The dun and white stallion was bewildered by the turns his life had taken since his return to the islands. First, he’d been claimed by a mare. Not that he thought himself above mares in general; it had just never occurred to him that stallions would be claimed by mares who ran herds. When he considered further, it did make sense. All the same, that had been a surprise. Then, after not even half a season in the frigid climate of the Inlet, Xiomara had announced that she had found him a “suitable home” as she called it. There was likely some plot behind this move, but Gnome was oblivious as to what it might be.

He found it a little irksome that he was being shuffled around like a pawn in a game, but at the same time he had nowhere else to go. Eventually he wanted to get to the Prairie, but as he was afraid of what he might – or rather, what he might not – find there, he was not in a terrible hurry. If disappointment awaited him there, it was best to put it off as long as possible.

Atlantis was another island he hadn’t visited before, and he was somewhat eager to see it. He was beginning to chide himself a little for not having explored more. Mostly he’d stayed in the Prairie, where it was peaceful; occasionally he’d made a trip to the large island to see if anyone needed a home. He’d never felt the need to go anywhere else, as his alliance with his Forest neighbor was enough. The thought of Vercingetorix made him smile. They’d had limited interaction, but in a way Gnome missed the other stallion. Comfort in familiarity, he supposed.

Into the water he went. He was beginning to think he’d never be dry again at this rate. He stopped at the main island, skirting along the coast instead of spending the entire time in the sea. It was beginning to get colder there, too. He kept an eye on the distant isles, feeling a pang when he saw Luthien. Soon, he thought. He continued until he saw a lush land mass. Glancing further south, he saw another that had little vegetation. He determined that that must be Salem, so the first must be Atlantis.

The final swim was easier, the water warmer. He emerged on a much sandier beach than that of the Inlet. The weather, though not hot at this time of year, was warm and pleasant. He smiled as he looked around at the trees. Not a single one was familiar to him. Curiously, he gazed up at the squawking birds. Their colors caught his eye as they flitted to and fro in the canopy. Lowering his head again, he let out a call to Rougaru to announce his arrival. As he waited, he again watched the birds with a smile. Perhaps Paradise would be a suitable home after all. Time would tell.

Gnome