News of the festival within the Dawn Court had spread quickly, and given it was the Delumine that had gifted Solterra with fertile river soil for their garden it seemed quite rude to ignore an invitation.
Without any effort to répondez s'il vous plaît the Solterran party crossed the Mors during the night when it was at it's coolest and less hostile before maxing it's way across the plains and finally to the border of their host's country at the Rapax, all the while Maxence telling his entourage stories of wars won and victories stolen, and listening to their own tales of war and woe. For one who had missed the company of his brethren, it was more than therapeutic to spend time in the company of his new Solterran family.
The Day Court King arrived late in the afternoon when the sun was giving it's farewells and dusk had just begun. Immediately Maxence's mind tured to rest and rejuvination from the journey, though they had come for a reason; To meet the one sovereign who had eluded him so far. King Kasil was one Maxence had heard little about, and while rumors spoke of a man who looked identical to Reichenbach he was quite sure that friends and enemies could not easily be mixed.
Taking a gander over the foods, drinks and various festival activities, Maxence turnedh is nose toward the beautiful court buildings and the pristine fields the flower-pickers lived upon. It was at that moment that the Solterran King knew he would find it hard to play nice when he had just walked a few thousand miles from a land with hardly a single blade of grass upon it's entire surface. Did Solis choose to forsake them? or did Oriens simply choose to spoil the flower pickers? Or did the gods have no choice.
by blair of shine, translated to html by meverrnind
Perhaps for many Solterrans, not born to the desert or like climes, the crossing of the Mors had been a hardship. At the very least an inconvenience. To Vadim it had been a delight. Certainly it hadn't left him fresh as a daisy but he was a light creature, his hooves meant to dance on crystal grains. He thoroughly enjoyed the night's journey, the moonlight silvering the bodies of court members and turning them all to ghosts running over mountains of salt.
Further, Vadim was never content to maintain rank as they traveled. Sometimes he edged his way towards the front to listen to the stories that Maxence told. Other times he fell back to cajole and cheer any who seemed to be flagging. He had no stories of his own to share, but in times when silence stretched thin between them his voice occasionally rose in snatches of song in a foreign tongue that rose and fell to the beat of their hooves. As day broke, his eyes devoured the landscape they passed through, eager for ever glimpse he could get. He had passed through some of these places before but as they hit the border of the Rapax they entered lands he was a total stranger to.
Delumine took his breath away. The lushness of it even as it faded in Autumn's grip was uncanny and prickled the hair along his spine. The air seemed cool and damp- only their constant movement kept him truly warm and he could feel the nip of cold on his skin nonetheless. The scent of living things was heady, rich, and dark. As they approached the festival grounds, quick strides brought him towards the front of the part again. Eagerness flared his wide nostrils, salt-white face turning this way and that to take in the sights.
"It'd be easy to grow fat and soft living in a place like this," he laughed, no malice in his tone only delight at the wonders before him. Eyes as blue as summer skies eagerly roved over the festivities, the people, and the towers of the Dawn Court framed by the setting sun. "A different kind of beauty from the desert, don't you think?" He flashed a sunny smile to his Sovereign, too intoxicated by the many new sights and sounds to be cautious.
@Maxence
10-19-2017, 11:09 AM
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The invitations had been sent out, a summons to attend what was meant to be a relaxing, jovial affair. Every member of each Court was permitted within Delumine for the grand celebration, and everyone who called the Dawn Court home had assisted in preparing for such an event. It truly was magnificent, there was no doubt about that. The Citadel and surrounding areas were strewn up proudly to celebrate and honor Oriens' blessing with a healthy harvest; warm glowing lights, steaming banners, and food and drink aplenty. It was, needless to say, the perfect offering for their guests to enjoy during their visit.
Somnus remained near the front, watching as their visitors began to arrive. Kasil had parted from Delumine on personal business. The golden tactician had not questioned his Lord on why he was departing, nor what drew him away. Instead, he had merely wished him safe travels and that they would be anticipating his return. Despite their Sovereign's departure, the members of the Court had every intention on making the most of their Harvest Celebration, and Somnus was no different. Eager, but nervous. Terribly nervous.
Would everything run smoothly in their Sovereign's absence? He certainly planned to ensure that it did, having already enlisted the assistance of Ulric to ensure that peace remained amidst the evening splendor.
It was as he stood, greeting those who arrived with kind, grateful words and a welcoming smile, that a winged, painted stallion arrived with members in tow, one a brilliant golden sheen. They were both strangers to somnus' keen verdant eyes, their faces unable to be placed with names, so the conclusion was quite simple; they had never met. Their scents, however, were entirely different matters. The aired musk about them sang of hot days, cold nights, and dunes of sand. Members of the Day Court, perhaps?
Still. Never one to be impolite, especially to the guests who had taken time out of their undoubtedly busy schedules to attend their Harvest Celebration, Somnus smiled. He stood erect, posture immaculate, and dipped his crown in a formal greeting.
"Be welcome to Delumine and the Dawn Court," he greeted, the formal lilt to his accent welcoming and warm, emerald eyes glittering, "My name is Somnus. A pleasure. Thank you for attending our festivities. His Majesty Kasil, is not present, but should you have any inquiries, do not hesitate to ask me."
@Maxence @Vadim
"There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self."
The blue stallion had to be careful – very careful in a place such as this. It would be too easy for him to fall into complacency and allow himself moment of happiness… but Voltaire didn’t deserve such things, and had to constantly remind himself as he walked through the Dawn Court, that he did so only at the behest of their king. It didn’t pain him to be friendly to the other courts, for truly, Voltaire had nothing against any of them (even the Night Court, though his bretheren in Day Court surely had their reasons to dislike the Night Courtians, even if he’d yet to understand the rationale).
He had followed a respectable distance beside Maxence, always aware of his status in the herd. As a healer, Voltaire had no real prowess on the battlefield to offer to his warrior nation. It was the warriors who would always hold the upper ranks, and it did not bother the denim stag to hold back and fade into oblivion. Truthfully, he rather liked being where he was in the herd, a watcher and a listener. As they journeyed, Maxence had told a great many tales, and though he listened without offering input, Voltaire’s respect for their leader was only continuing to grow. It was good, to be in a herd not only where they were strong and brave, but where the leader had truly earned the respect of his followers. Maxence was anything but an armchair quarterback.
They neared the heart of the festival, and slowly the quiet tales of war began to be replaced by a fanciful sort of music and rich aromas. His throat watered, itching to taste the sweet flavors of fall, even as he stopped along the way to gather up herbs for his healing – ignoring the twinge of jealousy at the bounty that Oriens had so obviously provided for his kingdom. If only their own land had been graced with such medicinal plants, perhaps they would lift the ban on having children… such things would ultimately lead to their demise, if you asked him.
But now was not the time to focus on the gains and losses of the Courts. He shook away the thoughts of duty, even sliding his well-worn satchel to the side as Somnus greeted their small delegation, wondering what wonders the Dawn Court had prepared for such an event as he nodded quietly to the golden welcomer.
If Pan had his wits about him, the boy might have realized that the Day Court gathering for the festival was a bit ominous. There was something hard about the desert dwellers, something that could send a chill up your spine – but the boy never noticed such things. Especially on a day like today. He was drunk off the excitement and sugar that spiked in his veins, a delirious sort of grin spreading across his face as he wiped the last remnants of pumpkin jam against his shoulder. Gathering up a pumpkin-shaped basket filled with delicacies, he made his way toward the three stallions in the distance.
Somnus greeted them already, but he hadn’t brought snacks. Setting the basket before the three of them, the scaled youth offered a beaming sort of smile, curiosity creeping past the sugar-high as he introduced himself to the strangers. I’m Pan! Welcome to the Dawn Court. He nudged the basket of pastries closer to them, piping up with his suggestions. I brought you guys some food, looks like you’ve been on the road for a while. Try the ones with the sugar crumble – I think they’re pumpkin spice. And there’s apple in here too! It was the simple pleasure in life that Pan relished in, and food was near the top of his list, always.
By the way – where are you guys from? And with the simple introduction, the ominous start turned into something of an awkward meeting of Solis’ hardy warriors and the child-like innocence of Pan’s exuberance.
Maxence was relieved to have the company of his Solterran brothers when the Delumine closed in. It first came in the flicker of palomino eye contact, brief and sharp, the kind that Maxence would never retreat from but endure. As the stranger approached it was Vadim's words that rose over the ambience of the party, commenting on how easily one could become fat and soft in a place like this. "Indeed." was the Commander's reply, and while he dare not say it it was for the reason Vadim had voiced that Maxence would never trust the flower-pickers. He was unlikely to ever call upon their western allies simply because they were the kind to find value in finer things like gold and silver and hardly ever in so much as a meal - a rarity in the land of snakes and lions. Solterrans knew to value a pound of wheat as much as a pound of gold—the Delumine saw a fatal difference.
The approaching pegasus spoke with an amiable greeting and welcome, the kind that relaxed the commander but also set him slightly on edge and just how friendly he was, though quickly Maxence reassured himself that he was just used to hostility and never hospitality. The slightest of one-sided smiles had found its way to his face as he opened his mouth to answer, but upon hearing that King Kasil was not in attendance it was soon struck with a frown.
Well, the whole trip had been for just about nothing then. "We have journeyed far to speak with King Kasil... Unfortunately we were not aware he would not be in attendance." Glancing over each shoulder to his two brothers at each one he shook his head and gave a huff, then returned his sights to the humble flower picker. "But thank you Somnus. My men and I would be happy to join in the festivities"
It was then that a basket was set down at their feet, filled to the brim with delicious sweets - the kind Solterrans dare not even dream of. Maxence looked down upon them with wide watery eyes, blinking at the gorgeous smell that filled his nose. All he had had to eat this past year were roots, creek grasses and the foulest of edible cacti.
Taking one between his teeth, Maxence began to eat before he scooted the basket toward Vadim to take one and then to Voltaire. By the time he'd finished the sweet he had almost forgotten about the boy who stood before them chattering away, and when he drew his attention to the pale scaled one he was posed a question about where they were from. "Just over the hill" he smirked, glancing between his brothers as he chuckled.
Vadim knew enough, at least, to hold his tongue and allow Maxence to speak with the Dawn Court representative who joined them. He also felt... odd, being included in Maxence's men. Quickly though he was distracted by the odd youth who bounced forward to meet them. The golden teke's own grin flashed in response to the youngster's, admiring the green scales- and noting the smudge of some kind of foodstuff on his shoulder.
The basket captured his attention a little, though most of his interest was in the people who had come to greet them. He didn't know much about the two stallions he traveled with- he knew something of Maxence, and he had worked alongside the blue stallion in the garden but they had not spoken, but none of them were exactly close. Still, the scents coming from the sweets were irresistable. "Thank you, Pan. I'm Vadim." He inclines his head to Somnus as well, but he is hesitant to address the palamino pegasus directly. A flash of envy and cautious interest is in his eyes in his brief glance over the Dawn Court's ambassador, then he turns his attention to the basket as Maxence nudges it closer.
Delicately he plucks a sweet from the selection. Blue eyes widen in surprise at the sharp sweetness and the tang of apple, the queer texture of it on his tongue as he worries the treat in his mouth until it is nothing but a memory of flavor still coating his tongue. "That's incredible! The Dawn Court has outdone themselves."
The music on the air makes his hooves shift, tapping into the ground in an echo of the melody. He is in fine spirits, and things nothing of the compliment he pays. Maxence's response to where their from earns a light, musical laugh from the white-faced stallion, eyes dancing as he looks over to his Solterran companions. "What shall we do first?"
Somnus was no fool. He had extensive knowledge on the internal and external workings of court. He knew how to act, how to hold himself, how to greet foreigners into their fold and welcome them both warmly and graciously. As such, there was no way that he missed the look of disappointment that had spread across the painted stallion's facial features, the draw to his brow and the deep, thoughtful frown that pulled at his lips. It also showed in his actions; the glance back, the shake of his head, before icy blue eyes focused ahead on the golden tactician. Trepidation filtered in among his breast, but it showed not in his features.
Perhaps they hadn't come for the festival at all. It was obvious that they desired audience with the Dawn King, but Kasil was not there. As such, their demeanor changed, and Somnus lifted his head just a tad bit higher, the feathers of his wings ruffling as he shifted them among his shoulders. "My apologies," Somnus began sincerely, dipping his head once more. "Would it be that he were here and capable, I've no doubt that His Majesty would meet with you." Whoever, exactly, they might be. The fact that they had not introduced themselves upon his own was a little unsettling, but not everyone held the same mentality that most of Delumine did.
Still.
It was obvious that the painted stallion was somewhat satisfied, if only to be welcomed into Delumine to partake in the festival. Good. So long as everyone enjoyed themselves and the peace remained, that was all that mattered. Luckily Ulric was already on the task of keeping an eye on those already engaged in the celebrations to deter anything of ill-will to happen.
From there, Somnus nodded once more to each of them; first the painted stallion of whom he had traded words, then the golden young man at one side, and lastly to the blue roan. The last two had said nothing at all, allowing their leader to speak for them. Odd.
As though fate would have it, however, another of Delumine's Court joined their little gaggle. Youthful, jovial, innocent Pan arrived, carrying with him a basket of warm, delicious treats, and with his arrival, the unspoken tension seemed to dissipate into the air around them. Somnus smiled, lowering his head and regarding the boy with a soft, affectionate look swimming within keen verdant eyes. "Thank you, Pan," he murmured, grateful for such a kind and thoughtful offering to the desert dwellers. The tactician himself would hold off for now. There would be many delicacies to indulge in later, when he had the time. "How silly of me to not have welcomed them with something from surely such a long journey." Here, Somnus' rapt emerald eyes flick upwards again. "Please try some of the spiced drinks as well. They're quite delicious."
Through the exchange, Somnus learns one of their names. Vadim. It is not familiar, and he has not heard it before, but he filters that information away to be pulled out at a later time. "Thank you, Vadim," he stated, pleased with the golden youth's compliment, "On behalf of His Majesty and myself, we hope that you all enjoy yourselves."
@Pan @Maxence @Vadim @Voltaire
"There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self."
The usually stoic unicorn broke a smile as the boy arrived with food, unable to hold himself from appreciating the youthful exuberance. Had he been born in a different time, under different circumstances, Voltaire wondered if he would have been just as youthful and cheery. Doubtful, as it simply wasn’t in his personality – but as he turned toward the basket of sumptuous treats, autumn scents drifting toward him, he had to wonder. He lets the king and the sage take their treats first, snagging one after the others had tried them first, pleased to find the pastry warm and gooey sweet. It was certainly a delicacy he wasn’t used to, but one he enjoyed immensely.
Nodding to the boy, he crouched down a bit to offer the child an eye-level look. ”Your offerings are greatly welcome – we have journeyed a long way to get here, and welcome your hospitality.” He offers a wink to the scaled boy, unaware that soon they would find themselves in adventures looking for herbs and training to heal, before turning toward the golden welcomer. Somnus… his name was Somnus.
Vottaire was less unhappy at not seeing Maxence, for he had no reason to come other than curiosity. Nodding as Vadim shared his name, the blue stag decided to introduce himself for good measure as well. “Voltaire, healer from the Day Court.” He nodded briskly to Somnus, offering a stoic sort of grin. It was as happy as you’d see him, really – for Voltaire was not one to show much emotion, particularly when it related to his own happiness. Still, it was hard not to feel the joy at a day such a this, and he allowed himself to relax and let the strains of cheerful music reach him, colliding with the sights and smells of the festive party.
But the spiced drinks would have to wait – he could not afford to let his mind be altered by such things, however tempting…
The boy preened, glad that the visitors enjoyed his gift and proud that he was able to contribute toward the festival in some small way. He edged closer to Somnus, making it clear that he was a Dawn Court welcomer too, and offered smiles all the way around when the visitors voiced their appreciation for the treats. Strains of music wafted through the air, and he danced in place, closing his eyes and oblivious to who watched (for Pan was seldom bothered by things like embarrassment – instead, he was a creature who simply embraced life to the fullest).
He nodded when Somnus mentioned the drinks, thinking back to one which had made him feel a bit funny and given him the hiccups, but after the sensation had worn off, he’s simply decided to stay with the steaming apple cider. After all, apples were the boy’s favorite, and given the choice, he’d have apple treats every day of the year.
I should like to see what’s over the hill… I’m a good explorer, you see? You think I can come visit you sometime? Pan wanted to see the whole world, even the mysterious Day Court. And, you’re from the Day Court, right? I know about the Day Court… I worshiped Solis with Inkheart before. We tried to get him to show up, but I guess he was busy or something… I gave him some of my treasure though. At the mention of his treasure, he reached into his satchel, jingling around as he drew out a bunch of bright pink Bee Balm tied with a string, offering it to Voltaire. From one healer to another… maybe you can teach me a bit about healing – I’m still trying to learn.
