Fight! Fight! Pillow fight!

[meridio]

[For someone so fixated on the concept of fairness, Somnus was never known for observing formalities. The Oracle has retired after a trying day, a servant tells him, and must be allowed her rest. He brushes the night guard aside with the snap of his wrist, and it's a matter of seconds before he's striding across the chamber to where Aera slumbers. That she looks so peaceful where she lies doesn't deter him in the slightest.

His brother might scold him for his brusqueness, if he were here. He isn't.]

Oracle—

Comments

[indelebilis]

[ It's not that Aera doesn't like Somnus, because she does. He is family, or rather, he will be, and he is a brother in arms so to speak. They've never been the closest; his ideals have always been far different, far more extreme than her own. Than Ardyn's. But she's been patient with Somnus thus far, as much as one can be when in such a position.

The dream she was having was amazing. A field of sylleblossoms, warm sun, and happiness all around. As a matter of fact, she'd just been reaching towards the image of her beloved, Ardyn smiling at her, opening his mouth... and saying 'Oracle' in a voice that is clearly not his.

It happens before she can stop it, really. Just a reflex, because the pillow that she was just resting her head on is ripped out from underneath her and hurled towards Somnus with such precision that it's almost as if she, too, has been trained to perform amazing feats in battle such as he has.

She hasn't even lifted her head. Hasn't opened her eyes. ]

No.

[ That's it. That's what he gets. ]

This is the one place you are not allowed to bother me, Somnus. Whatever is on your mind can wait until morning. Go to bed.

[meridio]

[ His face has already begun to crinkle into a scowl when the pillow makes it mark and drops to the floor just over one of his feet. Interrupted a pleasant dream, has he? No doubt one that involved his brother. It's of no importance now. Aera is awake, so she'll just have to deal with him instead.

(He won't be going to bed: He just got up.)

In other words, he completely ignores her protest and carries on. ]

Oracle. Your duties to the people and the gods have kept you away all day. Now that you have returned, I—

[indelebilis]

[ Oh, look. He hasn't quite gotten the hint. It's very fortunate that her bed has two pillows, isn't it? She'd just been about to stuff that one under her weary head when he starts speaking again.

Unceremoniously, it, too, goes flying at a high velocity directly at the poor man's face. ]

And you should have been awake when I returned. My duties are to the gods and to the people, yes, not to you. And right now, my duties are to my bed and to my dreams. Leave me, Somnus. I mean it. I will not tolerate you for much longer.

[meridio]

[ The second pillow meets the side of his face as he turns his head, before it joins its predecessor between his feet. What an ungraceful display for one who communes with the gods. One of these days, someone is going to mistake her pluck for immaturity.

Not for much longer, she says. Then she can tolerate him for that much. The dream she was enjoying is long gone by now, anyway. ]

This matter concerns those very people.

[ Their people. She may not answer to him, and no one is as overly devoted to them as his brother, but Somnus knows that Aera's conscience will do half the work for him. He can put up with her irritability in the meantime. ]

[indelebilis]

[ If she were more awake, she'd be amused enough to ask him why he hadn't bothered to try and catch those pillows but Aera is neither amused nor is she fully awake. Groaning, she rolls over irritably, pulling her blanket tightly around herself like some sort of cocoon. ]

...You have five minutes. Also, come over here because I am not getting up.

[ A hand tiredly comes out to pat the bed, inviting him to sit down so they don't strain their voices. Also... so she can curl up again. ]

[meridio]

[ Because those pillows aren't his and he can't be bothered to pick them up. So he steps over them on his way to her bedside, where he sits on the edge without so much as a glance at the blanketed cocoon.

Five minutes is highly generous. Mentioning the people was the correct choice. He knows, however, that she won't keep it once he says his piece. ]

Don't travel west tomorrow.

[indelebilis]

[ It's fine, Aera doesn't need pillows to sleep. Mostly.

She feels her bedding dip under his weight but she cannot bring herself to move. It's chilly, and her blankets are warm and also she's hoping he will bore her back to sleep.

Except he doesn't, because unfortunately, this sounds serious. With a groan, she finally forced herself to sit up, shifting so she can properly sit next to Somnus. She let's her legs dangle over the side of the bed, blanket wrapped around her shoulders. ]

Why? What is happening in the west?

[ Squinting, she pauses long enough to toss one end of the blanket over Somnus's shoulders, too. ]

You are going to catch cold at this rate... did you sleep all day again?

Everything that goes up must go down...

[indelebilis]

[ It's been several days since Somnus decided to barge in and destroy her beauty sleep. And like a fool, she'd actually taken his advice because he was up to something and she didn't want to get in his way. If only she'd have followed or even tried to tag along.

The news of what Somnus and his men had done has spread like a wildfire, no pun intended there of course. And the people are talking, fearful whispers and cries among them all. Aera, while doing her best to assuage their fears, is livid.

It's why she's there, waiting for Somnus when he returns. She's got that look on her face, the anger that makes her small hands tremble at her sides as she storms up to him with all of that anger and annoyance fueling each step she takes. ]

How dare you, Somnus!

[meridio]

[ Prior to, he'd always skirted past everyone's periphery. After all, what appeal does the powerless brother of the healer hold? Blessed though he may be with god-given powers, his touch cannot relieve the afflicted. So he'd decided that he'd show the people what he can do by amassing an army and marching west.

Predictably, his actions draw the gazes of the townsfolk on the return journey. News of his deeds have already spread like wildfire, and all he can think is that someone from the first village he torched must have fled when his back was turned. It doesn't matter. He only burned the bodies of those who were diseased. He left the hale alone, so one of theirs must have run for the hills.

They do not understand his intentions. At the mere sight of his army, the townsfolk flee into their homes and shut the doors. He and his men march back on a journey of shunned silence. The people see him now, but it isn't with the adoration they hold for his brother.

Of course not.

Too, Aera is predictably furious. Whereas she dons an expression of outrage, Somnus greets her with a mask of impassivity. ]

Oracle. You've heard the tales, then.

[indelebilis]

[ Unlike the people of their kingdom, Aera does not fear Somnus. There's not a whole lot that frightens her, and he certainly has never intimidated her. He's not about to start now. The fact that he doesn't seem to even care just furthers the ire that's boiling up inside her. So much so, that she doesn't hesitate; as soon as she is close enough, she reaches up and takes the opportunity to slap him. It's quick, it's fast, and it happens before she can even stop herself.

Her temper has never been the best, and really, was he expecting anything other than this? ]

How could you? These people are your people. They trusted you. I trusted you!

[meridio]

[ The slap is sudden, faster than even his eyes can follow. Gilgamesh knows better than to interfere, thus Somnus does not raise his own hand to stop him. The strike stings. Swallowing, he faces Aera.

Yes, he thinks bitterly, they trust him to do right by them. He may not have his brother's powers, but he'll travel as far as he must and round up as many monsters in hiding as he can, that the people might sleep in peace knowing their neighbors will not be descending upon them. And none shall be left to mourn that they were abandoned by the healer, for Somnus will put those who've been afflicted to rest.

He hasn't betrayed anyone's trust. What he's done is cruel, but he has not turned his back on the people. ]

Those were monsters. By eradicating them, I've done my part in protecting the people.

[indelebilis]

[ She's in total disbelief. This man is the complete opposite of Ardyn, this much she already knew. But she never thought that he would go to these extremes, and she knows when his brother finds out, he'll be devastated. She is devastated for these people who were burned. Their families mourning and the people cowering.

She grits her teeth. ]

Those were people. Don't you dare pull that on me, Somnus. Do not try to flip what you've done to make it sound like it's something good. This was over the top... do you even realize what you have done?

[ But she doesn't want to have this conversation out here. Not in front of his men, she's done enough by being bold enough to slap him like that in front of them, in front of Gilgamesh too. She sucks in a deep, sharp breath to steady herself, to try and calm herself. ]

You need to come inside, and we need to talk about something. Now.

[meridio]

[ He realizes. Ever has he been of logical mind. He knows exactly what he's done and he knew well the backlash he'd receive for embarking on this path. She doesn't need to lecture him on how dirty his hands are.

Those were people. Then they became monsters, and they died as monsters. Nothing he does will undo that change brought upon them by the plague.

With a backward glance at Gilgamesh—do not follow—Somnus strides past Aera to go inside as requested. ]

[meridio]

[ As the months turn into years, she sends him letters. They apprise him of her goings-on, for such is the Oracle's obligation to the king. He, in turn, keeps quiet, allowing the state of the kingdom to speak for him.

There are matters that elude the public eye. The toll of the Crystal's power in order to keep the kingdom safe is one of them, but such a byproduct is unnecessary for others to know. Thus Somnus sits the throne in silence. The scars spidering out his face and arm are faint enough that, from a distance, most don't even notice. So long as he maintains an upright posture, the bone-deep exhaustion remains only his to be seen.

With Aera, he never wonders. She tells him all that he needs to know, and he expects that she'll never show her face again unless by the gods' will. She's doing as well as she can be with a broken heart and an equally fractured trust.

There's nothing he can do about either of those.

That evening, he retires from the seat of the king to sleep. Gone are the days when he could steal an hour or two for himself. Now he rises before the rest and rests after them. The corridor leading to his chamber is dark and quiet, devoid of servants with only Gilgamesh there to stalk the shadows. Karma is a peculiar thing, considering he once robbed a woman of her sleep a few years ago . . . ]

[indelebilis]

[ Somnus has yet to answer a single one of her letters. She knows the kingdom is well, but she has no idea about him. He's just like his brother in that aspect, keeping her in the dark about things, but she'd always been able to sort of bully Ardyn into opening up. She hasn't had that with Somnus, mostly because her work has kept her from Lucis. The Gods have bestowed upon her line, after all, a new gift: healing, that undoubtedly Somnus has heard about by now.

These sessions take a toll, of course, but are not nearly as draining as the Crystal or the Ring.

She grows tired of waiting for a response that won't come; how are you and are you well are not being answered, so once again, Aera will take matters into her own hands. Rather, she already has.

She knows this castle like the back of her hand. Some things have changed, yes, but considering how stealthy she'd been in her youth leading up to the days of Ardyn's 'death'? She's pretty proud of herself right now. Climbing in through windows is no easy feat for a woman in heels and a dress, especially for a woman who carries something a little more valuable these days as well.

Aera is already sitting in Somnus's room, one leg crossed over the other, hands resting on what appears to be a very swollen belly because unlike him she is very busy fulfilling each one of her duties, including that of producing a proper heir. Or, if she is lucky, in this case, an heiress. ]

You know, you are a very frustrating man, Majesty. A letter back would have sufficed, but nooo, of course not.

[ That's right, Somnus. Your worst nightmare has come to life: your dear almost sister-in-law has returned, and she's made herself comfortable in one of the chairs in your chamber. ]

...You should also consider proper guards to stand about, you know. It was not that hard to get in.

[meridio]

[ Let them get in. If Gilgamesh doesn't deal with them, Somnus will.

In this case, Somnus has no choice but to be the one who deals. Standing in the doorway, he pauses, folds his arms, and leans against the side. There are worse nightmares than this; she could have returned as something else. ]

I have my Shield. I need no other.

[ His gaze drops to her belly. Of course. For a fleeting moment, he wonders who the father is, only to dismiss the question as quickly as it had come. If he's a frustrating man, she's a frustrating woman. She never did have good timing. ]

[indelebilis]

[ Yes, he's doing a splendid job of that right now, isn't he?

She squints at him in the dim light. ]

You should tell him to keep better guard of the windows, then, dear Somnus.

[ She has a feeling that Gilgamesh knew she was here, though. Otherwise, things would be going far differently and she'd be nothing more than a red stain on the carpet. ]

You know why I'm here, don't you?

[ No comment on the whole baby thing, though. If he's not mentioning it, neither is she. Probably for the best. ]

[meridio]

[ There are more important matters to discuss before he touches on the baby. Namely, the mother. ]

What brings the Oracle to my chamber?

[ She couldn't go through the front gate and greet him at the steps when it was bright. He has no patience for her ways. Better that they cut to the chase now so he can address it properly in the morn. A part of him suspects he'll be up for a good while longer, however. ]

[indelebilis]

[ This is divine karma right here. Keeping him from being able to sleep properly, that is. But business is business, she can tease him again later. ]

You bring me here. You've not written me back at all, and I've heard rumors floating about that your newfound powers are taking a toll on you.

[ She pushes herself up to her feet, wobbling just a little bit. ]

So, I am here to see what I can do to assist you. Specifically, health wise. Because I, too, have been bestowed with new powers as well... both fortunate and unfortunate, really.

ye we gon' do this at long last

[meridio]

[ Per the gods' word, he has been anointed king while his brother has been consigned to erasure. Aera remains the Oracle, much beloved by the people and more so now that their healer has undergone divine exile. They still fear him, and the councilors discuss the matter of his popularity in order to sustain his reign.

After all, a country will crumble as soon as the people rise up against its sovereign. Even if the gods have spoken, the reluctance to accept Somnus as king remains. And so the councilors present a most sudden proposal: to win the hearts of the people and usher in an era of unity, the King shall wed the Oracle.

It's an absurd suggestion, really. The reasoning is flawed. But Somnus also sees the merits of the arrangement, and so he sits back and watches the councilors debate. Not once does his gaze move to meet Aera's—not until the meeting has adjourned and they're the last two to shuffle out of the room.

If only she weren't his brother's beloved. He directs his gaze forward. ]

What say you?

aaaawwwwww yiiiiiiiis

[indelebilis]

[ For the most part, Aera's sort of... zoned out for the majority of this meeting. She's never been good at these sort of things; they're long, drawn out, and extremely boring. The only reason she is here is for Somnus, anyways; it's her place as Oracle to be at his side, after all. Besides, she can't let him suffer through this alone, despite the fact that he is far, far better at handling boring things than she is.

It was only when she'd heard the word 'Oracle' that she'd perked, blinking a few times and gently asking that whatever statement that had been said be repeated. When it was, she could do nothing but frown loudly and then look over at Somnus who... was pointedly not looking at her. Or saying anything.

She'd squinted at him for the rest of the meeting.

Fortunately for them, it's all over. No more boring political banter, no more droning on and on about... what were they talking about, again? It doesn't matter. She'd already been out on the trail, campaigning for Somnus for the last few weeks. This is not how she expected to be welcomed home.

She stares up at Somnus when he speaks, when they're finally alone, and she turns to face him.

What say her, huh? ]

Why did you not say anything to those silly old men? You are their king, not the other way around. They do not dictate what you do or do not do. Or whom you marry.

[meridio]

[ Somnus didn't have to look to know that Aera zoned out. She always does, though he can't blame for her it when her role as Oracle demands that she apply herself with minimal rest. Even if it reflects poorly on her, the councilors also understand that she's being overworked. It's a small mercy out of the myriad problems they're facing now as leaders of a newborn nation that they don't have to answer to this, too.

When she questions him, he folds his arms. She's dodging him and he really can't tell how she feels about an arranged marriage between them. The last thing he wants is to force her to wed the brother of her (ex-)fiancé, but they can't always have what they want. ]

The council exists for a reason. Without their advice, I would be nothing more than a tyrant. For this balance of power to last, there are matters on which I must yield.

[ Within reason, of course. He's not stupid. There are many matters on which he won't budge, but his married life isn't important enough to fall back on his obstinate ways. ]

[indelebilis]

[ To be quite fair, she hadn't even been home more than twenty minutes before this council meeting had been called. Having been gone for over a week and a half of non stop traveling, she'd been exhausted, and the mere thought of one of those boring meetings had nearly made her crumple in place.

But she'd gone for Somnus's sake, not just because it's her duty, but because he's been a close companion for many, many years.

She knows he doesn't like her answer, but it'll have to do for now. She's got questions of her own, after all. ]

Even still... and you'd hardly be a tyrant, Somnus. Give yourself a bit more credit. [ She still doesn't enjoy the whole burning people thing, still doesn't agree with it. But it's done and over with now.

She sighs. ]

On one hand, it would work to your advantage, I would imagine. The people would feel more secure knowing that their King and Oracle were truly united as one, and what those silly old men said was true: it would solidify your reign, indeed.

[ Because who would dare rise up against a man who had the Oracle's full support? Not many. ]

Let us be frank; at some point, we are both going to need to get married, whether it is to each other or to different people. At least we already know one another and get along well enough, which is certainly another advantage.

[ ...Probably. It's probably an advantage, childhood arguments aside. ]

The thought of marrying you does not upset me in any way, but how do you feel about it? I suppose what I am trying to convene is that I wish for you to have options. You should not be forced into something that you don't want.

[meridio]

[ The idea of being wed to him does not upset her. That's because Aera looks always on the bright side, but with almost equal awareness of the dark. On the other hand, the same idea upsets Somnus, whose shoulders rise as he exhales.

Inappropriate is what he is, though this is far from being the first or most inappropriate thing he's ever done. Perhaps what's worse is how he doesn't entirely mind the proposal. ]

They cannot force me into a decision. They advise, and I deliberate.

[ In choosing his battles, he yields where his energy would be otherwise wasted. It's different from being forced. Besides, what he wants in the end is a safe and unified kingdom, which this proposal would serve. ]

If this arrangement does not upset you, let us wed.

[indelebilis]

[ Somnus has never mistreated her. They've had heated debates, and he's barged in on her on more occasions than she can even count, demanding answers. But he's also made sure that she's been taken care of quite generously; he knew she'd been sneaking out to see Ardyn, and he'd always made sure that she went out with the proper guards to keep her safe, that she always had a wagon and horses to go about her business.

Even now, with the council hot on their heels for a wedding, she knows that he wouldn't force her to do this if she truly despised the idea, and she appreciates that. ]

I am glad to hear that. I sometimes worry that you will let them push you around.

[ Which is probably another good thing that can and will come out of this: she's going to be keeping a keen eye on these council members of his. The last thing she wants is for Somnus to ever be backed into any kind of corner.

But they've been through a lot together. They'd both had to participate in making the decision to go with the Gods and exile Ardyn, after all. She remembers that day in the crystal chamber very well, relaying to Somnus what the Gods had spoken to her. How they'd sat in those flowers for hours, quietly coming up with a plan on how things would work out. ]

It does not upset me in the slightest. If you wish to wed, so long as it is your decision and not anyone else's, then I agree. I trust your judgment, and you should already know there is nothing that I would not do for you.

[ At least, she hopes that helping him send his own flesh and blood to an eternity of imprisonment conveyed that message well enough. ]

Where you go, I will always follow, Somnus. Not just as your Oracle, but as someone who cares about you and truly believes in you.