It was the writhing ebony form that caught the warrior's eye. He was soaring as he so often did over his home, now dry and windy in the depths of Frostfall. Looking at the land from above gave him a much better view than Equines or Unicorns might have, and so he noticed the massive reptile passing the Throat's borders. As soon as it did, muscled ochre wings tilted, sending him into a quick glide towards the cold sands below.

"Greetings, great serpent." His booming chords rang out with no lack of courage just before his feathered limbs met the ground. He came to stand still in the beast's path, knowing that if it was hostile, he would not let it pass any further into his home. He would die for the Throat if he had to, for it would not be the first time he'd laid his life on the line for it. The scars across his golden pelt should be indication enough for the snake. The only one he'd ever feared had not been a reptile, and so Leander held himself with the same outright courage and confidence as he often did. "Welcome to the Dragon's Throat. I am Leander. May I ask what it is you seek in our land?" His words held the same politeness as they always did when greeting a stranger, though his profile was even more stoic than usual. He did not need another creature to fight, for there was far enough to worry about already. And by the sheer size of the dark, emerald eyed basilisk, he knew a fight with him would not end well, even if he did emerge victorious. He could only hope that this creature sought refuge and loyalty within the herd. At the idea, his features lightened a touch. What a great ally this mighty thing would be against Mauja and his band, if they ever decided to invade the Throat. White lined orbs still regarded the serpent carefully, but his hope began to broaden. Maybe the Gods were looking kindly on him this day.

As expected, the great snake acted just as intimidating as it looked. The scaled, black form raised above his own tall 17.3 high frame. Leander merely held his ground and kept the gaze of the creature, ready to charge head first into his chest of black leather if needed. He chose his path as a warrior for this herd, and no Unicorn, reptile, or anything else would sway him. Still, he gave the beast the same courtesy he would any stranger. Appearances were not always as they seemed, of course.

The sound of rustling feathers met his sooty ears, and it took a moment for him to realize that they were not his own. One gold eye cast sideways to catch a blue brown mare coming towards him. The scent that hung on her pretty hide was not of the Throat or the other herds; just the blank mask of a wanderer. "Hello, miss. You are certainly welcome here." He only had time to nod and offer the few short words to the lady before his sights went fully back to the Bazilisk and it's greeting.

Granting his own hope, the serpent offered his loyalty to the herd. His speech was unlike any the palomino had ever heard before, but the phrases were clear enough to understand. Even though the creature's desire would benefit the herd, there was no way to determine whether or not it truly had no cravings for horse flesh. It was with that in mind that he regarded Bazilisk with a careful smile. "You would undoubtedly be a great asset to the herd, Bazilisk. As long as your diet includes no equine variants." He responded with emphasis on the point of safety. It seemed that the giant was sincere enough, if only from the appearance he gave. Hopefully he truly did want to become a part of the Throat. Supressing thoughts of what great use he would be was difficult in the soldier's mind. He could almost see Mauja's band running from the very sight of the Bazilisk, and that was enough to make his smile broaden just a hair.

He had to refrain from letting out a sigh of relief at the serpent's agreeable words. He had assumed the creature ate meat, and if he fed on the deer, rabbits, and other small creatures and nothing of the equine variety, Leander was happy. Though he did not know what Kri would think of such a beast living amongst the herd. His own impression of Bazilisk was good, but the attributes of the black snake might be enough to make his matriarch rethink acceptance.

"Then I think you would be more than welcome here, Bazilisk. I will summon my leader to meet and welcome you herself." The tawny buck paused, hoping that the stoic sultana was not far off. "Kri!" Deep chords raised a call on the wind. Soon, the bonny umber girl spoke up, showing more courage than he'd thought she'd had. Out of the corner of his vision, he'd been noticing the mare sidle closer to him, but now she seemed to have summoned some bravery. Whether or not her brash talk would offend the Bazilisk, though, he feared.

The reptile answered, clearly a little taken aback by the girl's boldness, and spoke of a past crime. He couldn't help to wonder what exactly it was that got him exiled. At least the beast seemed cordial enough, no matter that his appearance would be frightening to most. He had not offered any ill manners, and Leander was quite sure that he spoke the truth. He laughed warmly at the forked tongue's last statement. He certainly was a smart creature. "The Dragon's Throat certainly desires your loyalty, friend." He addressed Bazilisk respectfully, before turning to the mare. She was a lovely thing, but he would not have her questions deterring the beast. "May I ask your name, miss? And what brings you to the Dragon's Throat this fine day?" He asked the earthy hued mare, his tone still friendly and polite. It was only his duty to ask, and maybe his questions would distract her from prying into Bazilisk's personal matters anymore.