In truth, if Yusuf had been born into Keyik’s family instead of Maslakhat and Valve’s, the perlino mare would wish the same fate upon him. In her home, the consequence of a child of impure breeding within the governing herd was death to the mother, father and offspring (and that was without the added insult of birth defects). Yusuf’s ailments were clearly a punishment from the gods. Had Maslakhat elaborated, however, Keyik would have told him that there was no point in chasing down such a sorry specimen, the world would dispose of him just as swiftly.

The smirk on Keyik’s delicate lips widened when Maslakhat agreed with her, of course she was right. Her plans were certainly more “lofty in importance” than chasing down a dead end who was inconsequential at worst. She considered his following question for a moment before answering, her blue eyes gazing out over the expanse of her while they walked side by side. While she had many plans for the islands, the cogs ever turning in her brain, she had not entirely decided on how she would execute those planes. “Right now, I intend to start with Atlantis.” she began. She would be foolish not to gain a strong foothold before branching out. ”These Islands need direction and proper leadership. she explained, turning her eyes back to his, "I intend to give it to them.” whether they liked it or not, she added, in her head.