S O M N U S

"What if I fall?"
"Oh, but my darling, what if you fly?"


He makes a mighty 'oomph!' as he lands, two cream-kissed hooves digging into the brittle, yellow overgrown grasses for purchase as he comes to a sharp halt in the middle of what appeared to be a vast flatland in full summer’s bloom. The golden tactician lands elegantly and with noticeable poise, muscled haunches tucking beneath a toned rump as magnificent amber wings coil and close, tucking themselves soundly against shuddering, breathless sides of pale flaxen. Sweat mars his hide in an unsatisfactory way, beading and perspiring beneath the cruel heat of the summer sun and darkening rich gold hairs to a deeper copper. Locks of ivory mane clung about his neck, sticky and wet, curling and furling about a handsome, youthful face and toned cheeks, and had he not been so satisfied with his geographical discovery, Somnus would be lamenting his current state of dress even more so than he deemed completely necessary.

“Hardly becoming at all…” He muttered sourly, less than impressed with himself. Still. There was naught he could do when flying beneath the harsh rays of a mid-summer sun with no protection or cover to shield him. Ah, well. That was what he received when traipsing on an afternoon flight in the midst of summer. What could he expect other than to become at least a little unsightly? It wasn’t as though he had planned to impress anyone today, not when the only thing on his mind was to learn more about this land he had only so recently arrived in.

Only then did he turn his gaze onwards, sharp, inquisitive depths of the purest emerald peering out across the scorched land, staring, absorbing. Memorizing. Dry and brittle grasses and vegetation stretched as far as the eye could see amidst the rolling hills and valleys, the visible earth giving only a teasing hint as to the true dimensions of the plains that he stood upon now. Scattered groves of trees broke up the monotony, splashes of greenery, all varying in sizes and species, scattered amidst the land and providing ample shade for any who wish to receive respite from the heat of the sun. Perhaps, after a bit more investigating, Somnus would retire amidst the shade for an afternoon nap. For now he was content to continue his careful scrutiny, relishing in the breeze that had since picked up and done wonders to cool hot sweat. To the south, its majestic figure, regal and dominating, was the large mountain that the tactician had soared past on both his way to the Dawn Court as well as to these very plains. It was a grand mountain, raising high up in the air and into the clouded heavens themselves. Maybe one day he would climb the mountain, if only to satisfy the curiosity of what might be awaiting at the top.

After a few more moments of admiring the majesty that was Mount Veneror, the dunalino gentleman continued his venture, humming a nondescript tune from his colt-hood beneath his breath as he roamed the fields of green and gold. Grass crackled and crunched underfoot with every step he traversed, bugs buzzing about and flies skirting far too close before a flick of an ivory tail sent them scurrying back into the air. It was a lovely day for a little stroll, albeit a tad bit too hot, but far from miserable. Nearby a herd of mottled, tawny bison grazed, and Somnus took heed to give them a wide berth. This was clearly their territory, their home, and the last thing that he wished for was to upset the balance that they had created.

Coming across a small stream bubbling merrily through the fields, the tactician paused to quench his thirst, and it was there that he decided to rest and cool off before continuing his exploration.