Desert

Romulus listened patiently to Cain’s conditions. He was somewhat pleasantly surprised that the tobiano stallion was so relaxed in the presence of another male, and seemed to be easy going in regards to the grullo’s question. Somehow, he had been under the assumption that Lagoon stallions were the only ones to live with one another in relative peace, and that band stallions would be far more willing to drive away any stray men. Not only was Cain fairly friendly, he was actually far more so than the Lagoon stallions, who managed to be assholes despite having almost no worldly claims to protect.

Maybe it was just a difference in maturity, he thought, and was glad to catch a break from it.

Romulus acknowledged Cain’s offer with a curt nod. “Sounds just fine to me,” he said, flashing a roguish smile, somehow both out of place on his usually stern face, and perfectly fitting for the rough grullo. He tried hard to stifle the childlike excitement that rose in him, but he couldn’t snuff it completely. He was just glad to finally be doing something with his life, but more than that, he was excited to be doing it with Dhaniyā.

“I should go and collect my little ray of sunshine,” he said, suddenly feeling an intense want for her at his side. He knew she waited for him on the Crossing, and even without the pressure of Fall, he wouldn’t want to leave her alone for very long. Romulus was not exactly trusting of strangers, but he also missed her quite a bit. He had never missed anyone before. He cast his pale blue gaze behind him toward the sea, feeling the tug of his heart to return to the only one who had ever made it stumble.

Before he could cave and run for the waves, however, he turned back once more. “Is there anything you need from me? Anything else I should know?” he asked.