The King of the Ridge was… no where to be seen. Saddened by this, Ailill really could not blame the other stallion for he knew all too well the need to wander and roam. Whatever had tugged the two of them together was the same that pulled Bjorn away now. There were no ill-feelings, no heartbreak, a simple understanding and a hope the other stallion would find what his seemingly restless heart was looking for. Meanwhile, Ailill would hold true to his words and keep watch over whatever family had been left behind. For him, that had been Siobhan, Roisin, and his beloved Aislinn.

Very well aware Siobhan and Roisin were not ‘his’, Ailill still remained by their side, careful to never step over any boundary and into a ‘father’ role for Roisin. He offered protection and company in the uncertain time while the mare decided to stay or to go. He would follow, even if Aislinn had been old enough to survive without a dam. He had grown fond of the mare who had yelled at him on their first meeting, learning that her heart was true, and the filly that was a sister to the daughter of his heart.

Aislinn had wandered off with a vow she would be safe and Ailill took the opportunity to give her a little more of a taste of her own power and freedom. Stepping through the lush forests he meandered back towards where he last saw Soibhan and Roisin. Every so often he would rub against a tree to ensure his wayward child could easily find her way back to him. Once the red mare came into view with her curious filly investigating a bright bird, the golden stallion could not help but smile at the two of them, his soul warming. Though his actions kept him from intruding on something that was not his, he could not stop his heart from going out to them. With a heavy sigh to himself, he stepped forward with his usual grin dancing in his bright blue eyes.

It is a fine day to be out. He said as a half-hearted greeting. He knew the disappearance of Bjorn still ached in the mare. His tail flicked and smile fell, the seriousness of the situation always present. Are… are you staying? He wondered if she knew her answer would dictate his fate as well.