Scents sifted through the air, upon winds that smell of flourishing foliage where much would normally have been long fading under a fresh frost. But these were not scents of the earth, of the tree's or waters that wound their path through the lands unseen, not the saltine aroma that clung stubbornly to his thick mane and tail. These were the scents of the living. Of the present and the gone. Nostril flared with each breath inhaled, noting yet taking less interest in them than even the trees. For it was the tree's he desired. Their shadows, and nothing more. Within his mind that land was much the same as those that he had left behind. Feminine and masculine scents hugged the terrain. How was this place any different? Nearer and nearer the treeline draws, strong tired limbs stubbornly continuing the pace he had set to. From the shadowed borders he sought unknown eyes peered out upon him briefly, but there was no whisper on the breeze to alert the stallion. No mutter from the darkness he aimed for. Around him the trees slowly grew more numerous as the daylight hours began to fade. Waning light dappled across his ebony sides as it slipped between leaves to seek him out. But he denied it, refusing to stand and let the last of the days golden rays caress him. So close stands his destination. And perhaps there he'd finally be rid of that curse. Suddenly he stops. Just a few strides more and his dark hide would vanish wholly within the thick foliage waiting before him, but through the air cuts a sound that shatters through even his embraced numbness. Head that might have been noble if it wasn't for the emptiness of his features lifted high, turning sharply about to the bugle that echoed through the air. Ears pricked, pressing keenly skyward. A few more steps, that was all he need take. Increase his pace and vanish into the gloom and the oncoming night, become yet another shadow amongst others once more. Only he would not be permitted to vanish here. The notes in that cry rang through him stirring knowledge through the empty depths. This was not land like any other. Here even a shadow was an intruder if it was not welcome. Yet again was denied his desolation. Dark void eyes did not need to need to search long, not with the scattering of rocks and debris that clattered down the slopes. He held no wish to encounter the giant brute that slid into sight, for many reasons. He could have turned and fled then and there, back to the coast or onwards into the woodland. But instincts lifted their head through the numbness. Ears swivelled flattening against his skull as he half reared up upon tired limbs as the true presence of the stallion whose lands he'd intruded upon became clear. Still fear did not bleed into the dark steed’s heart. Though wariness stiffened taunt sinews. Somewhere deep with the uncaring chasms a spark of pride burned. He would not be chased out like some clueless mare.