Not for the first time, Vadim prowls from the Lagoon into the Commons. As of late, it felt as if he were wearing a hardened dirt path between the two. But even as he crossed the invisible territory line and paused, taking in the view of the winter laden land, he hardly seen anything before him. Instead, Vadim still picture the filly Miriella had herded quietly from the Lagoon’s marshy grasp, and into the Peak’s hardened protection. Their backs was the last he saw of them as he stood upon the border, knowing he had made the right choice, yet still feeling as if they had ripped out his heart and carried it away with them. Neither had known he followed of course, and it had been for the best. Vadim had rejected his child, he didn’t deserve to tell her goodbye.
Standing there, his gaze unfocused and zoned out, Vadim didn’t realize he wasn’t alone until footsteps and the strong scent of another pulled him from his thoughts and into the present. Focusing, his green eyes spotted a young grey stallion not too far away. By the expression on his face, and the aimlessness of his chosen path, he didn’t seem to have anymore direction that Vadim did. For a moment, he thought about ignoring the stranger. To retreat back into his own mind, to envision what would have happened if he did say goodbye to his daughter, or even prevent Miriella from taking her away. But that would do him no good. He needed to stay in this reality, and not the one he wished he had.
Casually, Vadim picked his way along to intercept the grey stallion as if on coincidence. Though he offered a low, friendly nicker of greeting, and otherwise seemed open to conversation. “You seem as preoccupied with thoughts as I am.” Vadim said, wondering silently to himself who’s troubles might be worse? He doubted this stranger would be willing to share to a Lagoon brute like him. “Care for company? I’m tired of being lost in mine.
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