A warm southern wind caressed the cliffs that marked the edge of the world. It brought along a scent of sand, of water, of flowering trees. Apple, cherry, peach and pear, mingling with the fragrance of lingering mist. Dark soil, moist earth, dewy grasses, the cool shade beneath evergreen bushes and a spicy hint of bark. Mingling and mixing with a salty tinge upon the lips, brought forth by the radiant spring sun and kept, stolen - protected, by the tall trees that hid so much beneath their canopies.
Ah, such beautiful weather. A high, clear sky, the peaceful sound of birds singing in the thickets as all the small creatures of the earth scurried about. It was a day for lounging on sun-bathed rocks, nibbling the fresh greenery and watch as the sun traveled across the heavenly arch.
Alas, however nice the day might be it wouldn't do to let it slip away. There were too many things to do, too many dangers threatening this little kingdom for everyone to enjoy the small measure of peace. It didn't mean it wasn't allowed to enjoy the scenery in passing however, and so there was a lazy smile lingering upon the lips of the stallion as he hugged the borders of the forest. Patrolling had always been and would always remain a boring task. No matter how vigilant you were, no matter how important the task was, it was impossible to remain alert forever, especially on a day like this. From time to time he caught himself at a standstill with honeyed eyes straying far away, caught in some tranquil daydream that vanished as soon as he tried to recall what it had been about.
Lazy a thought commented, immediately causing the smile to widen on his lips. Turning to look towards the sky, he followed the flight of the pale dragon that was his entire life for a moment before continuing ahead. Stepping carefully as not to aggravate the healing cuts of the shoulders, the gray stallion let his mind caress the bond that connected him with Fajira - relishing every thought, every flicker of emotion that managed to cross over to him. They had been close from the day she hatched, but now as the long silence had been broken they were inseparable. Where once they had gone separate ways from time to time, they now did everything together. Hunting, patrolling, curling up tightly by the dying embers of the campfire while hearts beat in unison, lulling them both to sleep...
How long was it since he'd felt so fulfilled, so peaceful?
It was not until the scent of a stranger came drifting towards him that he remembered what he was supposed to be doing. Curious of who it might be, cautious against anyone who had not been recognized as family or ally he slipped quietly through the forest, meandering with gracious ease between tall trunks. Stopping only when the stranger came into view, Lace paused to study the horse for a moment, regarding with calm neutrality the bay stallion. Who was he? Why had he come here, to this very forest, this very part of the world? Did he have a purpose, a goal, or was he simply a passerby drifting aimlessly like a twig caught at sea? Nothing but questions, and no answers to be received by simply standing there.
Curiosity was what propelled him forth, out from the sheltering embrace of woods and slowly dissipating mists, to stand tall and quiet in front of the traveler. Calm, carried with the natural dignity of one who knows his worth, Lace offered the stallion a polite nod and settled in to wait for his purpose here to be revealed.
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