The splotched dun and white stallion stood tense as he awaited the youth’s response. He had been tasked with keeping this territory safe, and he would hate to have broken the trust of Rougaru. He was not kept waiting long; Noctis, as he just found out the boy was called, got to the point quickly. Gnome relaxed his hindquarters at the news that there was no imminent danger, and listened calmly to the colt as he spoke.

He was not surprised to find out that Rougaru required his son to prove himself. In fact, he would be more surprised if the silver-maned stallion’s children were not expected to do so. He smiled ruefully as Noctis finished, knowing that he was about to give the boy an unsatisfying answer. “Well, Noctis, firstly I should introduce myself as Gnome, though it appears you already know that.” He glanced off to the sea for a moment as he pondered how to phrase what he wished to say. “I’m afraid I was initially sent here without a choice in the matter. I’m not sure if you’ve met Xiomara, but she sort of orchestrated it.” He chuckled softly at the memory. Though he’d initially been rubbed the wrong way by the blue roan, he had to admit he admired her spirit in leading a herd.

Gnome’s mismatched gaze evenly met with Noctis’s brown one. “Anyway, the long story short is that it was given to me without me doing anything directly other than agreeing to protect the herd if they were in danger. I do have a history of leading a herd of my own, though. Perhaps that played into your father’s decision? In any case, you are young and have plenty of time to earn a rank. I would not be so hasty to leave your carefree days of youth behind.” This was advice he would give his own son, if he had one. He had been told something similar, and it had given him so much more happiness. If he hadn’t received such advice, he would never have had Lilika, Iris, or Eve in his life. In fact, he might never have been given the freedom to adventure to the islands at all. He was dubious, but he hoped that Noctis would be receptive to his words.

Gnome