I tried not to think about what had happened. Of what my freedom had cost. Of what that meant for me, for the Lagoon, for the future. Mostly, I tried not to think of Khar'pern, or the way that Garmr had single-handedly undone whatever moral high ground I'd been pretending to stand on with her.

I tried not to wonder what she thought of me now.

But like a good, obedient dog, when the crime was found and its ramifications understood, I jogged my spotted rump back to the Lagoon. The Peak had learned that how serious the Boss was about his threats, and while I doubted it would keep their pilfering at bay for long, I did wonder if it would give any of them pause. I suspected a part of Khar'pern wanted me to try to find a way to stay, to play the happy father and doting husband, but we both knew it wouldn't work.

Neither of us was willing to bend, and until that day came, there would always be friction. That of course, didn't mean I didn't miss her.

Having Solas here was an... unexpected boon. My emotions regarding the boy were still complicated, but I kept him close to me as we reentered the Lagoon, allowing him only the smallest of leashes as I acquainted myself with the swamp again. The familiar sound of droning insects and thick heat felt like a balm to my mind, allowing me to relax for the first time in weeks. For better or worse, the Lagoon was my home, it's men my brothers.

And it was well past time I joined their ranks.

I lifted my blazed head and called out as I paused in an open area, where the low tide had pulled back to expose small hillocks one could stand on that threaded between small pools of water. Above, the sun was warm, it's rays hot on my back, but it was not the weather that occupied my mind. Rather the future, and what it would look like from here on out.

Stallion - Young Adult - 15.2 - Brown Overo