The world was quiet and still, smothered by the humidity of the coming storm. Xina's neck and flanks were darkened by sweat making her mane cling to the wet skin and flies buzz around her body as they tried to collect the moisture. The mare lazily swished her ebony tail from side to side and every once in awhile would give a shake of her head to rid herself of the pests but otherwise remained still beneath the bows of a scraggly old tree. Her company; Conquistador and Mera, had ventured off some time ago but the older mare did not blame their restlessness. They were young and full of energy and with the recent events Xina had not let them stray far, keeping them close with pinned ears and snapping teeth. But with a new scent yet again filling the air her guard had lightened, if only slightly due to the familiarity of the stallion's musk.


Head drooping down towards her knees the roan mare was just about to doze off when she heard a male voice speak her name. Body flinching hard, the mare startled and jerked her head up as her two toned gaze flicked over to where the sound had came from. There between the folage she spotted his pale hide. Quickly the mare gathered herself up, glad he had not witnessed her moment of unawareness, before striding out of her well concealed hiding spot to confront the stallion that now owned this land.


"Tarrant" head held high and her eyes sharp, Xina came to stand before the stallion not as a shy or whimpering filly but as a mare that knew where she belonged. The stride in which she carried herself was purposeful and filled with confidence and even as she simply stood, despite her short structure, Xina held athority. "It has been quite some time since I have scented you upon the wind, but I do believe your timing is perfect." As she spoke Xina mentally reprimanded herself for getting ahead of herself. This stallion did not know her and really she did not know him. It was only now she ever got to place a face with a name. "I need to discuss with you about Debonaire's son."