Common

It is with great difficulty that Bacardi pries himself away from his family, and delivers himself to the sea. Returning to patrols had been hard enough; he had much rather spend his days playing with his children and enjoying the soft caresses of their mothers. Well, perhaps not so soft from Twinge. Somedays the stallion wishes that he could carry out the same duties he once did in the Bay under Valka’s watch. Where he would tend to the herd and keep them safe, while she filled her needs of a warrior by making the daily patrols and taking on the necessary battles of a Lead. But with Valka gone, and his lack of trust in anyone else, Bacardi was left alone to take up the mantle and the responsibility.

Sidra’s appearance in the Forest had been the sign that had woken up Bacardi. Making the stallion realize it was well past time that he act like a true lead stallion. His herd would not grow otherwise.

Pulling himself up onto the shore of the Crossing, the stallion pauses to give himself a shake before peering out into the fresh greenery of spring. Scents of strangers wash across his senses, almost overwhelming the stallion after spending so long in the company of just his family. With bright golden eyes and black rimmed ears alert, he leaves behind the soft sands for the firmer grass covered terrain that was still familiar to him after all this time away.

At first, Bacardi drifts through the Falls since it is the closest public territory towards Luthien, before meandering through the Meadow. Neither seemed fruitful, and against his better judgement, he can’t help venturing to the Commons. By this time the stallion had fully dried as he stops along the tree line, peering out of the shadows to take a glimpse across the open field. He sees several horses scattered here and there; most already approached by another. Until finally, in the corner of his eye, he spots her.

Bacardi watches the lone mare for a little while as she grazes, debating if he should really do this or not. Raised in the Peak, he was taught claiming was basically a sin, and should never be done. But if he didn’t, who else might? Would they be as kind as he would be? Telling himself this over and over, Bacardi finally left his viewing point, emerging from the shadows to walk over to her.

"You’ve picked a dangerous spot to graze; especially during this season.” the stallion said in greeting. "What name do I call such a brave mare as you?”

mutt. bay tobiano. fourteen three hands. of the forest.

"...speech"