Rhaego had been patrolling that morning, of course. It was a typical task to catch him doing nowadays, traipsing through the forest and across the undulating hills and valleys of his home. A diligent watch was necessary, for Rhaego had been busy making himself an enemy of a herd across the treacherous mountain range. He didn't know for sure if they'd retaliate, especially since they seemed to be a somewhat larger herd, with more stallions and mares alike... but he could never be too sure. His own little harem was steadily growing now like wildfire as he began to make a name for himself, some of the horses apparently drawn in by the tales told of him in the surrounding lands. (Oh, what he'd give to listen in on one of those tellings!) With a collection of mares and now foals, Rhaego had no intention of letting any of them slip from his grasp... whether it be of their own decision or another's.

He'd just finished his rounds of the forest and checking upon a few of his mares that sheltered there and had emerged into the bright autumn sunlight. The air was dry, vacant of any moisture to foretell of any fall rains, but surprisingly the grass within his home had suffered little despite the mild drought. He took pride in the thought, commending himself for securing such a fertile land. He glanced across the rolling slopes as he continued on his path, scouring the Dale for any changes since he had last been through this area. A soft, tawny color of another horse caught his attention in the distance - nearly the color of Aileen but the more he focused, he was sure that it was not.

Issuing a harsh snort of indignation, the broad stallion kicked up his heels and leaped into a thundering canter towards the stranger, ears laced back. He powers across the slopes, strong ground-covering strides eating at the distance between them. The horse was a mare with a pale brown coat and inky-black tresses, grazing in the open meadowlands of the Dale.

"What brings a mare to wander into my home unannounced?" Rhaego's rumbling voice called as he neared, irritation clear in his voice. What was with all the trespassers as of late?