Vodnik falls into step beside Anonymous, and regards him with benign curiosity. Anonymous is as much a mystery as his name. Vodnik has never met another horse so solitary. They are, by nature, social animals, and Vodnik is no exception to the rule. He craves companionship, and he would prefer even undesirable companionship over none at all. It seems, in the subtleties of his body language, that the black stallion would much prefer to be left alone, but Vodnik's own need for company trumps any inclination to respect this.

As anticipated, the lower-ranked stallion greets his superior, and does not attempt to drive him away, despite the unwelcome presence. Vodnik ignores any nagging feelings that his attentions might be unwanted and remains a solid presence on the beach.

They stop together, and for a moment, the only sound in the night is the soothing sound of the tide. Faint moonlight casts Vodnik's coat aglow in blood red and silver. Vodnik is nearly a ton of sinew and bone under a layer of healthy fat. The scarcity of winter has failed to reveal his ribs nor fade the dapples from his coat. He is an imposing figure of strength and good health, but Anonymous has nothing to fear from this now. Vodnik's stance is completely relaxed. His head his held at a conversational level. His ears are forward and his tail hanging loose about his hocks. Vodnik's dark eyes can be so soft when his mood is tranquil.

There may not be any laughter in the other stallion's voice, but Vodnik doesn't take his next statement seriously. He lets loose a low chuckle, and replies, "I suppose not." A smile tugs at the corners of his lips. "Though if this trend continues I might die of boredom. I'll be forced to demote you to court jester instead of assistant protector of the realm." There is a pause as the tri-colored stallion regards his quiet companion. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that. I don't think you'd be any good at the job."

Vodnik has no intentions of ousting his second today. Anonymous may think he's been unimportant, but he would be wrong. In fact, Anonymous has been the only company that's been remotely engaging. Vodnik inherited a small band of mares from the previous stallion, but they seem displeased with the change of leadership. They keep to themselves, using Vodnik for his protection, and his lands for sustenance, but denying him any of the benefits of their presence. Vodnik is neither accustomed to the company of mares. He had grown used to the camaraderie of other stallions, and to this day, finds himself drawn to the company of his second over the company of mares.