Falls

It has been some time since Rille has set foot on the Crossing. Indeed, had Rougaru not incited it the Vanner would likely not have left Luthien at all for many years. He has been content in the Thicket, content to stroll the island's border when he longed for more variation in his scenery, but that security and comfort had been brought to an abrupt end when the silver bay took Titania.

The results of that have worked out in more or less in Rille's favor, but he understands how this game is usually played. He has contributed to it himself by raising the stakes in retaliating against Rougaru, taking a mare from the silver bay in addition to regaining Titania. Now he risks an even more aggressive response from the other. If this cycle is to be ended or disrupted at all, it must be done with words and not battering hooves or gnashing teeth. It would be a great disservice to everyone involved if Rille —and Rougaru— did not at least try.

Rille paces through the Falls with a rising thrum of adrenaline. Almost, he thought the other stallion would reject his offer to meet in neutrality. He cannot be certain how this engagement will go but he hopes it will not result in yet another physical clash. The wounds on his neck were deep and yet healing, the skin on them new and fresh and hairless as they scar; still he feels the ache of Rougaru's pinching teeth. The day itself is peaceful and in direct contrast to his uneasy anticipation of what is to come. The sky is mostly clear and a vivid blue, the sunlight warm and indirect. A cool breeze blows on occasion to harry the leaves that cling stubbornly to their trees. Fall is in no hurry to leave, and Winter waits patiently at the door.

Near the basin of the waterfall that gives this land its namesake is the silver bay stallion Rille has come to see. Rougaru looks well, and casually alert before he lowers his head to drink. The Vanner approaches him deliberately, ensuring that he is clearly in view as he makes his way over to the water to join the stallion of Paradise on its banks. The rush of the waterfall nearby reminds Rille keenly of the last time they encountered one another. He has heard more about his adversary since their fight, and is glad they have this time together face to face so that he might learn, for himself, what he can of the silver bay stallion from Atlantis.

"Rougaru," Rille greets him calmly. His ears remain lifted toward the white-maned stallion. They are, in many ways, quite similar. Each has trespassed upon the other's shore and taken a mare unfairly. Each has upset the mares in question with their actions. Each has come to blows in the defense of said mares, and each has lost a member of their herd to the other. Rille, at least, has the comfort of knowing Titania is safely at home. He offers Rougaru what little he can to ease the other stallion's mind in regard to his own family: "Pidgeon and Grier arrived on my shores unharmed, and reside now as protected guests within the Thicket while they discuss what next they would like to do." He pauses, Nekharat's observations close to the front of his mind. To him, it speaks volumes that the mares did not set out directly for Paradise upon being reunited. He chooses his words carefully as he continues, "I gather they are family to you, and understand your desire to keep them, as such, close to home. I am sorry for taking them. Well do I know the agony of such separation." Though he neglected to drive Grier and her yearling daughter into the ocean, the painted pony came to the Thicket all the same. He has made his apologies to her, and Pidgeon, and now Rougaru for his actions, whatever good it may do for each.

Forgiveness does not bloom overnight.