The young stallion eyes the striped male with suspicion. How else was he supposed to feel towards a stallion who trapezes into his land without invitation? Yes, the stallion had age and experience on his side. But it does not frighten Nikolaus - no, Nikolaus had stupid ambition, pure stubbornness and pride in his favor. His ears rotate atop his crown as he suspiciously eyes the intruder a moment longer before finally the striped male states his intentions.

"I had come to introduce myself, but if this is the way you treat your neighbors I’m not sure I want to know you.”

Nikolaus' brow raises as the word neighbor falls from the stallion's lips and he realizes his error. He probably should play nice with his neighbor, but he had made it this far on his own. Why should his trust be extended to a stranger... just because they were neighbors?

"You think, I should trust you and offer you nice things just because we share the same border?" pfft! That is silly. He had to earn trust, it is not just handed out willy nilly. No, it was something forged and molded - built over time.

I’m Rafe. King in the Badlands. Let’s hope you’re better than the last fool who held the Dunes.

Nik raises his brows at the King's words. Was this how the "King" rules? By name calling, and stepping his toes into places where they don't belong. Noted. His ears lean back, and his head raises defiantly on his neck. "My name is Nikolaus, son of Shamwari and I am no fool," quickly he he tire's of Rafe's antics.

"Well, Rafe. I'd say that it is a pleasure to meet you, but I would be lying.." his dark eyes stare intently at the Badlands King ".. and I don't like to do that."

He did not care for the Badlands King, the way he came strutting in nor how he looks down at him now. "Now, I think its time for you to take your leave. I have business of my own to attend to." his dark eyes remain on the stallion as he waits impatiently for him to take his leave.