Paradise

’...I did not mean to trespass…’ The soft gentleness of her voice is reassuring, calming the lingering hints of trepidation that have clung to his mind since Lucifer’s failed attempt with Izumi. Raven-tipped ears flex atop his skullcap, acknowledging the apology with a blink. A small smile ghosts across his whiskered lips as the beast snorts dismissively, ”Don’t fret little bird. I am not the type to take such liberties to heart.”

The sterling stallion listens intently as the pretty little minx continues, explaining that she has been traveling alone. A particular detail that has the wolf within him perking up in excitement. It is not often that such a pretty creature all but waltzes through his doorway, and even less likely is such a pretty face without a cautious guardian trailing behind. Hearing her admit that she is alone is both confusing and enticing.

Were he still the youthful, inexperienced stallion he had once been, Annubis might have immediately herded her safely into the deep confines of Paradise to add to the small conclave of mares that found refuge here in Paradise with him. Hell, even now, the temptation is nearly enough to force his limbs into motion. But her next words draw him up short.

’...I’ve been looking for my parents for months…’ Like a drenching cold rain, he stills. Memories of his own youth flash through his mind’s eye as the beast remembers his own past experiences. The long-suppressed memory of mother’s disappearance, the day Rougaru suddenly up and abandoned Paradise for Salem… memories that he forced away suddenly come rushing to the surface. Sympathy flashes in his multifaceted gaze as the gray wolf releases an understanding breath. He knew the feeling that shone behind her brilliant gaze… defeat.

’...The night is so different here…’ she begins, attempting to steer the conversation away from such sad thoughts. A softness draws the smile back to his ashen lips as the beast follows her gaze to the twinkling stars that peak through the dark canopy of trees overhead. The humid breeze caresses his cheek, drawing his golden eyes back to meet her searching pools of azure hues. ”It can be….” he murmurs, promise lingering in the deep tenor of his voice. ”If you’re still enough, the nightlife of the jungle awakens to you.” he continues. ”In the daylight, the loudest of the jungle voices stir to life. In the darkest hours… you learn to listen to the softer voices…. The whisper of the rain droplets as they drip from leaf to leaf. The subtle rustling of feathers as birds resettle in the branches above. Even the trickling of the freshwater streams adds its level of music to the jungle lullaby.” he offers, blowing a reassuring breath from his nostrils. ”I… I can show you if you would like?” The question lingers between them for a moment as he searches her eyes for some sign of hope. ”Maybe I can even help you find your parents. What are their names?” he asks. Anything to keep the conversation with the enthralling creature going. The wolf is not ready to let this one slip through his claws. "I was born here on this island..." he continues as way of explination. "Maybe I can help."