Onok

It was late in the night, and stars were spattered across the inky sky when Onok returned to his forested home. Normally he'd announced his arrival with a powerful trumpet, but the draft mix was going for caution this time to avoid alerting predators, and so he moved through the trees with a stealth that belied his large size.

"This way, not much further." He announced at one point, throwing his velvety muzzle over his shoulder to look back at the small procession following him. "There's an alcove up ahead, at the base of this ridge. Mind your footing." The stallion went gingerly himself, moving his giant hooves with care as he traversed the sloping terrain, eventually winding his way down to the bottom of the hill and down along the edge of an exposed cliff face. A further few yards ahead the rock formation caved inward, creating an open cave of sorts that was large enough to accommodate a dozen or so horses. The alcove was deep enough to provide shelter from wind and rain, but open enough so as not to feel claustrophobic.

Xena

She would for the night but her and Calliquoa would go to Toklat in the morning. She knew her daughter if her daughter was there and alive would want to be with her half sister. She followed him to this place. She kept to Calli side she wouldn't let this stallion near her currently. Calli been through enough and she knew that Calli would love to be reunited with her mom and sister and that what Xena was going to do. For too long she been seperated from Kacheska. Onok had no herd to protect them from what was hunting them. So joining him wasn't a good idea..

Callaquioa & Nghtshade

The more distance they put between them and the scrublands in the north, the better Callaquioa felt. She was a little nervous at first about the dense pine trees, but the gentle squish of needles beneath her hooves felt almost like walking on a cloud, and the earthy aroma of sap was a welcome cleanse from the dusty air of the canyon. And there was something else, too - a salty tang and odor of seaweed that peaked her curiosity.

Calla kept these curiosities to herself as they navigated through the hilly land, nodding once to Onok when he announced the upcoming cove, and then snorting with relief once they were finally settled in the rocky hideaway. Settling her flank near Xenarona, the mare sighed, "Thank you, Onok." She then dropped her dial, letting her head rest near Xena's as she spoke to her friend, "How are you holding up?"

The walk had been a long one, covering many miles, but Nightshade was use to such endeavors. When the three horses clustered into the alcove, the stag nodded his velveteen antlers at the stallion, "I'll keep a watch from the top of the ridge for the night. You three can rest."

Onok

Onok had stood towards the outside of the alcove initially, letting the mares chose their spot in the roomy shelter. He noted Xenarona's guarded behavior towards Calla, and respectfully kept his distance from the pair. To Nightshade, he nodded, "I'd appreciate that. In the morning, I can show you three a good grazing patch, and once you've had your fill I can lead you to my uncle's land."

Xena

She stood still ** you shouldn't live alone your still young. You should collect mares while living with another stallion and when you got like 5 or more that's when you should think about a territory otherwise your easy pickings**

Onok

"I'm not a youngling anymore." Onok assured with a level of confidence that was backed by a densely muscled frame and a two-toned coat that shone in good health. "I do appreciate your concern, but I can handle my own and any mares that choose to reside with me. In fact, I drove out a pack of wolves from this land." This he stated with some pride, for he'd soundly stomped the old alpha who use to rule here, and hadn't seen hide or hair of the other wolves. And with over 1,500 pounds of strength and four deadly flints on his side, he doubted any wolf would be willing to tangle with him.

Xena

You can't be older then five you are inexperienced and it's not the wolves that will take you down the large felines will. You are still so young to understand living by yourself is nothing to be proud of there is no shame in sticking with your birth band till you aquire enough mates that your herd can defend yourself. Most mates won't join a solo stallion because it would in the end be a death sentence for either the stallion or mare. ** But if the young stallion wanted to live a risky dangerous life that was his choice she wouldn't allow calli to risk her own. **Stick with your uncle's herd and perhaps when you aquire enough others I shall join you but I know it would be foolish to do so now**

Onok

"I'm plenty old enough to know when it's my time to leave my birth herd. Besides, I doubt my father or uncle would be keen on sharing their mares with me." Onok chuckled gently, taking the mare's criticism in stride. After all, it was nice to have another equine to talk to. "I can understand if you're frightened being away from other mares; I'm a stallion true to my word and I'll lead you safely back to my uncle's herd once we've all had time for a morning graze. If either of you change your mind by morning-" His gaze shifted to Callaquioa for a moment before drifting back to Xena, "-know that this land is safe, and I will defend you with my life. But it is your choice, I'm not a stallion to force any mare against their will."

Xena

Xena sighed ** we will not stay, it too dangerous the big cats will be able to easy take one of us out**

Onok

Onok dipped his head, "Should you ever change your mind, you know where to find me. Now, why don't you two get some rest?" The stallion shifted his dense frame and turned, so that his rump was facing the pair and his keen senses were directed towards the darkness beyond the alcove. If anything tried to harm the mares, it would first have to get past the keen vigilance of he and Nightshade.

Xenarona

Xena knew that the stallion may be strong but he'd die to the big cats. She moved to groom call