From within a room within Kugane’s famed Bokairo Inn, a blonde Raen flicks through a pile of missives and newsletters with a weary frustration in her eyes. In particular, her eyes keep going over one particular article - one of a supposed messenger from the depths of the Ruby Sea itself. From the once fabled Sui-no-Sato.
The messenger’s scheduled arrival, as well as their identity, appear to have been verified; however it was not the legitimacy of the claim which had Izayoi pouring over it again and again, even at this late hour, and by nothing more than candlelight. Rather, her eyes kept reaching to the name of the envoy in question. Takahashi Mitsuki-Sama.
Across the room, from under the covers of the room’s bed, a brunette stirs. Long, leporine ears twitch as she sits up from bed, and faint candlelight highlights her pale complexion.
“…Sweetheart..?” She asks, drowsily squinting in the dark.
“It’s just... We came all this way, and now I’m faced with this. I don’t know if I can face her after all these years.”
“If it helps, my dear, I’m not exactly a stranger to fucked up family ties.”
“I-“. Izayoi begins to reply, voice raised in a moment of panic. She pauses for a moment, taking in the weight of Mielikki’s words.
“No, you’re right. I’m just… scared. Scared of how my mother will react to me, if she thought I died. If she mourned because I left and didn’t look back. If she’d even believe that I am myself.”
Izayoi’s eyes well with tears of regret. A rare sight for her; no less from regret of what ultimately was her most pivotal decision in memory.
Mielikki stands up out of bed and slowly walks over to her partner. She kneels down to the smaller woman’s level, exacerbated by the Raen seated as she was. Though Izayoi’s gaze was aimed low to the floor, she could feel Mielikki’s coarse hands reaching for her cheeks, and gently brushing away the tears from the corners of her eyes.
“It’s okay. I’ve been there. And you know what? You were there with me. My own mother used me as a scapegoat, for Thaliak’s sake! But we made amends, and things got better. Don’t you think I’ll be there with you to tackle yours? Now get some rest.”
Izayoi, still weeping, leans forward to rest her forehead against Mielikki. With a whimper, she replies.
“…Thank you.”
Mielikki pulls Izayoi’s face to her chest into a warm hug, running her fingers gently through her hair, and though caught off guard, Izayoi relaxes into her partner’s embrace.
Izayoi takes a deep breath. Though her eyes were still red with tears and trepidation, they were joined by renewed resolve. Come what may, they would see this meeting through, together.