Summer swept across the Crossing like a flame, and the relentless heat reminded Rade of Atlantis. The palomino's thoughts especially lingered on the golden colt he had left in Paradise, obsessing over the boy who shared his father's blood. By now, his brother would be on the cusp of maturity - as a young and inexperienced stallion, he belonged in the Lagoon. At Rade's side, he would learn the skills necessary for his survival that Xina could not have taught him. And one day, he would ascend the ranks to complete the council of blood that would rule the bachelor herd. With a web spun of diplomacy and deception, they - the triumvirate - would ensnare the Islands.

His resolve was strengthened by this vision, and Rade raced through the shadows, headed for the distant shore that would deliver him to his childhood home. Today, he intended to fulfill his promise. This was the day he would return to Conquistador, and convince the boy that his strength should serve the brother who had saved his life. Together, they could reshape the Lagoon, and conquer its foes.

By the time Rade arrived on Atlantis, the sun had reached its zenith. Paradise was as pristine as it had ever been - a land that seemed spun from the fading memories the palomino still carried of the Shore. Once, he had even endeavored to make this place his home - but the kingdom Rade had built had inevitably crumbled into ruin. And though his heart would always belong to Atlantis, its wistful ache had dulled considerably since he'd taken up residence in the Lagoon. Rade had found his calling among the other bachelors as their king - he couldn't return to the life he'd once led here any more than he could relive the fleeting moments of his youth that had been spent on the Shore.

There was no turning back.

The stallion could only forge on ahead, his hooves cutting scars in the bone-white sands of the beach with each confident stride that brought him closer to his goal. Conquistador had not come to meet him as he'd hoped, but the youth's scent trailed down the beach, and then veered abruptly toward the sea. Rade let his limbs carry him onto the sandbar where the boy stood like a sentinel, braced against the battering of the tides, and shuffled forward until the burnished gold of his coat brushed his brother's tawny skin. For a moment, they stood together in silence - shoulder to shoulder, staring out to sea.

“Come with me, Conquistador.” Rade said suddenly, seductively. “Come home.”


stallion // mongrel // 15.1hh // 8 // palomino roan // reba
debonaire x neassa