Shy isn't quite what Braylen would call himself but the interaction with the young mares in the Commons had been awkward. Perhaps it was because his father had joined the group and the painted stallion wasn't quite sure how to act in front of the older man. Either way Braylen had been aiming to find them since returning to the Forest for a proper introduction.
Deciding now was better than never, Braylen gave a faint nod to himself before he set off down a well traveled trail through the trees with a purposeful walk. He had not made it far when the slight breeze that carried through the trees brought the scent of an intruder. The heavy musk was strong and it instantly set the young stallion’s blood on fire. The feeling was new for Braylen but for right now he didn't stop to questionit. Instead he followed instinct and picked up a fast pace lope after the scent.
When his eyes landed upon the dark stallion circling Hickere, Braylen had a brief moment of hesitation. Lyden was the one who always took care of confrontations but it was time Braylen grew up and this was the perfect time to prove his father had been right when he had kept him as Second in Command.
With a bellow escaping his lips that was deep and threatening the young stud thrust himself forward with his ears pinned and his lunges pumping for air. Aiming to shove himself between the threat and Hickere, Braylen lashed out with his hind hooves. The blunt weapons came up towards his belly as he gave a buck before he swung them out towards the intruder hoping to catch flesh and bone so that the other male knew he meant business.
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