SOMNUS
The spotted stranger seemed almost perplexed when he realized that Somnus was there. The dunalino’s furtive smile remained, careful and guarded but genuine, not wishing to make the stranger think that he wasn’t welcome. All were welcome in Delumine, so long as they respected their boundaries and laws. Slowly the Dawn King folded his wings back against his sides, head tilting curiously at the stranger. He smelled of distance, the foreign scents unable to be placed with his intimate knowledge of the Dawn Court. Clearly he was not from their land.
“Come now, no need for apologies. You’ve hardly interrupted a thing. I was merely enjoying the flowers.” And what a fine day to do so. Truly, Somnus knew he needed to get out more, but obligations had seen him stuck within the walls of the capitol for far too long. He now understood Kasil’s reclusiveness better than he used to.
The spotted fellow introduced himself, with his milky white eyes and noble, handsome stature. Somnus was a learned fellow. He had served a number of Kings now before becoming one himself, and had served second-in-command to all of them, intimately familiar with the workings and mechanizations of court-life. He knew a politician when he saw one, and this monochromatic stud before him now fit every niche that he could fathom. Orion was his name, and Somnus nodded to show that he understood.
“Somnus,” he introduced warmly in greeting, still smiling, emerald eyes glittering knowingly in the sunlight, “And this is Alba.” He motioned towards the said barn owl, who fluttered her feathers in acknowledgement but otherwise remained silent. Instead, she simply watched Orion with eerie, judgemental black eyes, giving no indication if she liked him or not.
Then, he chuckled, a deep, throaty sound. “Nonsense. You’ve nothing to apologize for, Orion. Welcome to the Dawn Court, capitol of Delumine proper. May I inquire as to what brings you here?” It was an innocent enough question, he surmised.
Clearly the speckled man was a wanderer of some caliber, but had he intentionally sought out their Court, or was it by accident? Did he have a purpose in seeking them out? Or some ulterior motive? The man certainly seemed cordial and genuine, but one could never be too careful, especially with such tumultuous uncertainties in regards to the other Courts. Somnus loathed the paranoia and uncertainty that had begun to deep into his veins when encountering someone that he did not know, but he simply couldn’t help it. Even though this was his domain, he was far too premature a King. Trusting so openly could very well result in an usurped throne.
@Orion