He is not left to wait long. Weight shifts between his sore shoulder and the one more of less uninjuried, large saucer-like hooves shuffle amid the mulch of leaf litter and nutrient rich earth. The stallion found the more he let his mind wander from the aches and pains of his body, the less he felt the stiffness that threatened to consume him. Ears twitch back and forth atop his skull as a pair of low flying parrots skim the branches above his head. Depthless, multi-faceted eyes turn their gaze upwards to let his mind wander to the feeling of effortless freedom that the brightly colored birds must know. How did they view the world? Gazing down from the treetops and blue skies above, did he look as menacing and proud as he thought himself to be? Or was their gaze of him much like his own of them… small and miniscule in comparison to the infinite skies.

The sound of rustling brush drew his gaze back to the shadow mare as she emerged from the dense jungle brush. Was it age that softened his fierce spirit? Was that why the warm smile that was usually reserved for a friend now crossed his own face? Perhaps now he understood why Warsaw had given up the fight to overcome the island of Luthien and the mares that governed the herd there. Perhaps that was why as his years of prime began to ebb away, the gray Tinuvel stallion spent more of his time with those he adored tucked close to his side. Though Rougaru did not want to admit it even to himself, the wolf too seemed to have settled in with the age that washed over them. Patience. the wolf whispered. It was mere patience that age had brought upon him in his prime. Nothing more.

Faolain’s comment draws a deep throated chuckle from his breast as the coffee-colored stallion takes a step forward to meet her extended muzzle to his own. ”I suppose you are right. But just remember it was you who crossed my borders first.” he teased, long tail flicking amicable against his muscular hips. She asks what it was that brings him to her borders today and invites him to walk with her. Companionably his broad head dips in acceptance as he tilts his crown to sweep long cream and caramel forelock to one side. ”No doubt a walk might ease the stiffness in this shoulder of mine. Age has no pity on us these days.” he remarks with a dry chuckle.

More rustling leaves and his intense gaze draws from the obsidian mare to her counterpart. Despite himself, the stallion finds the wolf drawing his gaze towards the not so distant memories that joined them together. Though there is no longer any sense of passion in her eyes when her gaze drifts from the black Teke mare to him. Ears drift backwards amid the endless tangle of his mane as a somewhat somber expression falls into place upon her face and the once lilted voice that had been so reasoning and gentle was not replaced with something akin to cold indifference. What else should he have expected? This was not his ice queen Zjeena, strong stoic and fierce. Neither was it his Monster, fierce and full of spirit. This queen of the Ridge he had burdened with a child that had not been of her own choosing even if it was for Faolain she carried it for. Dark brows furrow as Rougaru tips his head gently towards the silver bay mare with an impish grin. ”Rivaini.. A pleasant surprise. You shine bright in your expectancy.” he begins, dipping his head slightly. ”I hope you are doing well?” he asks, his voice lilted with question. He had questioned himself time and time again after the brief encounter with Rivaini, wondering if she was growing round with his foal hidden deep beyond the borders of the Ridge and far from his eyes. He had worried for nothing it would seem. Excitement glittered in his emerald green eyes. He knew that of all his children, this one would not know him as his other foals did, but that did not stop the excitement or the quickening of his heartbeat.

That is not why you are here. Like a commandment the voice booms through his mind causing the mahogany stallion to give his head a swift shake. Subtly he clears his throat, his multifaceted gaze turning back to Faolain. ”I am here because I am a stallion of my word.” he begins, stretching a single forelimb forward to bend the upper half of his body in a noble bow. ”You have bested me. Thus, I will support your claim on the island of Atlantis.” he continues, straightening himself up once more to give the slim Teke mare a mischievous smirk. ”I believe we stand strongest together, you will have the support of the Pack of Paradise should your endeavors require it and likewise I would expect you to come to my aide should the need arise….” he continues, pausing a moment as the furious image of Ironclad flashes through his mind. The boy had not understood. He had not been there when it happened. For now, Rougaru hoped that Medusa would appease him, but it would not last forever. ”Do not expect this to be the end of our little tangles for they are quite enjoyable.” he adds with a wolfish grin and a hearty chuckle, his green gaze bright in the dappled sunlight.”If Rivaini is up to it, perhaps the three of us can walk and discuss your requests and intentions?” he suggests.