Paradise is a familiar place, but Conquistador is still struck by its beauty as he walks with the stallion, lush grass yielding to warm sand that shifts beneath their hooves. A gentle breeze tousles their matching ivory manes, and whispers through the palms. Their murmur is answered with a soft sighing from the sea as the waves relinquish their grasp on the bone-white beach, receding swiftly back to their source. Of course, the elements are not so easily daunted; the sea is quick to overcome its defeat, and send more waves to conquer the shore. The palomino colt follows their passage with one brown eye, wishing that he had even half their heart, a fraction of their strength. Perhaps then he would be able to find the courage to face the challenges that await him.

Sahin speaks then, and his words throw Conquistador's contemplative silence into chaos.

For all his apparent maturity, the yearling colt has never considered the answer to this, the most important question any man ever faces. His future has been ruled by the fear - and certainty - of Rade's return; Conquistador has never considered that he might have the liberty of choice. But as soon as Sahin's words open that avenue in his thoughts, the palomino knows that if he could simply refuse to go with his brother, he would choose to remain here in Paradise with Xina and Dia and Sahin.

But could it truly be so easy?

It is strange that an awakening should leave him feeling so numb, but Conquistador is barely aware of his surroundings as he stops beside Sahin. The stallion's gentle prompt falls upon ears that feel as if they have been stuffed with sand - his voice is muffled, distant; almost indiscernable beneath the frantic thrumming of the colt's heartbeat. But Conquistador gathers the remnants of his courage, and chooses his words carefully. "If I had the choice? Then I would choose to stay here with you, if I were welcome." He smiles up at the stallion, but the expression is soon swallowed by doubt and despair. "But I can't, Sahin. It's...complicated."

The last word is as close to a lie as he could venture; it is simple enough to him, though he knows it would be difficult for any outsider to understand. They wouldn't understand how much these strangers have come to matter over the seasons he has stood beside them. Stood among them. If Conquistador stays, he is certain that someone will get hurt - and the thought of any of Paradise's inhabitants coming to harm is agony. They have become so much more to him than familiar faces. They are his family.

And if the only way he can ensure their safety is to leave...then he would let them go.