was darkening, the sun sinking down until it wasn't even a sliver on the horizon. There was enough deep blue light in the heavens for a normal human to see around them, but that was soon to be gone, as well. Frigid wind carried an odd duo across the stars with dizzying speed, the twinkling lights temporarily blacked out as huge wings created frightening shadows in the coming night. Her wingbeats were silent, talons flashing like swords with every stroke. Eyes surveyed the ground below, searching for her target with single minded determination. No assassin could travel faster than her without teleporation, but still, she needed all the time she could get to accomplish her task. Weaving through the winds in her wake was a wingless, giant creature, serpentine movements propelling it along behind its mistress. The huge Raptorae's soft fur rustled in the breeze, markings along its body glowing brightly to light their way. Varancael, for that was what the winged shadow was named, had no time to lose.
Heightened senses took in the surroundings, the scent of trees and earth and rain and lightning that flickered with life in the sky, in the ground hundreds of feet below her. Remarkably skilled eyes zeroed in on veins in tiny leaves waving on trees far away, on droplets of mist that clung to clouds she passed through. But she was not interested in any of these things. She had a job to do. A mission, of her own making.she was focused, searching for one particular scent amidst the jumble, one individual sight beneath her talented gaze. The huge creature that was her mount and friend made an inquisitive grumble in his throat, electricity flickering in his maw. He spoke no words, but she knew he questioned the distance to their destination.
"Not far now, Aethrin. Have patience."
The massive reptile growled, but fell silent as they traversed the miles. Her clothes were simple, a waistcoat over clean white linen, with soft leather trews and boots with thick soles. The beast wore sensible, strong leather tack, the only embellishment being the rubies on his halter. He carried her tent, extra clothes, weapons... He was strong, and it allowed the both of them to fly with more ease. Her tanned skin wasn't cold despite the height, not enough hair to blow in her face. It was cut so that only a portion remained, warrior-like and masculine, despite her gender. The wings, though they looked feathered, were actually formed of razor edged scales in their shape, black as night with forks of lighting acting as veins. She porposly darkened their glow now, however, to remain more stealthy as they flew.
It wasn't long before she found the place she had been looking for. A house with its Windows glowing warmly in the night, bearing the scent and the appearance of that with which she was very familiar. Varan circled a few times, examining it for danger. She could return here with her eyes closed, even after centuries of not being within its walls. A pang of sadness shot through her, but she didn't allow it to bring her down. This task was important. Whistling sharply at Aethrin and pointing down, she gracefully shifted into a dive that turned her into a blur of dark. Curling her wings around her body, she was like a bullet. Before she hit the ground, she spread her stunning wings wide, slowing her descent and landing with a quiet puff of dirt. Folding the dangerous appendages against her back, they were so tall they towered feet above her head. Their sharp talons were threatening, but she worked to make her expression reassuring, though still firm. The Raptorae landed with a whomp, crouching low into the cool soil. She took a lantern from her gear, reaching up a wing to hook the hanger with one such claw, bringing it down to her face level to light it with a match. Holding the light aloft, she took a deep breath and approached the house. Knocking on the fine, familiar door with sharp raps of her knuckles, she noticed how the house had changed just slightly with age. It hurt her heart to see it, when she had known it back when it's wood and stone was brand new and gleaming. Her scarlet and green eyes fixed on the door, waiting for the one whom she had come to save. She waited, and watched, and hoped with all her might that the man would listen.