The sterling beast has done his best to take a more proactive approach to the intruders that cross the borders into Paradise. The trust and devotion that Hymn has willingly offered to him is enough to encourage him, regardless of whether or not their coupling produced a child. For her sake, he is determined to be present and offer her just as much if not more, protection than the rest of his meager little herd.

So when the unfamiliar, masculine voice rings out over the usual chattering of parrots and the noisy buzzing of insects, automatically, Annubis is on the defensive.

Small ears perk forward amid the tangled mass of his obsidian mane as the beast lifts his head from the pile of ripe mangos he was enjoying. Multifaceted eyes of gold narrow suspiciously as he quickly makes his way through the thick undergrowth.

It does not take him long to find the small clearing where the pair had taken up to resting in wait. Paper-thin nostrils flare, exhaling a sharp snort to announce his approach long before the dappled sunlight lent its warmth to his sleek silver skin. ”The wolves of Paradise still protect their borders…” he murmurs in way of greeting, letting his intense gaze roam the pair. Vague recognition glitters in his eyes as the beast’s attention travels over the crippled, scarred stallion hanging a few paces behind the silver-maned stallion. Family. Everyone in Rougaru’s old herd had spoken often of the crippled boy in quiet and hushed tones. Annubis himself had never heard anything necessarily bad, but it had never been good either. Mostly it was pity that had crossed the lips of the elderly mares. He himself had never given more than a passing thought about his younger brother. After all, he had been too busy chasing after Vihar in those days. Between she and Hyacinth, he had kept quite a full plate.

”What brings you here?” he asks, his gaze lingering momentarily on the crippled beast before shifting to the younger stallion. Something in the proud carriage of his head and bright glitter in his eyes told Annubis that it was he who was the authoritative figure among the duo. If they traveled together then more than likely their purpose was the same. He just hoped it was without the intention to undermine his own authority and newly claimed birthright.