Bacardi’s favorite season had always been Spring. From the sprouting of new greenery, to spindle legged foals, new life could be found everywhere in the Forest. The excitement and nerves that would usually crowd the stallion’s heart in anticipation of his newest child was strangely absent this time. He had not taken part in last Fall, though that did not stop the life that was still unfolding around him. Toland, who Bacardi still thought of being a colt, was about to be a father. How far the grey and white stallion had come, but how far he still had to go. A small smile curved Bacardi’s lips at the thought. It was time that his son makes the next important step that Burn was clearly not going to take.


The Forest leader had not talked to anyone about the thoughts lingering in his head, or the exhaustion clinging to his every step as he walked down a well-worn trail through the heart of his home. But when his golden eyes spied his son making his way towards the border to start a patrol, Bacardi let out a call, halting Toland and causing his head to turn so he could glance through the trees at his father.


“I wanted to join you.” Bacardi explained once he had caught up, and Toland offered a quiet nod, before Bacardi took the lead and Toland walked at his side. Both stallions made their way to the shore, only pausing as the trees gave way to the pebbled beach, as the sun shown brightly overhead. “Do you ever wish you lived somewhere else?” Bacardi asked, breaking the silence again as they looked out to the distant Crossing Isle.


“No, of course not.” Toland replied, a bit shocked by his father’s question. It caused him to glance over to his father’s dark face, but his golden eyes gave away nothing. “Are you okay?” he couldn’t help but ask. Bacardi was usually warm smiles and bright eyed; clearly something had changed. Now, Toland thought he looked distant and sad. Perhaps Soraya was still weighing heavily on him?


“Yes, I’m fine.” Bacardi answered, giving an affirming nod. “I’ve just been thinking about my time here, and how things have changed.” The older stallion realized how cryptic that must sound, and he glanced over to Toland who clearly looked scared now. “I’m not dying, you don’t have to look like that.” he chuckled.


Toland let out a heavy breath at his father’s laugh, his heart still hammering rapidly in his chest from the scare. “What is this about?” he asked, not wanting to jump to anymore scary conclusions.


“I was your age, when I claimed the Savanna. It went somewhat okay, but in the end, I chose to relinquish my leadership and become a sub-lead in the Inlet. It suited me much better.” Bacardi explained. “But as everything does, life circumstances changed, and so I claimed the Forest. Leadership still does not suit me.” There was no bitter tone in Bacardi’s voice, just simple truth.


“What are you talking about? You’re a great leader! Look at all those that choose to live here because of you.” Toland pointed out. He had never seen his father be anything but a successful leader.


“There are plenty of things that I could have done to be better. To broaden my alliances, to associate more with our neighbors. I neglected those parts of leadership, and even just simple patrolling at times. I had rather spend my time with my family, and protect them, than anything else. That is why I made a better sub-lead.” Bacardi explained, leaving Toland conflicted and confused. “You’re young, but already you have been more social than I am. You show promise in ways that I never did. Perhaps it is the difference in our upbringing, but that is doubtful. I simply think you are meant for more, and that it is time for you to do more.”


“More?” Toland barely whispered the word, unsure where this was going, and fear of the unknown rising up in him all over again.


“I relinquish my leadership to you, Toland, to be the new Guardian of the Forest. I will still be here to help guide you, and support you as you grow, but I no longer wish to be the Forest’s leader.” Bacardi explained, meeting his son’s shocked eyes.


For a long time, Toland could only look at Bacardi. He had never expected his father to say such words, especially to him. Finally, Toland gave a dip of his head in a respectful gesture to the older stallion. “If that is what you wish, Father, then I will do my best not to disappoint.”


Bacardi reached out, touching his dark nose to Toland’s forehead. “I only want you to have it, if that is what you want. Do not burden yourself with the responsibility just because I asked.”


Toland lifted his head then, so that he could meet Bacardi’s gaze once more. “The Forest will always be my home, and I accept the responsibility.”

mutt. bay tobiano. fourteen three hands. of the forest.

"...speech"