A rusty figure approached, Xanti's ears pressing forward as he realized it was a red dun mare. His heart began to pump faster and his weight began to shift constantly. Was it who he thought it was? Was it-- no. As the mare grew closer he could see that although they were the same size, she was the wrong breed. Her face was not convex and she just did not look like who he had hoped. She was younger, it seemed. Still, he watched as the mare bent her head to drink her fill after murmuring something indistinguishable. She was indeed a mare, maybe not the one he was desperately needing, but still a mare who could be worthwhile. Anyone was worthwhile but currently the stallion was searching for a herd. Perhaps he should take a step back and figure out where he stood first.

She spoke after lifting her head from the water, the grullo finally controlling himself. "Yes, I did." His voice was again rougher than usual, but by now he was starting to get to it. Perhaps it was his new usual. "I am here to claim this land and alert anyone living here. Unless there is another stallion who had already claimed it for himself; then I will be fighting him." His intentions were laid out quite nicely, or so the stallion thought. Before at his old home it was always gather your herd where you want them and keep them safe until he moved to the desert, where he had a patch of territory to call his own. His herd would travel around it day to day, running off intruders and grabbing every bite of grass found. It had been a good life.

Xanti walked closer to the mare, stopping just close enough so he could reach out his muzzle and exchange breathes with her. Pulling away and blinking slowly, he spoke again. "Are you the only one here?" He wished to bring up a different subject and just talk to her, but he did need his information. Perhaps she would mention something worth discussing about or he would think something up quick as soon as he learned what he needed to know. Imagine, years with a good herd, and the stallion couldn't think of anything to say to a mare. Obviously his year spent alone had not been good for him.

Giving her a small smile, he racked his mind while waiting for her to respond.