Spring has arrived, and with it the promise of war. Argento’s pale blue eyes, normally so full of cheer and laughter, have turned steely and watchful. He had not intended on being involved in this predicament, but as the days grow longer and the trees burst into bloom, he begins to see that he has little choice. He will not be involved in the way Cullen expects of him, but he will be involved one way or another.

First, though, he must observe.

The Lagoon stallions are still gearing up for their trip to Luthien, and the atmosphere in the Lagoon is tense with anticipation. There are frequent spars, and the stink of musk and sweat seems to be ten times more potent than usual. Argento is a lover and a thief, but he is no fighter, so he has not approached any of the others. However, he has taken note of who has been sparring and with whom, as well as each stallion’s general demeanor and interactions with the others.

It’s a bright but windy day when he picks his first target: a stocky silver stud who seems somewhat sullen and removed from the rest of the bachelors. Argento senses a potential ally in this stallion, and so he puts on his best smile, flicks his thick tail across his spotted hindquarters, and approaches him.

“Afternoon,” Gent says with a dip of his head, watching the stallion’s body language carefully to see how welcome - or unwelcome - his company is. “Hope you don’t mind if I join you. I’ve seen you skulking around recently, and I don’t mean to presume, but you look like you could use a friend.” Gent flashes another smile.