The Drow Queen of Glaley [Very NSFW]

[Jassinth]

"Oh thank the gods," Jass more mouths than speaks, breathing ragged and pained. I think these might be not just cracked but badly so. Hopefully I can get someone to help me wrap them until the morn. Sleep will be welcome but likely rather unpl-- what was that? 

It's only Carbonne's gruff concern combined with xir inexperience with boats that spares Shiori. The arrow that would have caught her in the throat instead glances along her collarbone as the familiar leaps into her boat, causing it to dip sharply. Fifty yards behind them, another boat slips out of the mist they created to reveal a small group of archers already loosing more arrows. The next few seconds are chaotic and stressful, to say the least, as the rescue team tries to move Ayaka and Tsuki to the sailboat under fire.

Were it not for Jassinth's own archery and Carbonne's skillful use of xir Suggestion like ability forcing one of the archers to briefly tap dance (an activity not recommended on a rowboat and certainly a hindrance for proper aim), there would have been far more injuries than Shiori's first cut or the punctures Dreamy's tails gain as she shields her new kit. Still, that wouldn't have been enough to save them. Just as Kor is grimly deciding to attempt to swim over and attack the other boat, a terrifying sound echoes over the water. It's not the most innately threatening noise, but for those that live on a lake, it's one they learn from an early age to respect. Unfortunately for the Eels, they're not given time or mercy to avoid the danger.

With a flash of almost glowing white, a maelstrom of feathers, muscle and spiteful rage explodes onto their boat. Shouts and cries of pain swiftly follow, as the four archers and one pilot are overwhelmed by the sudden appearance of a close combat specialist. Two are smart enough to put their fate to the waters, deciding that jumping overboard uninjured gives them better odds. One is slain outright, a broken leg leading to a fall and a neck broken against the side of the boat. One soon joins the first two in the water, though greatly hindered by a shattered arm. The last curls up at the boat of the boat, sobbing as she clutches the remains of her jaw with their one working arm. 

Wings spreading wide, the victorious swan bellows their rage to the heavens, territory defended once again.

[Kuronue "Kor" Higurashi]

It seems safest to treat both Tsuki and Ayaka in the family home, calling their specialists for a house call, rather than transport them further inland. They land at the family dock, carrying the unconscious Tsuki into the house, Ayaka stumbling after. And then it's a blur of healers and potions and bedrest. 

Kuronue sits in her wheelchair, watching the rain, as Jass, fully healed now, comes up behind her. The dark night is darker because of the stormclouds blocking out the moon; judging by her pensive expression, Kuronue's mood is darker. Both her children are resting, healed but exhausted, and they've been given lodging for the night in the main house to avoid moving them. Servants are setting up for the new animal protectors. So why is she so... broody?

[Jassinth]

"Danger and a taste of action, of needful purpose," Jass offers in the sort of voice one uses for solemn conversations held in strong rains and deep night. "I imagine that's stirred things up." He too is looking out into the rain, though he seems to be searching outwards instead of inwards.

[Kuronue "Kor" Higurashi]

"I wasn't always this," she says quietly, gesturing subtly to the chair she's seated in. "I used to be... more. I used to want more. I failed my children, today. They should never have had to take this on in my stead."

[Jassinth]

"I can't speak on the past," Jassinth answers after a moment. "But today? Well, yesterday by this point, I suppose. But you saved us. You-- of all the rest of your family, all the rest of your clan, you were the one that came out to met us."

[Kuronue "Kor" Higurashi]

Kuronue is quiet for a long moment. Finally, she turns to look up at Jass. "Will you... I want to do something, but I need a witness. In case this doesn't work. Will you be my witness?"

[Jassinth]

"Could I get a topic at least?" Jass asks, trying to keep his voice light, almost playful, but not succeeding all that well really.

[Kuronue "Kor" Higurashi]

"Just a ritual to ask our patron for the courage and strength I need."

[Jassinth]

A ritual to your... Oh. "Dare I hope you mean your daughter's patron?" he asks weakly. "Or His Heptad perhaps?"

[Kuronue "Kor" Higurashi]

She gives a small, sad smile. "Come with me, or don't," she says quietly. "The outcome will be clear either way, but... it would be good to have a witness."

[Jassinth]

"Why? Why do this?" he asks quietly, then he does straighten up out of his lean against the railing of the porch.

[Kuronue "Kor" Higurashi]

"Because I have to. Because it's right. Because dedication is one of the few things Our God demands that I can unequivocally agree with." She stands, shakily, and heads inside, up the stairs.

It takes her some time, but she manages to go up all three flights to the attic, then out the trapdoor and up a ladder to get onto the roof. It's really pouring out now, and in the distance, thunder rumbles.

[Jassinth]

"Is there... Is there anything I should do? Should absolutely not do?" Jass asks nervously, eyes flicking around rapidly between Kor's feet and the roiling sky.

[Kuronue "Kor" Higurashi]

"Stay a bit back, and... don't taunt Him." Lightning flashes a warning as Kor says this, with a small grimace. 

[Jassinth]

No shit! Jass gives a jerky nod, then clears his throat. "Of course. And... Lady Higurashi? I wish you did not feel this was necessary but I respect your resolve nevertheless." So saying, he bows.