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I P O M O E A It had been a relative uneventful day for the young Emissary, one of the rare days he had no scheduled duties or lessons or assigned readings to occupy him. They had been slowing down recently: he knew now of the gods and all their dramatic stories, of the origin of the Courts and the history of their relations. He knew how to be "proper" and how to address other ranks, both of Delumine and of foreign Courts. He could read novels and write papers, could critically think for himself and read others' body language and diffuse a tense situation with a smile. It seemed likely that, after one long and busy year full of education and traveling, his education was coming to an end. Ipomoea was about to graduate cum laude. 'Of course, I'll never really stop learning,' he mused silently to himself as he waded through the paths, marked by hedges and flowers and other fauna. 'The mind should never stop expanding...' He paused at a bunch of exceptionally vibrant flowers, dipping his dark muzzle low to their petals. His cherry eyes closed as he inhaled deeply, letting his senses drown in the sweet, floral fragrance. It would be nice indeed to finally be able to relax like this more consistently, to literally stop and smell the roses as he pleased. Ipomoea's eyes fluttered open at the sound of the barn owl overhead, recognizing the presence as one he was becoming more accustomed to having around. He lifted his gaze skyward as Odet flew out to meet the other bonded, tracking them both through the air before returning his gaze to search for the golden figure that would be undoubtedly nearby. It didn't take long; he was standing just across the courtyard, a small smile on his face. Recognition lit up the appaloosa's face. After a dip of his head to bid his flowers farewell, he turned and began weaving out of the garden, picking his way over to greet the Regent. But he didn't need to get close to sense something was amiss. The smile upon his lips wavered, his hoofsteps slowing to a cautious pace as he approached. At Somnus' first words, he simply bobbed his head once in acknowledgment--being among the wild flora and fauna was one of his favorite places after all, anyone could guess so--but remained silent. He knew Somnus well enough to know he would have more to say; Po could wait. A small frown creased his brow, casting his eyes into shadow, but he did not let it touch his voice. "Now is as good a time as any, I'm not busy," he spoke softly, searching Somnus' eyes for a hint of what might be coming next. But the dunalino guarded himself well; his expression was unreadable, except for what may have been worry--or was it sadness? Ipomoea wasn't sure, and it scared him. He cleared his throat, choosing his words carefully. "Is everything alright, Somnus?" @Somnus <3 |
neverrmind art
