It is important to have a strong base upon which to build an empire. This was why Wolpertinger and Keyik found themselves on the common land, trying to find some worthy individuals to live within paradise. The mainland was much colder than Atlantis, and certainly cooler than Salem. Keyik had forgotten just how unbearably cold other parts of the island could get, yet remembered now why she rarely made this journey. She decided then and there that she would attend to business as quickly as possible, that way she would not need to bare the cold for any longer than necessary. Although the pair had discussed recruiting and striking up accords, Keyik had not fully disclosed how she intended to scope out potential enemies from potential allies.

This was always going to be a point of contention between the two mares.

As Keyik peeled off the beaten path, and toward the bachelors’ chosen home, the taller of the two mares whirled, amber eyes narrowing in fury. ”Keyik! Don’t you dare go in there!" she snarled in a low and dangerous voice. Her ears disappeared beneath the tangles of her dark mane. The pale tightened her jaw, but continued on, not even turning to humour or appease her companion. When Keyik got an idea in her herd, there was no stopping her. ”I’m not coming with you! If you go in there, don’t say I didn’t warn you!"

Keyik halted and looked over her shoulder at her comrade, ”I don’t expect you to, and I will be fine.” she stated in a matter of fact tone. Wolpertinger all but breathed fire, but said nothing, ”I’ll meet you in falls once I’m done here.” she stated, and continued out of Wolpertinger’s sight.

Keyik had never been in the lagoon before but she’d heard stories of the stallion that lived within it. They had a reputation that wasn’t always to be believed, however, and she needed to know the fact from the fiction. She understood why Wolpertinger would not join her, it was, after all, a lagoon stallion that had assaulted her those many moons ago. Perhaps because it had happened to Wolpertinger, and not herself, Keyik didn’t truly understand. Wolpertinger was of poor breeding while Keyik was born a princess, for all intents and purpose. They would not dare touch her as they had touched Wolpetinger.

It was quiet as she moved through the trees, skirting around the bog land until she finally reached the crystalline blue water that gave the lagoon its name. It was the prettiest thing in the place, despite the film of scum the lay on the surface nearest the trees. It was no paradise, but she supposed It was the best these men could hope for. Surprised that no one had intercepted her yet, the slender mare sent a summoning whinny out for the leader of the ragtag band of bachelors. Little did she know, there was no one in charge.