Şahin gave a mock shiver as Dia described the cold. Tinuvel was definitely not on his list of places he wanted to live someday. The Nez Perce had lucked out with Paradise and he knew it. “I like snow in small doses,” he said, disagreeing with her. “But I also prefer being able to get away from the cold and such when I’m tired of it. Hence, Paradise.” He chuckled. Yes, it was good to be on Atlantis despite the heat of the day.

The water kept him cool enough and he was pleased when his palomino companion strode in to relax beside him. Şahin closed his eyes and exhaled in contentment. This was all he wanted. Company in a good home. And children. Şahin desperately wanted children: it was very hard for him to see Mera growing up and maturing. The weight of Dia’s head recalled him to his current companion and he smiled but kept his eyes shut. The stallion was very content, more so than he had been in a very, very long time.

He flicked an ear back toward the mare when she spoke. “Of course there is,” he said, and felt his belly flood with pleasant warmth. “I’m flattered you want to stay. Delighted, actually.” He opened his eyes and turned his head to nibble affectionately at the skin of her neck. “I was just going to say how happy I was to see you on my beach the other day. I didn’t think I’d see you again after the Lagoon but I am very glad I did.”

Glad in more ways than one. Dia had proven herself to be a solid companion, both to himself and his adopted daughter as well as an inquisitive soul. She didn’t need his company but he liked to think she enjoyed it. He closed his eyes and focused on slowly grooming the curve of her neck, happy under the eye of the sun.