Hello, she says, and the black colossus gives what he hopes is a reassuring smile. "Greetings. I'm Volterra, the Gladiator." She probably already knows this, but Volterra thinks it only polite to make sure.

The next arrival is much more familiar, and a warm grin spreads across his handsome features. There's a small hint of sadness in his crimson gaze as he looks upon his damaged daughter, so cruelly mutilated by some savage beast who preyed upon her shortly after her birth. Volterra's failure to protect her still rankles with him, and every time he looks at her he's reminded of his own shame. Still, he loves her dearly, and has vowed to help her live as full a life as he possibly can. "Valdis," comes the loving murmur, his gruff voice soft and gentle as he seeks to press his nose affectionately against her shoulder. With her ruined eyes and wings, her life will never be as full as the unrelated filly who stands beside them, yet Volterra will ensure that none dare ridicule her for her disability. He will end any who do.

Their entourage is still not complete, as a slightly older filly also adds her presence to their group. She's winged as well, and the Indomitable's shoulders are suddenly conspicuous in their nakedness. It has not escaped his notice that he's one of very few none-pegasi in the Throat, and he thinks that is a large part of the reason why they're so suspicious towards him. Heights make him quiver, but in times like these he half-wishes he had a magnificent pair of feathered appendages to help him fit in, to cast him into the heavens and witness Helovia from above. It's a quick fantasy, though, and one that soon disappears.

There's also a delicious irony to the situation that isn't lost on Volterra. He, sire of so many, has been assigned to patrol with three children. What a baptism of fire for the unwitting father! Determination lances through his heart - it is up to him to defend these three young girls from any threats that may befall them, and he will perform the task with flying colours.

The newest arrival asks what patrols should look for, and the stallion shrugs his massive shoulders. "I assume we are to hunt for resources, possible plants or metals that we can take home to help the herd." Volterra wouldn't know a useful plant if it bit him on the ass, though, so this will be far from easy.

In a rustle of foliage, another arrives to echo his sentiments. "Vitani," he rumbles, surprised. He remembers his previous meeting with the mare, and casts a careless glance towards her dog - in his mind, his dragons bristle in preparation to dive in should the hound show aggression towards him again. "Aye, we are patrolling. Would you care to join us?" The more the merrier, after all, and she may know some good places for them to begin their search.