The creek was farther from the herd than the red stallion had suspected, and he suspected that it had been chosen as Indian Hemp's usual haunt for that very reason. The spotted stallion that had seemed so submissive and shy in the falls had proven himself to be a respectful inhabitant of the forest. Vercingetorix was thankful that the other male had managed to keep his distance, if only because he did not wish to start a fight with someone living in the forest. Admiring the calm, quiet hideaway that the appaloosa had secured for himself, he almost missed Indian Hemp's approach, and is once more thankful for the respectful greeting he gave so as not to alarm the red dun.

Twisting his head away from the water at the spotted stallion's low nicker, Vercingetorix finds himself looking the other male over for a moment or two before responding. He was pleased to find that his second had appeared to gain a little weight, and it seemed as though he had the beginnings of a winter coat starting to come in on his shoulders and back. Nothing that would keep a strong winter wind off his bones like the shaggy red fur that had started to line Vercingetorix's back, but it seemed as though Indian Hemp was starting to adapt.

Or at least he was eating better, and that was a good enough sign as is.

As the appaloosa offers his nose for a quick exchange of breaths, the red dun does the same, nodding and verbally greeting the other forest stallion with just his name. “Indian Hemp.” He was aware that he was likely intruding in what was deemed to be a safe place for the other male, and took a step away from the water before lifting his head and opting to start their conversation. “It looks like the summer and fall have been kind to you.”

stallion, red dun, crossbreed, fifteen and one hands, russell.