SOMNUS

Since his ascendancy, Somnus found himself to be terribly busy. Matters of his Court needed to be overseen and addressed, strategy meetings were to be had with Po to discuss Delumine and its relation with their neighbors, and the new Dawn King had even attended a few patrols with Ulric to ensure that their borders were secure. There was always something that needed done, some matter of business to attend to. It was hard work, but it was satisfying. The dunalino had no regrets in accepting the role of Sovereign, at least not yet.

In his rare times of peace and relaxation, he would either shut himself in the Citadel’s grand library to read or peruse the hydrangeas in the courtyard, admiring the myriad of blossoms and losing himself in their scents. It was nice. Relaxing, even. More often than not, when their schedules allowed, Po would accompany him. They were rarely apart anymore; Sovereign and Regent, working dutifully in tandem for the benefit of their beloved Court.

Today, however, Somnus was alone. Alba rest upon his croup, talons digging into the dunalino’s flesh for purchase. He had long since grown used to the discomfort of the barn owl’s sharp grip. Together they wandered the courtyard, stopping to smell the blooming flowers or admire a particularly fetching floral arrangement. The sunlight glinted off of the Dawn King’s golden hide, wings spread to enjoy the warmth of the mid-day sun. It was quiet. Peaceful. The perfect way to spend an afternoon.

It didn’t last.

The sound of approaching hooves caused an ear to tip back as Somnus was admiring a collection of peony flowers, Alba’s large, judgemental black eyes twisting around to focus on the intruder at the same time. The barn owl gave a little hiss, popping her beak in the newcomer’s direction. Somnus, in turn, lifted his head with poise and elegance and turned to face the individual who had joined them. The man was one that he did not recognize.

Keen emerald eyes peered at the fellow, taking in his markings, his horns, the milky hue of his eyes. He stood a much taller height than Somnus himself, but the Dawn King was not daunted. This was his domain, after all. Brow arched, the dunalino smiled. It was a small expression, subtle but welcoming. The tension between Delumine’s neighbors put him on edge, but this spotted fellow did not seem to come with ill-intent in mind.

“Hello,” Somnus called pleasantly in the lilt of his accent, straightening his posture with a roll of his shoulders, his movements poised and calculated with one familiar with the workings of politics and courtly appearances, “A fine day for a stroll, is it not?”

SOMNUS

The spotted stranger seemed almost perplexed when he realized that Somnus was there. The dunalino’s furtive smile remained, careful and guarded but genuine, not wishing to make the stranger think that he wasn’t welcome. All were welcome in Delumine, so long as they respected their boundaries and laws. Slowly the Dawn King folded his wings back against his sides, head tilting curiously at the stranger. He smelled of distance, the foreign scents unable to be placed with his intimate knowledge of the Dawn Court. Clearly he was not from their land.

“Come now, no need for apologies. You’ve hardly interrupted a thing. I was merely enjoying the flowers.” And what a fine day to do so. Truly, Somnus knew he needed to get out more, but obligations had seen him stuck within the walls of the capitol for far too long. He now understood Kasil’s reclusiveness better than he used to.

The spotted fellow introduced himself, with his milky white eyes and noble, handsome stature. Somnus was a learned fellow. He had served a number of Kings now before becoming one himself, and had served second-in-command to all of them, intimately familiar with the workings and mechanizations of court-life. He knew a politician when he saw one, and this monochromatic stud before him now fit every niche that he could fathom. Orion was his name, and Somnus nodded to show that he understood.

“Somnus,” he introduced warmly in greeting, still smiling, emerald eyes glittering knowingly in the sunlight, “And this is Alba.” He motioned towards the said barn owl, who fluttered her feathers in acknowledgement but otherwise remained silent. Instead, she simply watched Orion with eerie, judgemental black eyes, giving no indication if she liked him or not.

Then, he chuckled, a deep, throaty sound. “Nonsense. You’ve nothing to apologize for, Orion. Welcome to the Dawn Court, capitol of Delumine proper. May I inquire as to what brings you here?” It was an innocent enough question, he surmised.

Clearly the speckled man was a wanderer of some caliber, but had he intentionally sought out their Court, or was it by accident? Did he have a purpose in seeking them out? Or some ulterior motive? The man certainly seemed cordial and genuine, but one could never be too careful, especially with such tumultuous uncertainties in regards to the other Courts. Somnus loathed the paranoia and uncertainty that had begun to deep into his veins when encountering someone that he did not know, but he simply couldn’t help it. Even though this was his domain, he was far too premature a King. Trusting so openly could very well result in an usurped throne.

SOMNUS

Still roosting upon his croup, Alba gave a satisfied clack of the beak, the blacks of her eyes growing far softer at this wanderer’s words. No longer was her eerie gaze full of distrust and judgement, but now instead swimming with innocent curiosity. Gold and white feathers ruffled in satisfaction, puffing up at the praise. ’A beautiful owl’, he had called her, and if that wasn’t the surest way to Alba’s young heart, then Somnus didn’t know what was. Unbidden, the dunalino chuckled, a deep, hearty sound. Well then.

“The pleasure is ours, good sir, I assure you,” he murmured in turn, dipping his head in a formal nod, never one to forget his manners. From there, he grew respectfully silent, keen verdant depths assessing the stranger more thoroughly. He was handsome, in a noble, roguish way, carrying with him an air of those familiar to the workings of politics and courtly encounters. With a strong jaw and a frame the nearly towered over Somnus’ own, the Dawn King took a selfish moment to appreciate the man’s physical assets before focusing on his pale, milky eyes. There was a bit of scar tissue about his right eye, semi-circular, and it looked peculiarly like the scar of teeth… Yet Somnus resisted the urge to frown, and instead upheld his small, polite smile, listening to Orion explain just what had brought him to Delumine’s soil.

Orion’s story was one that Somnus was growing accustomed to hearing. It was a tale that had once sprouted his own lips, seasons ago; lost and searching for a place to call home. A frightful thought erupted suddenly in his mind. Had it not even been a year since his arrival? And yet here he was, King of the Court he had stumbled upon. Ironic. A dusty golden ear was tilted forward despite his internal musings, listening raptly, his stance attentive and erect. Orion was a wanderer, a lost soul, searching to set roots into Delumine, searching for a place to lay his head and offer him protection. It was innocent and seemed truthful enough, and the Dawn King’s smile only grew, especially hearing the grullo’s kind words in regards to Delumine’s exquisite beauty and splendor.

Okay, so maybe he was a little biased…

Emerald eyes glittered in the sunlight, and his posture slowly relaxed. Alba, for her part, still looked absolutely smitten. “A reasonable desire, I assure you,” the dunalino began, rolling his shoulders as he turned to regard the mighty citadel standing proudly behind them, head lifting in admiration, “You’ve found yourself at the right place. Our Court is home to all kinds; warriors, knowledge-seekers, medics and doctors, and those who simply wish for a safe place to live… We turn no one away, no matter their history or creed.” With remarkable poise Somnus turned his head to regard the grullo once more, still smiling warmly, expression kind and earnest. “Would you care for me to show you around?”