Nephilim, too, had been meaning to make it into the Inlet, though his reasons were less simple than the need to shelter from Tinuvel’s winter. A young stallion, barely on the cusp of turning three when he’d taken the Bay, was no match for a more mature herd stallion. Now, however, Nephilim had time under his hooves. He’d survived winter, he’d begun filling out more, developing muscle beneath his speckled coat. This was a meeting that was, obviously, unavoidable. So far it seemed to be going how he might have hoped, Pagan had a mind for the safety and security of his herd that did not involve bullying Nephilim in order to achieve it. That was for the best, as Nephilim didn’t act kindly to bullying.

It seemed the pair could be proper neighbors, which was good.

“We’re the only two stallions on this vast island,” he commented after Pagan had spoken, offering his own insight into why he thought the way he did, “eventually there may be two more, if you open your land to a second herd and I to mine.” Nephilim paused. “I’d feel more at ease if I didn’t have to worry at any moment an attack could come inland, from your borders.”

He paused, gold eyes quiet on Pagan, attempting to discern any trickery or dishonesty; Nephilim could not sense any and felt, in his gut, an alliance was the right way to go. “I agree, we should consider one another allies, offer help when we can, and never attempt to thwart the other. If any of your herd should find themselves in the Bay, they’ll find nothing but hospitality and protection.”

He thought of the promise of daughters and, if he’d had one now, he might have offered her as further proof of his sincerity in the hopes for their new alliance. But he did not, not yet a father, and so he only nodded. “I’ll encourage my daughters in the future to look to your home as well.” Given that they were neighbors, Nephilim knew it would be no consequence to take his daughters there even for a visit, so they might see how much they liked the Inlet.

Formalities aside, however, and both agreeing on a similar path, Nephilim couldn’t help but study Pagan curiously. “How long have you been in the Inlet?”