The wolf was ever vigilant. The beast was ever watchful.

When first her head appeared bobbing upon the surface of the turbulent waters, Rougaru had imagined her an ocean bird taking refuge from a perilous flight. He had stood silent on the high hill, his emerald gaze fixated on the bobbing white object with wonder and confusion. Though many birds sought out relief from the cold winter months by nesting on the beaches and roosting high in overhead trees, it was not uncommon to see them floating over the rolling swells of the oceans. This bird however, was much larger than the ones he was used to seeing and well, it floated... but not well and against the current.

Only when the creature nears the white capped waves that mark the shallows of Atlantis does he realize it is a horse. Ears swivel backwards atop his skull as immediately he sets off at a brisk pace, thick saucer-like hooves punishing the hard packed trails that the constant use of his herd and his patrols had dug into the jungle undergrowth. He does not take the scenic route around Paradise, but instead charges straight towards the beach with a burst of adrenaline. Could it be Liland on his shores? Had the Bay stallion dared to come to his home? No. He knew Liland and this equine that came forward was much paler than the stallion, larger too. He felt certain Liland had not hit a growth spurt overnight.

He slides to a halt where the dense jungle growth met the soft white sand of the beach. Ears flit forward in suspicion. If the war had taught him anything, it was to be aware of your enemy's movement. Watch. Learn. Prepare.

As the figure drew herself from the ocean surf, one thing was quickly becoming quite clear to the wolf. This was no enemy. Relief swept over his skin, tension released from each muscles with the shudder of chocolate colored skin. Multifaceted green eyes observe her from the cover of the trees, watching with peaked interest as droplets of ocean water fall from her skin. Though winded and weary from the swim, she moves with an ingrained grace that very few can master. Her voice is soft, a bare whisper in the distance that separates them. He has just resolved himself to step forward to greet her when there is another scent. His pearl.

Calypso.

Like the ocean breeze in morning's predawn she moves toward with a soft welcome in her voice. Those bright blue eyes a stark contrast to the pale white of her finely chiseled features of her facade. Immediately he finds himself stepping forward, drawn to her side like a moth to flames. There is a gentleness to his gaze as tenderly he brushes his lips across the gentle slope of her spine, his broad frame pressing gently against her own. It had been some time since he had managed to spare a few moments of his time for her. A mistake he would have to remedy soon. "She is right... " he breathes, his whiskered lips parting ways for a warm and welcoming smile. From the close distance he is able to judge the pale mare better now. He had seen her, once more twice among those on the common island, but never did he imagine that she would find herself alone and washed up on his shores. Had something happened?

Worry furrowed his brow now as he took a single inquisitive step forward. Muscular neck arches as he stretched his whiskered labrums towards her, breathing deep her scent of salt and sand. "Is something wrong? Are you hurt?" he inquires, his emerald gaze trailing over the fine straight white legs and thickly arched neck similar to his own in conformation. A single dial tilts sideways as he offers her an almost meek smile, withdrawing his outstretched muzzle and dipping it ever so slightly in acknowledgment. "Forgive my manners. War is not a far distant past in my mind. My name is Rougaru. I believe you have already met Calypso." he finishes, giving the pale mare a sidelong glance and a tender smile before drawing his inquisitive gaze once more upon the pale nomad.