stallion; percheron mutt; 18hh; black w birdcatcher spots
2 years
no home
Kaiju had held onto the feeling of confidence that accompanied his victories in battle, but as the sun was going down his ballooned ego was rapidly deflating. He knew he couldn’t ride that high forever, though now he feared he would never again muster the strength to do anything of risk in order to feel that courageous again. At least he had learned a few lasting things from the experience - just because something terrified him did not mean it was all that bad - so he put on a mask of assurance and hoped he could at least convince Arkana, if not also himself, that he was a qualified adult.
He completely missed the yearling’s few moments of staring in favor of trying to figure out how to pretend to be an adult. Luckily, it seemed both of them got themselves together at around the same time, and when Arkana spoke again Kaiju felt ready to answer. Or, so he thought.
”Ah, Luthien,” he said, having heard the island’s name before but not much beyond that. ”That’s a long swim, no wonder you fell asleep.” Truthfully he had no idea if it was a long swim, but she had said it was her first time out on her own, so he prayed she had as little reference for the distance as he did.
She next asked if he lived here, and Kaiju was unsure of that answer himself. He had stayed plenty of nights on the Crossing and a few in the Peak, but he wouldn’t really classify this as his home. Then again, he had lived a nomadic lifestyle with his mother on the mainland, and had only ever stayed a few nights in one place. ”Um, sort of,” he said. ”I move around a lot but I haven’t actually stayed anywhere for long. I do know where to find water, though.” Happy to feel useful, Kaiju tossed his massive head West. ”There’s a stream that way, it’s not far. I can show you!” The massive stallion cleared his throat; he was probably more excited than was necessary for a trip to a stream, and he tried to curb his enthusiasm, thinking it childish.
Keeping his pace slow so that Arkana could keep up with his long legs, Kaiju set off toward the stream. The air was cooling, but he didn’t mind terribly. The long grass of the Meadow swept against his dark legs, changing into dogwood and reeds as they neared the narrow creek. Kaiju waited for the painted yearling to drink her fill before speaking again, trying not to sound terribly awkward. ”Do you, um. Do you plan to stay here tonight? It’s probably dangerous to swim home in the dark, but if you want, I can go with you.” The massive stallion was eager to be helpful, but also somewhat afraid of staying on the Crossing alone himself. Galexia had been with him since he arrived, and before that he had always stayed close to his mother; being alone was new to Kaiju, though he would never admit such anxiety out loud.
Kaiju Blue
