Illya Aegis stared out into the wide sky, her wings outstretched and arms held close. She looked below and saw many creatures in the trees, some hiding and others watching her in awe. She smiled and waved at the brave few to venture from their safety just to see her. After a bit she landed, at an old crooked tree.
Sitting at the tree was another Skyfolk; Kellan. About ten years ago Illya had met him at this exact spot, and they had shared their first true kiss. They were only ten at the time but hadn't thought of each other much until that day. The two had grown up knowing each other, and were betrothed. After Illya landed she ran over to Kellan.
"Kel," she said, "how'd today's hunt go?"
the bird-man chuckled and ruffled her hair a bit. "It's almost always good, Illya. What did you want me to come out here for?" Despite the being the same age, Kellan was about five inches taller than Illya.
Illya made a pouty face. "What did I want? How about to actually join you on a hunt?"
Kellan looked at her with an odd look. "Join a hunt? But what if you get hurt, or worse...?"
Illya shook her head. "I won't. I can fly well enough and I'm an archeress. I should be able to stay out of trouble, Kel."
Kellan sighed. "Well, alright, fine. Just so you know we don't always know what will happen."
Illya nodded. "Then I'll see you tomorrow at the square?"
Kellan nodded. "Yes, that sounds good."
The next day Illya, dressed in a warm outfit to ward her from the cold, landed in the square next to Kellan. "Where's the other guys?"
Kellan shook his head. "They said they couldn't come; that they'd make themselves look like fools if you were there. So it's just you and me."
Illya sighed. "Okay... I hope I don't scare off the animals."
Kel laughed slightly, ruffling her hair again. "Don't worry, Miss Aegis, you're a pretty silent flier for one like you."
They took off and circled around the woods, finding a herd of deer. Kellan nodded and Illya drew her wooden bow, notching an arrow. She let it fly then something struck both her and Kellan out of the sky. Before either could cry out they hit the ground, Illya feeling one of her wing bones snap. She looked behind her and saw a face she couldn't make out, then cried out. When Kellan came to, she was gone.
Worried, the bird-man took to the skies. "Illya! Where are you?!"
The breeze on the forest leaves was his only answer.