The morning came to him humid and heavy. Much like any other morning. He’d not abandoned the Lagoon but he had kept to himself for the last while. It was his business, he reckoned, but he was sure Psychedelic probably wondered where he’d gotten off to. Gael was a shadow. It’s all he ever wanted to be and it was easy一too easy.

He could remember being a colt in those far reaches, in the cold space. How eagerly he tried not to be noticed by his cold-eyed father. It made his skin shiver just to think about it. He’d never wanted to be the favorite. He never wanted to rule anything or anyone. Where his father ruled with iron hooves and sharp teeth, Gael found he much preferred being left to his own devices and it became increasingly clear he enjoyed causing mischief.

“Quelle horreur!” Gael spat on the ground, “comme c’est triste!” His voice was thick, cloying with the accent of his native tongue.

The black stallion picked his way gently through a small stream. He couldn’t actually determine what made him join the Lagoon, other than the thrill of perhaps making it into something important again. Despite his disdain for order, Gael loved the idea of turning the Lagoon into a force to be feared like it was many years ago when he was young.

When Corinth spent all her time trying to stop the wayward stallions from trying to consume her beloved Peak. Let them, he thought, shaking his head with a snort. She was no longer around to save them, they didn’t even remember her no doubt. He was sure whatever memory of Corinth still existed was soley in his own mind.

Gael comes to stand beneath the shade of a tree, the sun having risen warmly over his back. He was not sure what would happen next, it would be up to Psychedelic he reckoned.