The Warden’s booming shouts had echoed throughout the calm silence of the courtyard and the sleepy hallways, disrupting many from their peaceful evenings. Somnus was no different. The day had been a long one and the Dawn King was ready to call it a night, his worries assuaged and replaced with contentment from the love of his family. All was calm, all was peaceful, up until the point that the courtyard and the citadel halls clamored with commotion and the din of panic.
Verdant eyes stared at his Warden when the stallion charged into view, unaccustomed to seeing the blue roan in such a state of high distress. What happened? What was going on? The cause of such an out of place characteristic, however, was clear; to the east, the eerie glow of fire burned brightly through the evening light. Clearly it wasn’t simply a small fire, either, judging by the sheer volume of light. Somnus felt his heart clench in his chest, mind racing, panic stealing his breath and parching his throat.
“Oriens’ beard…”
No. No. They needed to remain calm. This was not the first time that Somnus had seen his home succumb to fire and ash, but it would be the first time that he would not run from it.
Evacuating would prevent anyone in their Court from being harmed, but it would leave their home vulnerable for destruction. Delumine and the Dawn Court were ancient, having stood testament to years of knowledge and sanctity. Hundreds of years of wisdom were stored within their very halls and forests. They couldn’t simply abandon their home and let it all burn. He refused.
“We cannot leave our Court undefended.” Somnus stated firmly, the polished accent of his voice soothing any offense it may leave behind. A fire of his own raged within the dunalino’s fierce green eyes, glancing around to any else who may have gathered or been drawn by Ulric’s shouted warnings. “If there are those who wish to leave, then they may. I won’t hold them here, but I will not leave.” Foolish? Perhaps. But when he had accepted the title of sovereign from Kasil, when he had spoken to Oriens atop Veneror Peak and swore his fealty to his wise deity, Somnus had made a promise to defend Delumine with mind, body, and soul. He would not fail.
“Ceasing the spread of the fire should be our top priority. We need to amass a group willing to assist in diverging its path… Perhaps we can make a trail and draw it towards the Rapax River, or find some way to shift the path of the river itself.” They had to try everything. They couldn’t simply run. Should the flames cross the river and reach the citadel, they could rebuild their home… But should the flames spread further north and reach the Library… Somnus shuddered at the thought. Years upon years of writings, teachings, and the deepest pools of knowledge lay helpless within the Library’s halls. They could not replace or rebuild ancient texts or written documents. “We need to protect the Library.”
tag:
Somnus’ plan is to collect a group and attempt to put out the fire, however they can manage.
"There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self."
