Falls

The air in Paradise was riddled with tension. Whispers of the coming war ran rampant throughout the herd, though he had yet to discover why it was happening. Indeed, even the matter of who was attacking who was entirely a mystery. He had been honest with Rougaru, and his feelings had not changed. Unless the Paradise herd was directly threatened, the dun would not fight. Since no one could really tell him who or what the threat might be, Gnome had taken it upon himself to go to the crossing. It would ease his mind to be away from Rougaru for a time, and perhaps he could find a wayward soul in need of a home. Though, if he were honest with himself, he didn’t really know if he wanted to remain in Paradise, much less bring others to live there.

He’d mostly been lingering in the meadow, relishing in the warm summer sun. It was not as sticky here as it was on Atlantis. There, it seemed like sweat clung to his body no matter what season. He could not shake the dampness of the place. It was beautiful, to be sure, but unless he went for a swim he only really cooled off at night. He was more at home amongst the tall grass that tickled against his red and white legs as he wandered through.

A sigh escaped him as he thought longingly of the Prairie. He had not yet made it to Luthien to search his old home for Lilika, mostly because he was afraid. What if she wasn’t there? What if she was? It had been so long since he had seen the blue roan that surely things could not be the same. Then there was Rougaru. Gnome knew that the entire island of Luthien was considered an enemy to Paradise. However, he was not sure why, or if it had anything to do with the war. Everything was so mysterious on the islands this time around. Perhaps he was simply asking the wrong horses.

After he had spent several days meandering the meadow, the distant rush of the waterfall beckoned to him. He had visited it before, but it always entranced him the way it tumbled and played over the rocks, eventually crashing into a deep pool. He decided to take the scenic route, wandering leisurely along the shoreline and drinking in the sights and smells of the ocean. His hooves thudded dully upon the wet sand, and gentle waves lapped against his fetlocks and swept away the evidence of his presence.

He had nearly reached the falls when he saw a pale, thin figure scrambling out of the sea and staggering inland. Gnome’s ears pricked forward as he stopped short, wondering what this could be about. Looking out to the ocean, he wondered if perhaps she was being pursued. He did not see anyone else; perhaps she was simply afraid of swimming. Still, he felt compelled to ensure she was safe. Rather than follow her path, he turned inland where he was. It was his intention to meet her head on instead of sneaking up behind her.

He made his strides as slow as he could, and stopped about ten horse-lengths away from the figure. It was a mare – rather small in comparison to him – and she appeared to be young. He kept his head and neck level with his back, trying to appear non-threatening. Gently clearing his throat, he called to her in a soft but carrying tone. ”Excuse me…are you okay?”

Gnome