Something was nearby.

The stallion’s head shot up, his deep red coat quivering. He could hear the sounds of a heavy body moving through the reeds. Wolf? No; too large and too loud. Canine predators were dangerously silent, oftentimes smelled before they were seen or heard. Cat? Unlikely. They preferred the cover of trees and stalked their prey with patience.

Bear?

Vidnir stiffened. Bears were awkward, heavy creatures, relying more on strength than speed or silence. Instinct urged him to seek the mare’s company, but a glance confirmed that she still had not risen. His second thought was to flee, but he could not force his dark legs to move. Water was here, and he needed to drink. The claws of his thirst had raked his throat until even breathing caused an unpleasant ache.

The sounds in the reeds drew closer. Vidnir's ears pinned briefly against his skull before twitching back in their direction. If danger was coming, he would need his strength. Strength required water. With visible reluctance, the stallion lowered his head once more, drawing quick mouthfuls from the stream. Each swallow was followed by another glance toward the reeds.

Then they parted.

He was already shying away when the sight registered in his mind. Dark face, pale body, familiar shape. Not as short of limb or thick of coat as the chestnut mare, but a creature who unmistakably shared the same mold. Vidnir’s amber eyes flicked back to the still figure again, hesitation coloring the gesture. Then returned to the stranger, his ears twisting backward and forward again.

Vidnir took a step forward, his hooves sinking into the stream. Glanced backward again, then stretched his neck forward to scent the air. The scent shared something with the mare's, but the differences held his attention. Snorting harshly, he jerked backwards again, his tail doing an agitated dance behind him.