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]

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. ]