With a lopsided smile, Zevulun considered what Kikka described as a place she liked, feeling he was unbiased in thinking the Bay could provide her all of it and more. Though they’d just met, he felt a deep bond with her unlike he’d felt with anyone else he’d met, and he was already picturing the pair of them combing every inch of Tinuvel and discovering things even he possibly hadn’t seen. Furthermore, Zevulun wanted to spend that time with her, walking through his home and watching her reaction as they made a new discovery.
Sharply, however, he reminded himself to snap away from his daydreams. Kikka was only here to survey Tinuvel in order to report back to her brother and it wasn’t in Zevulun’s nature to convince any sister to pull away from their brother. Maybe, if he was lucky, Kikka would return to the Bay. Maybe she’d even bring Trell and Zevulun could meet him. If he was anything like his twin, Zevulun had a strong notion he would make friends with the stallion in no time. Of course, it was always Zevulun’s prerogative to assume he’d easily make friends with anyone.
When Kikka laughed – the sea breeze in her thick, dark hair and her eyes bright – he felt a pull in his heart as if it lurched toward her. His tongue felt thick and his heart pounded. Zevulun tore his bright blue eyes away from her with some force, swallowing back and looking out over the dark ocean. “I wish you could stay and see it all too.” He said, and somewhere inside he felt a soft pang of guilt for saying it. Still, it was how he felt and he drew in a breath, smiling and casting a sideways glance at her. “You’re a great exploration partner.” Zevulun paused. “Maybe if we’re lucky, Trell will want to see the Bay too, and you two can come and I can meet him.” His smile inched back up his mouth as he said playfully, “I already feel like I know him. Anyone who’s the other half of you has to be just as great.”
He looked out at the ocean; wishing one of the migrating whales would take the hint it would be a perfect time to breach, but the waters stayed as they were. One day he swore it to himself, Kikka and he would stand at this ridge and watch the marine life. But for now Zevulun pulled his attention to her and nodded.
“To the Inlet.” He agreed and turned, leading the way.
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