Archibald's steps were deliberate, his head high with pride as he roamed his herdland. He hadn't had much interaction here since the meeting, sticking to his patrols, his family, and the neutral lands. He needed to be more involved in the herd if he was going to live here, he decided, especially if he wanted to advance in the ranks like Mandrake desired for him. He needed to make allies, the foreign concept of friendship still an odd idea to him. He didn't need friends, he had brothers--at least, that is how he was raised. Allies were good because they weren't unbreakable ties, and losing them did not have a large impact. Friends, on the other hoof, took time and compassion and investment--something Archibald just did not desire. Friends damaged emotions when they were lost and the mammoth stallion did not need that...even if he had more of an emotional depth than he possessed. For now, Archibald was good with allies.

As the idea of friendship passed through the dark stallion's mind he passed the waterfall, its roaring waters pushing the thoughts right out of his head and pulling in his complete attention. Turning, the great brute stood staring at the falling water. Loretta appeared at his heels, panting and lowering her haunches into a sitting position. It was admirable, really, how much power water had. It fueled everything and could destroy it all so quickly. If the Gods had no blessed him with Earth magic, he would have quested for something with water. It was so drastic, so powerful, so truly awesome. Snorting the warrior moved towards the water and dipped his head into the pool to drink. His ears twitched on his crown, listening for approaching horses above the roar of the waterfall as best he could. Its crashing was overbearing, and here someone could be so easily ambushed it taken off guard. Onlookers were masked by the heavy scent of water and their steps were unheard, how easily they could strike.

Filling his belly with water Archibald lifted his head, shaking his mane in a satisfied manner. He turned his body, walking with his head lowered to protect himself from close branches. The darkness concealed him as he walked, a monstrous shadow amongst the trees. Loretta ran ahead of her bonded, bounding silently into the forest.