with lavender on her grave

Noir hadn’t quite felt the same since the fire. Everything in the world seemed to have shifted, if only slightly. He quite liked the change, except for the punishment he received after getting caught by Odysseues. He managed to gumble minimally, but he still didn’t understand the grievous nature of his act. This meant he had been on his best behavior, the sooner they thought he could be released the better. For now most of his time was spent with his raven Summer. The now cowed and quiet raven had no way to express her displeasure, and did as her master bid. Despite her fear and loathing of the pup the pair of them were becoming a formidable team.

”Summer, perch.” Noir commanded as he heard Rhyme’s voice. The raven landed gently on his hips as he looked to Ody for permission to leave. There was always an adult around now, and not having his privacy had been the worst part. He was dismissed, and made his way towards his father’s call. He hoped they’d be in for another training session, and there was a skip in his gait before he saw the rest of his family gathered. Noi’s brows knit as he slowed, taking in the scene before him.

The wind shifted slightly, bringing with it the tang of blood, fear, and Tana. Noir’s eyes widened as they fell on the carefully wrapped package. His mother’s red cape stained with her blood. Noir snorted, unbelieving as he loped forward suddenly. The boy stared hard at Tana’s covered form for a long moment before turning his back on the corpse. He wanted to kick dirt at it, but refrained. That wouldn’t help his lockdown time any.

He wanted to leave, he never wanted to see Tana again. Especially not now that she was dead. Noi started to run away, but Rhyme was suddenly in his way. They would see eye to eye very soon, and even as his father stood before him definitely Noir felt the tables turning between them. ”Sit down.” He took in a breath to fight, but Noir had never seen his father become so intimidating. His protest died in his throat and he returned to place himself behind his sisters.

Summer seemed to take comfort in her sister’s presence, and hopped from Noir’s lowered hips to Theory’s shoulder. She too offered Theory her affection before leaning over to groom Verse absently. Noir narrowed his gaze at the completely black bird, but said nothing.