stock by visibreThere's something different in her gaze when she looks at him. El Aran is difficult to read, but Encantador allows himself the respite to believe it is approval, which sends a surge of satisfaction through him. His dark lips are curved at the corners in a small prideful smile as he turns his head forward to once more peer across the vast landscape before them. He murmurs a grunt of agreement at his partner's initial words. At her query, he allows a moment to gesture first to the left, then to the right. The mountains, which flank the edges of the desert prairie before them, extend in a great arc as far as the eye can see. They are standing in a huge half-moon of new territory at least two miles wide.
"The mountains are our borders. I believe our neighbors have extended theirs as well, but this space here is all ours. It will be nice to have more shade in the summer." A humid breeze cascades across the land, stirring up dust and tumbleweeds. The stallion stands serene and quiet for some time, soaking in the peace of their home and admiring the little signs that life will be easier in this part of the territory: a lizard sunbathing on a rock, a buzzard circling high above, a long-eared hare bounding amongst the shrubs. Every other animal, it seems, has also taken to this untouched haven. Encantador is still eyeing the rabbit, which is disappearing into the shimmering distance, when he speaks suddenly.
"Are you happy, El Aran? Here, I mean."
E N C A N T A D O R lead of the salem desert
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