Although our position has shifted, my thoughts are still silently consumed by the apparent lack of life here in the Lagoon.

A part of me, probably the smarter half, is toying with the idea of jumping ship like the rest of my brothers, setting up camp on another island and adopting a new existence. Even this buck, as young and as green as he is, admits to wanting something more than just what’s on offer here, or at least that is the conclusion I arrive at as he adds ‘for now, anyway’.

In another part of my psyche sparks of ambition begin to ignite a new train of thought. Could I not be the one to breathe new life into this land? I do after all have the experience, and I can be very persuasive. With the right tactics it wouldn’t be difficult to recruit some muscle, get our numbers up and begin accumulating bargaining chips in the ways of the island’s women and children. We would be feared by the weak and admired by the strong, our reach of influence would span across every inch of islands and I would be the face of the whole operation. Something begins to burn inside my mind.

There is something terribly alluring about power, and damn it would look good on me.

The dun breaks my silent scheming with a question and I could almost laugh at the impeccable timing ”Yes, I do intend to liven thi-“ but the sudden appearance of another’s scents cuts my reply short. I snort harshly and invert my top lip, pushing the cologne further into focus; it is of equine origin and what’s more, it is familiar. A cream coated brute soon appears, pushing through the spiny scrub and interrupting our relaxed environment without any signs of hesitation.

There is a sense of arrogance wafting off the new comer, so, while remaining light on my toes and mentally preparing for all possible outcomes, I train my eyes on the buckskin and try to assess the situation. He spits some half-assed insult at my acquaintance but there is no physical aggression as he turns to face me. I stare deeply for a moment into the eyes of the taller buck, but my stern gaze quickly gives way to a smug grin of amusement- I remember this joker.

”I was his right hand man” I lie, knowing full well that Felony could hardly stomach me. Kasabian, when we first met, had been seeking refuge here in the Lagoon and it was I who had greeted him, and now here he stands flaunting his title. ”So you did find a use for yourself after all? Well good for you” I begin, naturally condescending despite that fact that I am a little surprised by his announcement as ‘Boss’. ”I do have intentions of sticking around” in-fact I fully intend to take your job, I think to myself ”That is, if you will allow it, your majesty” I dip my crown in mock respect, displaying just how absurd I find his authority.

Now it’s beginning to feel like home.