Falls

The autumn air of the Crossing smelled crisp and clean to Romulus, but he knew the pleasantness of the falling leaves and the sun dappling on his back from those that remained on branches were only hiding the less innocent atmosphere of the place. The central isle was no place to call home, even at the best of times, and autumn was arguably the worst of times. He felt the hungry eyes of Lagoon bachelors and band stallions alike, even though their hunger was not for him. It did not matter where they went on the Crossing — they were watched.

With ears flicking about in deep suspicion of his surroundings, Romulus circled once around Dhaniyā and their son, restless. Cerosi lingered close as well, her presence helping to sooth the paranoia of the iron grey stallion. His sister was tough, and though he knew she grieved for Cain’s disappearance, she did not make herself an easy target by showing any vulnerability.

In his own way, Romulus grieved for Cain as well. He had not known the painted stallion well, but in their brief time together as acquaintances he had come to respect Cain. The Vanner stallion also held a future for Romulus in the Desert, something he had never even considered a possibility for which to foster hope. Romulus’s heart quietly ached for the honorable Desert leader, and for the place he had barely started to call home.

When the silver mare had taken over, Romulus had not known what to make of her. She was a stranger to him, and though they had interacted very little, his instincts had caused his skin to prickle in her presence. There was something more to her than simply an ambitious mare, and whatever it was, Romulus had quickly decided that he was not interested in becoming tangled in whatever plans she held. It pained him to move his family all the same, and he did not truly believe the Crossing was safer than Salem. But Nyimara had given him the opportunity to leave without hindrance, and Romulus had taken it for fear of such an opportunity failing to arise a second time.

Though he was glad to be free of any entanglement, Romulus was not comfortable. The season was progressing, and each day the air grew thicker with the hormones of mares in heat. They put Romulus on edge, though he did not desire anyone but Dhaniyā. It gave the air a dangerous flavor, and all it meant for the grullo stallion was constant vigilance.

Despite all of his tension, however, Romulus would not have traded this life for another. He circled once more around Dhani, but this time, his ears turned toward her, his gaze focusing less on the trees around them. He allowed himself a moment to try and let the stress roll off of him, by burying his whiskered muzzle in her sweet-scented mane. It will be better once the snow starts, he told himself. Then, he could leave Dhani and Aaslan with Cerosi, and find them a new home.

Until then, he just had to wait, and remain alert.