A flash of scarlet light. An ear-piercing, cracking, zap sort of sound.
An explosion of force.
Domhnall lost his balance and a subsequent shower of rocks and dirt forced him forward, his forehead smashing against the ground.
He was mindful enough to keep Virgilia's head safe-- and especially mindful to not accidentally nick her with the sharp edges of his arm-blades.
Likewise, Virgilia had one of her wings cradling the back of his head.
Domhnall couldn't remember the last time anyone had been so kind to him.
He sat back up in the kneeling and shook off a thin layer of dust.
"[How is your body, milady?]" he asked.
"E...verything seems to be well," Virgilia answered shyly.
Domhnall stood up to scan the area... but that was an exercise in futility until the post-explosion clouds had time to settle.
"[What just happened?]"
Virgilia had covered her nose and mouth with her wing.