He almost couldn't believe his plan had worked. Nico had promised Hymn that no matter what she could go home to Paradise, but he had wanted to try making a trade happen first. Getting Raini hoke was the most important thing and he was ready to sacrifice some of his self image to make it happen. What he really hadn't expected was being offered an alliance after the whole ordeal.

They reach the beach, Nico swimming closely behind Raini, and he watches her hooves finally touch their shore again. A sigh escapes him for the first time in awhile as the knots in his belly begin to unfold. It was finally over. No more looking at the sad form of Tino or fearing the worst about Raini's safety. Their unborn child could not grow up where it belonged.

Raini turns her gaze to him and he smiles lightly at her. Nico comes to stand beside her, his head nods once as she says thank you. His smile then grows as she rubs against his neck. "I know you haven't lived here a year yet, but the place wasn't the same without you." He replies. Raini soon speaks again saying she knew he would get her home. His heart bursts with her confidence in him.

"I appreciate that Raini. My sister has helped keep an eye on Tino while I left to retrieve you." It had taken some help from his family here in the Inlet to make her rescue possible. It had also taken some of his strength, as displayed by some of the bruises along his coat. "I would like to tell you a short story. An important one about loss much like you have experienced before coming here. " His eyes grow solemn. She had told her truth about arriving to the islands and the loss of her former mate. It was time he told her the dangers that could happen even in her new home.