Falls

The dun and white stallion grazed lazily in the fall sun, relishing the last warming rays of the season. He’d been lingering on the common island before making good on his resolution to finally go to the Prairie. He wasn’t sure why he felt the need to come here first; he and Lily hadn’t ever spent much time here. Maybe he’d come just as a last little bit of fun before potentially realizing he wouldn’t find what he’d come for. The waterfall was quite enjoyable, and he’d spent a day or two wading in the pool. He lifted his head, finishing his last mouthful of grass, and stared at the sea in the direction of Luthien. He was about to lift a hoof to start toward the shore when he heard a commotion a short distance away. A tiny yell followed by a scream that he assumed came from a worried mother. Everything was loud enough that it could be heard over the rumble of the nearby falls.

His ears flicked to and fro as he debated whether to get involved. Thus far, he’d managed to stay out of any kind of drama, but if there was a child involved…he was almost certain it had been a child. With a sigh and a toss of his head, he wheeled around and headed toward where he’d heard the noise. As he trotted through the gilded grasses, he inhaled deeply to see if he recognized any of the many scents that wafted around him. One was familiar to him as the scent that lingered on the border of Paradise and the Ridge.

Upon cresting a small hillock, he caught glimpse of a trio. There was indeed a foal among the three, but it was in no apparent distress. And the adults were greeting each other civilly. With a snort of relief, he realized that it must have been some misunderstanding. Still, now that he was there, he continued down the hill and greeted the gathering with a friendly nicker. ”Sorry to interrupt, I heard some loud noises and I thought I’d check it out.” He beamed at them, suddenly in a much better mood. He gave a friendly nod to the mare and colt before looking directly at the stallion. ”We haven’t formally met, but I believe we’re neighbors. I’m Gnome, and I’m currently living in Paradise.”

Gnome