Somnus  Instead, he allowed himself to simply fall into step with her, continuing his sidelong scrutiny before his knowing verdant gaze drifted forward to the dark mortar hall ahead. She was a pretty thing, all nimble pale alabaster mottled with rich, creamy speckles. Her vocals were melodious to his ears, a welcome reprieve from the grumbling lilt of his own voice when musing aloud, and her tone was that of an accomplished scholar. The words that left her pale lips, however, only solidified that fact. Unbidden the regent smiled, dark lips turning upwards as his keen emerald eyes slid once more to focus on her. “I can assure you that you are not the only one storming these halls so brazenly, ma’am,” he stated with a hearty chuckle, unable to help it, “So worry not, mm? Those who call Delumine home are welcome at any time within these walls.” But then, she was going on, rambling in a way that Somnus welcomed, that pleased him, his heart warming to hear her eagerness and adoration. It was nice, sharing his space and mind with someone else who held knowledge so dear. It wasn’t often that his intellectual mind could be properly stimulated, and already, perhaps foolishly, he could already see he and this young scholar engaging in many debates of knowledge and learning. Would that she be willing to indulge him. “Our library is one of great pride, as well as one of our greatest treasures. I loathe to say the words, but those in other courts call us foolish for it.” And a pox on the lot of them. Introductions were had, and the Delumine second learned her name. Messalina. He filed her name away, memorizing her face and her voice just as he did with every new individual he crossed paths with. Her reverence humbled him, but Somnus was never one to handle such focus. “I am,” the golden tactician stated warmly, eyes dancing as they continued their leisurely trek through the hallways. Somnus took the lead upon a fork, turning right, knowing that just a little ways up ahead and up a flight of steps they would find the famed library. “But, please, I am hardly anything special. Just a man, really.” His gaze found Messalina’s icy, vibrant blue, and the warmth in his accented vocals remained. “Come now, Messalina, the honor is truly mine. I assure you. But I appreciate your kindness all the same.” From there, Somnus grew quiet and allowed his thoughts to drift, mulling over his schedule for the day. He would be busy come the true daybreak, between meeting with Kasil, Ipomoea, Ulric, and the others, but for now, he did not mind Messalina’s intriguing company. In fact, it was more than welcome. Through the hallways they went until arriving at the library, and the regent pushed open the doors without preamble. The scent of ancient tomes and old books permeated the air, wrapping around him like the caress of a familiar lover, and with a deep breath Somnus stepped inside, trusting that Messalina would follow. All around them rows upon rows of books were orderly stored, the shelves all tall and filled to the brim. It was a grand library, full of the deepest knowledge of Novus. Somnus liked to think that if there was a question, the answer was here, in their precious library. Turning his head back to regard Messalina, he nodded. “Here we are.” |
@Messalina – I’m the worst and I’m so sorry that this took me forever and a day to respond to. ;-;
