Beast Beauty

He got word of a demonic creature in a nearby town, the people have tried to take it down as it ravages homes and stores. The stories told it's screech can shatter windows, it's talons crush bone, and rip through wood, the gust from it's massive wings can knock down grown men, and send women and children tumbling to the ground. Skin black as coal, eye's a menacing yellow glow. A call to arms has been made, his cohorts grab weapon and armor, ready to slay the beast. The townsfolk manages to break one of it's wings, yet swift it continues to be; leaping from buildings, throwing itself through doors seemingly without pain, or drop in endurance. They put all their efforts in to cornering it, sealing off the town, archers and those with makeshift pole arms take base at any conceivable exit, using everything at their advantage to stun and confuse the beast.

They arrive taking lead, keeping the townsfolk as assisting back up, while they do the heavy work. He lays out a plan his men argue and ignore on the basis of the injured and collateral damage, rushing to where it is suspect to be hiding, against his advocacy. Swords, maces, hammers at the ready, they plan to siege and vanquish the vile creature. A few men rush in, one is tossed through a window, a scream, clanking and scratching of metal. Four run out with their armor with deep gashes, ears bleeding. Two try to shake it off, returning with three in wait, whom angered by their quick defeat, rush in, yells of the rafters echo. He helps the one thrown from the window, the townsfolk cause a ruckus, he turns to see them and his men running off in pursuit, he chases after, getting a glimpse of it. He follows it, mocking the path it took, trying to tackle the creature, catching it buy surprise. It almost slipped away, but his grip tightened on it's legs. In the moonlight, he saw the shadow of its wings open, a strong take-off carried them over the wall, however the flight was unsteady, he took a look at what he was dealing with, face partially shielded by long hair, it seemed to be focused on a landing spot near the lake; a small inlet at the mouth of the woods, a few struggling flaps and uneasy glide, they crashed in to a tree, landing in the water.

They both splash around, him grunting, it growling, he's grabbed and tossed further in the lake, he sees the silhouette and glowing eyes in the trees come closer. He readies his sword at her approach, one that seems quick and limp. It leaps at him, knocking his sword away, his free hand catches, slamming the creature in the water, holding it down, ready to run his blade through. A clean arm reaches for air, pulling itself up, dug in his armor, what he sees is unexpected; it takes a few steps back, eyeing his sword, wings open, one hung slightly. He tosses his sword to shore, pulling off his helm, staring curiously, wondering if the moon fools his eyes. All the darkness washed from the tanned skin, left in the water, it too looked confused at his actions. His approach was slow and cautious, to get a better look, no quick movements. It's… her eyes are yellow, yes, his reach slow to move the hair from her face, it wasn't anger, but fear on her softened face. Tattered clothes, cuts, bruises litter her skin, he's impressed she could even lift the both of them even a foot off the ground with that broken wing, wings of a bat, just slightly darker than her skin, he pulls off a gauntlet to get a better feel. It indeed feels like the finest of leather. Her lips were full, cheekbones high, small pointed chin, her body had muscle to it, though she looked fed and healthy.

A thought crossed his mind; he spoke a word in his native tongue, her eyes locked on his, widened, he rested a hand on her face, kissing her deeply, her arms and wings wrapped around him, when the kiss broke, spoken in their tongue, an apology for him and his men, a promise to take care of her, a declaration to her beauty, love at first sight. She pulled him in another kiss, hopeful. They hear the voices of his men and villagers, he picks her up in his arms, carrying her to the woods on swear of his return.  She tugged at his armor, handing him the helm. Locating his sword, he returned to his men. They with the townsfolks demand explanation, has the beast been slain. With a low face, he tells them it has not, lying about knowing what it is after having a good look, that it is not easily slain, he is gracious it spared his life. He refuses to accept payment as they need to rebuild, taking their leave.

The next night he enacted his plan; writing a letter instructing that is family needs him to return home in dyer emergency, enacting his closest friend there lead until his return. Loading up what belongings and food he has, along with money, in his carriage, leaving the letter sealed with wax nailed to his door. They would never understand the beauty he sees in the young winged woman, though she may be ferocious and seemingly hells pawn, he can't ignore his heart, to him; she's simply a fallen angel. He takes his leave, stopping his horses from the villages sight, trudging through the woods, hoping she's still where he left her.

The moon high, granting him light, he spots her, not before  she herself was aware, letting a low growl, he told her it was he; returned as promised. Once again carrying her through the woods, no words spoken by her as he again apologizes for the previous night, giving his name, asking for hers. Finally reaching the carriage, he takes to mending to her injuries. Finally she speaks, asking how he could fathom loving something like her. He explained beauty can be found in the strangest places, once all that dirt was gone, he found it within her. She then gave her name, explaining she was ran from their homeland, expecting this a better place, her father was some sort of creature either demon or dark fae, her mother unsure. She was hungry and frightened, wanting nothing but to get away.  After mending her wing in a splint, draped a blanket on her, revealing that he has a home outside the towns, he refuses to let anyone hurt her again, pleading her to be his wife. Tears  in her eyes, she agrees.

They arrive to his land, he helps her to the house, saying once she is healed, they will find a priest, that she can soar through these skies without concern. Practically everything they could need will be there. She's amazed at the vast valley and trees, she wishes she could take flight at that moment, but it will be weeks. He made themselves a meal with what he brought with them, promising to teach her the language of the land, the culture, she promised once healed, she will help him hunt and contribute, excited to be his wife. They both sat upon the porch watching the sun set, reminiscing of their homeland.