As the rain lightened, the air began to warm and Gnome’s skin started to itch. He twitched the skin on his sides uncomfortably. This, he thought, was what he disliked the most. The air almost always felt wet and hot unless it was raining. And then he was still wet. He ached for the more temperate climate he was used to. Not just that, but he missed having true company. Monster and Rougaru were the only other horses he’d spoken to who lived here. The mare had made him feel welcome but he felt as though one small misstep would earn him Rougaru’s disapproval. Gnome wasn’t entirely sure how he felt about it, anyway. On one hand, Rougaru seemed devoted to Monster at least; on the other, he seemed to have a certain darkness about him that made the dun and white stallion unsettled.

He is pulled out of his reverie by Kendry’s next query. He smiles, not as sadly this time. ”Lilika. Lily for short, though.” He watched the perlino’s face carefully as he spoke, not missing the fact that his smile was strained. Gnome debated whether to pry further, but figured that since they had thus far been so open with each other, if Kendry wished to discuss anything he’d bring it up himself.

The dun turned his gaze to watch the waves, though he kept one ear fixed on his companion. The comfort of this conversation had put him at ease for the first time since his first patrol with Monster. He smiled at the memory as Kendry began to speak. Gnome’s head jerked up and he glanced at the draft with surprised interest at the mention of the Lagoon, but he let the younger man continue without interruption. As the pale stallion talked, the dun found his head gradually turning back to face him.

Some of the things he was saying directly reflected how Gnome’s own life had gone. How long had he meandered without a goal? How long would he have spent, lazing about in the Paradise avoiding the ghost of Lilika, if Kendry had not washed upon its shore? Would he have ever found the motivation to go out and find out for certain if Lily and Iris were waiting for him in the Prairie? Would he have ever found the desire, as it began to smolder within him now, to find new companions to share his life with?

When Kendry finished, he pulled his pink lips into a smile. ”I’d be lying if I said your ambition isn’t contagious. I’m glad that during your time in the Lagoon you didn’t allow some of the more…unsavory members to rub off on you.” He chuckled. ”I shouldn’t be so cynical. Logically I know that not every bachelor who finds his home there aligns with its reputation.” In truth, he had not ever had much interaction with the bachelor herd. His time in the Prairie before had been peaceful and conflict-free. But now the islands were in turmoil, and Kendry was right. It seemed that many who resided in the archipelago now lacked a certain sense of respect for others. Why else would there be a war?

”Well, Kendry, if you’re looking for a co-conspirator, I’d be happy to try and assist with your noble goal. Just let me know how I can help.” He shook himself head to toe, inadvertently spraying the other stallion with the moisture that remained on his body. He gave Kendry a sheepish glance as an apology before peering out from beneath their shelter. The rain had dissipated and the sky lightened. The sun would soon be threatening to break through the cloud cover once more. He gave the perlino a friendly nudge on the shoulder with his muzzle before adding, ”First, though, I’m going to take your other advice and go to the Prairie. I can’t hide forever. I won’t be long, I hope, and then you will be able to find me back here when you’re ready. If you’d like to stay here to rest up a bit, feel free.”

Gnome gave his newfound friend a quick wink before turning to walk toward the ocean. Suddenly his gut clenched, and he wasn’t quite sure now was the moment. He would go to the crossing one last time before he went to Luthien. Lilika to his knowledge hadn’t spent much time there, but it was a bigger target than any of the isles that contained territories. He wouldn’t share this with Kendry, though, for fear that his continued avoidance would be transparent. The younger draft was certainly wiser than Gnome had been at the same age. Perhaps that is what came of being raised in such a manner. In the past, he would have shrugged an upbringing such as Kendry’s away with the excuse that he could do nothing about it. But there had been something he could’ve done. He could’ve been more of a father figure, and been more involved.

He glanced back a final time at the pale boy – no, man – with a smile, before tossing his head and trotting into the surf. Now, he could make a difference. As the waves lapped up and swept him away from Paradise, he resolved to make up his absence to Kendry, and then some.

Gnome