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

[meridio]

[ Somnus settles into place across Aera, whose proposal is remarkably equitable. ]

And if I were to disagree with your assessment?

[ What he wants is assurance. If she can make her presence beneficial in any shape or form, he'll happily arrange for accommodations to bring her along. ]

[indelebilis]

[ This is the most formal and most civil they've been to each other in a good, long while, and it is a really strange feeling to be having this conversation with Somnus. Especially after her outburst earlier; she still thinks he deserved that. But the fact of the matter is simple: she's not giving him enough credit here.

He could have hauled off and hit her back, he could have refused to talk to her. He could have ignored her advice and stormed off to tell the world of the Gods decision. But he hasn't. And that makes her feel the slightest tinge of guilt. ]

My assessment won't be wrong. I know what the infected looks like, I can feel the daemonic presence stirring within. If for some reason you feel that I am wrong, then I will have to make an effort to present my case to you.

[meridio]

[ Yet another failing of his, brought to life. Unlike his brother, Aera knows better than to assume the authority is hers simply for being blessed. The army is his; they won't listen to anything she has to say until he gives the order.

At the same time, there are advantages to having the Oracle on site. Her presence alone will quell the religious folk and she can streamline the search for the infected, provided that she's able to keep up. She's robust enough, he supposes. ]

The newborn country is vast, and I intend to cover as much ground as possible in a set period of time. I will tolerate no delays. Present your case swiftly if you must.

[indelebilis]

Do you think me weak, Somnus?

[ Because she wants to get this out of the way right now. She's got nothing to prove; not to him, not to Ardyn, not to anyone. But her eyes do narrow, because she does take offense to what he insinuates. ]

Because I can very much assure you, I can and will prove you wrong.

[meridio]

[ No. Aera is young; her will, iron. Somnus wouldn't call her weak, only softhearted. But she knows when to aside that sentimentality and push onward. If she didn't, he wouldn't be this inviting of her proposal in the first place. ]

I look forward to it.

[ He rises. As far as he's concerned, they've reached an agreement and this preliminary conversation is over. His men are still out there. ]

My men are waiting. Once I've dismissed them and gathered intelligence for the next march, I'll send for you.

[ Which is to say that he'll go to her. It's much more efficient that way. ]

[indelebilis]

[ She is going to push forward and onward no matter how long and how far he asks of her just to show him that she is capable of traveling and doing the same things as he and his men. That she can take care of herself, that she's got spine of steel. ]

As do I.

[ Sort of. Mostly. But when he stands she does too, and once again she's striding up to him with a purpose. Except she does not move to slap him again, no. She pushes herself up onto her toes to press a kiss against the same cheek she struck earlier. ]

I'm sorry I lashed out at you. Go, do what you must, we will talk later.

[meridio]

[ Aera really is soft. If Somnus were in her shoes, he would have made no conciliatory effort on his end. He watches her draw back with a lingering look before turning toward the door. ]

Yes. [ He approaches the door, unlocks it, and steps past the threshold. ] We will.

[ The gods have made their choice, and so has he. He has much and more to think about . . . But finally—finally—he'll be acknowledged. ]