Gale
run away with me--
lost souls and reverie
running wild and running free
At her congratulations, Gale shrugs. Leadership of Islandres has thus far meant nothing more than making sure that every hoof (or fin) set on the black shores was aware that the residents firmly hold their long tradition of arcadian peace. He knows that he is the first line of defense in case of theft or challenge, but who would attempt that? (His entry in the Alliance has been in part to relieve himself of some of that responsibility were he to emerge victorious.) He had gone to Isilya when he had decided Ruinam wasn’t returning, and though his intent had been to ask her to find a new leader for the place, he had instead left with the seed of friendship between the two of them, as well as their lands.
“Eyas tells me we were taught the intricacies of diplomacy,” Gale admits, “but I’m afraid the lessons didn’t stick.”
Oceane reminds him of Isilya in many ways, and Gale decides that the two of them would be good friends. Perhaps they could all be friends, he thinks, not just Tephra and Islandres and Loess, but their people as well. He’s begun to nod his agreement even before speaking. “But I know enough to think that is something I would like.” He’s not entire sure what an alliance would entail beyond promises to treat residents of the other land as equals, neither stealing them away from their homes nor challenging them to a battle without consent, but he proposes those just in case.
“My great-great-grandam saw the last Alliance,” Gale tells her to emphasize their luck at having one in their lifetimes. She names their champion – Tarian – and Gale matches the grey stallion in her visual memories with the pegasus that he had seen battling a giant water-lizard. He fights in memory of his mother, Oceane says, and Gale finds himself hoping that he need not face the other pegasus. Not until the end, at least, if they are both skilled enough to make it so far.
“The stories say it is great power, perhaps even magic.” That is the prize many enter for, he knows. “But also protection for the winner’s land, the fairies prevent theft and keep battle from the residents. That is what I would like to win. I took long enough to master what gifts I already have, and I think perhaps I am too old to learn more.” He smiles as he says it, speaking only half in jest.
@[Oceane]
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