Onok, Callaquioa, Brennik, Daga, & Nightshade

After a long trek from the southern edge of the Valley, the herd finally made it to the prairie. Waving fields of lush grass and delicious forage awaited them, spreading as far as the eye could see. As much as Onok wanted to tuck into it, the chocolate and cream stallion picked a small knoll to mount, where he could see at great length in every direction. From here, he would spot any potential danger long before it reached his family.

Brennik adopted a similar strategy, taking to a low rise in the field, next to a gnarled sycamore tree. He spent a moment rubbing his backside against the flaking bark, scratching an itch that he teeth simply couldn't reach!

Callaquioa searched about before settling in the shadow of Onok's knoll, and tucking in to a patch of frost-blanched alfalfa.

Daga grazed near Calla, whille Nightshade took a spot a short distance from the herd, where he could use his keen nose to scent any potential trouble.

Moonlit Moor & Harthrou

The midnight-coated mare drifted a few yards from Onok's knoll, finding herself decent stretch of prairie clover tangled amid the taller grasses. While she enjoyed the final flush of red flowers for the season, the mare would stop now and then to raise her dial and look around.

Harth had trailed behind the group on their travels. Not out of duty to keep an eye on the mares and yearlings, but out of continued protest over the loss of his mate and child, and what he perceived as Onok's lack of action to get them back. Harth himself had threatened to go to Ethan's more than once, only to be stopped by Onok and talked down from it.

The marwari mix shuffled about around the perimeter of the grazing herd, finding some food for himself, but not really focusing on his surroundings.

Shaded Moon & Osmia

The summer had been a long and grueling one for Shaded Moon now that Soul Taker was gone. The stallion had grown quiet and forlorn, and could often be found gazing wistfully across the prairie grasses, as if hoping against hope to see the silhouette of his sibling come racing back towards him. The days had grown long, reached the climax of summer, and began to wane once more. Soul never returned. Now autumn was fully upon them, with the freezing claws of winter beginning to set into the lands. Shaded took it upon himself to move the small herd around, but could never quite be convinced to leave the prairie, despite its pressing threats. He could not leave his brother behind.

"Look." Osmia's quiet command came with a heavy cloud of frost from her whiskered maw. She had spotted Onok on the hill.

Shaded followed the mare's gaze and, for the first time in a long while, felt a rush of excitement flow through his body. This wasn't Soul Taker, but it was a stallion watching over a band of mares. And if he couldn't get Soul back, some new mares might just fill the void. "Keep an eye on Sarada, and hang low." He ordered, then began to sprint wide around the area where Onok's band grazed, looking for any mares that were grazing a little too far from their lead...

Onok & Others

Callaquioa was grazing near Onok, just a few yards down from the knoll where the lead stallion stood sentry, and didn't notice the male sneaking around the outskirts of their group. She'd struck up an idle chatter with her cervid companion between lipping up mouthfuls of grass, and would occasionally look up to make sure Onok was still close at hoof.

Daga would look up now and then too, though his attention was a little split at the moment. Partly with his conversation with Callaquioa, and partly with his growing desire to find a few does of his own now that he was on his third year. He'd pause now and then to test the wind, but so far hadn't found the scent he was after.

It was Brennik who first noticed the interloper. He stepped cautiously out from under the sycamore and watched the dark stallion with immediate suspicion. Unlike his brothers though, Brennik hadn't spent much time practicing his sparring, and he made no move to chase the stranger. Instead, he called out for his father, "Dad! We have company!"

Onok turned first to look at his son, then followed his gaze to the shady creature circling the herd "Leave my mares be, stranger." He bellowed, giving Shaded Grace a fair warning before he'd make any move. Standing tall atop his knoll, Onok reared once and arched his neck, showing off his strength and well-honed muscles.

From his resting place, Nightshade stood up and took note of the situation. This was the first time an equine interloper challenged the herd, and Night wasn't sure if his help would be requested, or whether Onok wanted to handle this on his own.

Xena

Xena was grazing when her ears flicked and she raised her dial immediately at the approaching stallion. She moved to take up a protective stance in front of the other mares and younger horses. Her ears were back.

Sarada was due to foal any day now. She watched him go off but didn't bother to follow as she grazed.

Shaded Moon & Osmia

Shaded Moon wasted no time arguing with the other stallion or his yearling son. With his neck stretched out and his head lowered, the ebony horse rushed suddenly across the grasses, heading straight for Xenarona. He doubted he could score such a unique and hearty mare for his own herd, but if he could at least spook her, he'd have a shot at corralling her or one the others away in the confusion.

Osmia watched her friend gallop off while she stayed close to Sarada's side. Since Soul's disappearance, Osmia had been a little kinder to her younger mare companion, and a lot more protective when it became apparent that she was with foal. And whether or not Shaded came back with a new mare or two today, Osmia was bound determined to make sure that Sarada and her unborn child stayed safe during the confrontation.

The mare's eyes lifted to the stallion atop the knoll, watched as he arched his neck and did his best to scare away Soul. Then she did a double take. That mane.... Osmia looked to Sarada, who had the same short, bristly mane as Onok, and the same curious, striped markings. "Do you know that stallion?" She finally murmured, nodding her head to Onok in the distance.

Onok & Others

The gall of this intruder! Onok was done posturing, once it became apparent that it was not going to stop Shaded Moon. His forehooves slammed into the earth and down the slope he went, all but flying over the blades of grass as he hurtled towards Shaded Moon, mouth agape and teeth bared. He was going straight for the other's neck...

Callaquioa squealed and began to back away from the knoll. Memories of the Haunter's attack suddenly flashed in her mind and panic seized her. She turned and began to run...

"Calla!" Daga called out. Like Nightshade, he wasn't sure if he was suppose to help Onok with this fight or not. After a moment's hesitation, the young stag took off after his friend Calla.

Like Onok, Brennik hadn't noticed the two mares in the distance. His attention was on Shaded, and when the unknown stallion came charging in, Brennik rushed up beside Xenarona to help stand against this unwanted intrusion.

Nightshade remained where he was, observing the scene with a critical eye.

Sarada

She lifts her head finally and sees the stallion she stares at him in shock. It couldn't be. **Brother** she mumbles wanting to call out to him but the last time she had seen him he had mostly ignored her pleas for him to Kee his new herd safe and stay with them.

Xena saw the stallion eyeing her. She knew his goal. **Go with calla back to the territory** she said to the young.

Shaded Moon & Osmia

Shaded Moon saw the beast thundering down the hill with vengeance in his eyes. The other stallion was far larger than him, but size wasn't always everything in a fight, and Shaded was willing to tangle with the behemoth. He pulled back before getting too close to Xenarona and reared, pulling his neck and face clear of Onok's snapping jaws. He then threw his hooves at his opponent's own cranium before whirling away and charging at Xena again...

Osmia winced a little when she saw the unknown horse barring down on her friend, and released a sigh of relief when Shaded evaded the initial attack. Her response to Sarada came a little belatedly and she continued to watch the fight play out across the distance, "Brother? Mmhn. We don't have to worry about him trying to steal you, at least." As for herself, Osmia was ready to fight tooth and hoof if the big draft boy tried to corral her.

Onok & Others

Onok had no intention of shying away from Shaded Grace, and in his fury to protect his herd, didn't draw back when he should of. A hoof crashed down on the side of his muzzle, and the other left a crescent-shaped gash on his upper neck. Undaughted, Onok snapped at Shaded's haunch and tore off after him, his legs pumping hard and fast to keep up with the smaller stallion. He made a bid to cut in front of or at least beside the interloper and kick out with his hind legs...

Brennik had glanced to Xenarona, with an ear also swiveling to catch the lead's order. Though he didn't want to leave her alone, he dutifully obliged and pressed onward to catch up with Callaquioa, "Mother! We need to get back to our land! This way!" The yearling came up beside his dam, bumping his shoulder into her and gently guiding her in the right direction.

Daga heeded Xena's words as well, and backed off to let Brennik guide Callaquioa. His eyes turned for Thor and Loki, trying to locate the herd's remaining yearlings. Though they weren't the mares that Shaded seemed most interested in, they could still be a target for theft by any lone stallion looking for future lieutenants. "Loki, Thor!"

Nightshade held his position still, letting the younger, faster members of the herd do their job.

Xena

Xena wouldn't leave onok. If onok lost shed have to fight or go with this stallion. Shed do what ever she had to to protect her herd.

Sarada watched the fight worried for both.

Thor

Thor and Loki turned to leave

Shaded Moon & Osmia

He was closing ground on Xenarona, his eyes set on the beautiful split-toned mare. If he could just cover a few dozen more yards, and out-pace the bigger stallion, he might be able to split her away from the others and have three gorgeous ladies under his protection.

But it wasn't so. The bite to his rump was ignored, but the hooves that came at his side were another story. The stallion grunted in pain and was forced to stop when Onok cut him off, proving much faster than Shaded gave him credit for. The ebony brute snapped viciously back at Onok, then reared to box him with his front hooves, desperately trying to force the younger stallion back...

This is where Osmia got an idea. While the two boys were fighting, she raised her head and offered a hearty neigh, trying to attract the attention of one of the yearling males...

Onok & Others

When Shaded Moon rose, Onok rose to meet him, taking the strikes against the side of his shoulder and neck, and sending back a flail of his one front hooves. Adrenaline coursed like fire through his veins, and the sight of Xena so close to them made the young stallion fight all the harder. He pushed his weight into Shaded and snaked his neck forward, trying to take a chunk out of the other's face...

Brennik had more or less guided his mother in the right direction. He heard Osmia's call, but the yearling paid no heed. Xenarona had given him a task, and he was determined to complete it. Galloping harder, he stuck by Callaquioa's side as they fled from the prairie.

Daga sprinted behind Loki and Thor, keeping the two brothers in sight.

Thor

Thor had been getting a lot more independent then the others and he was defeinetly a stallion. The yearling ears twitched at the sound of the mares call and he stopped his nostrils flaring.

Loki kept going.

Xena pinned her ears at the stallion. and she stomped her hoof

Sarada didn't budge. She was torn aat the fight. Scared for Shaded but also not wanting to make her brother hate her. She snorted loudly.

Shaded Moon & Osmia

It was easy enough to twist his head back to avoid Onok's snapping ivories, and return a quick bite to the other's neck. But the hooves were a different story, and Shaded felt the impact of the daggers solidly against his shoulder. He spun around and offered a hearty kick with his hinds, knowing that he would have to cut his losses soon if he couldn't get this larger male to back down... and then even if he did win, the mare he had his sights set on did not appear eager to go with him.

Osmia was having a slightly better time in her quest to gain their tiny band a second stallion. Thor might be a bit on the young side, but it was clear he had been training hard, and looked better muscled and more filled out than Brennik, who had not been participating in many of the mock battles. With his attention on her, Osmia coyly turned and looked back over her shoulder, trying to entice the male closer, and away from his natal band.

Onok & Others

In the time it took Shaded to spin around, Onok had done the same, maneuvering to avoid the heartier kicks of the enemy's hindlegs. He'd offered a fleeting nip to the other's shoulder before striking out with his back hooves for Shaded's gut. As he spun, he also caught sight of the two mares in the distance, and caught the distant sound of a snort that sounded so familiar...

Sarada! It felt like ages since he'd seen his sister, and one glance showed that she had to be bearing a foal. Whether his hooves had hit or not, Onok took a hasty step forward and away from Shaded, then spun back around with a strongly arched neck and flattened ears, "End this, stallion! You can't match me, and you have two mares to look after; you can't do that if you're injured." He struck the earth, digging a harsh furrow into the ground.

With Brennik and Callaquioa quickly disappearing into the distance, Daga hestitate. "Thor... ignore them." He warned, but how was he going to stop a yearling stallion several times his own weight?

Sarada

Her tail flicked side to side as she watched the two stallions.

Thor snorted as he stood still now looking at the two mares. But he knew he couldn't steal one of them from this stallion even hurt he'd be no match. He heard Daga but didn't move.

Xena snorted.

Shaded Moon & Osmia

The final blow knocked the air from his lungs and he staggered to the side, bringing an end to his attempt to steal away Xenarona. He still had plenty of fight in him, but Onok's words rang true; if he kept pushing it, it could be seriously wounded and unable to protect his ladies. Shaded Moon turned to face his opponent, panting with his mouth agape, muscles ready to move.

"Fine." He finally admitted, while watching from the corner of his eye as Thor took a lingering interest in his own mares. He had half a mind to bolt over and chase the youngster away, but like Osmia, saw potential in the yearling; Thor was too young to be much of a challenge to him right now, but could prove to be an invaluable lieutenant if he could steal the kid away from Onok's band. In a bid to distract Onok, Shaded went on, "But watch your back, stallion. This won't be the last time we meet." And to send the point home, he too pawed at the earth.

When Thor stalled, Osmia nickered softly, trying to beckon him closer, without being so loud as to get Onok's attention.

Onok & Others

Onok heard the nicker from Osmia, but his attention was on the lone stallion, "If you test me again, I can guarantee that I won't hold back." A hoof again struck the ground, sending up a smattering of dust and weathered grass. And to further drive his point home, Onok snorted, "And I will take your mares, including my sister Sarada, to ensure they're safe. Count yourself lucky that I don't do that now."

While the fight had turned from physical to verbal, Callaquioa and Brennik were long gone, disappearing in the sea of prairie grasses. Daga had hesitated, but ultimately had to prioritize three horses over one, and so after giving Thor one more bark to follow him, the stag bolted after Loki and the others.

Now it was just Xena, Onok, and a watchful Nightshade.

Thor

he couldn't help himself as he began moving closer to the the two maress. HIs ears flicking.

Xena too was preoccupied with the stallion.

Sarada watched her brother.

Shaded Moon & Osmia

Shaded had to be careful here, or he could lose more than just the mare he was trying to steal. He matched Onok's gaze for a few tense minutes with his ebony neck arched and his muscles taut and ready. But finally, and after giving Osmia a few crucial moments to lure Thor closer, the elder stallion finally conceded the fight and turned abruptly away. Without another word to Onok, Shaded began to gallop back to his herd, strategically positioning himself between Thor and the rest of the weanling's family.

Osmia offered Thor the faintest of smiles in her softened gaze, "Greetings, stallion." One ear had swiveled to Daga's faint bark, but she paid no more mind to it than Thor had. "What's your name?"

Onok & Others

Facing the opposite direction as he was, Onok hadn't yet noticed that his son had been lured away, and initially turned his attention to Xenarona, "Thank you, for your help." He breathed out, letting some of his muscles relax now that the threat was galloping away. "Things could have gone much differently if you hadn't held your ground."

Thor

He knew he should of gone with the others but being a colt and yearling he was starting to get stallion hormones and couldn't help himself as he got closer. **Thor**

Xena as well had been distracted** I'll never be forced to join anyone** she responded

Shaded Moon & Osmia

"Thor? I'm Osmia, and this is my friend, Sarada." The black mare was all pleasantries and warmth.

This is when Shaded Moon finally caught up with his herd. The stallion kept his head low and neck outstretched as he approached Thor, but didn't immediately rush at the colt, "Lets go, Osmia. Before the other stallion gets wise to us - young one, follow her, and stay in line." He was still breathing hard, with a few points of crimson staining his dark coat like a thick oil.

"Come." Osmia's gentler voice was a sweet contrast to Shaded's hoarse demand. She turned away from Thor and began a slow canter away, keeping a pace that would be easy on the heavily pregnant Sarada.

Sarada

Sarada frowned a bit but said nothing . She turned to leave the area.

Thor ears went back at the stallion words and part of him knew he should turn and return to his natal band but when Osmia spoke he couldn't help but follow