Silvery eyes watched the path with a stubborn, almost dangerous gaze. Trees surrounded the rabicano stallion, and everywhere he turned there were a thousand different ways to go, a hundred paths that could lead him to different sections in life. One decision, and his entire life could change. Snorting, the stallion threw his head up at such a philosophical thought, forelock brushing up against his horn. Tolio did not believe in such thoughts. For him, there was only now. He had no reason to dwell on the past, as it held only fond memories for him. Days ago he had parted from the bachelor herd he had been traveling with, and set out on his own, determined to start his own journey. He wasn't a particularly calm or wise male, rather an unbroken spirit. But, he mused, that made life colorful and different.

Back to the path. This path wasn't something tangible, per se. It was a pull in his heart, a scent brushing past his nose, something not quite there yet luring him on. An innate sense that drew him onward, a soft beckoning call that he was helpless but to follow. Many had gathered here, it seemed. The wind shifted, bringing stale scents of others, yet there were many. No matter where he went, always more trees! Tolio huffed impatiently and scarred the ground with one sharp hoof, venting his frustration into the simple action. He was not always this impatient, though he certainly was far from claiming that virtue. No; as he had the sweet calling that lured him forward, so he had another force to drive him from behind.

A memory. Two memories, to be precise. For months they had remained dormant, as many had from his past. But as all must choose, Tolio knew he had to mature, commit himself to something more than play and kinship. The visual of his father- proud and strong, swathed in bays and blacks- leading the other warriors into battle, eyes hard and ready. Willing to, in an instant, fight to his death for those following him so faithfully into a warzone. Next to this memory, this scene that had struck pride into the young colt, was of his mother. The elegant Arabian in her blood shaping her kindly face, and the fighting tainting this kindness into hardened determination as blood from multiple horses stained her pretty cherry coat. She was no killer, she was a healer, but the fierceness in her eyes was much like his father's. Willing to do anything to save those who suffered before her. Tolio had never wanted anything more than to be like them, to support his herd, his family, until his last breath. To be able to prove himself.

But first, he must swear his allegiance to a herd, and begin the slow but fruitful trail into their midst. He hoped to have that same trust that the others had shown his father, to have his herd be also his family. Tolio was wild, mischievious. But he had the ability to be serious and gentlemanly. Now, it was time for those two separate souls in him to merge.

And so he reared up, stocky hindquarters keeping him balanced as he let loose a beckoning whinny, trumpeting to the skies for somebody to come to him. When at last his hooves touched down again, and the song died from his throat, Tolio flicked his tail; the bright white streak flashed in his vision momentarily before settling once again. He did not lower himself to wait, nor did he continue his wandering. He would not appear weak in front of those whom he'd called for. Who they were he did not know. He waited, the birds flitting down in the wakes of his startling call, some even curiously- bravely- hopping around his hooves. It was this time that he had waited for, for nearly two years. Tolio could wait once again.

OOC: Oh dear, sorry this took so long ;_;

As the sound of his call faded into the limbs of the trees far from where he stood, no longer able to be traced, Tolio finally recognized the brisk air that touched his coat in gentle waves. Though the sun was high in the sky, there was a certain cold to everything around him. The leaves, dead or dying, clung as long as they could to the branches that could no longer sustain them. Grass underfoot was dewy and still sparkled despite the time climbing ever on. The warmth of the suns rays could not reach them as strongly as before, and they remained cold and pliant beneath his hooves. Behind him where he'd left his mark, the earth had been soft and wet now that he at last took notice. Beautiful. Twitching one chestnut ear and lowering his head to briefly rub his leg, vanishing the brief itch that had appeared.

Silence. Yet, something was appearing. No creature could move soundlessly, but Tolio had trouble hearing it at first. Someone had responded to his call. Now completely alert, his position changed and his head drew higher. From the shadows that remained of the baring trees, a darkly coated maiden appeared, with a horn akin to his own but with a gnarled uniqueness that was both intriguing and fitting. For a few moments they lingered, merely observing each other. No doubt she was a rather fine girl, with crimson mane and tail and gleaming darkened bodice. Yet her eyes were curious, though withdrawn.

"You called?" At last the silence had been broken, and Tolio marveled at her voice momentarily, gleaning as much as he could from her in those two simple words. A brief, curt nod was all that followed. "I did. I would rather call someone to me than wander about like a lost colt. Not very good for the image, miss." Amusement sparkling in his silver eyes, and he remembered his manners quite quickly. Bowing down, eyes never straying from her form as he gave a wry grin. "I am Tolio, may I ask your name miss?" Straightening up once again, tossing his head once again to free his vision.

He smelled a herd on her, but didn't inquire as to which she belonged to. Keeping his posture proud but open, not wanting to seem uptight or arrogant in front of her. Not that he was in any way, but if the femme had already come to him on her own there was no point in pushing her away. Why was a herd mare out here anyways? Patrol would be an understandable option, and he couldn't help but hope she wasn't out here because she was unhappy or troubled in any way.

In the appraisal between them, Tolio could see the slight tension that laced the edges of her body. To be truthful, Tolio was also unable to completely relax. Fighting was something he took pride in, as each carried their scars and lessons, but fighting a lady had never been easy for him. Sure he had wandered across many a temptress, and just as many devious mares that were crueler than any he had met. Tolio wasn't partial to his own sex; he had seen what could happen in the fury of a well trained mistress. No doubt the crimson haired lass before him held a weight of her own, and so his body reflected hers as easily as a mirror.

Her face was unreadable, yet he bothered not to hide his own. If he were to follow her to a herd, he needed to be as honest as possible in his intentions. After all, it was her decision whether to lead him or not, and he was at her mercy in that particular area. A grateful, if amused smile graced his features at the words she spoke. "Thank you, miss." That was all he needed to say, and all that he would. She didn't seem particularly talkative, and he wouldn't wish to annoy her with his own words.

"Faelene." Clipped. Guarded. What a peculiar name. Yet as he rolled it inside his thoughts, he found it both suited her and rolled off the tongue pleasantly. "A beautiful name, miss Faelene. Do you mind if I call you as such?" Wondering if either the miss or the personal way of which he addressed her by name bothered her. For a few moments there was silence, with only the fae studying him. Ironically he mused that the word and her name were irrevocably connected. Something in him she found to be comforting of some sort, and relaxed. Feeling rather awkward, but able to laugh at himself for it, Tolio listened intently as she finally began to speak. Thankfully she seemed to understand what he was there for without him inquiring. The mention of loyalty, as if he had to search within to see if he would match, brought about a passion in his eyes.

His chestnut cranium rose higher, weak sunlight glinting off his ivory horn. "Miss Faelene, loyalty has been so far the only thing I can offer other than the strength in this body and the love in my heart. If that is what your herd requires, I will swear my loyalty with little hesitation. Is there anything I must know, and would you be the one to guide me to your family? I understand I will not immediately have your trust in this journey, but if we are to become kin then be assured no harm will befall you from my party or others." Tolio didn't know if there were dangers on this route should she take him, but if she was willing to accept him herself before taking him to her herd, then she was already his sister and would remain that way.

Her face was expressive, yet frigid in equal measures. Completely controlled, if a little unnerving. She was certainly unique, Tolio would give her that. Elegant and refined, unlike the lustful dames that threw themselves at any stallions. Also unlike the mares that tricked and decieved, emotions completely detaching from their hearts. It was a rather pleasant change to say the least, and Tolio dearly hoped that upon further exploration of this land, the femmes would continue to appear in this fashion.

Instead of acceptance or gratitude, as Tolio had expected, Faelene instead looked amused at his compliment. tolting his head he surveyed her for a long moment, and at last his eyes lit up and he gave a laugh. "I take it that you have been complimented upon such a subject many times before? Shame, I rather like being first." Giving a lopsided, somewhat goofy smile. Not at all bothered, because he hadn't meant it in the way she might have taken it. Then again, she was the first he had met. Were stallions different here? Tolio felt a little uncomfortable with this idea. But perhaps he had it wrong. Faelene didn't seem the type to keep such company around her, so maybe they weren't as bad as he feared.

Tolio nodded at her request, knowing some didn't like his formal addressing habits. "As you wish, Faelene." Unlike the giggly tone most mares he'd met used- then again he was in a bachelor herd and those mares liked to target them- Faelene had a strong, sure voice. It only increased the respect Tolio was holding for her.

His passion aroused a smile onto her face, and Tolio could not be ashamed of how strongly he felt for his herd, whether he belonged in one yet or not. The thought of a herd being attacked only fueled his desire to follow her into her herd, and not another's. "That is good to know, Faelene. I can only hope that your King will find me suitable and worthy. Battle is only a test of patience and loyalty. If I cannot stick through hard times, I do not deserve to stay at all. I am still certain of my decision."

OOC: Rather short and awful, my apologies ;-;