The chocolate stallion moved with the lithe grace of a king. Though the wolf was quick to remind him, he had yet to make himself king of the island, he was still the leader of the oldest pack on the islands. So far. Yet how long would his reign last? Despite his determined belief that he was immortal, he did not miss the ache in his bones when he first rose from slumber in the mornings. Despite his denial, he did not miss the wince of his muscles or shirtless of breath after a particularly strenuous swim. Despite his displeasure in the idea, the prime of his life was beginning to ebb away. As far as the wolf was concerned, he had nothing to show for it. No crown of the islands, no immortal event to make his name remain remembered for years to come. No designated heir. The last fact gave him a sour stomach.

Rougaru had many offspring to choose from; many that had the prospects of becoming glorious leaders. However in each one, Rougaru found himself asking more questions than answers. Although still the youngest of his foals, Alpha was already becoming notorious at getting his way and reminding not just Monster that he was his father’s son. Rougaru had not missed the way the fiery colt pranced around the herd in the early mornings, nipping at any straggling mare that dared to linger too far away. Annubis and Lougaru too, were both strong sons. Both of the boys showed daily their determination to prove themselves in their father’s eye. However, it was Akela, the only living reminder of Zjeena, that surprised him the most. Though he had always known his drappa to be a stoic figure of grace and poise, he had not expected the same qualities to be passed down to a child of his. All his offspring tended to be the bravest and fierce of children. Akela was an exception. Akela did not go out of his way to prove himself to Rougaru. Akela preferred to spend his days wandering through the bush or munching in the mangroves without interruption. It was like pulling prickers from his coat to even get the boy to pay attention on patrol. However, unlike with Annubis, Lougaru, or Alpha; Akela seemed more keen on thinking through his actions before actually acting upon them. While Loupgaru and Alpha still had plenty of time to grow into such characteristics, if it was at all possible to teach it to them, Annubis was questionable.

A heavy sigh leaves his lips as he pauses now, raven tipped ears swiveling back and forth amid the wind swept tattered ends of his cream and caramel mane. Paper thin nostrils flare as the stallion inhales the sweet familiar scents of Paradise. Despite the turmoil that haunted his visions of the future, life was peaceful here. At least, for now anyway.