He had noticed the ruddy equine as he padded down to the edge of the lake, but didn't make a fuss about it. Lace was a gentle soul, a kind spirit who always preferred calm and peace before the violent clash of the battlefields or the thrumming of hearts in the midst of heated arguments. That he always ended up in those kinds of situations was more because of a deeply rooted will to right the wrongs he saw, a general bad luck and infectious curiosity that took overhand over reason at times, than any true desire to measure himself against others.

But, as years had passed this unfortunate tendency to attract trouble had honed the instincts of the grullo. He had become fit and experienced in combat, deftly navigating through tough terrain... It was unfortunate that his faith in the kindness of others had taken a beating in the process. Not quite the knight in shining armor, it was still something of a gentleman that politely ignored the drowsy stranger, comfortable with the silence and the impersonal company.

As the sorrel chose to speak however, Lace obliged with gentle patience and raised the head, strands of grass lodged at the corner of the sooty mouth as he nodded thoughtfully.

"Sometimes it seems they do listen to prayers" he agreed, and arched the neck to rub a sinewy leg with blunt ivories. "It's been a dry summer... Let's pray that this will be the first of many more rains, shall we?" A faint smile drew soft wrinkles around the eyes, their gentle golden hue gleaming softly as he took a moment to study the other. For some reason it was rare for Lace to encounter other stallions. Usually it was mares that flocked around him, for good and bad; he admitted to himself that this was quite the pleasant chance of scenery. Especially since the younger horse seemed both polite and good-natured.

"I'm Lace" he offered casually, rain-wet tail swaying behind inky hocks as he turned and padded down towards the edge of the water, blinking droplets of rain from the long, pale eyelashes before he bowed down to drink.

If only every encounter could be like this. So simple, so uncomplicated. the gold-backed stud could already see himself enjoying the company of this rover, i one of those fleeting encounters that may or may not end up changing the course of ones life. Whether this would be the last and only time they crossed paths was not important; it only mattered whether the now could truly be enjoyed. And, for once, Lace had a good feeling about the day to come.

On the other side of the lake something pale splashed and surfaced among the reeds. The ripple spread across the restless shoal as Fajira rested for a moment, looking at the two horses while catching her breath - suspicious at first, then calmer as the easy mood of her bonded spread over to her. A soft rush of air was almost inaudible as she took a deep breath; then the surface stilled once more as she dove down - that pike was not about to get away from her.

Dim vales- and shadowy floods-
And cloudy-looking woods,
Whose forms we can't discover
For the tears that drip all over!
Huge moons there wax and wane-
Again- again- again-