The moment the waters grew colder, Ramiel felt his waning excitement renew itself. The swim to Tinuvel was long, and his legs were tiring on him, but once his skin felt the touch of his birth island again he felt reinvigorated. As much as he enjoyed Luthien, Ramiel had always long for the chill, rugged wilderness of Tinuvel. His white legs struck forward with new vigor, cutting him through the water and ashore the black pebble beach, cold seawater rolling off his body. He snorted and perked his ears, dark blue eyes scanning the beach. He had never seen the Inlet before and was doubly excited for this opportunity. Ramiel turned to smile at his aunt, only to realize she wasn’t beaming like he’d been.

He flicked his ears and looked curiously on as she explained she was nervous, then snorted gently and reached out to bump her shoulder. “It’s brave enough to come back here,” he said, “but I’m sure they’ve missed you, and they’re going to be so happy to see you again.” His voice was warm and assured. Ramiel was always quite the beacon of positivity, and the secret to his confidence was that he actually believed it. He absolutely believed everything was going to work out wonderfully or, if not, it would not be because it was her fault and hers alone. “We didn’t know you, but I’m so glad we’ve gotten the opportunity now.” Ramiel knew without a doubt he would miss Tavas if she was absent from his days now. She had felt like family so quickly.

Ramiel shook out his wet mane and tail, then followed Tavas’s lead as she guided them further into the territory. He was briefly confused that a rather familiar scent seemed very strong, very recent, and almost everywhere they walked in the Inlet (especially the further inland they traveled). He could have sworn it was the same scent of the young mare that led the Thicket, the one Orphiel had gone to live with after falling in love. He shook his head to himself, casting the thought aside. Maybe she was visiting too, and they’d all share a laugh about having picked the same day to travel to the Inlet from Luthien.

Ramiel flicked his pale ears as his aunt offered the chance to visit the Bay. “I would like that very much,” he admitted, voice soft but honest. “I hardly remember it. I think I know it more from stories my father’s told me than my actual experiences, but it’s like… my heart remembers it?” He ended in a question, then laughed a little at himself and looked away. “Alright, maybe that’s a little too sentimental.”

— ☼ —