’You’re certain? Did you forget the backlash from Denocte when they closed their borders?’
Somnus let out a deep, patient breath at Alba’s inquiry. Oh, he had not forgotten the uproar from Denocte back under the leadership of Reichenbach seasons prior when they had closed the gates to the Night Court, but that was then and this was now. This was for different reasons. He was not a foolish man and this decision was not meant to be a brash one, but in light of recent unsettling events across Novus, they could not take any unnecessary risks.
“We have no choice, Alba. You know that.” Verdant eyes flicked upward, glancing only momentarily towards the barn owl roosting upon the courtyard walls amidst growing ivy and late-autumn blooms. “And it is far too late to be changing our minds. Ipomoea has already posted the decree. The deed is done.” Somnus then turned back to face the rest of the courtyard, sucking in yet another deep breath, praying to Oriens for the patience and diplomatic skill he would need for what he was about to do.
Nodding once, the Dawn King spoke again to his companion. “Go. Summon them. Hurry, Alba.”
The barn owl lingered for only the briefest of moments, her beady black eyes staring hard at Somnus’ regal golden frame glinting in the evening sunlight, before she took to the air with a flourish of mottled wings, downy feathers, and a mighty cry. She knew the importance of what was to follow.
Waiting patiently within the courtyard, Somnus watched as one by one, the members of the Dawn Court slowly began to arrive. He recognized them all. While he did not know some as well as he knew others, the dunalino did his best to familiarize himself with everyone that called Delumine their home. Watching them all arrive now, he was reminded once more of their thin numbers and empty ranks. Their numbers had never been particularly large, not when compared to the militarized empire that was Solterra, but Somnus cared little for numbers. Numbers meant nothing when fealty was frail among the people.
As the cool autumn breeze carried itself along the evening air and the citizens of the Dawn Court gathered and shifted, looking among one another and to him, he nodded once more. Guide me, oh wise Oriens. I only want to keep them safe.
“Thank you all for coming in such short notice. I apologize if this is an inconvenience to anyone.” The Dawn King’s verdant gaze darted across those present, keeping his shoulders back, head high, and ears forward and alert. The stallion’s rigid posture assisted in maintaining that confidence he needed for a meeting such as this one. “I will not waste your time; I am certain that everyone has seen the decree posted by Ipomoea. I want to touch more on this, as well as the recent discoveries.”
A quick glance to Delumine’s Regent and another small dip of the head in acknowledgement, and Somnus was going on, his accent calm and poised. “By now surely all of you know, there was an attack in Viride and we lost two of our own; Moore and Casper, loyal, kind pages of our very court. We have yet to find the one responsible, but know that we are all doing what we can to find their killer and bring them to justice.”
“I am not ruling out foul play. There were tracks at the scene that seemed far too large and misshapen to be equine, but we cannot put the blame on some beast. It could be a trick, or someone trying to cover their tracks. It is because of this that I have decided to close the borders of the Dawn Court.” Somnus grew quiet, letting the murmur of voices grow across the silence. He let them all think on it, come to their own conclusions, and form their own questions. He had nothing to hide, nor was he trying to be a dictator. “I am certain that you all have your concerns and questions. Please, ask. Ipomoea, Pavetta, Ulric, and I will do all that we can to answer them. Also know that should you need to leave Delumine for any reason, we ask that you consult with the Regime or Warden first. I simply implore you all to check in; we have already lost two of our own. I cannot stomach to lose another.”
Oh, but he wished that was all. It wasn’t.
“The one known as Raum is outlawed from Delumine for crimes committed against Denocte, a nation we are attempting to negotiate trade and alliance with. If he or his ilk are found within our province then they are to be detained immediately.. Any unwarranted aggression on their part is to be returned in kind. Take caution. Do not engage with him if you feel that you are unprepared, and instead report the sighting to any of the Council.” Once more, Somnus let his words trail off. It seemed like so much to say, but it needed to be said. His people needed to be aware of what was going on, and not just inside Delumine.
“I ask Ulric to up the patrols in Viride. Even those of you who are not warriors, I implore you to participate in keeping our home safe, but do not go alone. We must think of our safety first.” His current piece said and done, Somnus finally grew completely quiet, looking out among the familiar faces of the Dawn Court to take in their reactions, physical or verbal. He prayed that they would all understand.
“If you have any questions, please, feel free to ask… But also speak up, if you have any information you feel is useful to us.”
tag:
This meeting is for Dawn Court members only. Visiting dignitaries (such as the medical group from Terrastella) are allowed to post. This is not a mandatory meeting, but it is highly encouraged.
"There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self."
and then you put your hand in mine
and pulled me back from things divine
For Ulric, his day was just getting started when Alba flew overhead, crying out to Delumine’s citizens in a clear effort to bring them all together. Looking upon her, he could feel his chest grow tight, his heart thumping against it just a little harder. Earlier in the day, the decision had been made to close Delumine’s borders off to any wayward strangers, sending anyone off be they friend or foe until further notice. Until the murderer was found, any who didn’t already call Delumine home would be barred entry, going against everything that they stood for; but this was merely for their own safety.
Heading to the main courtyard, Ulric looked upon the form of his old friend standing like some prophetic beacon of hope standing in the dying light of evening. He smiled in silent greeting, but it failed to reach his eyes. Soon more filtered into the area, a soft murmur of questioning and confused voices reverberating off the stone walls. Young Regis and Milo were amongst the numbers, and with his father up in front of everyone, Ulric allowed him to stand next to him and expected Eulalie to follow shortly behind him on the other side.
Then, Somnus was speaking, and even hearing about the crime caused the images of the bloody scene to flash across his vision all over again. With a soft shake of his head the Warden forced the memories away as best as he could and focused on the moment. Murder wasn’t the only thing their small population needed to worry about, but politics and the improbable, but very real possibility that they could soon have the wrong people knocking on their doors.
When his own name was spoken and Somnus requested an increase of patrols, particularly within Viride, Ulric straightened and solemnly nodded. “I’d request that everyone volunteer for at least one patrol, and that nobody travel in groups smaller than three until further notice. For those who’re exceptionally willing, I’d like to gather a sizable party to patrol the forest during the night – I fear it may be our best chance of catching the perpetrator.”
"Speaking"
HISTORY HAS ITS EYES ON YOU ➳ allcontact is permitted and encouraged
Mama said fulfill the prophecy, be something greater
go make a legacy, manifest destiny
When his parents had ordered him to stay inside and refused to let him tag along like he so often wanted to and usually got to, Regis knew something wasn’t quite right.
Their voices had been strong once they returned, but wavered ever so slightly as they revealed to him the reality of what had happened. Regis recognized their names immediately, for Casper had watched over him a time or two in his very early childhood and Moore always knew exactly where the sweets were hidden away and had snuck him one on occasion. The relationship he had shared with the late pair may not mean much in the eyes of an adult, but for Regis they had been impactful during his development, and to hear they were gone left a gaping hole in the yearling’s heart.
The Prince was unusually quiet throughout the remainder of the night, but he sought the comfort of his parents and Milo by curling close to them when it came time for bed, terrified that whatever had hurt those nice horses would come looking for him next or worse, come and take his parents away from him.
Even when the next morning came the dun colt seemed uneasy. Milo was practically attached to Regis and did all he could to distract his bonded and improve his mood, butting his head against him and yipping softly, and while the Prince appreciated the fox’s thoughtfulness it did little to ease his clashing emotions. Regis stuck like glue to his mother’s side and was on high alert when they eventually wandered outside, summoned by none other than his father to speak of the tragedies that had befallen them. Instinctively Regis stepped forward to reach Somnus’ side but was effectively pulled back to his spot beside his uncle and his mother before he could get anywhere.
Dual-colored eyes flicked back and forth between his father, Ipomoea, Pavetta, Ulric and anyone else who spoke on the matter at hand. There was talk of murder, outlaws and the closure of their borders; Regis didn’t yet understand the finer details behind all of that, but the one thing he did know was that he wanted to help. “I’ll go help look for them, papa,” he spoke up, glancing sideways and standing as straight and tall as he could despite his still small, gangly stature, copying the way that Ulric stood, head held just as proud.
Sloane had been minding her own business on her private little island, enjoying the peace and solitude. It was nice to not have to worry about the rest of the hustle and bustle of court life. But despite how much she enjoyed being alone on this quiet island, it seemed as though someone was calling for them all. At first she had ignored the screeching of Alba, but in the end, she simply rolled her eyes and turned to head towards the meeting. It seemed that there were a lot of meetings lately. What was one more, right?
It did not take her too long before she arrived with the small group gathered. She stood in the back, leaning against a column. She was quiet, unusually so. It seemed that the rest of Delumine did not appreciate her help. They wanted to do things the safe and diplomatic way. Unfortunately for them, one day, they would learn that even though her own methods were brash, they did hold some merit. She could get answers when they could not. One day they would appreciate her. Until then, she would simply watch her court burn.
Somnus speaks, addressing the recent decree set forth by Ipomoea. Yes, she had seen it and yes, she had hated what it said. Close the boarders? How was that remotely helpful! Now they’ve trapped everyone in with the beast. It was sure to be a blood bath in the coming months. She had no intention of staying within Delumine. She would risk her life for more information.
But when he begins to discuss that it might not be the beast at all that killed those two citizens, Sloane can almost feel the way her eyes roll and her voice scoffs. Who else would have ripped two others apart?
But as he continued about another named Raum, Sloane couldn’t help the grin that plastered itself over her lips. She had heard of what Raum had done and that was just the sort of drama she lived for. There were many secrets to be learned from that tragedy. Perhaps she should venture out to learn more. While Somnus and his band of brother might not appreciate it or understand it now, they would eventually appreciate the information she would be able to gather.
As they trickle in, she scrutinizes their expressions, searching for that tremble of a lip, either in anger or fear. How do the people of Delumine feel? Are they terrified of the shadows, or do they hunger for blood, for vengeance, just as she does? It is hard to think of the Dawn Court as anything but peacekeepers and harmonizers, but perhaps she can rally them, bring their blood to a simmer (a boil might be asking too much).
Sloane is quiet tonight, which is uncharacteristic of the sharp-tongued mare. Pavetta made a mental note to check in with her. The young Prince, as ever, takes after his brave mother and father. She can't help but crack a smile at his earnest declaration of finding the beast.
As far as the borders, it was not an altogether unwise solution—albeit temporary. Chaos brewed in Solterra and with the borders closed and on high alert, Delumine would be prepared for any fallout from their neighbors that would affect the kingdom in a negative way. She can’t help but harbor curiosity—more accurately—a morbid fascination with ongoings in Solterra.
Which in turn stirs guilt; her job title doesnt exactly condone warmongering usurpers. What of Bex, her golden-skinned, dagger-eyed friend? Would she be harmed in the aftermath of the dismantling of the current Regime? Did she seek safe harbor, or was she imprisoned?
She can’t dwell on such thoughts right now—she must focus on the needs of her people, of Delumine. She listens quietly as Somnus speaks his part, every bit the regal king that a kingdom in disarray can look to and find comfort in. His voice is warmth and sunlight—he is the Dawn and everything Delumine represents. She finds herself in frequent awe of his unwavering moral compass, his steely resolve and the way he never lets the marble, perfect image of the regal king slip, never lets it crack. He bears the crown heavily but it never shows; he wears it as if it weighs no more than a feather.
But because he is Somnus, he is also somewhat predictable. Raum outlawed from Delumine. Somnus speaks of him with such disdain it is almost astounding. She studies his stern features closely—she has never seen Somnus entertain such open, festering resentment for someone before. Which makes her all the more curious about the situation in Solterra—she needs to know the whole story.
The topic switches to patrols and a hunting party for the creature. She frowns ever so slightly; she has her misgivings about the effectiveness of patrols and a loud, lumbering patrol through the forest. Surely such a creature of cunning and efficiency would hear them coming from a mile away? They did not yet know its strengths, weaknesses, or even what it looked like. She is no soldier, does not have the expertise and experience of many present here, but she is a survivor of the Rift and one doesn’t survive the Rift without learning a thing or two about monsters.
Hunt or be hunted. And sometimes the hunting must be creative.
She is back in the Rift, alone. She has no Pomona, no Fearghal. There is only the long night and howl of creatures she did not know the names of. She recalls the hot, putrid breath on her heels, the horror it inspired and how even when it was gone, she did not feel safe.
She was but a girl, then. It is different now, Pavetta is different. She is more excited by the prospect of a little vengeance, of a hunt, of turmoil and chaos. She is restless; it’s all she can do to stand at attention during the meeting. Her thoughts are elsewhere, in a dark, shadowy place with that creature lurking in the forest.
“Sign me up where you please, Ulric. Pomona has keen eyes and silent flight, utilize her where you would as well…” She mulls her next choice of words over carefully. She doesn’t want to offend or step on toes, merely present an idea. “Ulric,” she asks, somewhat hesitantly. Suggesting her idea to such a seasoned, skilled warrior…was it silly to fear that she might sound foolish after all? “What do you think of a trap?”
(ugh this is all over the place, sry)
a pearl in pigshit, a diamond on the finger of a rotting corpse,
creature in whom nothing, but nothing, remains of an elven woman ---
The court was particularly full of sound, these days. A crisp breeze always seemed to dance through the streets, carrying with it the sounds of gossip and birdsong. First were the whispers of murder in Delumine, then kidnapping in Denocte, and finally regicide in Solterra. Poor Mateo could not in any good conscious stay locked in the library with his head in the books, not with all these secrets blowing about in the wind, waiting to be spun into song.
On his way to the meeting he had gotten distracted by something or another, and so he arrives... not early, but not particularly late. Just in time, some might say, and he would humbly have to agree. Their noble sovereign is speaking earnestly and seriously. Mateo is struck, not for the first time, with jealousy at how easy he makes public speaking seem, although this base emotion is quickly replaced by others at the news that the borders will be closed.
The pegasus' silver-green eyes shift to the faces of the citizens around him, curious what their reactions will be. (He smiles briefly at Regis when their eyes meet, extending a few feathers in greeting.) Mateo trusts his regime and the decisions they make, although the thought of locking a murderer within their walls makes him uneasy. But he thinks of the sound of Moore's laughter and wonders what sounds he made when he died, and if he did so bravely. Mateo doesn't know about the sounds, but he is certain the man was brave down to his last breath. The pegasus figures he can be brave, too, although it is a terribly uncomfortable thing to be when you're not used to it.
"I'll help patrol." His voice starts strong but softens as others turn to look at him. By the end of his next sentence he's looking at the ground and his eyes seem more green than grey. A deep, dark, bury-me-in-the-ground green. "I'm in the sky most every day, anyway."
There had been many hard decisions to make in the time that followed the discovery of Moore and Casper's dismembered bodies on the bank of the Rapax, hidden within the Viride Forest. For Eulalie, one of those had been the decision to tell Regis. She hated the idea of shattering what innocent view her son had of the world by bringing murder into it, and Somnus and herself had told him as gently as they could. But they had told him, if only to make sure he understood how important it was that he not stray from the court by himself until the monster that had done this was found.
When Alba had sent the call out for a meeting, Eulalie set out to the courtyard with Regis at her side. She could not keep him from what he already knew, and it would be easier for him to hear it for himself; less eager, barraging questions that way. They woke through the small group already gathered, finding Ulric near the front and standing with Regis between them. She looked up at Somnus, and felt her heart swell for him. He had toiled over this decision, she knew, and the ivory woman also knew it was hard for him to close the borders when Delumine prided itself on welcoming one and all into the court. However, she agreed with his decision. None other from outside Delumine would be harmed here within their lands, and it would be easier for them to keep track of their own.
As he started to speak, she listened, dark eyes showing nothing but love and support for this gilded man. Oh, and she would support him until the end of all days, for she understood how much he tried to do all that he could for his people. No decision he made lightly, not without considering the well being of his court's citizens.
Ulric was the first to speak, and talk of patrols and search parties filled the air, and then her son. Darling, brave Regis, so much like his father. She watched him mimic his uncle, standing proudly beneath the eyes of the adults and there was nothing in her that did not love every part of him. Eulalie could not help the smile the touched her lips, for even in times like this, her son's strength and determination was something so strong. Despite his being her child, there was so much to admire about him. In the pause after he'd spoken, she stepped forward.
“I believe that if Regis wants to go on a patrol we should consider it,” she looked at Somnus, looking into his verdent eyes. She knew that while their son might stay within the court if they asked it of him, they could not protect him from the truth of the world forever. “Only with a group, and I would of course go as well.” Eulalie looked down at her son for a moment, pride shining in her eyes. Then Pavetta was speaking, followed by young Mateo. Both offered their services, thoughts and suggestions to Ulric, and she respected them both greatly for it. The only one who did not speak was Sloane, the dark woman, lingering on the fringes of the gathered citizens.
Eulalie still had reservations about Sloane, ever since her behavior at the scene. While it was certain not unheard of to find a citizen of a court who did not seem to mesh well with their typical ideals, the sunshine woman found that something just seemed off about the other mare. Eulalie didn't think she has anything to do with the murders, but she had a feeling there was still an agenda to everything that Sloane did. Something about her just did not sit well with Eulalie. It was an itch, deep within her. She thought the best thing she could do was just keep observant.
At length, Eulalie returned her gaze from the crowd to Ulric. “I will take on any patrol or party you would like to assign me to, Ulric. You'll have Tabbris, as necessary. He may not have Alba's and Pomona's silent flight or speed but he can be imposing and formidable.” There was a slight hardening to the darkness of her eyes then, for Ulric alone, that said ‘should something go wrong.’ She knew that, of them all, Ulric would be the last to overlook the possibility of things going wrong, and Tabbris could be an unexpected ally if they managed to find the beast—equine or not—and it came to a struggle. They had no idea what they were up against, and any edge up that they could get, they should take it
”You’re going to be late!” The songbird twittered nervously at the Regent, fluttering about his head.
Ipomoea shook his head, eyes focused on the plant he was tending to.
”There’s plenty of time, Odet,” he said, but his tone was far-off and distracted. ”I just need to finish this first…”
The plant had clearly seen better days: it’s leaves had curled in upon themselves, and it shivered at Po’s touch. He’d known the risk when he’d uprooted the plant, but he couldn’t help himself. In his wandering he had come across a patch of strange plants, with patterned spots decorating their leaves. He had been curious, perhaps dangerously so; he knew he’d had to get back soon, but he wasn’t confident he could find the secluded spot again.
Odet was tugging at his mane by the time he strode back into his own chambers, trying (and failing) to redirect him. But Po shrugged him off, making his way over to the window. An empty flower pot floated up at his command, righting itself on the window.
Carefully, gently, lovingly, he lowered the plant into the pot, tucking it in with spare soil he had collected. A few drops of water went in next, until he was satisfied. The plant leaned into his touch, shuddering: it had so little energy left, he hadn’t anticipated it being so fragile…
”Po!” the jay interrupted his thoughts again, fluttering in front of his face. His wings brushed against the boy’s face. ”They’re starting!”
Time had slipped away from him (as it usually did). A quick glance outside his window confirmed this: everyone had gathered, and he recognized the golden frame of Somnus striding to the pedestal.
In that moment, he wished he could fly; it would be a much shorter trip through the window.
But instead his legs sprung to action, carrying him swiftly out the doors. He nearly tripped going down the stairs, but somehow kept his balance; Odet raced ahead of him, a blue streak that vanished around every corner.
It seemed to take an impossibly long time before he finally left the shadow of the castle, and only then did he slow down to a brisk walk. It wouldn’t do to be seen rushing across the courtyard, or to arrive out of breath. But as Somnus began to speak, addressing the gathered crowd, Po slipped in behind him and took his place amongst the other Regime members.
Most of Somnus’ words were drowned out by his own thoughts; he knew already what the Sovereign wanted to address, understood his reasons… but his own thoughts were still tumultuous. He couldn’t remember the last time Delumine’s borders had been closed, neither in his lifetime nor in the history he’d read. Delumine had always been open, a place of learning and enrichment that encouraged others to come and go. It was impossible to experience the world when you were stuck in one place indefinitely.
But desperate times called for desperate measures, he supposed.
His ears tilted sideways, catching Pavetta’s smooth voice. “A trap?” he interrupted, his interest piqued. How could they trap something when they didn’t know what they were trapping? The Regent sidled closely to the unicorn, his wings dancing nervously. ”Sign me up for a patrol as well, Ulric. Any time is fine.” ”As long as I’m not alone,” he didn’t say - although he certainly wanted to. His heart skipped a beat at the notion of wandering Viride without company.
@everyone have a late po <3
@pavetta and @Ulric specifically
