Onok & Others

Onok stood near the edge of the shoreline, where the salty waves crashed rhythmically to his right, and the mountains rose protectively to his left. The last stains of pink and purple had faded from the horizon, leaving the sky inky black and partially swathed in clouds. The creatures of the night had begun to emerge, and instead of sheltering away with his heard in one of the many quiet meadows in their territory, the stallion stepped briskly back up the slope where he'd last left his family to graze.

"Darkia, it's time." He murmured, drawing close to the mare but not offering her any touch of affection or assurance, out of respect for her bond with Harthrou. To the stallion, he turned his gaze, "I don't know how long we'll be, but stay close with the mares and the children. If we don't return by first light tomorrow, guide the herd to the Opake Mountains."

Harthrou gave a vague nod, knowing the location well enough thanks to his many excursions through the Valley with Ethan. And where Onok kept a respectful distance, Harth leaned his muzzle forward and touched his whiskers to Darkia's flank. He wasn't sure what to do or say, so this was his way of offering something to his mate.

Callaquioa stayed nearer to Xenarona as Onok and Darkia prepared to debark. She had been especially vigilant of her children, and if either of them strayed more than a few yards from her side in the last few hours, the young mother was quick to herd them back her way.

Brennik was currently resting on the ground, but his ears perked and he lifted his head when he heard his father speak.

Some distance away from them, Nightshade and Daga were waiting silently, ready to move on the horses' command.

Darkia

She was antsy hoping to hell she was right and colt and savannah were alive. She nodded to onok and nuzzled harth back she whispered** try to keep an ear on Xena a mother will be anxious in times like this** she said glancing at the other mate who looked to be sleeping

Onok & Others

Harth glanced back at the lead mare, "I'll keep everyone together." He vowed, though there wasn't perhaps as much conviction in his voice as there should have been. Still, the stallion stayed put and took note of where the rest of his herd mates where, and after a second or two where he seemed to struggle with it, he spoke in a quieter pitch yet, "Be careful, Darkia."

After allowing time for Darkia to speak with Harthrou and say her goodbyes, he nodded to her and the cervid. Nightshade stepped away first, moving like a shadow as he headed for the mountains and Ethan's home just beyond it's opposite slope. Onok fell in line somewhere behind him, leaving room for the mare to fill in where she pleased, while the more inexperienced Daga took up the rear.