Valentine’s dark-tipped ears flicked forwards at the sound of the call, which was swiftly following by the thundering of hoof beats. Wary, Valentine shifted his weight, ready to spring into motion at a moment’s notice, though he was not timid enough to be frightened away immediately. With a rustle of foliage, the other stallion appeared in the shadows as he came barrelling through the trees. He looked wild and angry, and Valentine took a pre-emptive step backwards in case the stranger did not stop his charge. Upon catching sight of his visitor, however, the other stallion seemed to change his mind and forced himself to a rushed but final halt. Valentine released a low huff of relief as he cast his dark eyes over the stranger. They were about the same size as each other, with strong builds and reddish pelts splashed with white, though the other stallion was paler than Valentine. He didn’t know who the stranger had expected to find on his border, but it didn’t seem to have been him. Despite the stranger’s aggressive welcome, however, Valentine still had no desire to start a fight unnecessarily, and he sought to ease the other man’s anxiety by letting him know that he wasn’t here to take anything of his. He lowered his white nose and licked his lips briefly, though he kept his gaze cautiously on the stranger all the while. Slowly, he lifted his head again, but just enough to look at the other stallion and talk to him comfortably. “Easy,” he began, his deep voice low and calm. “I’m not here to cause trouble, I just came over to introduce myself. I’m Valentine, from the Prairie.” |