Gnome watched Monster closely as they trotted together. Eventually they fell into a sort of rhythm together. Though he was sweating and he could feel his lungs grow heavy with the humidity, he had to admit it was so nice to have company again. He’d had a brief glimpse of companionship with Xiomara, but shortly after their conversation in the cave she’d sent him away. This mare could probably do the same, given her relationship with Rougaru, but for now he pushed that thought from his mind and tried to enjoy himself as they went on their tour of Paradise.

Paradise. Just the name of the place was appealing. His ear twitched as she mentioned that he would eventually get used to the heat. He supposed that was true, and that when it happened this place would indeed be more like paradise. At least there was shade to be had. Again his eyes glanced up to the exotic trees above, vines dripping from their branches. None of them were familiar to him, which he found wonderful. It was easy to forget about his sorrow here, where everything was bright and new and beautiful.

She remarked on not necessarily seeking specific answers, and he laughed again. ”Well, that’s better then. I was afraid this was going to be an interrogation.” He returned her wink and tossed his head as she addressed his first question. He listened carefully, and discovered that perhaps she did not think him foolish or weak after all. Her rationale for fighting gave him pause; it was something he hadn’t considered before. Granted, he hadn’t had the need to fight much in his life. Perhaps if he had not grown up in such a peaceful society, he would feel the same. ”I guess I can see your point about learning from battles. I wasn’t around many battles growing up, or even since then. I’ve been fortunate in that way.” He paused, thinking of the best way to address Rougaru. ”I understand why, if there is to be a war, that he was looking for someone to assist. If he or anyone here is directly threatened, of course I will step up. Although, I’ve never been a fan of the term ‘man up’. I’ve known too many strong mares to think I’m better than them all.”

He looked sidelong at her as she began to prance, and asked him a question. The dun and white stallion pursed his pink lips and thought. Ambitions? He’d only ever wanted a family, and he had one. Well, did he anymore? Of course, he knew where he could find one of his daughters. And he would never want Eve to feel like she wasn’t enough of a family for him. But without Lilika and Iris, it wasn’t quite the same. For some reason, he was a little more hesitant to be vulnerable with Monster than he had been with Xiomara. ”At the moment, I would say I’m more go with the flow. I came back to the islands to find...well, someone, or answers, I don’t know.”

He tossed his head again, this time to clear his head. ”I likely won’t find them on Atlantis, though. Speaking of, who else lives on this isle?”

Gnome