The young female was absorbed in her thoughts. She would have to find a way to talk to her siblings. It was a matter of importance , and then she would talk to her father. His morale was important for the success of the herd. Quite frankly, the mare was growing irritated . She knew her father was having a hard time but this wasn't a time to slow down.

"I hope to heavens, Father moves this herd." She hissed silently under her breath, "It's getting too warm to not have water nearby."

The mare angrily looked at the pitiful vegetation that couldn't even be called grass as this point. She let out an exasperated sigh. The young mare was annoyed and angry now. The day had started off good and as it progressed somehow it continued to get worse! That's when a voice startled her, and she sent her back hoof into a swift kick of the air as a warning to not get any closer to the intruder.

Her ears were flattened, and she turned to face the horse with a icy gaze. Her posture wasn't a bit afraid or surprised as it was a moment ago, instead it was poised and alert to this intruder. You could tell of her annoyance by the flickering in her ears, but her gaze remained steady and unfaltering. Not once did she blink, and instead inspected the male.

He was of chestnut coloration like her. And quite tall, taller than her. She noted he had a healthy sheen and a certain...glow about him. In a way he was quite...attractive. No, no you must not get distracted, she chided herself. He didn't seem to have any prominent scars on his form. Was this truly a Bachelor?

Sena

Mare || 1.5 years || Yearling || M: Lorcan

[ind.] Rastus, Atolos, Asenath, Naga, Anil

Sena saw her friend look off towards Rastus, "Huh?” he mumbled, seeming distracted by the herd stallion who seemed to be speaking with his half-sister, Sena decided not to repeat herself, it was just a short comment anyways. “Nothing,” she replied, eyes still trained on the younger herd stallion, she could hear bits and pieces of his conversation with Asenath, and she loved the way the mare put him in his place. She let out a soft snort when she saw him flinch as Asenath stepped closer, before turning back to Lorcan. “I admire how your sister dealt with Rastus,” she spoke honestly, Sena didn’t personally know the mare, but she and Lorcan seemed quite close, and the more she was around him, the more she saw of Asenath, and the more she started to like the young mare. While she was aloof most of the time, there was still something about her that she liked, Sena just couldn’t figure out what it was.

She heard Lorcan let out a snort of frustration and motioned to Rastus, he seemed annoyed with the stallion, and she nodded in agreement. Sena hadn’t had a chance to interact with him much, but by the way, he interacted with the other mares, it wasn’t hard to judge his character. Lorcan rolled his eyes and seemed to perk up a bit as they continued their conversation. "Maybe this night will be better. I sure hope it will be."

“Yes, maybe the coyotes’ hunger will be satisfied for another night or two, and we all can get some rest,” she shuddered, just thinking about it. The scene hadn’t seemed to leave her mind, and she tried her best to push it out of her thoughts, it wouldn’t be good to linger too long on its death, the herd needed to get on and care for the living. Yes, it would be good to grieve but if it stayed here too long then it would make them an easier target for their predators to track, especially since the coyotes had gotten lucky enough to get a meal out of the herd, maybe they thought they could do it again.

“I agree, the herd does need something good to help them hope with all of this, I just hope we can start moving so we can get closer to finding it,” she sighed, the thought of maybe even finding a little water was exciting, and maybe that’s what they needed to lift their spirits. With water came the hope of survival, which was something that seemed hard to come by now. The yearling had to smile at her friend’s daydream about eternal meadows and rivers, it was a dream she shared too, especially after only seeing the dreadful landscape around them. Lorcan’s mood seemed to dip and she looked back to meet his gaze, “I can picture it just as clearly,” Sena spoke, “What a find that would be if the herd did come across someplace like that…”

Lorcan’s gaze shifted to his father, who was off talking with Anil, his lieutenant. "I'm going to speak with him today. To try and...Bond." he spoke. Sena perked up as he spoke, she was happy that her friend was going to try for a better relationship with his father, it would be good for him to have someone else to talk to besides his small circle of friends. If they ever did break through that awkward-looking “acknowledgment of existence” they seemed to have. Which only consisted of an occasional nod or glance that she had picked up on. “That should be interesting, just..try not to catch him at the wrong time,” Sena advised, she had recently witnessed his brief conversation with a herd mare and her foal, before dismissing her and leaving. “I saw a mare and her foal approach him and Atolos didn’t seem to be too happy about it, maybe wait until he and Anil finish talking,”

Sena didn’t want her friend to have the same experience as the herd mare, though maybe there was the possibility she had said something to make him act like that. Either way, she didn’t want Lorcan rushing off to speak with him while he was like that, their relationship was already strained and it wouldn’t help to make it worse if he wanted to talk at the wrong time.

"How are you, anyways?" Was the question that caught her a bit off guard, before realizing she was still in the company of one of her few friends. She noticed his head tilt and his tone soften, Sena relaxed, it was nice of him to check up on how she was doing, when he must be suffering more than her, with his mother’s death being more recent. She even appreciated it, it was nice to have someone who shared the same experience to speak with, it didn’t feel fake or strained and she could almost fully relax. “I’m doing better actually, I just wish we could finally settle somewhere safe, of course, we’ve traveled inside the valley but never really outside of it, and the drought has made it hard,” Well, it was obviously the drought had made the traveling difficult, but it was also hard to leave the place where she was born and grew up in. “It would also help the herd deal with the grief of the lost ones,” she added, partially referring to herself. All the walking and lack of water had left her tired physically, and with nothing to distract her, all there was to do was think, and then her thoughts would eventually make her way to her mother. Which was never a good place to go, but Lorcan could take her mind off that, and talking with him helped her forget it all.

“Anyways, how are you?” she asked, repeating the question he had spoken to her. Sena meant it as more of a general question to keep the topic light, of course, she wanted to check up on her friend, as he did for her, but it didn’t make it any easier to talk about. And she didn’t want to force him to talk about it if he wasn’t ready, Sena felt she was and was fine with him asking about it. She would just wait until he was, even if that was now. They had shared the same experiences and that made it easier to talk, though all she wanted was space when her mother passed away. She had gotten over that now and had made a great friend in the process, but Sena still didn’t quite know how much he was grieving for Sunna and she didn’t want to find out he wanted space from that aspect of his life like she did too. She knew how much he disliked being pitied by others about his loss, but she didn’t feel the same way when she had asked it. Sena made it sound more casual because she was afraid of losing him too if she had pushed for more of an answer. They had grown close more recently and she didn’t want to risk losing him like she did her mother.

Nysa

Mare || 5 years || Herd mare || M: Macha

[ind.] Kano, Morrigan, Anil, herd

The silver mare hadn’t relaxed for long when her gaze came back into focus. She turned to look around her, there was not much for a predator to hide behind in this barren landscape, and it made it easier to keep watch. It also helped that she spent most of her time listening to her surroundings for any signs of trouble. Nysa was getting used to keeping an eye out, especially since she was on the outskirts of the herd and was used to being alone. That’s when she noticed one of the yearlings making her way over, Macha snorted to announce her presence, though the young mare had already been somewhat aware of it. “Uh- what are you doing here all by yourself? It's quite dangerous considering the circumstances.” the spotted yearling spoke, Nysa listened patiently until she finished her ramblings before she replied.

She bit back more of a sarcastic reply, a ‘well I’m not by myself your here’, kind of deal, but that was foal-ish and very unlike her. Though she hadn’t felt like herself since the drought started, she doubted it had left anyone unchanged either. “I understand the circumstances, I just prefer to be more distanced from the group,” she narrowed her eyes a bit, before realizing the younger horse only meant to check up on her so it wouldn’t strain her father, who was the current lieutenant and was in contact with the Lead who had recently lost his mate and must be stressed.

Nysa’s gaze softened slightly, though she still felt a bit strange to be in another horses presence, it had been a while since she had spoken with one of the herd members and she didn’t want this yearling to question her more about why she was so close to the edge of the herd. “Sure, I’ll walk back with you,” she decided, gaze flicking around the herd and she picked up a strange scent.

She followed it, and the quieter sounded voices towards Morrigan, and an unfamiliar stallion who was a bit farther away. Nysa was jealous, that was her way out of the herd and she hadn’t been ready for it. She had no clue how her fellow herd mare thought about the bachelor being so close to the herd but decided she better not interfere, that mare could take care of herself and if something was wrong she would have said something by now.

The young mare turned her gaze away, she hadn’t looked long enough for anyone to notice unless they had been starring at her, which she doubted, Nysa didn’t draw too much attention to herself so it was unlikely anyone had. The Grulla mare turned to walk back towards the herd, eyes flickering towards the large mass of horses ahead, she would eventually have to make her way back to the outskirts. She was already starting to tense up the closer she got and tried her best not to show it. It would be odd for a herd mare to feel this uncomfortable around her herd and she didn’t want anyone to recognize that. Nysa was still nearing the herd, when she had the urge to leave even more, and this time it wasn’t fueled by fear. Some determination crept into her thoughts as new possibilities for leaving the herd circled in her head.

Kano

Stallion|Five years|Bachelor|Mentions:Morrigan

It hadn’t been very long at all until the mare reacted, sending a quick hoof in the air as some type of deterrent. Fortunately, he needn’t worry about her kicks, for the male was a comfortable distance away. Still, he couldn’t stop the soft blinks of agitation that were his eyes, ears swiveling for any sign of a commotion. It was when she had finally come to a firm still that Kano would allow his head to raise, skeptically jerking his vision back towards the herd. They seemed unaware. And that was good. He only watched as she took him in, and with eyes still narrowed, the stallion would emulate her calmed stare, suppressing a proud snigger at her observant scan.

They both seemed to drink in each other's appearance, noting unusual or interesting markings and rating posture. Or at least he did anyway. But regardless of his demanding form, she seemed rather...unimpressed, spouting out various words that mirrored her mood. She repeated the nickname with an unenthused tone, eyes falling into a blunted glint with every step forward she took. Kano only watched; keeping his own hooves planted but allowing his head to a slight reel backwards as hers neared. This is new. He was normally met with coy, bashful phrases. Seems he’s picked the rotten apple. But it would be a lie to say he was upset about it.

“Don’t flatter yourself” He began a hasty defense, calmly eyeing her circling frame with only a slightly shifted stance. When she stopped beside him, the stallion would soak in the aura that she radiated, discourage. And he’d admit, he had become marginally dismayed; His roguish smile dripping with something unpeculiar to his character,--malevolence.

“What makes you think you’re worthy of me?”

It was all met with silence on his part, his callous gaze simply viewing the landscape behind as she spoke, as if politely waiting for his turn to speak. Or maybe he was tight with umbrage. One couldn’t know. Still, Kano remained motionless, occasionally flicking his vision towards the wisps of her mane which fluttered serenely above the longer strands despite her rapid jostling. But he’d take notice of her threat, eliciting his ears into a sharp perk while his thoughtful stare snapped back to hers. It was then that the stallion would release a gentle snort, squaring his shoulders until the muscle beneath his coat pressed itself evident

“Really now?” His voice came out like satin, and his spurn would soon grow obvious, ignoring her words of advice and taking a confident step forwards. She doesn’t seem very ladylike. Sweeping one last stare over the entirety of her frame after her final blow, he’d then shortly steal a glance at the ambling horses a distance away, contemplative thoughts bubbling inside of his mind. Only a few heartbeats later, he’d finally prepare a response, allowing the ‘dust to settle’ for a spare moment, as if the mare should think about what she just said. She should

“You’re quite the angry Phoenix...and I guess, before you begin another speech, I should go ahead and enlighten you about my wording.” He assumed a collective manner, regally raising his head only to a slight tilt, and quietly magnifying the differences between them both. Although I can say nothing when it comes to arrogance, at least I show sophistication in a first exchange. He wouldn’t dare speak those words aloud though...not yet.

“I’m very selective when it comes to names. You resemble that fiery bird. If you seemed like nothing but a lamb you would have been called bunty” His flared temper had considerably decreased, the spiteful quip providing aid for the swelled red that had sat in his chest like a big lump. “Although I don’t fault you for assuming I’m that uncreative, It would have been comforting to have known that you were more insightful. Those who are tend to be the most..fun.” His gaze grew cold, smooth tail slapping the dawdling flies from his haunches. He’d cast a remote glance at his stinging wound, flicking his ears forward with remembrance before eventually lifting his leg in a subtle flaunt.

“Before you beckon your bodyguards over, I was wondering if you could help me with this.” He spoke evenly, studying her expression carefully. “Any way to make it heal faster? Is it so bad that you’ll have to travel back with me to make sure I can walk?” His tone was serious but the mischievous glint in his eye betrayed it all. He had originally planned on worrying her to death with the injury and then letting things..flow from there. But with this outward display of her intolerant personality, he knew that wouldn’t work. So, haha, change of plans.

Kano kept his leg raised, periodically glancing at the rest of the herd with scrutiny. The other stallions weren’t terribly close. Nothing to worry about.--not yet at least. “This is kind of romantic, hm? You checking my scrape while the baking heat dries us as well as the earth slowly to death. Couldn’t describe a more perfect moment.” The stallion chirped in a relaxed manner, placing his hoof back to the ground simultaneously to his jest. As much as he wanted to rush things, get straight to the point, he knew he couldn’t do that. So he’d become more fluid, attempting to soften that glare of hers before finally, carrying out the next step.

“What's your name again, Phoenix?”

The mare kept giving the male a stone faced expression. As she listened to him speak she grew even more irritated. A sharp glare crossed her face. Was this bachelor patronizing her about her manners? He was the one intruding on her space and he didn't seem to care. She'd have to admit she let her temper get the best of her but he was just being so...odd! She should've given a more calmer response and maybe she would. She was collecting her thoughts and she began to cool down.

Her head tilted at him calling her an angry Phoenix and she scowled a bit, offended. However it was more of a confused scowl that a little foal would give. A rare glimpse of her softer side. She then stood unfazed as he tried to appear, regal and classy before her. She was utterly unimpressed. Why put up a show for a random female and not be your true self.
"An angry Phoenix?" She said softly, and she gave a soft chuckle, " I guess you could say I am. I am usually not so...angry." she said calmly and collected. " It's just you come here, during a drought to a grieving herd to pick and chose females at your whim to entrap." you could tell know she was displaying a more quieter, icier manner of distaste and it was her specialty.

"It's quite rude to patronize me for being so hot with you a moment ago considering you don't know what I'm dealing with. We both are dealing with a drought, and I just lost my mother and I'm worried for my herd and siblings. Could you be more self-centered? " Tossing her mane a bit she gave a bit of a icy, direct stare. One that would peer into the depths of his soul.

She caught him staring at something, and it appeared he actually was injured. So why in the world would he fake another injury? She then heard his request on how to heal it faster. She lowered her head to inspect it further, and giving him a glare as if daring him to pull some cruel trick on her.

"The obvious thing to do it irrigate it with water since it's not that deep of a bite. And make sure it stays clean to avoid further infection." The mare stated eloquently, "however, this riverbed doesn't seem to have any water as far as I can tell. So I honestly don't know what to tell you. But I would keep that wound masked with other scenes like this dried grass or as distasteful as it sounds, feces. Predators can smell blood and you don't need them swarming you thinking you're an easy meal."

She scoffed at his teasing tone, "Hahaha," she said mischievously back to him,"you'll be fine. It's not like you'll die from bleeding out as it seems the blood is already clotting to heal the wound itself."

She then rolled her eyes at him describing this 'romantic' moment. Her glare had been removed from her face, and a more clam expression resided on it, but she wasn't just letting her guard down yet. Then he asked her name.

"My, name? It's Morrigan, and what's it to you Mr.Peacock?"

Strands of her hair lifted gently in the warm breeze before falling back into place. The mare eyed the herd a singular time before turning back to Sylph. She remained silent, enjoying her friend's company until the trotting of hooves disrupted the peace. Eyes narrowing, Cadhla's gaze hardened, prepared to huff at whomever decided to approach. However, upon the sight of Áine, she ceased her annoyance and relaxed.

Áine was a mare who had similar interests as her, so it was natural that the two enjoyed one another's presence. Releasing a soft snort of welcome, Cadhla took a step to the right, allowing the new arrival a spot amidst the closed area that she and Sylph had occupied. "Áine," she greeted, voice soft, "Sylph and I were just conversing about the lack of water and guessing where the herd would be headed next. I was thinking the mountains. What do you think?" Interested in her friend's opinion, Cadhla leaned in, curious to hear the answer.

"Heavens, any place is better than this one regardless." Shaking her head, it didn't take a genius to understand what Cadhla meant. So far, death occupied these lands, and the longer they lingered, the better the grip it would have upon the herd. Despite that, how Cadhla missed the valley. It was her home since.. well.. since she was born. To leave it pained her deeply, but to remain there would be the death of her.

Her eyes showed a deep sadness as she pondered about the lands, until it vanished, having remembered herself. It was a small nicker that had forced her thoughts to silence. Turning, Cadhla was met with Asteria, Áine's foal. Cadhla had but one foal of her own. Well, she supposed that her daughter wasn't a foal anymore. "Care to join our little group?" She offered the foal, watching her with large eyes as she asked a question to do with last night. It was then when Cadhla glanced at Áine, a silent question asking her if she wished for her to sit in on the conversation. The mare was unsure of what Asteria's question was, but simply in case it had to do with the coyotes and foal, Cadhla figured she'd offer her help if Áine required it.

She didn't listen very much, for within the span of a few seconds, her head lifted, glancing in the direction of Atolos, the lead stallion. Her ears shifted, turning towards him. He looked prepared to leave. "I think we're going to move once more," she spoke to the three horses, motioning to Atolos. "He looks as if he's-" Pausing, Cadhla's thoughts were confirmed as Atolos released a whinny.

Glancing at Sylph, Áine, and Asteria, she took a step forwards. "Well, that's that. Off we go then." Pausing, her head raised, suddenly searching for someone. "Has anyone seen Macha?" Cadhla knew that her daughter was safe, but it was her duty to double check and see. Whether she admitted it or not, Cadhla was protective over Macha, especially due to the drought and what had transpired with the foal and coyotes. It was a mother's instinct to protect her child, thus, Cadhla began to gaze around, looking for her.

Lorcan's body swayed as if he were a blade of grass amidst a gust of wind. His head bobbed lightly as his eyes were trained upon his other sister, Morrigan. He wasn't very close to her like he was with Asenath. In truth, he had pushed her away like he had many others due to Sunna's death. The only reason he held a good relationship with Asenath was because she worked to rebuild it, and he allowed her to. Whenever Lorcan shut Asenath out, she always returned. In the end, he opened up to her, and the two grew close once again.

Releasing a grunt, his eyes landed back onto Sena, amusement glistening in them when she mentioned Asenath. "She acts like our father in that way. She's never afraid to tell it like it is." For a moment, a hint of pride could be seen in the way he spoke. "She acts all tough, but I know she's a softie at times," he spoke, leaning in as if telling Sena a secret. His sister acted fairly aloof and proper at times. To gain her affection was nearly impossible, so the sight of seeing Rastus try nearly sent him into a fit of giggles. Nearly.

"The coyotes will keep their distance. The herd has learned how to better protect everyone because of that one foal." He wasn't sure if his words helped ease Sena's nerves, but it sure helped his own. One always learns from mistakes, and now that one foal had been claimed, he knew that the herd would do their best to ensure that another one wouldn't be. What the herd really needed to do was leave this place. While there were good memories here, there were also bad ones, and Lorcan didn't want to be haunted by the past.

"I just hope we can start moving.."

Nudging Sena with his nose, he motioned to his father. "It looks like he's preparing to move. Which direction do you think he chose? Maybe to follow the river? The mountains? Maybe neither?" Lorcan was intruiged, the mere thought of water already on his mind. He feared that he had gone mad a few times. At one point, Lorcan even attempted to dig a hole to find water, only further exhausting him.

His face rested in a slight frown as it always had now, that is, until the sight of a smile graced Sena's features. Blinking, Lorcan felt his emotions ease, his own mood becoming calmer. A small, almost half-smile formed, matching hers. It was nice to see Sena smile. Even nicer knowing that he had cause it. He almost felt bad that his mood had dipped earlier, ruining it. He would have enjoyed watching her smile for longer.

As she shared his enthusiasm and hope for a new place with water, Lorcan's ears raised. "Maybe.. Maybe we'll find it! You know what the first thing I'd do is?" He waited a second before continuing. "I'd run. For a moment, I'd forget about the hunger and thirst, and I'd just run." He hadn't run in so long. Between the thirst, lack of water, and the heat, it was nearly impossible to even image wasting more energy on running.

His eyes grew dream-like at the thought, this time, his mood not dipping.

It did sway lightly when Sena further mentioned his father, to which Lorcan nodded at her words. "You're the second individual to tell me not to catch him at the wrong time." It was humiliating. Did everybody know his own father better than he did? Regardless, he appreciated the advice, and would follow it. "I'll speak with him once we walk. Er, will you walk with me? Just until I get the nerve to speak with him?" It was an odd request, but one that Lorcan figured he'd ask anyways.

To have Sena and Asenath by his side would mean a lot to him.

Dismissing the idea of his father, Lorcan focused his utmost attention onto Sena. Her reply to his question asking how she was had him bobbing his head in agreement, though he paused when she asked him the same question in return, contemplating it. It felt better speaking to Sena about everything happening, so he felt no pressure to respond right away. "If I'm being honest, I'm angry," he suddenly blurted out, hoof tapping on the ground. "I'm angry that all of this happened, and that we had no control over it. We can't do anything right now, simply be forced to watch as everyone deteriorates." Pausing, his gaze lowered. "And I'm angry at her."

Her, meaning his mother.

"I'm angry that she didn't fight for longer. I'm angry that she gave up so soon." Was that right for him to say? Lorcan wasn't sure, but he did quiet down. "That's all. I'm just.. mad." He knew that Sena would understand, and he knew that he wouldn't have to explain himself. He wasn't sure that he could. Raising his gaze, he searched Sena's face, trying to find what she was thinking before sighing. "It's nothing time won't help though." Wasn't time the best healer for grief? At least that was something a mare had told him after his mother died. Truth be told, Lorcan didn't catch her words and made his own version of it.

"I'm alright though," he said, feeling the need to add one in hopes that his friend wouldn't worry about him. There was enough worrying happening, he didn't want to add on to the load. "Moving to a more important matter, it looks like we're about to move." He turned back towards the direction of his father just as he released a whinny. Gosh, he was so cool.

"Walk with me?" He asked, glancing to Sena.

Sherwin - Stallion - Bachelor - Mentions:


The small stallion lifted up his front left hoof and stamped it down harshly, a snort of something like derision escaping him, his tail whisking the air once. He definitely didn't like that other stallion, he turned over the other horse's last words to him. 'Tread with caution' to some, it might be seen as a courteous warning for danger; and the danger was the stallion. A warning that was not-so-discreetly saying that if they encountered each other again, well, it might not go... so well. Which the encounter was somewhat good, they didn't engage in a fight, although at one point, it looked as if the other male was tempted to. Sherwin was not a hot-tempered horse, but certain personality types could rile him up; and apparently, that other stallion was one of them, it was hard to find one that anyone liked, really. He stood there for a little bit, considering. In a different situation, he would have turned away at the stallion's warning words, would have left the idea of following the herd. But this was no normal situation, was it? Normally, Sherwin wouldn't be caught dead near a herd, but he was following their path. Lack of something like water or food, desperation, could change a being's choices, influence them to do something they normally would not do. And this was one of those times, it was life-or-death, now. He could not last very long without water, and even if following the herd would result in his death, if they were not headed in the direction of water; there is still a chance that they could be. And he was willing to take that chance.

First though, he dipped his head down and began to eat what he could. Sure, dead and dried grass wasn't the most palatable, but at least it was something to eat. He moved spots commonly, but he managed to get something in his belly. Lifting his head again, and lifting his muzzle to the air, he made sure he would be on the right track. Although he was going to try and beware of that other stallion's path, he would track the herd's scent, and perhaps the stallion's. He started off, going slow and observing the area around him as he went, not much to look at anyways; the lack of water didn't make any plants look pretty. Then, eventually, he picked up his pace; easily moving from a walk to a quick-paced trot. Then an effortless shift from a trot to a canter. Sherwin continued like this, despite the heat and everything really, he enjoyed the pace he was going at. Feeling the wind whip by him, feeling the rhythmic strike of his hooves against the dry ground; propelling him forward in a swift gait. He has always been a fast runner, able to outrun most of the foals in the herd he had grown up in.

Even though he was enjoying the pace he was going at, he kept alert. In case some predator was nearby. And he kept track of the freshness of the scents he was tracking. When he got too close, he would slow, and try and see how close the herd was. He stopped several times, having to take a moment to rest, although his rest periods were few; and the time it took for his breath to calm was short. He was not fond of stopping to rest when on a mission, but he was aware that he should not push himself too far; not now, not in this situation. Normally, he would have loved to see how fast and far he could run before having to stop, but now he was more cautious of his limits. The chestnut stallion's gaits were smooth, almost gliding. Then, after a bit, he stopped, and raised his head; the scents were near. And he should tread carefully.