give me darkness when I'm dreaming; Snap, any Posted on February 9, 2024 at 11:56:19 PM by Arroyo
He hasn't left the Harbor since his victory and subsequent return. With Vulcan and two other stallions not of his own blood living within the borders, Arroyo is uncomfortable - and for good reason. There is undeniable tension. He does not know if giving them space is the right thing, but it is what he does nonetheless - makes a choice to trust that what they are growing here within these halls is good and not some festering rot. But it is hard. Much harder to share than he imagined it could be, especially when grace does not spill easily from either cup. They should probably talk, Arroyo thinks with a snort. He will seek out Vulcan soon. See how he is settling in. But not today.
He patrols the Harbor regularly, usually once in the morning and once in the evening. He usually takes Matoskah with him, but this morning he is alone. The birds and insects trill in the trees as the sun stirs from the distant horizon. He takes familiar paths, though if he did not walk them daily it wouldn't take the jungle long to erase any sign he'd ever been there. The density of growth on this island has served his family well, especially during their time of displacement. But navigating can be difficult, and today a great tree has fallen taking with it branch and vine, leaving a gaping hole in the canopy overhead. His path is no longer so clear.
Arroyo skirts the massive trunk until he reaches the shield of roots and soil now exposed. They are surprisingly shallow for a tree so mighty, and standing on end they are much, much taller than he is. He pauses here, inspecting the critters that squirm and wriggle - unaccustomed to the light after a lifetime in protected darkness. The disturbance of the ground releases a pungent scent, though not unpleasant. With it are the scents of his neighbors. He has crossed into Paradise. With mild surprise, Arroyo huffs and looks around. It's somewhat unlikely that anyone is nearby, but he figures now is as good a time as any to meet whoever calls this stretch of jungle home. He calls into the verdant halls and waits. Replies:
Vox populi. - By SNAPDRAGONFebruary 11, 2024 at 04:07:13 AM