S O M N U S It was far too easy to be ensnared in the current travesty of the world, and even more so when the weight of the Court you called home rested so heavily upon your shoulders. For Somnus, this was no exception. The stress was insurmountable, the drive of his perfectionism nearly crippling, anxiety rising and overrunning his typically stoic and unflappable nature. So when Ipomoea had approached him and expressed the interests in brightening up Delumine with a festival, bringing their quiet streets to life with music, laughter, and art, Somnus had readily agreed to see it done. Anything for the distraction, really. As it turned out, it was the best decision to have been made given the current world affairs. Somnus felt the tension in his shoulders give way, ebbing from his body, down his legs, and out the bottom of his hooves as he relaxed amidst the shade. The iris and holly flower crown from Ipomoea sat perfectly amidst strands of ivory atop his poll, giving the Dawn King a softness that so typically was absent from his features. Perched upon his croup at her customary position, Alba looked incredibly pleased, beady black eyes crinkled in merriment. She, too, wore a crown of wildflowers, small and delicate enough to fit atop the barn owl’s head. Alba had been thrilled when Ipomoea had agreed to weave her a tiny crown, green holly woven among violet irises, to match Somnus’ own. It was an endearing sight, seeing her so happy and pleased. Verdant eyes roamed the sights, taking in the laughing younglings and the mingling adults. A troupe of vocalists were singing nearby, keeping time and tempo with stamping hooves, and unaware, the dunalino bobbed his head in time with the melody. It was a jovial jaunt, perfect for the setting of Ipomoea’s prized vision. The scent of flowers and baked goods wafted on the breeze, and still, his worries continued to ebb away, the simplicity of the day pushing back his concerns and stresses until they were gone. Not forgotten, of course, but ignored. At least for now. Then, a flash of golden tresses caught his attention, snatching the Dawn King from his silent reverie. Sunkissed locks, braided up with beautiful flowers surely by Ipomoea’s handiwork, framed Eulalie’s pretty pale face, and a fond smile upturned Somnus’ dark lips. For a few moments he simply watched her, admiring her heartfelt joy and compassion, the way she danced through the crowds and engaged among the people. She was becoming a constant in his life, this world-loving warrior that they luckily called their own, and without even aware of it, the tactician slipped from the shade to seek out the pale lady. Sliding up to her side, verdant eyes glanced sidelong upon the proud warrior, still smiling. His body was free from tension, completely relaxed, letting himself drown within the atmosphere as he fell into motion aside Eulalie. Alba let out a happy chirrup, fluttering her wings upon her bond-mate’s croup. ’You keep running into her. I think you like it. Maybe you’re doing it on purpose?’ If it would not appear rude, Somnus would have scoffed at Alba’s words and rolled his eyes. Instead, he simply ignored the smug barn owl and focused on Eulalie. “Enjoying yourself so far, my dear?” His voice was raised only slightly, only loud enough to be heard over the din of the chatter and nearby vocalists. Still, there was no missing the Sovereign’s soft joy, elated to see the people so readily enjoying themselves. xx |
@Eulalie <3