There was something different about Ischia. It almost felt unfamiliar. Too much time had passed since he had been able to linger upon the island for any length of time. He’d been kept substantially busy by his diplomatic duties and his wings ached for the miles they had carried him across. Too often he had found himself far from his beloved home and family, carrying out his father’s wishes. Regardless, it felt good to walk upon the isle once more. Wings tucked he enjoyed the gentle touch of the ocean breeze as it gently tossed his feathers and mane. Standing atop a dune his amber eyes stared out across the span of murky water, his gaze easily tracing the faint outline of a faraway volcano. It wasn’t hard for him to imagine the kingdom of Tephra as it jutted out of the water, one of their closest neighbors. A new feeling turned the depths of his insides. He was home and, yet, he couldn’t help but feel like there was pieces of himself scattered throughout Beqanna.
 
There was much he had to share with his kingly father. It was unfamiliar to him to have spent so much time away from Brennen. Growing up he had divulged everything to his father, sharing miniscule moments of his life with him. To his father, no story had been a waste of time. There had always been one constant throughout the many changes life often brought their way, and that was that his family would always be there – waiting. But even then, more of his siblings and half-siblings seemed to take paths that led away from them and the island. Exhaling he fought to accept that change was unavoidable – he would see much of it throughout his endless life. Just as his father had before him.
 
A warming breeze from behind him drew his attention. Inland, his Brothers occupied the bulk of the land. Many had come in answer to the call, eager to make something of themselves under the leadership and guidance of Brennen. It was hard not to feel jealous of his father’s time. Belgaer had practically grown up as a part of the Brotherhood, his position there was not up for debate – he had nothing to prove. Others, however, trailed hungrily behind Brennen, eager to prove themselves worthy to serve him. Even previously estranged family members emerged in hopes of doing whatever it took to be seen. It was too easy for the spotted chestnut to feel lost within the menagerie. Still, he was loyal to the Brotherhood and he would do whatever it took to see it’s success.  

As Brennen drew nearer, the freckled stallion’s nerves were eased. The sound of his nearly forgotten nickname swarmed the depths of his weary soul, warm and affectionate.  Since the time that he had been very young, his father had taken to calling him Bel. Oddly fitting, the fully grown stallion smiled despite his worries. The question that follows his father’s initial greeting is enough to wipe the carefree expression off of his face. Almost of their own free will his eyes flip back towards the outline of Tephra, a longing boiling up inside of him.
 
I am well. I think. It troubled him how frequently she visited his thoughts. He had never felt so strongly about anyone or anything before, not even with Josie. He saw his life with her so clearly and he wanted it more than he dared to admit. It was frightening – he barely knew her and yet it pained him to be so close to her but, somehow, out of reach. Forcing himself back to reality he smiles wearily. A bit tired, he admitted, then quickly added, But glad to be of use.
 
It was strange, looking at his father now. He was no longer just a paternal figure in his life, he was also Belgaer’s king. The young stallion was loyal to him, but their relationship felt painfully different.
 
It didn’t take long for Brennen to present yet another question, this one laced with the worry of a devoted father. Khaeli, missing?
 
I have no, he regretted to admit, sensing his father’s distress. Perhaps I could arrange a search party? Do you suspect them to be endangered?