Mattheo ambled along the border at a leisurely pace, his posture unusually relaxed for someone who was encroaching on unfamiliar and potentially dangerous territory. The sun continued its steady ascent, casting a blinding glare across the dust-swept desert and bringing with it a thick, heavy heat. Sweat began to slick his coat, his dark mane sticking uncomfortably to the water-damp curve of his neck. Mattheo scowled and squinted at the vast stretch of nothingness that surrounded him, thoroughly unimpressed by the sandy, sun-scorched island.

Still, Mattheo continued to wander further inland, hoping something or someone of interest would make itself known soon. It didn't take long before his hopes came to fruition. Mattheo halted as his gaze wandering gaze snagged on the quickly-approaching form of another horse, moving towards him with purpose. The speckled stallion stayed glued to his spot as the distance between them shrank, his ivory-tipped tail flicking idly against his hocks.

As the wind shifted subtly, Mattheo knew there was no mistaking it: this was the mare whose scent lingered so heavily on the border he currently straddled. Her body was lithe and elegant and she moved with effortless poise, as if born to capture the attention of any and all that she graced with her presence. Her coat was a rich, glossy chocolate, contrasting beautifully against the long, silken cascade of her pale mane and tail. Mattheo allowed himself a moment to admire the delicate curve of her neck, the sleek length of her legs, and the subtle sway of her hips, violet eyes roving over her with unconcealed greed. But when she spoke, her words were less than welcoming. Mattheo brought his gaze back to her face, an amused expression scrawled across his own features.

"Perhaps a bit of both," he drawled in response, flashing her a winsome smile. "Which would make you less likely to bury your teeth in my neck?" Perhaps it was not wise to jest at a time such as this, but Mattheo was not inclined towards wisdom where it concerned a beautiful woman.

A moment of silence stretched between them before Mattheo glanced around, his expression shifting towards one of distaste. "Truthfully, I am not here to impose. I only wanted to get a look at this place." Despite his expression, his tone was casual and airy, as if discussing the weather. "My sister said she lived here once. Claimed to rule it, actually. But I find that quite hard to believe, and even so, there hardly seems anything here worth ruling over." He turned back to the mystery mare, arching a brow, his tone turning sly as he stated, "Though perhaps I misjudged."