Boredom has pushed me from the Lagoon.
Well that and my unfaltering need to be accepted into the brotherhood. My first meeting with Felony, one of the brethren’s leaders, wasn’t as pleasant as it could have been but given the painted stag must deal day-in day-out with brutes like me, well you can’t exactly expect the guy to be jolly.

He had emphasized the importance of contribution within the herd, he said that every soul must do his bit to keep the Lagoon strong and I plan on doing just that. Having silently watched the rest of the mob I have come to the conclusion that the best way for me to contribute and possible even get a smile out of the dull painted bay is to bring in more trinkets. What he wants with them is of no interest to me, I just want my name to be known and I want it to insight either fear or awe. Whichever works.

Having caught the breath the ocean swim stole from me, I begin to move upon the land in an easy two beat gait and towards the scent of another stallion and inevitably his mares. I have no idea to whom the scent belongs, I am not what you would call social and my interactions on the islands have been purposefully limited. Whoever the poor bastard that I can smell is, he is about to lose a mare.

I spy her slender white frame walking away from me and without breaking my stride I quickly search the horizon for a trailing stud; no-one comes into view. Despite my heavyset physique, I move quietly towards the loner. Her words, no doubt directed to her missing lead, fall upon my ears as I strategically position my bulky grey body in line with her hindquarters. I keep out of her striking range but remain close enough so if she decides to run I can manoeuvre myself and drive her towards the ocean and the Lagoon. An arrogant grin presses on my maw, “only in the right company” I reply coarsely to her.

I can barely contain my excitement at the prospect of parading this piece of flesh in front of Felony and anyone else in the vicinity, like she is my ticket to acceptance. ”Your stallion isn’t doing a very good job at keeping you safe” I tease, my voice dark and menacing. I reach my broad skull towards the smaller, petite girl and aiming for her white rump I attempt to sink my teeth into her flesh and mark her as mine.