Kestral stands statuesque upon the sand. Urgent hoofbeats grow louder, an alarming sound coming from the shadow of a strange wood. One ears swivels with uncertainty, and his weight shifts towards his haunch. Lips part, ready to tell Nampeyo to flee, but it is not a stallion that breaks free of the shadows. It is Vasilisa, and she looks overjoyed to see them.

Kestral's parted lips spread into a smile as he receives her eager embrace. He regards the mare and her colt with a warm expression. Physically they look well, and the colt is a handsome lad. Nampeyo does the speaking, so Kestral remains quiet. This is her quest after all. He is just here as an escort.

It is true Vasilisa and Kestral had spent time in each other's company, but he is not here to steal the mare away. He has a fondness for her, but jealousy is beyond him. Kestral enjoyed her touch, and the friendship she offered, but he is not the Romeo to her Juliette. If she is in love with him, it's a love unrequited. Kestral has never been in love. Perhaps romance is a feeling outside of his scope, or perhaps he just hasn't met the one. It's a truth only the gods know.

The warm expression on his mottled face remains, though is ears turn forward in focus as the lead stallion approaches. It's obvious this must be the lead. His scent clings to the land and to Vasilisa, an invisible deed of ownership legible only to other horses. His questions are defensive. Kestral would expect no other response from a leader with much to lose.

"I'm Kestral.", he begins, dipping his head respectfully. He then gestures towards Nampeyo. "This is mine and Vasilisa's daughter, Nampeyo." His eyes meet Vasilisa's for a moment before locking with Rougaru's. His head remains respectfully lowered. "Nampeyo asked me to accompany her here. She hoped to visit her mother without harm or claim. She belongs to a stallion named Requiem. I am here solely as her escort, and mean you and your herd no harm."