This was a stakeout. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Sooner or later someone was going to be coming down off those mountains, down the craggy and rugged slopes and into his home. Just give them time.

It had happened a lot before and was beginning to happen again - too often for the Swedish brute to draw any comfort from. More times than not, he was left surprised to encounter a stranger roaming and grazing upon the lush grasses of the Dale, usually only happening upon them by chance. But there were times when he had only caught the lingering scents as evidence that a few unannounced strangers had been there without his prior knowledge. It irritated him to no end. Sure it could be taken as a good sign, that his harem was gaining attention and thus more members to his name. However it grated him that they would just waltz in like they owned the place (and they surely did not). Too many of the trespassers were getting too gutsy and greedy, whether they wanted to steal his hard-earned harem or to call the Dale their own. Most appeared to be mares at least... not entirely harmless, but something he could handle; but it was the stallions that made Rhaego's skin crawl with simply the thought of what would ensue.

These frustrations drove his determination now to not let this next trespasser escape unnoticed. They needed to learn that it was not always so wise to be crossing over into an unknown territory. And so the brawny copper stallion had sidled up rather sneakily into a small cluster of water oaks which sat back just a ways from the foot of the mountains upon a hillock - a place where he could watch the most well traveled trail that connected the Dale to the mountain path.

Part of the afternoon passed by and ordinarily, Rhaego would call this a waste of time... dallying in the trees and spying on his own territory, but not today. The promise of catching someone in the act was far too sweet of a deal to pass up. And he was not disappointed. Before long, three unfamiliar mares followed one another down out of the mountains and came to the invisible threshold of the boarder that he guarded with a passion.... and they stopped. Hidden away out of sight a short distance away, the heavy brute made a face - this was not what he wanted. He was supposed to be catching trespassers and to be trespassers, they needed to ignore common courtesy and barge right into his land. Dark umber eyes narrow upon the trio - taking note that they were all breathtaking specimens of varying size and hue. His attention scanned over the bay, admired the powerful build of the roan, and finished to linger upon the palomino mare that appeared to hold the most confidence among the group. A twist of his ashy-toned lips accompanies the sharp and decisive exhale he breathes out upon seeing her. Wouldn't she be a fine replacement for the golden mare he'd lost?

Though before he can reveal himself, the apparent leader of the trio called out - calling him by name. This gives Rhaego a second of pause as he contemplates these three mares - yet in truth, the pause only spans a few seconds. A rustle in the brush and the snapping of twigs foretells his presence as he emerges from beneath the oaks into plain sight, strolling towards the trio with languid grace. "If you will stay." He countered with in a sure tone, appraising them all now for a better look as he neared.