The chaos within his mind seems to mimic the ocean tides, swelling to maximum levels of intensity, only to slowly ebb, leaving calmer waters behind. Today, tranquility dominates his consciousness, so he decides to subject himself to a wandering whim.
As usual, he is not quite sure what he is looking to accomplish, but there is an irresistible urge to stretch his wings and legs that he sees no point in denying. There is still only a hint of elegance to his takeoff, but he manages to launch himself well enough from a standing position today.
The heat of the sunlight mingles favorably with the cooler fingers of air that weave themselves through the strands of his mane and tail, creating a climate he finds quite ideal. For a while, he loses himself to his thoughts as the powerful thrumming of his wings drones in the background.
Most people say that they hate change and prior to this day, Assailant would have agreed with them. True, he had enjoyed the simple routines of his old life, but now he knows that he has never truly abhorred the idea because change had not crossed his path very often. The recent alterations to his life have certainly made him question everything that he is and what he stands for, but he is coming to realize that the discomfort has begun to subside, and he does not mind what is being left in its wake.
His flight sends him south to the river’s delta and he takes some time to soar lazily over the ocean, only mildly surprised to find that he can now appreciate the salty tang that flavors the air here. It was not that long ago that he had escaped his underground incarceration and that same brine had burned his throat and lungs as he swam through its vast depths.
Whether he is ready to admit it or not, it is very likely that that growing fondness correlates directly to the affection blossoming within his core. But he just wants to enjoy his time for now, so he heads for the shore.
As soon as he touches down, he begins loping smoothly through the sand until he reaches firmer ground. Once his muscles feel sufficiently relaxed, he launches into a full-tilt sprint and luxuriates in the deluge of adrenaline that rushes through his veins.
Eventually, he slows a bit, but his high spirits refuse to fade into the background. And so he cavorts through the open space, kicking up his heels every so often like a spry colt. It has been quite some time since he has felt such liberation from his need for control. It is a delicious feeling and he cannot imagine relinquishing it any time soon.