[ It is evening at the markets. Something flashes, fast at the periphery of his vision-- something, long and pointed, whistling through the wind: an arrow, he realizes, but the knowledge hits him too late.
But what strikes him is.... nothing. There is no pain, no blood, no arrow tip impaling through him.
Somnus stands still.
Then his free hand rises up, slowly, to press his palm to the slight-left of his upper chest. It's a tender motion, self-steadying as if a pressure suddenly weighs upon him, but equally delicate as if he’s holding something fragile within. His head rises slowly, his gaze ashen and solemn as it happens to fall upon the closest person in his vicinity-- a girl with striking red hair, who is currently conversing with a shopkeeper. For once, emotion flickers across his normally stony expression.
This. This is a great, incomprehensible, and terrible pain. ]
...Maiden. [ He reaches over to hand coin to the shopkeeper, outright purchasing whatever item she had been attempting to haggle for. ] Allow me.
[ One of these days, Ritsuka going to put a bell on this man. She'll do it and bullshit something about it being fashionable or useful or something--and it will be useful, because at least it means she'll have some sort of warning before he just pops up out of nowhere to do something like this!
As it is, she's so surprised by both his appearance and his offer to pay that she can only stare for a few seconds, bemused, automatically accepting the silly little stuffed toy from the merchant. And then it takes her another second of staring into the round stitched face, before she actually turns to Somnus. ]
Uh. Thanks? You didn't have to do that--that's really nice of you, though...?
[ She usually doesn't do rising intonation like that, but she's confused. What's going on! Is he sick? Did his bird drop another rabbit on someone and he was reminded of their first meeting?? It is a mystery. ]
[ And there she is, so close beside him, staring up at him in surprise. Her eyes, wide and clear, are the sunset itself. Which gods of her world painted her in such a way, and were they muses in the idle time of their infinity, only happening to draw inspiration from the twilight itself?
Or are they begotten from her mother, perhaps her father? Suddenly, he realizes that he knows so little of her. Suddenly, he wishes to know more.
Somnus lowers is hand to his side, reluctantly taking a step away. The distance is painful, but necessary. None would call him nice or kind, but she just did, and it aches. ]
Think nothing of it. [ His words come as cooly as usual, his expression controlled. ]
[ It's vaguely embarrassing to admit. For the most part, Ritsuka's sentimentality is focused on the people in her life--she likes taking photos, selfies and group shots and pictures that prove she's had the experiences she has. She likes souvenirs, but her usual brand are small kitschy things, not round silly-looking soft stuffed animals.
But that doesn't mean she doesn't like them. Whatever else she's become, she's still a young woman who likes cute things. ]
I mean, not collect-collect, but--you know--just... you know, sometimes you just see something that's really cute, and you just want to have it? Not for any bigger reason or anything, you just like it.
[ He watches her patiently as she fumbles through an explanation. It is very likely that he does not own a single collectible item or memento of anything, but that doesn't mean he cannot listen to her or her habits.
She likes these items? Very well.
His cloak rustles, and he raises his hand to wave towards the shopkeeper again. ] We will take the whole lot.
You are fond of these, are you not? They may be delivered to your residence if you wish.
[ To Somnus credit, he pauses just before he's about to pass his coin to the clerk, but his expression is suddenly stern-- and unfortunately misdirected-- at her.
(Internally, of course, it is he who is confounded. What is his error?) ]
[ There's enough space, at least, but she's not sure how she'd explain that to Mash... never mind that that many stuffed animals feels excessive? It also seems odd that he'd be making this offer in the first place?! ]
Uh, just so I know--are you feeling okay...?
[ Maybe he's sick?? Is there an illness that makes you act irrationally? Is this going to end with HER dragging HIM to a healer...?! ]
[ Somnus looks between Ritsuka and the shopkeeper. "Don't need that many" can easily translate to "just half the order", and so that is what he does. Have fun with your stuffed plush toys. ]
You needn't concern yourself, Maiden. [ --Which is possibly the equivalent of Somnus saying, "I'm fine", and he tucks the rest of his coinpurse into his belt.
Adjusting his cloak's clasp, he turns partway to look at her. His expression is grim as always, but today-- in her direction, at least-- it seems especially severe. ]
Rather, you ought to spare more concern for yourself.
She wants to wail that, but all that comes out is a strangled, high-pitched noise. What is going on?! Why is this happening?! It's not that she thinks Somnus is unkind--clumsy, maybe, but someone who would drag a stranger to a doctor because he thinks she's ill can't be unkind--but this is a strange and unexpected display of generosity.
And the last comment on top of the rest...! It's not even the first time someone has scolded her about this, but usually that's after she's been caught overworking, or narrowly avoided death Yet Again. She's too surprised to shrink under that stare, but she does note it, and she's even more confused. ]
That's--hey--how am I not supposed to be worried?! You just swooped out of nowhere to do that! That's the kind of thing that happens in stories, not real life!
[ By the lift of his brow which shapes his expression to be mildly perplexed, it seems he doesn't fully understand the reason for her protests.
Each time he's interacted with her, she's been forthwith with her emotions. She is energetic, tenacious, and opinionated. Her expressions are dynamic-- shifting from one emotion to the next-- and not at all like his. In the commotion of the market, in the hustle of trade and swindles, she stands apart while the rest are muted, and he finds himself endeared to her vibrancy. She is lively... which is one more wedge of reality between them, for he has long since passed.
Something beats within his chest.
...Ah. She's stopped speaking. ]
...Then let us walk, and you may tell me of such stories.
[ If it's something that interests her, he would hear of it. He offers his arm. ]
[ The problem for Ritsuka, most of the time, is that it is very easy for her to get caught up in someone else's flow. If someone else decides to do something, she rarely has any complaints about just agreeably rolling with the punches.
But this feels different from that. This feels like she's missed a step somewhere, and she's still metaphorically trying to catch her balance. Even if he is like a stoic, stone-faced love interest in a romance comic, usually that type only softens up after a lot of persistence on the heroine's part, right? The last she knew, he still saw her as some weird girl who'd gotten sick their first meeting and didn't know how to dance.
In the end, though, she does hook her fingers into the bend of his elbow. This is apparently happening. ]
I mean, it's been a while since I've read anything like that... it's mostly just knowing what the tropes are.
[ When her hand curls around his arm, he proceeds to guide her through the market. There might be other goods she is in need or want of, after all...
To sit in the courtyard with a scroll or book would have been a luxury afforded by time. Even in his day, he had been far too busy. Reading for leisure is just another perk of a more modern age, but it also signals its stability. Somnus would want nothing else for the future and those lucky enough to live within it. That Ritsuka might read on her own time is... good. ]
Tropes... [ He repeats, seeming to turn the word over is his head. She had just associated him with doing something out of a story.
Being trope-y to her.... Is that a good thing, he wonders, or is he not so much a person to her but some figment of a tale? ]
[ She even laughs a little as she says it. It's not something she feels particularly self-conscious or upset about; if anything, she takes a little bit of pride in the fact. She's absolutely a background NPC type of character, but somehow she's accomplished most of what she sets out to do. The one big thing is still a work in progress, but she's had successes so far!
As long as she thinks about it that way, she doesn't have to feel so crushed by the losses.
But that's not the point, really. She shakes her head, looking up at him sidelong. ]
I'm definitely like... the background character that is always just kind of there? And people generally don't think badly of me, but they don't really go to bat for me, either.
[ His head tilts casually in her direction as they walk, studying her own expression as she speaks. Her dismissals of herself come in a steady, casual stream, and it's enough to suggest that it's almost a habit, or worse, a firmly held belief. As a result, the light, little laugh she accompanies with her words has a sad, hollow ring to it.
His own expression remains opaque, polished as marble as she turns to look at him, until a brow delicately arches. ]
[ She looks up at him, her brows drawn together. He's clearly trying to nudge her into something, but she can't decide what. Is he going to lecture her about self-worth? She was probably asking for it, being so casual, but at the same time... it's true? She's not really an exceptional person, and she's content with that. ]
I'm just saying that I'm only me. Being a protagonist type is hard work.
[ Meeting her gaze evenly, he waits for her to finish speaking. For someone who never had the luxury to enjoy literature, even if he may have liked to, her talk of tropes and protagonists and background characters goes mostly over his (vastly uncultured) head.
However, he seems to speak with a definitive certainty and in such a way that it doesn't seem he'll be accepting any protest or counter to it. Somnus pauses their walk as if to emphazie his words. The market buzzes with industry, shouting, laughter, and sales; his attention remains only upon her. ]
There is a halo about you, maiden... untouchable.
[ ...And then he continues their stroll through the market. No lecture here, simply something stated as if it is absolutely true. ]
[ There's a couple of seconds where she doesn't move, even though he is and her hand is still hooked into his arm, which means that she definitely trips over her feet before she manages to regain her balance. The motion feels automatic at this point, which is probably a good thing, because her brain is still not quite caught up.
A halo?! Untouchable?? What?! ]
I, uh--I think you've maybe got the wrong idea or something...
[ When she stumbles over her footing, Somnus' response is automatic whether or not she is in need of extra balance: while still allowing her arm to be linked in his, he pivots forward, bringing his other hand up to her side, stabilizing her at her waist. Like this, he allows the dust of the almost-trip to settle at their feet.
Untouchable, he had just called her, and yet here he is, his arm with hers, his hand at her side. If the light of the halo she does not see (metaphorically) is this bright, then it feels blasphemous to be at her side. ]
No.
[ At last, he speaks, and the single word is breathed out in an almost reverent manner. It is a rejection of her own denial, plainly and simply, as if he cannot see her as having anything but that halo about her. ]
[ No, what? What does he mean by that?! She doesn't quite freeze up when he catches her, but she still stares at him with wide-eyed bewilderment. There has to be something wrong here. This is not the sort of thing that happens to Fujimaru Ritsuka, no matter what kind of silly private daydreams she had long ago.
After a moment, she lifts a hand and pats his chest, awkwardly. It's okay. He can let her go now. She can find her own footing. ]
[ The hand upon his chest causes him to feel lighter for the few seconds his heart skips within. His gaze focuses on her, finding nothing but the bright fire of her eyes. It occurs to him, then, that her light is not the radiance of the sun at dawn, but more akin to twilight: a golden hue and warmth that facilitates, and encourages, the best of others. Just like it, it remains out of reach, beyond the horizon. ]
No. [ He repeats, and while his tone is low, each word is spoken meaningfully. ] You bask others in a golden light... to which others are drawn.
[ But even this is too much, too close, for it is clear from both her expression and body language that she wishes to part. He straightens then, his hand falling from her side to create some proper space between them. ] But you remain at a distance. [ The intensity of his tone drops, returning to its usual grim inflection. ] It is tragic, if you do not see it.
[ It comes out as a tiny squeak, startled and confused. Excuse you? What?? A golden light?! What the heck kind of smooth lines are those?! Those are definitely not the kind of things that anyone says to Ritsuka at all, ever--not unless they're trying to get something out of her or as a joke.
But that's not her read on Somnus at all, which means--there's definitely something wrong with him! ]
L, look, I think you're probably uh--you might've hit your head or something? Or are you cursed?? There's definitely something wrong with you right now...!
[ What does she do?! It's not like when he carried her to the healers, the first time they met; she's not sure she could move him, physically, even if she put all her strength into it. Damn you overly tall muscled men versus her tiny noodle build!! ]
[ Whatever stirs within him (the curse, to which he is oblivious even if she suggests it outright) is painful to hold silently, and it is why he is compelled to speak. He sees her admirable, worthy of reverence for all of which he has previously described.... but by all of her stammering and stuttering, she dismisses them outright.
Perhaps words are not enough. Perhaps she does not see him as believable or sincere-- a trait that he never had even during his life. Or perhaps he is too morose to be taken seriously, too serious, too cold, and this is her way of gently declining. Womenfolk are puzzling. Still, his heart beats for her. He is content to reside at a distance.
Somnus' shoulders slope with a quiet exhale. That's that, then. ]
[ That's about all she can say to that. Right now, she's more concerned with getting him to a healer, which she eventually does through coaxing and cajoling...
...only to be told that there's nothing wrong with him. Nothing! No things! He's apparently completely healthy, no curses, no spells, nothing--apparently this really all just, came from him somehow?? For real?!
(Holy shit, is she actually living a romance novel plot now?! That's a wild change from the adventure/horror genre that her life normally follows, and she has no idea how to deal with this. No one notices her like this, not unless they have some reason or compulsion, and now... this. In this, alone, she has no real experience in how to deal.)
When they leave the healers, she's still holding his hand, bewildered and embarrassed. Is this really a thing? It is, isn't it?! ]
[ "He's not cursed, he's in love." That is what the fae-healer had said, but there is no doubt: love is a curse in itself, powerful and binding, unforgiving and relentless. Each beat of his heart against the hollow of his chest does so for her.
And, certainly, it is quite harrowing to have had someone else say it so plainly instead of himself. With their hands still together, his palm shifts against hers, raising their hold up between them as he turns to look at her. His voice, low and thoughtful, carries a question with it as he watches her steadily. ]
Is it so surprising?
[ Perhaps if it weren't for the fae, she would have never known, for he would never had said a single word to betray himself. She would have gone on in this world ignorantly, never bothered by this revelation. Moreover, this is not how someone should even begin to court another by having their hand revealed. He is well and truly at a loss already, but... perhaps this is for the best.
Somnus straightens, hardening his tone. ] I thank you for your time.
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for ritsuka
But what strikes him is.... nothing. There is no pain, no blood, no arrow tip impaling through him.
Somnus stands still.
Then his free hand rises up, slowly, to press his palm to the slight-left of his upper chest. It's a tender motion, self-steadying as if a pressure suddenly weighs upon him, but equally delicate as if he’s holding something fragile within. His head rises slowly, his gaze ashen and solemn as it happens to fall upon the closest person in his vicinity-- a girl with striking red hair, who is currently conversing with a shopkeeper. For once, emotion flickers across his normally stony expression.
This. This is a great, incomprehensible, and terrible pain. ]
...Maiden. [ He reaches over to hand coin to the shopkeeper, outright purchasing whatever item she had been attempting to haggle for. ] Allow me.
no subject
[ One of these days, Ritsuka going to put a bell on this man. She'll do it and bullshit something about it being fashionable or useful or something--and it will be useful, because at least it means she'll have some sort of warning before he just pops up out of nowhere to do something like this!
As it is, she's so surprised by both his appearance and his offer to pay that she can only stare for a few seconds, bemused, automatically accepting the silly little stuffed toy from the merchant. And then it takes her another second of staring into the round stitched face, before she actually turns to Somnus. ]
Uh. Thanks? You didn't have to do that--that's really nice of you, though...?
[ She usually doesn't do rising intonation like that, but she's confused. What's going on! Is he sick? Did his bird drop another rabbit on someone and he was reminded of their first meeting?? It is a mystery. ]
no subject
Or are they begotten from her mother, perhaps her father? Suddenly, he realizes that he knows so little of her. Suddenly, he wishes to know more.
Somnus lowers is hand to his side, reluctantly taking a step away. The distance is painful, but necessary. None would call him nice or kind, but she just did, and it aches. ]
Think nothing of it. [ His words come as cooly as usual, his expression controlled. ]
Do you... collect such trinkets?
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[ It's vaguely embarrassing to admit. For the most part, Ritsuka's sentimentality is focused on the people in her life--she likes taking photos, selfies and group shots and pictures that prove she's had the experiences she has. She likes souvenirs, but her usual brand are small kitschy things, not round silly-looking soft stuffed animals.
But that doesn't mean she doesn't like them. Whatever else she's become, she's still a young woman who likes cute things. ]
I mean, not collect-collect, but--you know--just... you know, sometimes you just see something that's really cute, and you just want to have it? Not for any bigger reason or anything, you just like it.
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She likes these items? Very well.
His cloak rustles, and he raises his hand to wave towards the shopkeeper again. ] We will take the whole lot.
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[ She sputters, shocked, then frantically waves her own hand. No! No! ]
I don't need anything like that! It's fine! I have what I wanted! What are you doing?!
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[ To Somnus credit, he pauses just before he's about to pass his coin to the clerk, but his expression is suddenly stern-- and unfortunately misdirected-- at her.
(Internally, of course, it is he who is confounded. What is his error?) ]
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[ There's enough space, at least, but she's not sure how she'd explain that to Mash... never mind that that many stuffed animals feels excessive? It also seems odd that he'd be making this offer in the first place?! ]
Uh, just so I know--are you feeling okay...?
[ Maybe he's sick?? Is there an illness that makes you act irrationally? Is this going to end with HER dragging HIM to a healer...?! ]
no subject
You needn't concern yourself, Maiden. [ --Which is possibly the equivalent of Somnus saying, "I'm fine", and he tucks the rest of his coinpurse into his belt.
Adjusting his cloak's clasp, he turns partway to look at her. His expression is grim as always, but today-- in her direction, at least-- it seems especially severe. ]
Rather, you ought to spare more concern for yourself.
no subject
She wants to wail that, but all that comes out is a strangled, high-pitched noise. What is going on?! Why is this happening?! It's not that she thinks Somnus is unkind--clumsy, maybe, but someone who would drag a stranger to a doctor because he thinks she's ill can't be unkind--but this is a strange and unexpected display of generosity.
And the last comment on top of the rest...! It's not even the first time someone has scolded her about this, but usually that's after she's been caught overworking, or narrowly avoided death Yet Again. She's too surprised to shrink under that stare, but she does note it, and she's even more confused. ]
That's--hey--how am I not supposed to be worried?! You just swooped out of nowhere to do that! That's the kind of thing that happens in stories, not real life!
no subject
Each time he's interacted with her, she's been forthwith with her emotions. She is energetic, tenacious, and opinionated. Her expressions are dynamic-- shifting from one emotion to the next-- and not at all like his. In the commotion of the market, in the hustle of trade and swindles, she stands apart while the rest are muted, and he finds himself endeared to her vibrancy. She is lively... which is one more wedge of reality between them, for he has long since passed.
Something beats within his chest.
...Ah. She's stopped speaking. ]
...Then let us walk, and you may tell me of such stories.
[ If it's something that interests her, he would hear of it. He offers his arm. ]
no subject
[ The problem for Ritsuka, most of the time, is that it is very easy for her to get caught up in someone else's flow. If someone else decides to do something, she rarely has any complaints about just agreeably rolling with the punches.
But this feels different from that. This feels like she's missed a step somewhere, and she's still metaphorically trying to catch her balance. Even if he is like a stoic, stone-faced love interest in a romance comic, usually that type only softens up after a lot of persistence on the heroine's part, right? The last she knew, he still saw her as some weird girl who'd gotten sick their first meeting and didn't know how to dance.
In the end, though, she does hook her fingers into the bend of his elbow. This is apparently happening. ]
I mean, it's been a while since I've read anything like that... it's mostly just knowing what the tropes are.
no subject
To sit in the courtyard with a scroll or book would have been a luxury afforded by time. Even in his day, he had been far too busy. Reading for leisure is just another perk of a more modern age, but it also signals its stability. Somnus would want nothing else for the future and those lucky enough to live within it. That Ritsuka might read on her own time is... good. ]
Tropes... [ He repeats, seeming to turn the word over is his head. She had just associated him with doing something out of a story.
Being trope-y to her.... Is that a good thing, he wonders, or is he not so much a person to her but some figment of a tale? ]
You would not fall under such a term.
no subject
[ She even laughs a little as she says it. It's not something she feels particularly self-conscious or upset about; if anything, she takes a little bit of pride in the fact. She's absolutely a background NPC type of character, but somehow she's accomplished most of what she sets out to do. The one big thing is still a work in progress, but she's had successes so far!
As long as she thinks about it that way, she doesn't have to feel so crushed by the losses.
But that's not the point, really. She shakes her head, looking up at him sidelong. ]
I'm definitely like... the background character that is always just kind of there? And people generally don't think badly of me, but they don't really go to bat for me, either.
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His own expression remains opaque, polished as marble as she turns to look at him, until a brow delicately arches. ]
You truly do not realize it, do you?
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[ She looks up at him, her brows drawn together. He's clearly trying to nudge her into something, but she can't decide what. Is he going to lecture her about self-worth? She was probably asking for it, being so casual, but at the same time... it's true? She's not really an exceptional person, and she's content with that. ]
I'm just saying that I'm only me. Being a protagonist type is hard work.
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However, he seems to speak with a definitive certainty and in such a way that it doesn't seem he'll be accepting any protest or counter to it. Somnus pauses their walk as if to emphazie his words. The market buzzes with industry, shouting, laughter, and sales; his attention remains only upon her. ]
There is a halo about you, maiden... untouchable.
[ ...And then he continues their stroll through the market. No lecture here, simply something stated as if it is absolutely true. ]
no subject
[ There's a couple of seconds where she doesn't move, even though he is and her hand is still hooked into his arm, which means that she definitely trips over her feet before she manages to regain her balance. The motion feels automatic at this point, which is probably a good thing, because her brain is still not quite caught up.
A halo?! Untouchable?? What?! ]
I, uh--I think you've maybe got the wrong idea or something...
no subject
Untouchable, he had just called her, and yet here he is, his arm with hers, his hand at her side. If the light of the halo she does not see (metaphorically) is this bright, then it feels blasphemous to be at her side. ]
No.
[ At last, he speaks, and the single word is breathed out in an almost reverent manner. It is a rejection of her own denial, plainly and simply, as if he cannot see her as having anything but that halo about her. ]
no subject
[ No, what? What does he mean by that?! She doesn't quite freeze up when he catches her, but she still stares at him with wide-eyed bewilderment. There has to be something wrong here. This is not the sort of thing that happens to Fujimaru Ritsuka, no matter what kind of silly private daydreams she had long ago.
After a moment, she lifts a hand and pats his chest, awkwardly. It's okay. He can let her go now. She can find her own footing. ]
Uh... what do you mean, no?
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No. [ He repeats, and while his tone is low, each word is spoken meaningfully. ] You bask others in a golden light... to which others are drawn.
[ But even this is too much, too close, for it is clear from both her expression and body language that she wishes to part. He straightens then, his hand falling from her side to create some proper space between them. ] But you remain at a distance. [ The intensity of his tone drops, returning to its usual grim inflection. ] It is tragic, if you do not see it.
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[ It comes out as a tiny squeak, startled and confused. Excuse you? What?? A golden light?! What the heck kind of smooth lines are those?! Those are definitely not the kind of things that anyone says to Ritsuka at all, ever--not unless they're trying to get something out of her or as a joke.
But that's not her read on Somnus at all, which means--there's definitely something wrong with him! ]
L, look, I think you're probably uh--you might've hit your head or something? Or are you cursed?? There's definitely something wrong with you right now...!
[ What does she do?! It's not like when he carried her to the healers, the first time they met; she's not sure she could move him, physically, even if she put all her strength into it. Damn you overly tall muscled men versus her tiny noodle build!! ]
no subject
Perhaps words are not enough. Perhaps she does not see him as believable or sincere-- a trait that he never had even during his life. Or perhaps he is too morose to be taken seriously, too serious, too cold, and this is her way of gently declining. Womenfolk are puzzling. Still, his heart beats for her. He is content to reside at a distance.
Somnus' shoulders slope with a quiet exhale. That's that, then. ]
Be kind to yourself, maiden.
no subject
[ That's about all she can say to that. Right now, she's more concerned with getting him to a healer, which she eventually does through coaxing and cajoling...
...only to be told that there's nothing wrong with him. Nothing! No things! He's apparently completely healthy, no curses, no spells, nothing--apparently this really all just, came from him somehow?? For real?!
(Holy shit, is she actually living a romance novel plot now?! That's a wild change from the adventure/horror genre that her life normally follows, and she has no idea how to deal with this. No one notices her like this, not unless they have some reason or compulsion, and now... this. In this, alone, she has no real experience in how to deal.)
When they leave the healers, she's still holding his hand, bewildered and embarrassed. Is this really a thing? It is, isn't it?! ]
...so. Uh. You really...?
no subject
And, certainly, it is quite harrowing to have had someone else say it so plainly instead of himself. With their hands still together, his palm shifts against hers, raising their hold up between them as he turns to look at her. His voice, low and thoughtful, carries a question with it as he watches her steadily. ]
Is it so surprising?
[ Perhaps if it weren't for the fae, she would have never known, for he would never had said a single word to betray himself. She would have gone on in this world ignorantly, never bothered by this revelation. Moreover, this is not how someone should even begin to court another by having their hand revealed. He is well and truly at a loss already, but... perhaps this is for the best.
Somnus straightens, hardening his tone. ] I thank you for your time.