An enormous feeling of satisfaction swelled within her chest to see the stallion so wary and fearful. It was enough to make her pause and listen to him speak, her head raising and neck arching to continue her intimidation. Her lips closed back over her yellowing teeth and pulled into a tight frown.

The mainland? This stallion had the same sort of red coat as the stallion she left, and his build looked similar enough. Granted, it had been about a month since she had seen her old herd. Long enough for them to scurry back to the mainland and send reinforcements to bring the stragglers home.

She turned her muzzle to stare at the stallion intently. Her old herd wouldn't be stupid enough to send someone with only a name to guide him, but it didn't seem like he was looking for her. And Nuru was the only other herd member who escaped to these islands. Jasiri mulled over the herd, turning their personalities and names around in her mind until she was certain only Chiara would attempt to follow them. "What's their name?" she questioned, muscles still taunt and alert.

Her frown deepened at the rest of his words. "Who is Aeros?" For a moment she allowed herself to hope this stallion was not the brother of the one she left. He was too polite, and he spoke names she had never heard before. Still, she feared for Nuru and whoever else might have followed them here. She would have to collect them all (or just Nuru, since he was the only one aside from her daughter she cared enough about) to ensure their safety.

JASIRIsilver bay roan of the Inlet