The Vulcan watched the newcomer closely. It was clear both mares were studying each other with a curiosity that went further than polite introductions. Battle scars told clear stories and on some level, Adelheid needed to know if this new mare could hold her own, and if Adelheid herself would be able to stand a chance. At first, the corner of her mouth quirked in appreciation when the mare stated she had come to be part of the Peak herd. She opened her mouth to speak but her ears flattened as well at the interruption. Eyes narrowed, she studied the filly that had come running up to them.

Whereas Maraigh’s head snaked over to the filly and her voice was a seething hiss, Adelheid’s head lifted and her expression was one of perturbed alarm. This was not an interaction she would have expected. She heard the filly’s fear and blinked in surprise. Her feathered hoof stomped in irritation and she hissed her own displeasure, which was very different than the other mare’s. A foal to have gone missing for over a week and no one had stepped up to find them. Though a mother was lost, and aunt could have stepped in. Though Adelheid did not like children, it was still up to the herd to defend their own.

Her lips curled back in their own silent growl, she looked back at Maraigh. Write of passage? No. Not to live here. But respect is earned. If we stay, we defend the Peak in our own ways. From inside and out.

Panic did not fully sink into the mare yet. She knew a child’s tendency to not understand something. And though she did not know the filly’s mother very well, and had very little faith in the dam’s ability to watch over her children, she would have assumed if the child had been in danger, they would have heard about it. Still, it was worth looking into. Matatabi, I will look for her in the mountains. About to turn, she glanced over at the other mare and looked a little expectantly. You, can come if you want. Her tail swished as she waited for an answer. Clearly this mare had no issue striking down children, but she wondered if she would have any sense of loyalty to a place she claimed to want to be a part of and defend with her battle scarred body. Adelheid also wondered if she would strike down the challenge of exploring the mountains cloaked in winter’s ice and the chance to prove herself. The corner of her mouth quirked. This could be interesting.