of course he has too.

Rougaru was not happy with himself. It had been years since he had any interaction with Valka and he had hoped that the years of peace would continue for the simple fact that found no need for the small mare. She was fierce and her body built for the cold climates of Tinuvel, he had no real desire to keep her in Paradise when he got her, it had mainly been a test of wills and of course, there was that bargain with Warsaw. It was easy enough to pacify his comrade at arms but what was not an easy pill to swallow had been his defeat by her back then.

Even less so now.

His steps are halted and slow as he draws himself from the ocean waves where he waded to allow the salt water to ease the sting of her blows. The battle had been a short one for neither part was willing to truly inflict life threatening injury over such small stakes, but the stakes had been high enough for the chocolate stallion nonetheless. He spent his moments alone on that beach after Valka retreated back into the ocean to ponder the choices that she left him with. He had many grown children that he could offer to her but, well the wolf saw an opportunity arise. The more he allowed his mind to dwell on it, the more he liked the beast’s idea. The only problem was which one of his children would be best suited for the task.

Akela was a diplomat and one of his eldest. He was wise for his years, something that Rougaru felt sure he inherited from Zjeena instead of him. However Akela lacked the drive and the will for deception that such a task would require. Medusa herself was already tied to the Inlet and Ironclad so she was beyond his reach. The thought of her brought back to his mind that he was due for a visit with his daughter sometime soon to learn what it was that her mate had been up to lately. He too did not seem to have much of the same drive his sire had but perhaps it was for the best. There could only ever be one tyrant of the islands and Rougaru had his eyes firmly on that prize. Annubis could do it. The deceptive son of Celestria definitely had the drive for success but he lacked the kniving mind that came with such a feat. Annubis was far too quick to react instead of think and this task and its magnitude would involve a lot of diplomacy and thought.

That left Drogon or Vivienne. His beautiful daughter was still a mystery to him. While she seemed to be the mirror image of her mother in mind and body, he still found himself calling to Drogon as he drew himself from the water and gave his damp coat a shake. Yes, Drogon would be best suited for this task. Drogon… his protege that was not his own blood.

He makes his way down the twisting trail to the clearing where most of the herd gathered in loose groups to gaze on the thick emerald shoots of grass that grew in abundance. In certain pockets, emerald shoots of sweet grass grew waist deep all year long, even when winter held a hard grasp on other islands, always forage could be found in Atlantis.

Drogon was not hard to find. Like any growing stallion, the younger stood apart from the rest, his dark gaze traveling over each herd member between mouthfuls of grass, forever in search of possible threats and dangers. His return to Paradise had been a welcome reprieve for Rougaru. Thinking now of what he was about to ask of the boy hurt, knowing that he would again be parted… but for now, it could not be helped.

He halts himself before Drogon, his own multifaceted gaze intense as the firm press of his lips. ”Drogon… I have something important to ask you... “ he breathes, pausing between words as he tilts his head back down the shadowed pathway with which he had come. ”Walk with me for a bit?” the words held question but his tones were firm. They needed to talk.