Vodnik is glad to see the conversation move beyond this Nuru and settle on a much better topic, himself. Vodnik doesn't even know who Nuru is and already there a feeling of jealous dislike associated with the name.

"The inlet? Won't your stallion be upset if another comes calling on one of his?" The question is innocent enough, but it speaks volumes about Vodnik's state of mind. He has been so narrowly focused on his pursuit of Macabre that he's missed recent changes on the islands. A sparse population and a changing culture have led to mares claiming territories of their own, a concept Vodnik is yet unaware of, and will need some time to accept. He's just lucky the first such mare he meets is this one. It will be easier to respect this mare as an equal than one of a smaller stature, and more delicately feminine form.

So focused on Macabe he was, he is now just as focused on his own efforts to impress this mare. Nervous glances towards the Ridge behind him go misinterpreted. The bay stallion stands statuesque, with his chest thrust forth and his neck still arched. He is proud of his land, and his ego only grows with expressions he assumes to be of awe. "This has been my home for two years now."

Vodnik chances a glance over his shoulder. The landcape is dramatic, and varied. The resources are plentiful and the location desirable, but it hasn't been an easy territory to defend. Predators wait in the shadows of the Ridge's rocky outcroppings, and limited sight lines make it difficult to defend from intruders. But thus far, Vodnik has managed to defend it. He can't imagine laying claim to any other land.