The stallion stepped heavily through the lush jungle. It was one of the few times he was not being trailed by young fillies and his thoughts had wandered down paths that were as strange to him as the forest was familiar. He had run these paths so many times with Aislinn and Riosin he was almost certain he could do it with his eyes closed. Though he would never tempt fate like that.

As he moved, he could not help but think of what had happened in the past season since Faolian had claimed the Ridge. Bjorn had come back briefly, and left. Ailill still stayed to protect this land, and the herd Bjorn had left behind. It seemed though, most of that herd had also vanished into the shadows of the forest while he and Siobhan had stayed. He breathed a heavy sigh, hoping the others of the herd had found safety in wherever they had gone. He could not help but think what would happen if any of those he had met of the herd, or if Bjorn himself returned to the Ridge, what would become of him. The thoughts made him snort. Whatever was to come to him, he stood by what he had done and would accept the choices of those around him.

Still, the stallion did not move with his usual cheer through the vine covered trees. At least not until he heard his name ring through the air. Surprised by the voice he spun to see her and shook his head to clear his surprise as well as the pale locks that fell into his eyes. Lady, Ysabel. he greeted, happy to see a familiar face framed by the late summer flower. Genuine grin plastered on his face as he squelched through the mud over to her. Pausing before he got too close, he stretched his nose out to greet her. As he did he breathed in her scent, noting she smelled of a different island and letting it comfort him to know that she at least had a place somewhere. It is good to see you. He hesitated. The last time he seen her she had been injured and now she was gleaming from the wet of the sea and the moisture in the air. She glowed as golden as he did. Settled, he breathed. Truly, it is good to see you here. What… what brought you back? She had told him all about this place when he had first come, and even tried to defend it from him. It hurt somewhere in him that she had left this land. She truly looked like she belonged here.