Common

Draco's latest success in the Commons had emboldened him. In the handful of days that had passed since corralling the white-faced mare to her new home, his reluctance to leave the Hills had waned, replaced by anxious eagerness to return to the Crossing isle and lay claim his next herd member. He made quick work ensuring his newest mare was settled before he turned his attention back to the Commons, diving eagerly into the surf, sights set on the dark sliver of land that lay on the horizon.

Draco pulled himself ashore, the briny water turning his coat black and sticking his pale mane in a spiderweb pattern across the arch of his neck. Amber eyes scanned the meadow, assessing the selection of mares that milled about, some looking shy and scared, others seeming emboldened and eager for the attention they knew was headed their way. Draco ambled his way through the sunlit meadow, the dry grass caressing his belly as it swayed in the soft breeze.

A nicker from somewhere nearby drew his attention, his gaze sliding towards the source. His eyes landed on a tall, stocky mare, her copper-hued coat gleaming in the bright autumn light. She seemed to radiate confidence, her head held high and her gaze sweeping appraisingly over the throngs of gathered horses that stretched out before her.

Intrigued, Draco altered his path and made a beeline for the mare, his own head held aloft, his neck arched elegantly and tail streaming in a pale banner behind him. He circled her once, his citrine eyes roving appreciatively over the contours of her body, before he settled at her side. "A bold move," he remarked, "to be calling out like that in a field full of hormone-fueled stallions in the middle of fall. You might attract the wrong kind of attention." Draco conveniently left out that he was one of the very stallions he spoke of - he was sure she would figure it out in time.

Shifting his weight into a more relaxed stance, Draco fixed his gaze on the mare's face. When he spoke next, it was not a question nor a request, but a demand: "Tell me your name."