It didn't hurt until he stepped foot into the Inlet. It was like someone opened the floodgates. Memories, good and bad, all out of control and racing inside him.

He could feel it all. Hate, regret, hope, forgiveness.

I was a boy. Now ... now I don't know what I am. He remembers Briar. She was his mother. Not by blood, but by bond. She had taken him in when she had no reason to. Helped him lick his wounds and get back on his feet. And what did he do to repay her? He ran. Ran away, just like he had as a boy. Every time it gets good, I always run, afraid of what will happen next. Happiness is followed by pain. He snorts as he thinks to himself, completely zoned out and not moving any longer.

The smell of a stallion is what keeps him from going any further. Governor had only returned, and the last thing he needed was making his neighbors angry. He can't remember what Briar smelt like, so he is unsure if she was here. And that other mare. The one who first found him on the shore, bloody, broken, wanting to die. I don't even remember her name. She's probably long gone, too.

It was dawn, and the birds begin to sing, bringing Governor back to reality. He lifts his head, watching as the sun rays filter through the trees. It was cold ... like him. He wishes he could go to the shore, but he doesn't. He takes in a deep breath, his eyes sad. "I'm sorry Briar. I'm sorry for leaving." He speaks softly to himself, and gets ready to leave. But he is reluctant. He turns around, looking at the Inlet once more. Part of him wishes she'd magically appear before him (Briar). Anyone he knew from the Inlet's past.