SOMNUS
The day was young and ripe, positively ready for the taking for those who were determined enough to do so. Somnus had spent the quiet hours before dawn sequestered within the citadel library as Alba had ventured off to hunt for voles or mice before daybreak. It was her favorite time to catch a meal, in the wee-hours before the nocturnal beasts gave way to the ones who dwelled beneath sunlight. The barn owl had returned, hunger sated and satisfied, to roost upon Somnus’ ebony horn and nap while he continued to pour over old scrolls. It was a fine way to spend the morning, content with one another as their sole company, but it didn’t take long for Alba to grow restless once her nap was over and done with.
Since finding her wings, the young owl loved to fly, and her adventurous spirit and desire to see the world had begun to take Somnus away from the citadel more and more. It was good for him, as it forced him out of the silent, somber hallways and away from his own personal musings. This time it was no different.
What a sight they made, gliding through the skies with remarkable elegance and poise. Their wings, matching mottled junctures of tan and cream, caught the light of the early morning sun. The rushing waves of the Rapax River churned below them, and the Regent’s keen verdant eyes scanned the scenery with a reverent sort of appreciation. This was home. His home. All of Delumine was beautiful, and the golden tactician couldn’t help but feel a grand honor that he was a part of something so breathtaking, so wondrous and profound. Regrettably, it wasn’t often that he had come here. A few times, seeking the elusive pink dolphin that the text books in the library had scribed in such clarity. Other than that, he had rarely come, loathing the risk of having young Alba stumbled into the churning currents before her wings could so steadily carry her. Now, there was no fear. No hesitation.
At his side, Alba let out a piercing shriek!, the barn owl’s beady black eyes spotting a dancing shape down below. A slender figure seemed to glide over the stones of the rushing river with envious precision, a glisten of blue, a cast of silver, in the early morning light. At one moment she seemed dark, and the next she appeared far brighter, a trick of the light as she twisted her body with the inherited skill of a descendent of generals. Somnus recognized her immediately. It was Liesel, one of Delumine’s proud, albeit few, warriors. They had hardly shared but a handful of words whenever they had crossed paths in the past, but now, the Regent fully intended on mending such an oversight.
Alba was the first to dive. Silently she descended, swooping down quickly with a valiant cry. Something about Liesel intrigued the young barn owl, and she desperately wanted a closer look at the noble lady-knight. Alba fluttered about, swooping around Liesel in curious little circles, clacking her beak in a series of loud, questioning pops!. Somnus had immediately followed, an honest, open smile on his dark lips, emerald eyes glittering in heartfelt joy. It had been a long time since he had felt so free, so open. Alba’s good mood was contagious, and he thanked Oriens once more for his gift in receiving her.
“Apologies for the intrusion,” he beckoned by way of a greeting, hooves stretching out to find root upon the shoreline of the river as he landed with practiced poise, “Forgive her curiosity. Alba, come now. You’ll only get in the way.” The young barn owl only snapped her beak back at the dunalino in defiance, and he sighed, mustering his patience.
’Alba. Now, please.’ Diving into their mental bond seemed to do the trick, and with a huffing breath, the young owl wheeled about in the air before fluttering to Somnus’ side, only to take roost upon the curve of his rump. Still her beady black stare remained rooted upon Liesel, head tilted curiously.
“What a fine morning, hm? I hope it’s treating you well.”
@Liesel <3
