As each day passed this island, which he had learned was called Tinuvel, started to feel more and more like home. This was because Ashitaka had decided to focus on the similarities between this place and the land of his birth. The climate was similar and so was the foliage. The lapping waves on the pebbled beach sounded the same and the scent of pine trees was always inviting. He was adjusting to his new surroundings well, at least he thought so. He had patrolled the Inlet’s borders several times. Soon he is confident he will know the lay of the land as intimately as any native. The young stallion had mostly kept to himself out of respect for Nicodemus, he had not gone around chatting with the other horses here, at least not yet. He wanted to prove that he wasn’t going to be a nuisance and the best way to do that was not interfere with lead’s family.

Although he had mostly stayed within the safe confines of the Inlet he had participated in the cross island sparring matches that happened once a season. So far he has sparred against Xarellan and Zircon. Unfortunately he had lost both of these matches. Ashitaka was trying his best not to dwell on the losses. Reminding himself that every time he was learning something new and improving his technique. There was no way he could be a successful territory leader in the future if he couldn’t defend his herd. Come to think of it; Zircon, his last opponent, was one of the duel leaders of the Arch, a neighbouring territory on Tinuvel. Perhaps he could pay the stallion a visit and politely ask for some feedback.

Ashitaka was so preoccupied in his own thoughts that he didn’t hear the drumming of hooves on the ground until it was too late. Something careened into his side knocking him off balance. Fortunately he didn’t go down due to his low centre of gravity. He whipped around at his assailant and automatically assumed a battle stance ready to defend himself and his home. Although his time spent here had been peaceful that was not always the case judging by how Nicodemus had approached him and his sister when they washed up here nearly a year ago.

Instantly his tense body relaxes as his brown eyes fall upon the young silver mare. She doesn’t seem to pose a threat, in fact she seems terrified. Her apology comes immediately after she had steadied herself from the collision. “It’s quite alright,” he responds in his characteristic soft and smooth tone. His eyes swept over her coat looking for any sign of injury before he momentarily looked behind her. “Miss,” he asks while returning his gaze towards her panicked face, “Why are you running? Do you need some help?”

Male. V. Bay Roan. Hokkaido Horse. 13.3HH. Guest of the Inlet.