How eerily similar the two strangers are. The boy - crystalline white with ashen flecks - was once the named heir to a throne he would never attain. The man presented as his father, the one who raised him, drove him from the confines of the only home he had ever known after his mother's deceitful ways had been exposed. Joachim's features - those damned spots - echoed his mother perfectly, yet in a darker shade. Perhaps the memory of her forever etched into his handsome pelt was the true reasoning behind his banishment. Then again, perhaps he was the bastard others alleged him to be. The boy only knew that he had held power within his grasp for it to be ripped away by the mere whims of another. Though he felt his father's betrayal like a knife within his back, it was is mother's actions that had thrown everything into tumultuous motion.

Joachim has also firmly planted his hooves upon the pathway of change. He followed his mother and faced her within her home and upon the battle field. He has begun to morph into the shadows of a man forced from comfort into the throws of uncertainty - and this has created a dangerous creature. He is determined to rise upon his broken wings to heights previously unfathomable. He had lost the kingdom fated to him, but he will build upon that defeat to create an empire far more glorious.

The muted hoofbeats upon the shifting sands are the first warning of the other's impending approach. His handsome head swivels as his own blue eyes dance with excitement. He draws himself to the full extend of his height while curling his neck in an act of posturing as the other slides into view. This male is as pale as he, though the stranger's coat is tinged with undertones of warm creams in contrast to his stark white. He cocks his head to the side in amusement as he captures the other's words through charcoal tipped ears. He dips his head in acknowledgement of ownership while pondering exactly what that may mean - Does he care that this stallion before him has laid claim to arid climate? He decides that it is of little importance; Joachim is not here to assert dominance unless driven to do so. The question from the other male causes a smile to dance across his pink-tipped lips. "A pleasure - I am Joachim, son of Marceline. That is the question, isn't it? I seek a home - and this land would serve well." His own tones is jovial, and he surveys the surroundings as he compliments the other's home. "However, as it is yours - perhaps we can come to peaceful terms? My mother - if you can call her such - rules the Hills that abut your border. I seek to take a piece of her power. I can do so within her own home, or I can do so from within these borders." He pauses now, for he knows his next words may not be welcomed by this newfound ruler. "I do not wish to undermine your rule - but I too seek to govern my own lands. May I proposition that I stand by your side - as an equal - and share the load of protecting this sliver of the realm and the family with which we shall fill it?" He does not seek a lesser position to the man before him - he seeks to rule beside him as a co-lead. He waits now with his bright blue eyes squarely upon the other male. He may reject this proposal - or he may accept. Either way, Joachim awaits his response with tingling apprehension.