Spring was coming to a close and in Paradise that meant the sun shone more warmly on backs of the tiny herd and the grassy hills that rolled across Atlantis. Şahin was looking forward to the high heat of summer. It wouldn’t compare to the scalding sun that burned Salem’s sands, but he preferred it to the brisk temperatures of Tinuvel and the wetness of Luthien. In the months he had lived on Atlantis, Paradise had lived up to its name.

Today he stood on the hard, packed sand of the beach and let the water rush up and froth about his hooves. His hocks were soaked. Water dripped from the whiskers on his muzzle, testament to the various times he had dipped his head to feel the incoming tide swirl in past his nose. Every so often he would lift his head and stare out into the ocean. He hadn’t spoken of his fear yet, and had hardly dared to let it cross his mind, but is was obvious from the downward slant of his ears and tight-lipped expression that he was distracted.

But it was obvious, too, as his head dropped toward the waves that crawled up the ash-gray sand and wet his dark muzzle, that he was happy. His ears pushed forward and he snorted as water rushed up one nostril. He jerked his head up, snorted again, and laughed as he ejected the salty spray. It’s the little things in life, he reminded himself, and smiled as he focused on the horizon. As the next wave rushed up against his feet, his ears canted back and the expression on his face faded as he fell once more into introspection.