The massive gold stag was suddenly alerted to the presence of another. Raising his ashy muzzle to look through the winding lines of trees, newly blue eyes caught sight of a dusty form in the distance. "You are not alone, stranger." Warm tones left his maw as Leander fell into a brisk walk toward the equine, hooves leaving large depressions in his snowy wake. It had been some time since he had been in the presence of another, despite the new title of importance he wore. Since the surreal encounter with the snow beast, he'd been stricken with the swinging emotions of a hormonal filly, and so he'd found it best to stray off alone for periods of time. Fortunately, his usually cheerful demeanor reigned now.

"Hello, sir. I am Leander the LionHeart, Sultan of the Dragon's Throat herd." The charger came to halt before the dun, dipping his head respectfully as he gave his introduction. "Welcome to Helovia." A smile found his lips, and sky pools gleamed with familiar charm. The unmet stallion was tall, though still shorter than himself, and appeared to hold some heavy bloodlines like what ran in his own veins. Intriguing circles ran below his eyes, which were tinted silver like Faelene's. The boy certainly looked to be well capable in a fight, though so many strong hot-headed stallions lacked in mind what they had in body. Nostalgically, Leander remembered his earlier years; days of reckless fighting and needless bloodshed. He would not change that past though, for without it, he would not have any of the wisdom he had now. Silently, he wondered what lay behind the grey gaze of this newcomer. And where this new one's loyalties would fall, in the midst of all the turmoil of the land he was now a part of.

The dusty stallion quickly quelled any thoughts Leander had about him being the typical hot-headed young brute. No, the newcomer greeted him with more kindness and respect than many he'd met in the Threshold. With broadening curiosity, he listened to the stranger's greeting with pricked ash ears.

A soft chuckle escaped his maw at the dun's careful manners. He couldn't remember the last time he'd met such an openly pleasant male. "No worries, friend. This area is called the Threshold. My home lies to the South, and you would be welcome across our borders. Any visitors are welcomed into the Throat, as long as they mean the herd no harm." With a nod in understanding to the stallion's desire, Leander continued. "I would be honored if you would like join the Dragon's Throat, to stay for however long you like. We have many fields for you to study in, including the position of scholar if that interests you. We can always use another good mind, especially at the moment." Sky pools grew just the slightest bit concerned as he mentioned current times. It was only right to tell him of the way of things, no matter what path he chose in the end. "There is turmoil within Helovia now. There was recently a battle which involved all three of the herds, and the losers of that battle seek vengeance upon those who defeated them. I fear more bloodshed will soon be upon us; the most any of us can do is to prepare for it."

Leander nodded, lines of worry furrowing his brow as the dun asked of the battle. It was not a pleasant memory, despite the fact that the Throat and it's allies had emerged victorious. They had still displaced the Unicorns, even if it had been as much their choice to fight. With a thin smile to the dusty stallion, he stepped to the newcomer's side and began the walk Southward. "I will tell you what I know. The Qian, a peaceful group who is an ally of the Throat, sought their own herd land. They asked our help as well as help from the Windtossed Foothill's to invade The World's Edge, a Northern herd occupied by elitist Unicorns. Many of the Throat and the Foothill's, including myself, decided to help the Qian in favor of their belief in equality. The Qian leader, Mirage, asked to be able to share the herd-land with the Unicorns, but they were hot-headed and eager to fight. Battle ensued, lives were lost, and the Qian prevailed. The former Edge Unicorns went to the North. They surely seek revenge, not only upon the Qian but on all the herds. You will likely encounter the ex-Edge Unicorns at some time or another, and you will understand why I would call them foolish. That is not to say that all of them are vengeful idiots; there are some who reside with that band who are good." Porcelain orbs flicked out into the forest again, thoughts of Faelene slipping through the Sultan's mind. He half-expected the antlered goatish mare he'd recently met to come out of the shadows and contradict him, though his words were true and clear.

"I don't believe I've gotten your name, friend." He mentioned to the silver eyed buck after a moment's pause, before continuing. "I hope you will like the Throat. You will make a great addition to the herd, no matter what field you desire. We have many warriors who would be glad to teach you in the art of battle. In fact, I myself was a warrior for quite a while. I was only recently promoted to lead alongside Kri, the Throat's Sultana." Leander admitted his short time as Sultan, smiling as he thought fondly back to his first days in the Throat. He was glad of the newcomer's company, even if his moods were unsteady as of late. It was refreshing to meet such a clearly smart stallion, especially one who was interested in being a part of the Throat.