The whitetail buck moved solidly across the rocky terrain, keeping far south of where the Shadow Haunters terrain was located. His wounds ached something fierce and begged the deer to stop and rest, but Night didn't have the luxury to do that right now. His herd was under threat by a group of cats, and the stag had to act quickly if he were going to save them and the new life that was being born there today.

He'd met a few other cervids on his search through the mountains, but most had shied away from the bloody stag who carried the stench of lion, and still others knew him as the monster who forsook his own kind to live with the Haunters. None would pay heed to his pleas for help, though he bade them to spread the word, in case any of his old comrades might hear of his plight and help the old deer.

He doubted they would, but he had to try.

When Nightshade had traveled as far north as he dared, he eventually turned around and began looping back towards his new home, senses alert for any potentially ally he might chance across.

It had been months since Harthrou had seen Ethan or his hounds. Part of him was happy to be free, but a large part of Harth felt lost, confused, and utterly directionless. He'd relied so long on Ethan for almost every aspect of his life that now... he wasn't even sure where to search for food, much less how to be a good father and protector of his tiny little herd. Ultimately, Harthrou spent the past few months hanging in the mountains, knowing at the very least that Ethan's vehicles could reach these rocky slopes. If there was one thing the stallion could do, it was keep Coltrane and Darkia away from that man until they found a herd to take them in.

A terrible storm had dropped more snow on the mountain than Harth cared to deal with today. He griped about the lack of shelter and the difficulty in finding food in such conditions. He'd certainly dropped a bit of weight over the winter season, and was currently digging at base of a tree, hoping to find some bit of green blow when the scent of blood hit his nose. Shortly after that, Harth spotted the desperate buck moving down along the slopes below them.

"Darkia, keep an eye on Coltrane." He warned as he tilted his curved ears and snorted. "What are you running from, deer? What kind of danger is in the area?"

Nightshade stopped abruptly and looked up the incline. The horse looked to be on the thin side, if only slightly. "I'm actually looking for help." He posited cautiously, trying to figure out why this particular horse seemed vaguely familiar to him. Night forced his ears up and straightened his stance, trying to come across a bit more solid and healthy than he really was, "I reside with a herd of horses further south, across the White River mountains. I've been sent to scout for danger, and secure any aid I can against the cats that have harassed our clan." Eying the stallion up and down, and again noting his less that optimal condition, Night offered, "If you're looking for a place to call home, where we have plenty of food and shelter, you're welcome to join us. We already have three strong members including myself, and another strong stallion like yourself will surely convince the cats to keep their distance."

"A herd?" The very idea brought a mix of excitement and trepidation to the stallion. A herd meant safety and food. It also meant... socializing with other horses. On the other hoof, food and safety were pretty tempting...

"It wouldn't hurt to take a look." Harth responded at length. The mention of cats had sent a shiver down his spine, and he dreaded the thought of what would happen if those same cats chanced across he and his family. Seeming to make up his mind, before really giving Nightshade time to explain anything else, Harthrou nodded, "Alright deer, show us where this herd is."

Something about the stallion continued to haunt the back of Night's mind, but he couldn't be picky right now. Any help would be appreciated. He nodded to the equine, now stepping back on the trail he'd been following, "Mind your steps, the route is a bit steep and rocky at times." And with that, Nightshade continued his journey back to the SunSet Beach territory.

Harthrou looked back to where he'd last seen Darkia and Coltrane and gave a call to the pair, "I've found us a new home. Coltrane, follow between your mother and I, I'll clear the snow for you both." With the storm still battering the trio with occasional gusts, Harth would use his bulk to plow out a path behind the deer, making the journey easier for his young son and mate. And now that he had some sense of direction and purpose, Harth cocked his ears forward and began to follow Nightshade, eager to leave this part of the mountains behind and find protection in a herd.