Rhaego studied the mare with the same interest that any stallion would have when meeting a new female. He was sizing her up and admiring the sleek black hide as it shifted and rolled over her elegant Arabian body. She was a lightly built creature - or at least in his opinion - much like another eye-catching mare that he'd encountered in the meadows just a few days before; but then again, most horses were not as broad and packed with hard muscle as he was. Still, she was an appealing mare he thought - despite the obvious fatigue and weariness she had... those were things easily solved with rest and a good home.

The stallion's ears perk as he watches the mare relax and then tense again, in such a way that he knew he had indeed guessed correctly that she was fleeing from something or rather someone. His lips twitch upward just slightly in the faintest hint of a smile when she casts skittish glances to the trees around them, as if she were expecting someone to materialize from the shadows and come for her. Rhaego was not bothered by this knowledge or the chance that someone may try to come for her, not in the least bit. He was sure that his borders were safe and that no horse could breech them without him knowing.... and if that did happen, any threat would swiftly be taken care of with tooth and hoof.

Rhaego cast a bemused look over the mare, Clinger, as she quivered in nervous fear. Her stammered words brought a forth a soft snort from the burly stallion and he began to open his mouth to say something in return to her when she suddenly collapsed. Not expecting her to simply fall to the ground as she did, the mealy bay dun stallion snorts loudly in surprise taking a step back and arching his powerful neck to eye her warily. Was she sick or was she really so dead on her feet? He pins his ears in agitation... only a fool would run themselves so ragged that they literally could run no more, let alone carry on a sensible conversation for any length of time. Had Rhaego been in cahoots with whomever was chasing this delicate mare, she was certainly as good as dead now. Rhaego is not, but that does not stop him from imagining such.

He steps forward, lowering his muzzle briefly to sniff at Clinger and to see if she were simply passed out or worse. She was still breathing, still alive, and so he attributes her fainting to her fatigue and the stress of her fears. How ridiculous, he thinks to himself. His mind flickers to the previous task he'd been on before meeting Clinger - his search for the mare, Aileen - and he turns to look back into the distance, brow furrowed. Darkness would be settling across the realm soon and he truly wished to find the Mustang mare before then. With a last look to the unconscious Arabian at his feet, the Swedish Draft stallion turns away and begins to head off in a purposeful walk because surely there was not anything productive to be done here.

He is a only strides away, just barely out of sight in the thick forest brush, when he stops, ears flicking back to the sounds of the mare trying to stand. Huffing in vague irritation, the brute turns and stalked back within sight of the ebony mare, still laying on the ground. "Your father will not come here - not if he threatens my rule or my authority here. I would recommend listening to your body and get some rest while you are able." His eyes narrow slightly, slightly annoyed at having to instruct her on how to take care of herself, but otherwise feeling it was necessary. "There are other matters that require my attention now, so I will come find you at another time. Until then, you may stay and recover from your travels." Rhaego huffs dismissively and turns to leave again, disappearing into the depths of the forest.