Saul had returned home from the winter festival with a tight knot in his stomach. He hadn't been aware of the anxiety building in his body until he'd started the climb over the mountains to Ichika, where the small knot had grown into something akin to full out stomach cramps. Temeraire had asked his father, repeatedly, what was wrong and Saul couldn't tell him. He wasn't sure what was wrong, but his mind was racing for an answer. He'd never had this response to coming home and it worried him. He'd only ever come back to Ichika was relief his only emotion and it scared him that he felt none of it now. He couldn't put his paw on what was wrong and he'd continued up and over the mountain before coming down the other side, paws pleased at least to touch the soft grass that Ichika offered. He'd dropped Hermes off at the ranch and unloaded the saddle bags, as well as untying the bird cage from the back of his horse. He'd decided to name the Gyrfalcon Eirias and he'd worked hard to build some kind of relationship with the avian. He seemed to be warming to his new canine master and Saul was pleased that he'd been able to let the bird out of his cage for a while a few days ago and he'd returned after only a few hours. It gave him confidence that while the bird was young, he was certainly intelligent.


Having arrived back in Ichika in the early morning Saul had allowed his son to go and explore the Wentworth Valley now that he was old enough. He'd been clear to make sure Teme knew that he wasn't allowed to leave the immediate vicinity. Temeraire had nodded softly and tottered off, his whip-like tail high in the air as he'd chased after an early butterfly. It had been up to Saul to get Eirias settled in to some form to branch near the den that they shared. It had struck Saul then the the uneasy, anxious feeling hadn't gone away and he had turned internally to try and find some reason for it. He'd thought about all of the previous weeks and all the changes that had occured and his anxiety grew worse. It was an unpleasent feeling, rooted in his guts that felt like worms eating away at him. Perhaps this was where it lay. He thought about it for a good while before he came to the conclusion that he wasn't happy in Ichika anymore. He loved his father and he loved his home, but so much had happened that it made his head spin to even think about it.


It had been well into the afternoon that Saul had come to the conclusion that it was time to leave Ichika, even for just a short while. He had no where to go, and nobody to help him, but he would at least take control of the feelings making him so unhappy. His mind wrestled back and forth for the better part of an hour before he made up his mind. He began to pack his things back into his saddle bags, his mind making sure that he was well prepared for this trip. He would have to go and see X'y and Saluce and explain it to them both, to make sure they understood. He wasn't leaving because it was anything they'd done- he was leaving because he had to. It was later afternoon by the time he'd set everything up with the horses, readied Hermes and Artan to carry all of his worldly possessions. Maia and Gypsy would not be carrying anything and he was grateful that they at least had somewhere to go.


He found Melee and Range in various places and explained to them both what was happening. He gave his filly Arete to his adopted niece and Gideon's colt Finn to his adopted nephew. It was with a heavy heart that he told them to stay together always and that he might be back before they knew it. It was then that they turned to him and embraced him, telling him that they'd both decided to leave in search of their father. Saul had wished them all the luck in the world and watched them walk away leading the two horses they'd been given. He knew that they would stay together, keep each other safe and sound. It wasn't a question he would ever ask himself- they'd been through so much together it was difficult to believe either of them truly had turned out the way they had. Good hearts and happy minds.


His next port of call was Jace and Temo, to which he offered his thanks and gratitude to both of them. He explained again why he was leaving, a small catch in his throat. He'd said goodbye to the pups as well before embracing Jace once more and clapping Temo on the back before departing. He would find Neela and say his goodbyes before going to find X'y and Saluce. He made it over to the East River in no time, where he found the lady in question. The short conversation they had was all about his plans and Saul told him of his own idea of sending some letters back to the red and white lady and perhaps some of the rest of Ichika. They'd worked out a temporary means of getting Eir to find her before he embraced her as well, taking his leave. He managed to find Eclipse at some point in his travels and explain to her that despite his promise to her, he was going to be leaving. She was welcome to come with him, and he wasn't leaving the Nova Scotian area, he would always be there for her. It was time to go and find his new leader and the father who would be so disappointed in him, once again.


It didn't take him long and he spoke with stutters and pauses, trying hard to say what he wanted to say. It took some time, of that he was certain, but there was a certain sense of foreboding as they ended their conversation on the understanding that Saul wasn't leaving because of anyone. This was just another chapter in his own story, something he felt he needed to do. He might return one day and he would see them again. He might return for visits every now and then and he had no desire to break off contact with the two of them. But it was something that he needed to do, it was something that he was going to do. And before long, they'd accepted that the grown boy had a right to leave if he wished, if he felt it was the best thing. He'd hugged and smiled to both of them and allowed them to say farewell to Temeraire before he walked back to the ranch.


He turned with tears in his eyes towards the mountains. It was such a huge step to take, but it was something the male felt was necessary. To let the dust settle, to grow as a person and to become happier. He hadn't been happy since Kahlo had been stolen and he hoped he might be able to find her on his travels. He moved to lead Hermes, the front of the line of four horses and they were off. He glanced back as the sun set over Ichika before cresting the mountains and leaving the peaceful pack behind, just for now.