Onok

The stallion made the journey from his new home to his former, taking his new band along the foothills of the mountains as they trekked mile after scenic mile on Xenarona's bequest. In all, the journey took a few hours, as Onok stopped frequently to allow himself and his two new mares to graze, and took great care to ensure that they weren't crossing into dangerous terra along the way.

Thankfully, the valley's wolf population was at a low, and with luck they'd stumbled across no foul felines. So it was without incident that Onok finally stepped hoof into his uncle's land, and raised his pale dial to trumpet for the herd's attention.

Xena

Xena had no intentions of letting Onok think he smart cause he wasn't he was a fool and irresponsible and since Calli was staying so wouldn't she and make sure Calli survived if those cats showed up. She would drive Calli out of the herd and away letting Onok deal with the cats himself. She followed him only stopping when he did to allow Calli to eat but she did not she stayed alert and watchful. She added her own voice hoping her daughter remembered it. She was correct when she heard her daughters voice.

Kacheska heard her mother and called back running to her. Happiness on her face as she saw both her mother and calli. Your alive!She said rushing to her mother and pressing her forehead to her mothers. mom Calli its safe here plenty of others to protectShe said.

King snorted as Kacheska took off. However, he followed .. Xena long time He speaks to his friend and nods to Onok. Your daughter takes after you a lotHe said calmly. He knew Xena would be furious when she realized her daughter was pregnant. He had been distracte that day and hadn't paid any attention to whose scent he had caught and when Kacheska didn't rebuke him well. Your all more then welcome to stay here where it is safe He hadn't agreed with Onok decision to leave. Sarada hadn't handled his departure well. As could be seen when Majesty showed up but Sarada didn't follow.

Enyalius, Callaquioa, & Others

Callaquioa found that her appetite was sparse on the morning of their journey. She still felt uncomfortably caught between the good intentions of her close friend and of her stallion in shining armor, and her mind kept replaying the images of the night's escape from danger. It was all mixed with the excitement of being able to see her old family again, and the thought of new life that would be soon coming her way, and through it all she simply had little interest in food and only nibbled here and there during their various stops.

When they'd finally reached the outskirts of the Toklat Canyon, Calla turned her twin auds to the sound of a distant call. She didn't recognize the male, but the voice of her half-sister was unmistakble! Calla could hardly contain herself, and when Kacheska finally came into view, she whinnied to her long lost sibling and cantered happily towards her, waiting first for mother and daughter to greet before she pushed her muzzle in and touched it to Kach's neck, "It's so good to see you! I was afraid that... ahh, nevermind that, you're alive and well!"

Enyalius was only a minute or two behind King, following after the stallion as he answered his nephew's call. She didn't think much of it until she heard Xena's voice, and her heart began to race. If Xena was there...

Enya tore across the ground in a hard gallop. Dirt and bits of frosted grass flew up under the kick of her heavy hooves, and she didn't slow down until she had reached her daughter. "Calla, my sweet. You're back." She ran her velveteen muzzle against Calla's face, then draped her neck over her daughter's, enveloping her in an equine embrace. "And Xena, I'm so happy to see you." She snorted softly and pulled her head back, so that she could gaze at both her friend and daughter. "King is right, you're welcome to join us. The land is safe, and aside from a human that he drove out some months ago, we've scarcely encountered any predators." Like Xena, she hadn't stopped yet to think about the heavy scent of Onok that permeated her daughter, but it wouldn't be long before her startled mind caught up with that information.

In the backdrop of it all, Nightshade remained separated from the horses. The elder white-tail buck had little intention of mingling with the group, only to honor the agreement between he and Onok.

Onok & Cloudbreaker

Cloudbreaker had joined the gathering in short time, galloping at an easier pace as she went. She cantered to a stop a few feet from Onok and the others, and watched curiously at the interactions between Xenarona and Callaquioa. She'd heard about both by now, and though she was interested in getting to know them, Cloud figured it was best to let the mothers and their daughters have a moment together first.

"Actually, Uncle-" Onok held his dial firmly, expression his confidence while keep the rest of his body relaxed and calm, so as not to come across as challenging or rude. "Callaquioa has chosen to stay with me, and her friend Xenarona has decided to stay with us as a result." He didn't add on the part about Kacheska being included in his herd, if only because he was waiting to see if that's what the young mare wanted or not. Hoping to ease any tension, the stallion added on, "I was hoping we could make regular visits to each others' herds, so family could spend time together."

Kacheska

King snorted **you have no herd for protection Onok. It would be wise of them to be in a strong herd. Especially calli as she like Kacheska is still young. You will be easy pickings for the big cats** he said. ** Let alone you should stay yourself until you aquire more mares and a co lead stallion. I already told you you can share my land it is big enough for my herd plus your start to one** he said. He shakes his head ** no regular visits would mean leaving scent trails it would be to risky**

Xena snorted ** king is right on both accounts you would be a smarter stallion if you listened** she said

Kacheska ears went back. ** But calli it's safer here more bodies for protection and great food** she said. She eyed king a bit. She wanted to be with king but if calli and her mom left she'd be destroyed.

Majesty listened ** plus your twin hasn't been the same since you left**

Onok & Cloudbreaker

He knew he would meet resistance from his uncle, and he answered back with a readied response, "I have myself, Callaquioa, Xenarona, and Nightshade. Every herd must start somewhere, and I already have a good number under my hooves." He turned back, looking to the lone stag that stood away from the group, with a crown of tines rising above his ebony head. "He has a keen nose and ears for the big cats, and our territory is very secluded and easily defensible." The young stallion had truly put thought and time into his search for a territory, going so far as to chase away the small pack of wolves that had once been living there.

"Sarada does miss you. And you know I do as well." Cloudbreaker was one of many voices against Onok, though hers were gentle. She stepped forward now to brush muzzles with her son, and nibble away a bit of tumbleweed that had gotten caught in his bristly mane.

Onok huffed softly, lidding his eyes slightly as his expression softened, "And you know I miss you both. But I'm of age, and it's time for me to be on my own, starting my own family." He did take a moment to look around, hoping to see his twin sister. His heart sunk a little when she didn't show, but he kept his head up, "I can't stay and be coddled by my family, as much as I cherish you all." Now he took a deep, steadying breath. If he was going to be a lead stallion, he had to be decisive, "Calla, Xena - we'll be leaving within the hour. When we visit again, we will take a new path, so that we don't create a regular scent trail for predators to follow."

Enyalius, Callaquioa, & Others

Callaquioa withered a little under the tension that sprang up. She didn't draw away from her mother, but her blue eyes did travel back to the stallion who'd taken her naive heart. "I will be safe with him, I know it. I want to start a family together with him, and.."

A harsh snort came from Enyalius, as she know put two and two together. A hoof was stamped hard into the ground and her head darted up, eyes striking harshly at the zorse stallion, "You bred my daughter, already?"

Callaquioa backed away from her mother, her fumbling steps putting her closer to Onok as if to physically cement her decision to be with him, "It was my choice, mom. He's a good stallion, he found Xena and I after we escaped from the cats, and he offered us shelter."

'Oh my Imre, I'm not getting into the middle of this...' Nightshade lowered his head and began to graze, clipping away bits of frost covered herbage on the ground. An ear was turned to listen to Onok, but otherwise the old stag was not intervening in the horses' fight.

Xena

King snorted** no onok you will not visit again you want to be irresponsible and lead the two to death then go at it. Or perhaps I should save them and fight you for them? Your clearly causing families to be torn in two here. Your territory isn't a guaranteed safe place you need numbers. I can't watch you lead these two to either death or worse flee leaving you to die. So either stay or fight me**

Xena shakes her head. ** An irresponsible choice calli he should of said no** that's when she smelt king on her daughter** no wonder Onok is irresponsible I thought you knew better** she said to king

Majesty ears went back. ** Onok please keep your herd here where there is ample protection. Don't make this choice your still too young you need a second stallion before going out on your own**

Kacheska ears go back ** mom it's my fault** she murmur

Onok & Cloudbreaker

"I'm of age to guard my own herd." Onok countered back with strength, striving to keep calm as most of the herd began to turn against him. He held King's gaze as he continued to answer, "You and father raised me well, I've learned much from both of you, and have the knowledge and strength to keep my mares safe." He proudly stepped forward, putting his body near to Callaquioa when she moved to him, silently proclaiming his protection over her. "There is risk in everything we do, but as I said I've already got two mares and a seasoned stag with me. The land I've claimed bares no scent of cat, and even the wolves were laughably scarce. I'm starting off with more than the average stallion would." Onok shook his head, sending his bristly mane quivering and the powerful muscles of his draft lineage rippling. "I will not fight you uncle, for I've already claimed my land and my mares, there's no sense in further bloodshed."

Cloudbreaker went quiet at this point, knowing she wouldn't be able to sway the head-strong Onok, or his equally determined uncle.

King

He snorted ** if you did you would start this herd here where you and they are safe and your expecting foals they will die without the proper herd** he said ** you will fight because I morally can't let you leave with them**

Xena put herself between onok and calli nipping him. **As a season lead mare it is safer for our herd to reside here within a bigger herd** she said. ** That seasoned stag isn't going to stop a pack of wolves or big cats. ** She said.

Kacheska** calli please tell him to be smart.**

Enyalius, Callaquioa, & Others

This time Callaquioa acted with more decisiveness, nipping back at Xenarona before tossing her dial and refusing to be herded away from the stallion she'd chosen. "Xena, no! I've spent half of my life under the tooth and fang of predators, wondering if each day would be my last! I have freedom now, and soon... a family." In defiance of King and Majesty, and of her own friend, Calla put herself shoulder to shoulder against the draft stallion and pinned her auds back, "I will follow Onok."

"Calla..." Enyalius started, her voice pitched with concern and authority alike, "The others are right, a larger herd with experienced stallions is far safer. Onok is-"

"No!" She stamped her hoof down, "Onok treated us kindly and kept us safe. He is different than father, and he's not bossy like these stallions; he gave me a choice." She turned her head away and took a few steps back, signalling that she was ready to leave.

Onok & Cloudbreaker

Onok laced his own ears back now, the first signal that he was getting unsettled by all the arguing against him, "Fighting me would prove nothing, uncle. I've already fought against predators and won, and have held my own land for months without trouble. And yes, a single stag may not be able to hold of a pack, but he's not a single stag - he is with me and whatever mares choose to follow." His now calculating gaze switched to Enyalius, the mother of the mare who'd taken his side, "Your daughter will be safe with me, and if I ever thought I couldn't handle that task, I would bring her back here."

The hearty stallion took one step back, "I came here out of respect for Xenarona's wishes. Her intention was to greet her family and return with me, but-" He looked to the mare with the unique pelage, "As I've told you and Callaquioa, the decisions is entirely yours. You can follow me if you wish and I will keep you and your friends safe, but I will never force you." Another backwards step was taken, putting himself near to Callaquioa again, and further away from the Toklat Herd.

King

**you can be a lead stallion with your herd here. Where it is safe to raise a family. You need two stallions to defend against a big cat especially when both your mates are pregnant** he said**Kacheska stays. ** He said to Xena

Kacheska had tears in her eyes cause she wanted to be with king but also her mother and half sister. She looked at Onok. ** Your a fool and not worth calli attention if you don't stay. You be no better then our father you will die and they'll be held against there will again** she said.

Xena snorted **as your lead mare we stay here till you find a second stallion to join us. ** She wasn't trying to herd calli away just stay between** calli all he did was provide a place, he is not strong enough to fight those cats without a second stallion if you want those foals to have a father then put your hoof down and tell him to stop being headstrong and to listen to me** she glared at king a bit but she could see how torn her daughter was and it killed her.

Sarada finally came over **stop being stupid brother, they are right you'll get yourself killed. You were always that brainless one** her ears were back

Xenorona

** I already told you where calli goes I go. You got more to learn if you think you and one stag can defend two pregnant mares. You can't and you'll end up like calli and Kacheska father on the big cats dinner plate**

Onok & Cloudbreaker

"I've listened to everyone's opinions, and your concerns are appreciated. But I've survived enough seasons and have encountered enough dangers to know how to handle my own and protect my herd. Besides, Callaquioa and Xenarona were in the far northern lands; my territory is as south as you can go in the Valley, and no cat would have the energy to herd any horse so many miles across rugged terrain just to capture them again. My land is safe." Onok pressed again for rationale, even though his ears remained back, and peace seemed unlikely at this point.

When Sarada showed up, Onok's eyes lit up in joy at seeing his twin again. But when she greeted him with nothing but hurtful insults, he cast his eyes away from hers and turned on his hoof, beginning to trot away. A gentle nudge was given to Callaquioa to encourage her to follow along. "Xenarona, you should stay here with your daughter. I don't want any quarrels with you or my family."

Enyalius, Callaquioa, & Others

The wedge that was being driven between Onok and his birth herd seemed to have the opposite effect on Callaquioa. Perhaps it was still blind love, but the more he was chastised and insulted, the more defensive she felt towards him. She ignored the words of the others and remained at the stallion's side, willingly following alongside him after he'd offered that soft nudge to get her moving again.

"Onok can handle the dangers out there! He's stronger than father ever was, and he's the only stallion that's ever been nice to me!" She'd looked back over her shoulder to say this, tail swishing with agitation behind her. Nevermind that he was only the second stallion she'd ever encountered until now, her young mind didn't care. "Don't worry about us mom, we'll be okay. The deer have taught me a lot too; I'm not as helpless as you all seem to think!" She tossed her head up then, snorting proudly as she cantered after the brown and white zorse.

Enyalius pawed anxiously at the ground, not at all liking the situation. She knew it was natural for daughters to leave their herd, but she'd only just gotten Calla back and didn't want to lose her again. The mare parted her jaws to speak, but thought better of it and held back. Defiant as Calla was being right now, any attempt at trying to talk her out of going with Onok would only make her that more stubborn to be with him.

Without a word, Nightshade paced after the two horses. He had no interest in defending his abilities to these equines, nor did he care to explain that he'd been trained by the Shadow Haunters themselves as a scout and a warrior. These were but strangers to him, and all he wanted was a safe home and a kind benefactor that would see him into his twilight years.

Xena

Xena turned and blocked Onok.I already told you where I stay Calli stays.She said her ears were back. She would follow. Kacheska if you want to join us then come I don't care if King doesn't like itShe said. Glaring at King still pissed he bred her daughter. And Calli if those big cats show up we are running and leaving Onok behind to do his jobShe said. The cats wouold she knew they would andd Onok would die or run away. He was a fool.

Kacheska had tears. Your just like our father pathetic and a foolShe said to the stallion. She glanced at King then her mother and attempted to go after her mother but king stopped her. She snapped at him and bit him.

Sarada glared as her brother just turned to leave tears pricked her eyes and she ran, she ran from the territory ran from all of them.

Onok & Cloudbreaker

He stopped abruptly when Xena put herself in his path, and was about to offer a nip at the mare when she announced her intentions to follow him. Onok looked back to Kacheska now, a little hesitant if only because he wasn't sure she really wanted to be with him. But when the young voluntarily made the effort to join her mother, only to be stopped by King, that's when Onok acted.

"Uncle!" His snort came harshly and he wheeled around, tail flagged and gaze hard upon the lead stallion. "I won't watch a mare be treated ill. If she wants to follow, stand aside and let her go." Onok was loath to attack King, but if he continued to suppress Kacheska, he'd have no choice.

King

He snorted **not while she carries my foal ** he said with a snort. He nipped Kacheska on the shoulder as he kept body blocking her.

Kacheska ears were back as she tried to no avail to get around king

Xena nostril flared as she stood. She stomped a hoof.

Onok & Cloudbreaker

"Stand together." Onok insisted quietly to Callaquioa and Xenarona, before raising his voice and charging at King, "Stand aside, King!" He bellowed, rushing full tilt towards his uncle with his head low and his mouth agape, as if he were going to bite at the other. But the charge was a mock one, and he stopped a few feet short of the lead, rearing back and dashing his front hooves at the air in warning, "You won't bully this mare, let her pass!" He hoped that his faux attack would distract King just enough for Kacheska to slip by and join her mother behind him. He was prepared to spill blood if needed, and wasn't at all afraid of jumping into a fight to protect his mares, but Onok preferred to settle things without violence if possible.

King

He snorted he didn't budge. ** If Kacheska goes calli stays. You will not steal my mare and unborn foal majesty deal with onok**

Majesty ears were back as he moved to join king. ** Kacheska belongs to king**

Kacheska

She bit at king trying to get away

Xena ears went back

Onok & Cloudbreaker

"I see the problem now." Onok said with a hint of darkness, glaring daggers at King, and then towards his father when he was invited to jump in. "It's not that you care for the safety of these mares; you both know that I'm full grown and fully capable of leading a herd. The problem is you." He closed the last few feet between them, trying to force himself between King and Kacheska, so that the young mare would have a chance to bolt away without getting attacked by his uncle. "You're greedy, you want to monopolize these mares all for yourselves, and you want me to stick around as added protection so no one can steal them from you!" He aimed a bite at King, forcing him to either defend himself, or take the damage if he wanted to go after Kacheska. "I tried to be civil about this, but if you're going to bully me and these mares for your own selfishness, I will not stand idle. Nightshade, keep the mares safe!"

Enyalius, Callaquioa, & Others

"Kacheska, run!" Callaquioa screamed, rearing up to project her voice.

Nightshade was not keen on interjecting himself in this business between the horses, but he had little option. He had to maintain his loyalty to Onok, and so the ebony deer trotted forward with a lowered head, brandishing a pair of antlers littering with deadly tines, all perfectly hardened and ready for combat now that autumn had come to the Valley. He stood steady in front of Callaquioa and Xenarona, hoping that his presence would be enough to discourage Majesty or King from getting close.

King

He laughed** no I'm simply refusing to let you raise my foal. She stays here when the foal is born one of my other mates can adopt it if she so badly want to be with her mother then ** he said he didn't let onok separate jim from Kacheska instead he turned his rump to onok and sent out a buck for him. What was so wrong with hi. Wanting to raise his own foal?

Majesty glared at his son. ** I thought I raised you better. ** He nipped Kacheska lightly on the shoulder and began snaking her back to the herd.

Onok & Cloudbreaker

Onok turned and rushed to the side, but the hooves of King still clipped his shoulder and earned a grunt of pain from the hearty stallion. Ignoring this pain in the heat of battle, he swept up along side the other male and snapped at his side, "You are being cruel to keep a daughter from their mother, King. You know this is wrong!" Emotions were beginning to swell in Onok, bringing intensity to his voice.

When his father turned his teeth against the young mare, Onok bellowed and rushed him next, once more using his teeth to snap at his sire's face. His aim wasn't to cause much harm, but to try and force the brute's attention on him so Kacheska could make a clean break and join Xenarona. "You did raise me well father, that's why I know this is wrong!" Taking whatever punishment his father might throw his way, Onok put his own body in harm's way to try and shield Kacheska.

Cloudbreaker pawed at the ground and moved back from the quarreling stallions. Having been raised with the Haunters most of her life, the zorse was plenty use to fighting. She knew better than to get herself involved in the tussle, especially as she saw merit in both of their arguments. She was happy for her son to start his own family, but she herself was not about to leave the safety of two well-seasoned stallions.

Enyalius, Callaquioa, & Others

"Leave my sister alone!" Callaquioa reared again, her voice now a panicked squeal. Seeing Kacheska get snapped at and herded brought on memories of the Haunter attack, and as much as she wanted to rush forward and help, she couldn't compel her legs forward.

For Enyalius, who'd at least had a more traditional upbringing, this quarrel between the stallions wasn't something that bothered her much. Like Cloudbreaker, she preferred to live in a herd where her safety was guaranteed, and even though Onok seemed chivalrous, niceties wouldn't do much to dissuade a big cat from attacking. She moved back towards Cloudbreaker and let her voice go quiet, waiting to see what would happen.

Nightshade kept his head lowered and watched the proceedings carefully. His tines could inflict a fatal wound to the equines, but a solid kick from any of them could just as easily cripple or kill him. Instead of putting himself in that danger, the stag called out to Kacheska, "Run, young mare. Behind me, you'll be safe." And should she make it too him, Nightshade absolutely would use his antlers to defend her.

King

** if you cared enough you'd live here with your herd** when Kacheska tried to get to the stag he stopped her again. This time he let onok and majesty fight. He made to take the young mare back to cloud and the other mare.

Majesty snorted taking the nip **like you said, you are old enough to be on your own and she is old enough to be without her mother** he rared up now and stomped his front hooves down on the ground** you want to lead and protect your herd you will stay here**

Onok & Cloudbreaker

Onok bellowed back, "You only mean to horde these mares against their will, for your own benefit! Be the father I knew you to be when I was a colt, who was kind to my mother and sister and good to his family. Let Kacheska make her own decisions, and let me live my life as I should." After pleading his case to his sire, Onok switched targets to King. An ear turned back to the clash of Majesty's hooves against the ground, but thankfully they hadn't been thrown at him. Picking up speed, he ran full tilt at his uncle, ready to strike King shoulder to shoulder and send a sharp bite to his flank.

Majesty

He snorted at his son ** if she wasn't carrying king's foal it would be different** he snorted angered by his son's words. He charged and got between his son and king. ** You wouldn't want your foal to be raised by another stallion and never know it's father. Don't say it will know king it won't because your not allowed to visit here. Back off**

King stayed blocking Kacheska** you want her so bad calli stays here and you take Kacheska that is the only way to steal my foal is if I get yours** he would die before seeing his foal raised by another or a mate carrying his foal was less protected then she was now. ** Your herd is not strong enough to protect 3 pregnant mares not even the other two are safe**

Onok & Cloudbreaker

"It's about what the mares want, not you. You would deny Kacheska's will, and make her miserable just so you can lay claim to her unborn foal?" He managed to slow and divert his charge enough to avoid smashing into his sire, but he wasn't done yet. "Callaquioa has the freedom to chose where she wants to live, and had she chosen to stay here, I wouldn't have stopped her. I would have been disappointed, but I wouldn't harass a pregnant mare for my own selfish desires!"

Onok again pushed past Majesty, willing to take a bite or kick if it meant getting to his uncle and giving him a harsh shoulder check. Anything to give Kacheska that brief opportunity to make a break for freedom. "That you'd not allow me or the mares to come back and visit only speaks upon your newfound cruelty, and don't tell me it's because of predators. There are hundreds of different routes to take between here and my land, and enough streams to break our scent trail."

King

King took the shoulder but didn't move. He moved so he was blocking her more. ** Once the foal is born she is free to leave and one of my mares will raise her foal.** He said. ** Back off now or I will take both your mates by force** he reared up and lashed out at Onok with a hoof. **You will lead those big cats here. From what I've been told of that group they have more then big cats** he snorted

Majesty moved to Kacheska and nudged her away again. ** You would be a wiser stallion Onok if you just stayed here where it's safe and you can safely look for a second stallion to join you**

Onok & Cloudbreaker

"You would stoop so low as to separate a foal from their mother for your own greed?" He challenged his uncle, mild disgust becoming evident in his voice. "I came here to visit family and make good on my promise to Xenarona, not to be berated and attacked by you two." He reared with King, striking at him blow for blow, declaring his determination to set Kacheska free. He still wasn't going all out however, for he was loathe to fight against his own kin.

He didn't have the time to look back at his father, but that same disgust rose in his voice, "Don't talk to me about 'wisdom', father, when you're the one pushing around a mare against her will and telling your own grown son not to start a family just so you can keep his mares!" A harsh snort escaped his flared nostrils, and he brought up Xena's earlier words, "Xena, I may need your help in rescuing your daughter. Nightshade, please aid her."

Enyalius, Callaquioa, & Others

This is what Nightshade was afraid of, but then he'd never backed down from an order before. The melanistic buck stood solidly beside Xenarona, ready to follow her if she was willing to stand up to the elder stallions to rescue her daughter. Hoping to stave off an actual fight though, Night spoke up, "The pack that attacked you-" His dark gaze sought out Cloudbreaker and her mares, "-and enslaved you-" A glance was thrown to Xena and Calla, "They are weaker now than they ever have been. I.. am very familiar with them. They are the Shadow Haunters, and I... was unfortunately raised by them, along with numerous herdmates many years ago. I know their scents and strategies well, for I was one of their primary scouts and defenders since I was a yearling. I may not have the strength of a horse, but I have more than enough wisdom and understanding to keep this new herd safe." He paused to catch his breath, "We should be standing together as allies and working to strengthen both herds, not fighting between each other. That is what has led to the slow death of the Shadow Haunters."

King

He rolle his eyes. I wouldn't force her to leave her foal but the foal will be raised here where it belongsHe snorted. He now aimed to run into Onok. Making to slamn his shoulder into him to throw him off balance. If he wants an alliance he'll stop trying to take my unborn foal from meHe said snapping at Onoks face now.

Majesty snorted at his son. I am not telling you to not start a family I am telling you to start it here where they will be safe and protected. He said keeping Kacheska from leaving.

Xena ears go back. She couldn't possibly get in a fight with a stallion not while pregnant. I am pregnant and i will not risk my foal. I agree with them when we should stay here as is. There is safety for us ill we have enough to guard us. She said watching her daughter. Even if she wasn't impressed with King for breeding her daughter she understood him not wanting his foal raised away from its herd. King is only doing what all stallions do Onok if you can't understand that then you aren't ready so stop berating him for his choices Yes she wanted her daughter to join them but there was no need for his harsh words. She Heard the deer.

Onok & Cloudbreaker

Onok braced for the rush, and took the blow with another grunt of effort, his hooves digging into the dirt and grass to help him hold his balance. But King did have the weight advantage, and there was little chance of him fending off two stallions, despite his youthful energy. "The very idea that you'd be willing to force a young foal to stay here because it's yours tells me everything I need to know, uncle. You care more about owning mares than treating them like individuals. And don't say it's for their safety, because I am an adult, and I have a strong ally on my side."

He was ready to rear up against him again, but then Xenarona conceded that she wished to stay here after all. Onok huffed loudly, trying to catch his breath after their tense match, and then began to step back away from King. He was silent for a moment before nodding slowly, "Very well. Stay here with your daughter, Xenarona. You have berated and challenged me since the moment we met, despite my best attempts at treating you well. You wouldn't be happy in my herd, and that's all I want for you." He continued to back away, until he was a safe distance from King and Majesty, then turned and trotted towards Callaquoia, sweet beading along his brown and black coat. He nudged Callaquioa, speaking softly between heavy breaths, "We are going home."

Xena

She moved to block Onok again as he came back. You mis understanding my words prooves you still got learning to do. I say WE should stay here not I WE this is where it is safe to start your family where you have back up for when those big cats show up.She said. Stop trying to show off, stop being arrogant and listen for onceShe said. You and night are not strong enough to take on those big cats aloneShe said . and you will be alone in fighting them cause Calli and I will leave the moment we see themShe snorted snapping at him.

King watched him. You would be wise to listen to your lead mareHe said.

Onok & Cloudbreaker

"Enough." Onok flattened his ears and stared fiercely at Xenarona, "I will say this once more, and that will be the end of this discussion. I have great respect for your determination Xena. You are protective and bold, and you care deeply for your friends and family. I do as well. But we both have different views on how to do that." He turned slightly, so that his gaze could encompass his father and uncle, "I've held my land for months, with no sign or scent of cat, and my new friend here is intimately familiar with these enemies and how they operate. It is safe, and despite your lack of faith in me, I can and have handled myself well. I was happy to return and visit you all, but you've greeted me with nothing but hostility and criticism for doing what any stallion would - wanting to start a family. I won't be bullied any further." Enduring Xenarona's snap, he used his greater bulk to push past her and reunite with Callaquioa, making a determined exit from the territory.

Xenarona

She snorted and stayed between them and would follow because she would not let calli die cause of his foolish she'd find a way to get her daughter.

King ** your not allowed to travel here. It is too dangerous you will lead them straight to us. Return here and you will be chased away**

Majesty ears were back.

Kacheska watched her mother saddened that she'd never see her sister again or her mother. **Calli don't goo**

Enyalius, Callaquioa, & Others

Callaquioa looked over her shoulder as she followed close to her friends. Near them both, she had the courage to glare at King and snort back, "You're worse than my father! He at least was brave, you're too cowardly to step hoof out of your home in fear that the cats will find you!" Her words were perhaps a bit harsh, and certainly more than a little colored by her infatuation of Onok. But her heart was young, and she was stirred into defending her stallion against the two older brutes who reminded her of her father's ways.

Kacheska's words hurt though, and she yearned to go back and be with her. But to do that would put her directly in the path of the two stallions, and she didn't want to be captured by either of them. "We'll be back, Kacheska. Stay strong, and we'll be back to rescue you." More quietly, she turned her dial back and followed along with Onok and Xenarona, "Don't worry either, Xena. We will rescue her."

Enyalius was equally bothered by the notion of not seeing her daughter again. But with tempers so hot, she knew it was best to let the heat and hair settle before she'd broach the subject with either of the stallions.

Quiet once more, Nightshade fell in line behind the three horses.

King

HE snorted at her. your father was pig headed and greedy. I am only thinking of my unborn foal and the safety of my herd. I have every right to be in my foals life just as Onok has the right to be in your foals life. To deny the father of the foal the right to raise their foal is cruel. Kacheska is safe and she was happy till now. Onok had the option to live as a lead stallion within my territory as my equal where family could be together and we can all work to protect all of you. It is his choice to risk your life and your unborn foals life. From what I heard of this pack pride they'll easily wipe Onok out. He said.

Kacheska Why do you want to live with only one stallion? its not safe he'll die like father diedShe said. She wanteed to be with them but it was too dangerous. She was still scarred from that experiance.

Xena nipped Calli King is nothing like that low down dog he is a seasoned strong stallion that only wants whats safe for his unborn foal and Kacheska. I go with Onok to protect you and don't tell me not to. He is still a colt that is making a small mistake that he'll hopefully learn from before its too late. But Calli if the big cats show up you and i will be running we will not stand around. She said.

Onok & Cloudbreaker

Though he had an ear back to hear what the others said, Onok let it roll off his back. He'd made his peace, and when they'd thrown it back at him and doubled down on their stances, there was little left for the stallion to do. He pressed onward, leading his two mares out of the territory and down along a new route that wouldn't cross the path they'd taken to get here.

Cloudbreaker lowered her head, and absently lipped at a few blades of grass. The happy reunion with her son hadn't gone as she'd hoped, but the zorse wasn't going to get involved in the stallions' squabbling.