give me darkness when I'm dreaming; Posted on March 15, 2025 at 11:37:35 PM by Arroyo
When Arroyo first came to the Islands, young and eager to build a life for himself, any island would have done. Luthien had held him twice, briefly, then Tinuvel. He'd come to Atlantis in search of Deirdre, knowing she may have gone there to find her family. The Harbor had become their home, and their family slowly grew. Now, the Ridge is home, or at least home enough.
Once, years ago, Tyr had approached Arroyo in the Harbor seeking to unite Atlantis under a monarchy. At the time, Arroyo had little ambition to rule, and he had owed Tyr a debt. It helped that the terms were agreeable. "Unity and loyalty to Atlantis as a whole."
But if there is anything that Arroyo has learned about Atlantis it is that change rules king more than any man.
The chimera stallion comes to call, and Arroyo meets him on the beach.
They make quick work of the pleasantries, and then Asmodeus cuts into the meat of his visit. Arroyo, having spent time in the Cove with Aventuras and little Matoskah in the early days, of course knows of Solomon. He also knows the King of Tinuvel befell a bloody death, though this is all he knows.
"Congratulations on the return to your natal home," the red dun says. Arroyo knows the pull a birthplace can have. He had spend many sleepless nights watching the waves from the Harbor wondering after the place he had been born and the family he had left there. Aventuras, Deirdre, and their children had gone with him to visit his homeland. This is why the Harbor had fallen from his hands. That he cannot hold onto everything is a lesson he is learning and relearning as time goes on. There is always a price to be paid. Even his return to Atlantis had been paid for in blood.
Arroyo appraises the stallion before him. As much as the red dun had respected Solomon, he does not know this son. Aventuras has never spoken of him, but she cannot possibly know all of her half siblings.
"I knew and respected your sire, but bloodlines do not make the man. What vision do you have for Atlantis aside from you at the helm? I would know more of your plans before we discuss terms."
Atlantis has become a special place to him, not because of familial ties such as his nieghbors claim, but because these jungles have sheltered and protected those he holds most dear. An island flowing with plenty to drink and eat. A paradise that must be protected from those who would seek to pervert it. Replies: