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It had been many months since Canon last saw Lex. They had been friends for many years - meeting for the first time in their late foal years. As they lived close together when they were younger, it was easier to meet up. After they reached adulthood, Canon was the first to leave home and settle down somewhere else. His home in the meadow was a tranquil place, which Canon was deeply fond of. Although animals, familiars, and other soquili sometimes passed through, most of the time Canon was left alone. His mother worried after him, as she didn't like to see him so alone; however, Canon preferred it. He didn't need many friends as some soquili did; on the contrary, Canon was content with his small social circle.

Canon climbed to his hooves from where he was laying down. It was time to get up and get himself presentable in time for Lex's visit. As he went about his daily routine, his thoughts strayed towards his family. Coming from a family of five sons, most days were filled with excitement and noise. Being the eldest, Canon always felt a need to be responsible and a good role model for his younger brothers. Zeke and Ayita had disappeared into the world years ago - much to the dismay of his parents. The last Canon heard from either one of them was that Zeke was possibly a grandfather now, if the rumour told was true. He knew more of his youngest brothers - Kuro-Yume and Zacharias. Kuro-Yume was happily mated with children while Zacharias enjoyed making deliveries for other Soquili.

Thinking about his family made Canon realize that it had been awhile since he last visited home. How long had it been now? A few months? Canon shook his head in disbelief. Could it truly have been that long? Sometimes Canon did become so focused on something that he neglected those closest to him; but, usually someone would come by and knock some sense into him. If it had been months, then Canon knew he needed to make a trip home. A faint sound in the distance jostled Canon from his thoughts. Right on schedule. Canon mused as a small smile began to form.

Canon watched as the black and red stallion rounded the corner and headed down the hill towards him. His friend slowed down as he came closer and closer until he reached Canon. Lex grinned wide at him as he tossed his head back, shaking his dark hair. Canon gave a small smile in response. He wasn't as outgoing as Lex was and social situations were more challenging for him due to the fact that he tended to more blunt with his words - similar to his mother, Mireille.

"Lex. How was your journey?" Canon asked - getting right to the point. Lex seemed to be well, based on his outward appearance. However, appearances could be deceiving. As Lex was typically expressive in his words and body language, Canon felt that he would know immediately if his best friend was unwell. He waited patiently as Lex caught his breath.

Canon listened attentively to his friend as the other stallion answered his question. Lex's voice was happy sounding despite the tiredness in his eyes. Canon nodded along with Lex. Although Canon lived close to his parents home, he did have brothers that moved away. It was hard sometimes, not knowing how they were doing or even if they had settled down and raised a family. Canon knew that it made his mother sad to not have all of her children close by, but Mireille often put on a strong front. She was a strong mare, always had been even before raising five colts with Canon's father. Thinking about his family only made Canon feel guilty at the fact that he hadn't visited home in awhile. However, it was equally surprising that his parents hadn't visited him - it made Canon wonder.

Canon paused in his thinking. He would think more on this later, it wasn't good to ignore Lex. He caught the last part of Lex's question, the one about Iva. Canon thought about the red and black bunny that was Lex's familiar. Lex and Iva were closer now than they were when they initially met. Canon remembered the few times when Lex confided in him about his fear of bunnies. Years had passed though and Lex wasn't as afraid as he was as a foal and young stallion. A close relationship had formed between the pair of them, from what Canon could tell. His mother had a familiar as well, the bear called Sylvain. Despite knowing other soquili that bonded with familiars, Canon had not yet felt a desire to form such a bond. Though in general forming relationships with others took Canon some time. He especially had a difficult time when anything remotely related to romance was involved.

"Iva?" Canon repeated her name slowly. "She was here a couple of days ago when she informed me that you would be here soon. I regret to tell you that she disappeared shortly afterwards. Where? I can't say." Canon answered, adding in as much detail as he could recall. Iva had been friendly with Canon, as she always was; however, she didn't usually reveal all of her plans. "I am certain she will turn up." Canon truly believed this. "You look tired Lex, would you like to take a rest now before eating or would you rather eat something now before a nap?" Canon inquired. The two stallions had started walking further into Canon's home as they talked. Their pace was leisured, as if they had all the time in the world. Canon knew they actually didn't. Eventually Lex would return to the mountains, Canon knew his friend was fond of the area. It was the place Lex now called home.