As Shararat’s questions raced from her mouth, Ailill’s thoughts raced with her words. For a moment he paused when she talked about what her mother would have said about the falling stars. Golden ears flickered to and fro at her, his head tilting just to the side. Shararat had been given two completely opposing ideas of what stars and falling stars were to those who walked the earth. He smiled at her. I believe in the touch of the heavens, you mother believes in the souls of fallen warriors. What do you believe? What do you feel is true? The stallion was unexpectedly eager for her answer. He had no doubt her mind would wander through possibilities and thoughts that would be great and small. It was the feeling he was most curious about. What would alight her spirit and give her a belief, if she allowed and wanted one.

There was nothing the filly did that did not bring a smile to Ailill’s face. Her movement, her smile, her laughter and joy for life. He reminded him so much of everything he desperately tried to keep a grip on within himself. As she moved her body back to the shallows and splashed in the clear water he raced after her, adding his own waves while his mind could not help but worry over the tasks he was about to give her. He could not help the tremor of fear at the thought of her truly being taken away from him, either in body or in soul. There was one thing he and the mare could agree on, Shararat needed to be strong. For him it was so she could live her life on her terms.

She stopped moving, her hooves planted. He halted to face her, his own hooves splashing hard both in play and in the seriousness of what he was going to be saying. I would like you to visit the other islands and other herds. Get to know them, learn their cultures and customs. Represent Paradise, and me in different lands. He grinned at her, hoping this idea was right up her path of interests. Talk to others, and invite them to visit, or invite the leaders of the herds to talk with me. Make it clear if is their choice to come. We have no desire to steal those who are happy from their home. We simply welcome others who are looking for a place to go.

From past expiernce with an angry stallion, he knew the dangers of stealing a mare from someone else. He also knew the despair of all those involved when one was happy and being forced to leave their home. The stallion thought about it for a moment. Crystal eyes studied the filly. However, if you hear that someone is unhappy, and being held against their will… Then we must take action. Do you want to do this? See far off places and meet every manner of soul?