’The islands could only HOPE to be so lucky.’ the dunskin stallion’s dark laugh draws an amused chuckle from his own lips. Yellow gold eyes glitter furiously in the dappled sunlight that leaked through the thick canopy of trees above. Yeah, there was probably quite a few horses out there that would like to see him cross death’s doorway, Hyacinth among them. But there were not nearly enough.

Psycho saves him from falling down the rabbit hole of that train of thought with a saccharine grin. ’... you would be beside yourself if I was gone for good.’ A haughty laugh catches in his throat as the sterling stallion gives his proud head a shake, his own wolfish grin growing. ”Yes… I might actually have to find someone else to fit the bill of worthless sack of bones.” he retorts, flicking his water-logged tail. In truth, he rather liked the old bag of bones, Psycho was perhaps the first stallion he has met to not immediately grow irritated by Annubis’ brash behavior and lack of filter.

His reply to the strange stallion’s suggestion that they kiss and make up brings another thick laugh from his painted companion. His teasing tone at the suggestion of the wolf dying to kiss him brought a throaty laugh of his own rushing forward. Dramatically, Annubis throws up his head and takes a step backwards, screwing his lips in disgust. ”I knew there was a reason to find you here! You might be dying to have a boy kiss you but I prefer something with a prettier face than your ugly mug.” he barks, his feral eyes glittering as he fights to restrain the smile that tugged at his lips. For the first time in a while, Annubis felt the weight of his problems lift from his shoulders. Standing here, bantering back and forth with an old companion (as much as he hated to admit that part) was refreshing. It was free of the weighty saddle of emotions and decisions that usually accompanied conversing with mares, he was free of having to worry about borders or issue challenges if just to prove his strength. Here… now… it was simply entertainment. Companionship. As it always ought to have been.

No sooner than the snide remarks had come, they are suddenly gone as Psycho turns to him with a much more serious face. A single, fluted ear flicks as he informs the sterling wolf that he left the shores of Atlantis to become the boss of the bachelor stallions. ”What? They were that desperate?” he taunts, shifting the weight of his body from one side to the other searching for a more comfortable position. The dunskin stallion continues on, asking him if he was ready to pack up and settle in the lagoon with him. The old nickname brings a smile to his lips even if he was not ready to accept the offer. As much fun as it was batting sarcastic remarks and feigning disgust with the elder stallion, Annubis knew that living with the bachelor stallions was not in the books for him. He has fought too hard and too long to give up so easily on settling permanently in Atlantis. Enya had enabled him by giving him free reign at her side but as grateful as he was for that, it was still not Paradise.

Annubis gives his head a toss, flicking the thick tendrils of his long forelock over one brow as his wolfish grin broadens across his lips. ”Sorry to disappoint you there Psycho… but I prefer to warm my bed with mares… not boys.” he quips. And yet…. His brows knit together in thought. Enya had mentioned her desire for strong alliances and what better ally than the notorious lagoon? Grant it, he doubted the self proclaimed “men only club” would appreciate allying themselves with a mare, but that was what he was for. ”Actually…” he begins, a cheshire grin sliding across his darkened lips. ”It might be nice to get away from the mares every once in a while. What would you say to letting me play diplomat between your boys and the Shore? I am sure that Enya would not turn down her co-leader’s decision to let you guys winter with us…” he purrs, golden eyes glittering mischievously, ”I mean, I am sure you would like to see something prettier than that thing every now and then.” he finishes, jerking his chin towards the shadows where the dark weirdo disappeared. Two birds. One stone.