Temperature played almost no part in the shifting of seasons on Atlantis. The change was marked by something else entirely. Foals started to come to life in the world like the flower around them, and preditors started to slink through the shadows of the trees to pick them off. It was one of the many dangers that lay forgotten in the dreamland that was the tropics. Days ago, the golden stallion had seen blood on the trails through the forests. Worried, he had followed it and tried to find its source. The tracks around it had been equine, and as far as he knew no one from the herd was unaccounted for. Somewhere, someone needed help. A day ago, the blood was still showing up, but it had been poisoned with toxin. Somewhere, it was too late to help someone.

Still, the knight followed the scent for days, if only to satisfy his desire to wish the passed soul well. As the sun started to fade on the horizon, Ailill’s heart started to sink at his lost time. Lost in his thoughts he strode along the sandy beach, the moonlight starting to bathe his golden coat in silver glitter. He froze for a second, the soft wind wafting the scent he had come to know too well though his senses. Eyes wide, he took off as fast as he could. He knew he could not save her, but he could at least give her peace in her last moments. What he saw when he approached had him lurching to a stop. Dear, lady. he whispered under his breath, watching just to the side as the dying pushed a soul into life. Not knowing how close was too close, but knowing the mother would not be able to hurt him, Ailill stepped slowly forward, his nose down to mother and foal, and breathing gently to them to assure them of safety. I promise, I will take care of your Aislinn. he whispered to the mother, praying to the stars watching them that she had died knowing his vow.

Instincts were not his to act on, but he knew enough to haphazardly remove the slick from the newborn’s body. Desperate, he called out into the night for another, a mother, anyone who would have what else this filly would need. He knew he could only do so much. With another look at the filly’s mother, he vowed he would do everything he could.