Out Of The Shadows & Into The Light | (Re Challenge)

When the other stallion never showed up Rhett knew he had his lands back. He wasn't a stallion that flaunted his pride very often but a smirk couldn't help but appear in satisfaction. It felt almost as if he never lost his lands in the first place. He had however defiantly learned the lesson of leaving them unattended and unwatched for any length of time. What he needed was to start building his herd and someone to help him rule the beautiful territory he called home. His idea of someone to help him rule was in the form of a mare though, someone that he could trust thoroughly and have a connection with that would help protect the lands in his absence.

Why was he still here? He could return to his lands now if he wanted to. He knew that. So why was he still here? His ears flicked in annoyance as he asked himself the question. But something told him to wait. Shifting his weight, still trying to figure out why he didn't just leave, he trusted his gut feeling and decided to wait...

He had no clue just how long he decided to wait but Rhett had grown impatient and finally decided that his gut was wrong and it was time to return home. He had no more than flinched a muscle when a new scent filled the air. A new scent, but familiar at the same time - just stronger than when he smelt it before. It was the stallion that had taken claim to his lands in his absence, he had came across his scent in his lands when he had returned home to find them reclaimed by someone else. So he had decided to show up after all and Rhett's gut had been right (as it usually was) on waiting just a little longer in these forsaken grounds. As the scent got stronger the silhouette of a large black stallion appeared in the distance, growing closer by the second.

Rhett wasn't but a 14.1 welsh cob stallion, he was very well muscled, agile and smart. He knew how to think on his feet. He may be a smaller stallion but he wasn't one to judge by his appearance when it came to a brawl. He was small, but he was fierce when he needed to be. You had to be to survive in this world anymore. But still, he couldn't help but admit he was a little taken back by the size of the black stallion. He had not imagined this massive beast to be the one to try to steal his lands away from him. He refused to show any intimidation whatsoever though and arched his neck as the stallion approached, his relaxed stance turning into a more square and braced stance, nostrils flared as the stallion came within speaking distance.

He flicked his ears in confusion when the stallion was finally upon him though. He had not showed up to proceed with the battle after all... No he came before Rhett with a respectful manner, one that Rhett himself mimicked in return - he could respect anyone that respected him no matter the differences between him (even if a slight tinge of annoyance pricked at him from the inside now that he was standing face to face with the stallion that nearly took his home from him). The black stallion had an offer, one that shocked Rhett. He couldn't help but farrow his brow as he studied the stallion before him and played his words over in his head. He wanted him to take him in as a follower...

Rhett wasn't sure what to say. So he, a 14.1 fiery red welsh cob stallion, was supposed to be the leader of this massive 16 hand or better black friesian stallion standing before him. As said, Rhett can hold his own against even the most skilled of fighters no matter the size because of his own skill. But to any onlooker from the side lines of course this stallion, Midnight, would be the more intimidating looking of the two. It would be almost ridiculous to see him standing second in command to Rhett. He also couldn't help to think it was a further strategy of the stallions to take over the land - earn the leaders trust then ambush him unexpectedly, an 'inside job' if you will. But at the same time the black stallion seemed sincere... Rhett's gut was telling him to trust the stallions words and give him a chance. Besides, isn't this what he needed? Someone to help protect the lands in his absence and this stallion was much more qualified to do so then a mare would be... but what would the herd status be? How would mares feel about having 2 stallions to rule them? There was a lot to consider here. But he was willing to give it a chance.

He softened his statue like appearance slightly, still not completely letting his guard down though. Looking the stallion in the eyes he replied, "I have to admit your offer is an odd one. Sharing territory and a herd with another stallion has never even crossed my mind in the slightest. I've never in my life even considered it. But your offer is intriguing I have to admit - especially if your words are trustworthy. Since you showing up in Mount Veridan though I have made my mind to officially start building a herd therefore our homeland wouldn't be left unattended to in my absence again. I am willing to give your offer a shot though and I hereby accept you as my second in command in the lands of Mount Veridan. Needless to say we have details to work out later though..."

And with that, he turned around, ears pricked backwards to listen for footsteps from the stallion. This was his test for Rhett to learn more about the honest intentions of the black stallion though. If he wasn't honestly wanting to join him as his follower he would try to attack now while Rhett's back was turned. The rhythm of his steps, if any, would let Rhett know if he was simply following him or attack him. Rhett took off in slow lope back towards his mountain home keeping his ears on the stallion. They could sort the details out later. Now he was ready to go home and relax in his lands for a while before he (and now Midnight it seemed) started to build their future herd.