S O M N U S “Messalina?” The name was spoken questioningly from dark lips, accented formally, poised and proper as he always was. There was a shift in the Dawn King’s demeanor as he approached, his expression softening with a roll of a golden shoulder, emerald eyes glittering in the evening light. The meeting had just adjourned, but he had already made up his mind. There would be no need for deliberation with his Regime, not when he knew who he wished to arise to the task of Champion of Wisdom. She had switched professions recently, proving herself as a capable Sage. He could still recall their first meeting, in the cool early morning inside of Delumine’s citadel. Somnus had been impressed by her sweet candor and devoted passion, as well as her quick wit and charming tongue. A lady of the court, learned and noble, with an insatiable appetite for learning, knowledge, and truth. There was a flicker of guilt that pooled bitterly within his gut. By all rights, Nimue still held the rank of Champion of Wisdom, but the wise woman was nowhere to be seen. It was as if she had simply disappeared from the world entirely, and while Somnus loathed to replace her in her absence, they could not linger in limbo or make exceptions for those who were not around. Should Nimue return, he could only hope that she would forgive them for their decision. Hopefully nothing ill had happened to her… ’Mind on track, Somnus. There you are.’ Alba’s gentle prodding snapped him from his thoughts, and he glanced to the barn owl who rested upon her customary perch upon his croup. She knew his troubled thoughts and doubts but did not judge him for it. The owl was a blessing, through and through. Turning his head, he focused once more upon the spotted lady in front of him. “A moment of your time, if you would?” He hoped that she had nowhere pressing to be. This was a discussion that needed to happen, and the sooner, the better. Verdant depths met soft baby-blue, lips twisted in a jovial enough smile. While still holding the air of the Sovereign, his posture was relaxing, slowly shifting from Somnus the Dawn King to simply Somnus the man. This would be a political discussion, of course, but he felt oddly at ease in Messalina’s company. He knew why Ipomoea enjoyed her presence. The dunalino felt the same. xx |
@Messalina – sorry for the wait, love! (and for the quality xD) Just a little something to get us started.