The life of being a herd leader had never before been quite as stressful as it was now for Rhaego. He wasn't sure really if it had always been this difficult to balance everything before or if it was the simple fact that he was now trying to do too much... trying to locate the missing mare that he was almost positive had been taken from him and also trying to hold down the hypothetical fort here in the Dale, making sure no cocky strangers got the idea that because he traveled more outside the terra, that it would be easier for them to take from him. That very well may have been it, he supposed, since he refused to lose ground on either matter. But at the same time, neither was he gaining any ground on either matter. It was maddening!

Checking in upon his herd was still a necessity and to be honest, despite the stresses he was under, the muscular brute was still morbidly curious about the foals that should be due at any time now. His foals. They were afterall his future and his legacy that would be left behind when he was no more. He wanted to feel that pride of a father again upon seeing how strong and healthy his offspring were, especially the colts. So the mealy dun stallion had found himself strolling silently beneath a starlit sky, the dim glow of the clear sky providing ample enough light to see his way around the familiar land. It had not been often lately he was afforded the opportunity to be home, so he took advantage of the Dale's lush grass, snatching large mouthfuls as he walked.

The call that came from near the lake brought Rhaego to a stop, wedge-shaped head lifted proudly as his rounded ears flick forward. Blades of succulent green grass were held in between his lips as he listened for anymore sounds. Nothing had sounded urgent in the mare's voice - not like the screams of pain that he'd heard from some mares when they gave birth. He was inwardly relieved and heaved and deep sigh, eyes wide in the dim light as he resumed chewing the mouthful of grass and angled his path to head towards the direction of the call. The unhurried pace brought him within sight of the golden mare with the glimmering wings and horn. He wasn't terribly familiar with her but he did remember the formal air that she had greeted him with when she arrived in the Dale and that she seemed willing enough to share some intimate moments with him at the lake. Rapunzel. Yes, that was her name. He paused with a start, several lengths away in his approach upon noticing the movement of a smaller figure beside her and understanding dawned on him for why she called. Whuffing a deep breath and flicking his ears intently forward, Rhaego ambled closer, his eyes flicking between the mare and the newest of his foals.