Tarrant knew nothing of Sahin but Tarrant knew he himself was not without faults. No judgment was passed onto a stranger, though sympathy lied quietly somewhere within him for Xina’s frustration. Tarrant had never been the one let down by others leaving (not until just recently, that is) and had never accepted what his disappearances had done to others. Quiet, the new lead of Paradise remained, listening as Xina spoke her piece of business.

He had never known why Debonaire had agreed to allow him to live on Atlantis, nor had he stuck around for long enough to really get to know anyone. They were but names and faces, only Debonaire’s sticking out and only because he had been there for Tarrant when Tarrant had fallen. He’d had heaven in his grasp but it wasn’t rewarding without her. Even now, he imagined it would be better if he could look through the jungle trees and watch her on some exciting exploration. His heart ached to see it as truth but when he looked to the foliage all he saw was green.

His eyes drifted back to Xina. Where she was fire and ferocity he was quiet and worn. This was not the Tarrant of old, not anymore. His head slowly nodded. “I already have told a colt here by the name of Sokka if his father wishes to stay as my second, he can.” Tarrant sighed. “I’m not accustom to going back on my promises, but if Sokka’s father does not show by spring, Conquistador may remain as my second.” He knew it was not a particularly satisfying answer – a maybe where she wanted a yes – but it was all he had to offer.