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Maion found himself wander around the herd lands, he did it sometimes -checking the protectors on duty, ensuring everything was peaceful and quite, doing his best to keep his herd safe- it was due to his wandering that he found himself passing through the forest. He knew the terrain well, knew that soon he would come to a slight clearing that was surronded on two sides by forest and was a path that cut through towards the Miakoda herd. They often had strangers travelling upon the path in an effort to get to the field beyond that was used for meetings, foal play and other such nicities; and as long as the stranger meant no harm they were not stopped.

Come in peace or leave in pieces. It had become a motto for the herd, especially after the skinwalker attacks and then the kidnapping; both incidents had made Maion proud -his herdmates were all so brave, even if they did not have a physical strength they did not fold or bow down to those that wished to bully them or run them from their home. No, they stood strong, as one. He smiled.

The last of the trees came into sight, Maions heart a steady pounding within his strong chest and his wings settled snuggly into his sides. He hadn't been expecting anything to be out of the ordinary and so nearly missed the stranger that lay upon the ground some distance to his left. He stopped, scanning the area to check for a predator that may have left their victum in the hopes to lure in bigger prey. Nothing, not that it would have stopped Maion from trying to help but he did like to know what he was up against.

In a rush of hooves and feathers he ran to the creatures side, examining the form for injuries. He noted a wound upon a rear leg, not made with claws or teeth but something else.... he relaxed somewhat, assuming it was likely an accident that had caused such an injury rather than foal play. "Hold on there friend," Maion said as he lowered himself to the ground in order to focus more. His healing magic was virtually none exsistant, his Angeni blood being far stronger than his unicorn.... but at least he could help a little, better than nothing he hoped. "I will try and heal you.... I must touch your leg." He spoke his actions, not wanting to spook the stranger; it was the reason why Maion found himself sharing random facts knowing that talking did wonders to distract the mind from pain. "My name is Maion. Does it hurt anywhere other than your leg?"

His horn touched the strangers leg, and as he closed his eyes he felt the unusual tingle of power and magic wriggle and course it's way through his body until it reached his horn and passed from himself to the patient. It was a wonderful feeling, warm and comforting.

Maion felt a layer of sweat form start to bead on his forehead, he was using as much of the strength that he could spare into healing the injured stallion -a foolish move perhaps since Maion knew nothing about him, but trust was something that you first had to offer to see the rewards of.

He was exhausted to say the least, but as the stallion -Karloff- stood he felt a tingling of pride that he had been able to help. His healing magic wasn't exactly impressive, but at least it could make an impact no matter how small. "I am sorry I can not do more," he offered, smiling softly and nodding his head. Maion had been so focused on focusing his healing to Karloff's leg that his words hadn't completely sunk in..... fever, thirsty, hungry.... blood? Maion simply assumed that the other stallion was attempting to describe a worry or a fear at having lost a lot of blood; as for the other things he hoped they would be resolved sortly. "I can offer you some food... my herd lives near by, and we welcome strangers as long as they come in peace." With a playful chuckle he asked, "You do come in peace right Karloff?" He smiled gently down upon the younger male, noting for the first time that he word what appeared to be warmers made of a pawed creature... a wolf perhaps? No, maybe something bigger...? A white bear? And a mask that seemed to be of a similar material and design. Interesting, though neither detered Maion from offering help.

Maion's mate Sengdroma had met a kalona-kirin not long ago who wore pawed boots made from her first pure skinwalker kill, and although the mare was deadly towards that particular breed she seemed nothing but shy and polite around everyone else.... perhaps it was her mixed blood? Nice one moment and deadly the next.

"You are more than welcome." Maion added as an almost after thought, his brain finally catching up with the conversation as exhaustion slowly started to settle down , a good day's rest and he would be as good as new in no time.

Maion paused for a moment and looked at Karloff, he could tell that the young stallion was being serious... and from the look upon his face it was clear he was expecting rejection, a rejection that wasn't in Maion's heart to give. Despite everything that had happened to the Miakoda herd and to himself lately he couldn't tarnish all by the reputation of a few, and in this situation it likely helped him that several members of his herd were also blood drinkers, although they classed themselves as 'vegetarians' only drinking from animals.

He smiled, sure that it would likely confuse the stallion but he knew of no other way to express that he did not fear Karloff simply for being a blood drinker. For the first time Maion noted that Karloff did indeed have two little white fangs -he must have mistook them for belong to the mask the young stallion wore. "I understand," He spoke with purpose, not wanting to scare the young stallion away. "You are not the first blood drinker I have met, several members of my herd do also," He smiled again, nodding his head towards Karloffs fangs, "And each has a pair of pearly whites just like your own..... I do however need to ask...." Now that the truth lay out between them Maion needed to make sure that everyone within his herd was safe, even if he could accept that Karloff was a 'vampire' he needed to ensure that his herd and family were safe, as their protector and guardian it was his job and his honor. "....do you kill when you drink? Have you ever tried to drink from animals or must it be from soquili or two leggers?"

Part of Maion's mind was curious by Karloff, trying to piece together a puzzle without all pieces. Did the mask hide anything? The red eyes that lingered behind it could be described as eerie and perhaps 'evil' but Maion didn't see them that way, instead he simply saw them as different, after all.... the true nature of a beast could never be judged unless they had first been given a chance, and Maion was more than willing to give Karloff a chance.

Maion listened, his heart going out to the young stallion before him. It was clear that he was confused and mixed up... and for some reason it reminded Maion of his own youth. He had been confused too, only for a different reason, he had believed that simply because he was an Angeni he was to be treated like a God in the eyes of others... to recieve their respect, it had taken him a while to truely understand that respect was earned not given and that there were far more important things than being considered a God in awe and glory... like love, family, inner strength and peace. Things he had worked so hard to gain, and now that he had them made no plans to give them up. In many ways he supposed that his own confusion had arose from him being abandoned by his mother... it was amazing the effect loneliness had on a soul, and as Maion looked at Karloff and his inner demons he knew.... he could not ignore him if he could offer aid and comfort.

It was understandable that Karloff saw this as a dream, Maion had often wondered the same about his own life at times.... especially the memories of how he first met Sengdroma, the moon, the reflection of the sky on the lake.... the dance.... it all seemed to perfect to believe looking back but that was simply how it was. A blessing that had chanced his life forever, perhaps this moment was such a moment for Karloff? Only time would reveal if that was so.

Maion didn't move as he made his reply, not wanting to spook Karloff into fleeing or fighting. "This is real Karloff. I swear it to you." As he spoke he had a memory.... dimmed now but still there.... of saving Drashi from the cold grasp of the forest. No more than an adolencent he had been alone, clutching the body of his dead sister. It had been the intense scent of blood that had attracted his attention.... and the sight was the stuff of nightmares. Drashi had later become a strong part of the herd, and for all intents and purposes he had become Drashi's son... the stallion needing someone to depend on after the torment of his past.

"Good.... good...." Maion murmered, a soft nodding of his head as Karloff described his inability to kill, Maion didn't believe in senceless death. Deciding that it would be best to see to Karloffs needs and then discuss this issue further -for Maion believed it would take more than a few words he could offer him to 'fix' the fear- he offered instead, "Let us go and fetch you some food and water, and then we can call for Alice? Or perhaps Jasper if you would prefer?" He puased for a moment, thinking about his words, "To talk to you about your thirst?" Since Maion was not a blood drinker himself he felt it would be unfair to the stallion to attempt to teach him, after all he didn't completely understand it all himself... but he could introduce him to someone who Maion knew could help him.

Maion smiled, nodded to the younger stallion before starting off down the path towards his home. It was rare for those outside of the herd to be invited closer to it central point, a point that was considered sacred; yet Maion had the distinct impression that this stallion would be staying and living with them for a while.

"No need to thank me Karloff," He said with a gentle chuckle, not one of mockery or amusement just a soft sound of trust and love that lingered within Maion's very form, "Come now...." And once again he continued, Maion wouldn't force the other stallion to follow, knew in a way that some stallions were so nervous about 'following' that they would do anything to make it appear as if they had chose their own paths, or were even the ones in charge.... and eventhough Karloff didn't come across as such it didn't mean that he wasn't just as nervous about following another. A moment to clear his head would do no harm.

The path back to the herd was clear, everyone seemed to be busy else where and a gentle quite settled over the land. Ahead of them stood the glistening lake, the very same one that Maion had met his mate. After they had had children it was very fitting that they had come back here to make their home and start their life together. The night sky twinkled in a duel glory as the reflection twinkled in time with the original. Trees stood as silent guardians around most of it, only small paths winding their way in each direction, and although Maion could not see them he knew that his protectors would be standing guard as well, ever watching over those they sought to protect.

Maion turned to see the stallion's look of awe and wonder, it was a feeling he had held himself when he had first stumbled across this place... of course Sengdroma had caused his head to turn more than this place, but he supposed that was the way with love. After a moment he nodded and spoke softly, "Yes. This the heart of the Miakoda herd lands." He looked around, it was quite now but he knew all too well that it would be beaming with activity soon as most of the herd came together.

"Shall we get you settled in?" Maion planned to show Karloff the land, where he could find food and drink, shelter and even seek those who were like him within the herd. Jasper and his mate Alice lived together to the east of the lake, their three children now fully grown and living lives of their own. Maion knew that they also had three grandchildren though he had not seen any of them inheriting the 'thirst' as Karloff described it, although Crown did have the fangs.

Continuing towards the lake Maion's tired old body was calling for a drink of the fresh water, "You may bathe and drink here, don't be too surprised if you see others swimming and playing here when it is warm...." it seems to be one of the faviourite past time of his herdmates, and he couldn't blame them for it, for he too liked to take a dip to cool off and to ease the aches and pains in his bones. "Any food you find in the herd lands is free game, though we do ask that you don't take more than you need.... unless you are bringing it back for another." Maion wasn't lecturing Karloff, simply trying to explain things to make him feel more comfortable.

"Thank you." Maion loved his home. Would forever defend it, even when he eventually gave up the mantle of 'guardian' to younger blood.

Maion took a moment to look at the other stallion as he spoke, he was not afraid of him and he was sure his herd wouldn't be either. After all, Maion was not one to bring 'threats' home with him, no.... quite the opposite. A gentle and understanding smile crossed his lips, "They will not fear you Karloff. They know I would not harm them... and so by bringing you here, to our inner sanctuary they will understand that you are in need of aid but safe." He turned his head to spy some of his fellow herd members being nosey about the stranger. It was not every day that such a thing happened.... the last 'stray' the herd had taken in had been Pele, a small basket that had literally been carried away by the current. They had feared she would die, a foal still within its basket, surrounded by the chilling cold of the raging river... it sent a shiver down his spine, his daughter, for that was what she was to Maion, was safe now.

"They will be curious about you Karloff." Maion found himself saying, not wanting to hide anything from the stranger. After all Maion had a feeling that being open and forthcoming would help him adapt quicker, would be the fastest way of showing the stallion that there was 'good' with no strings attached. And the aid Maion offered was just that, an offer of kindness.

There were waves of.... hunger.... pouring off the stranger, and Maion found himself a little concerned, only because he did not entirely know what the stallion was capable of and how long he could withstand the hunger. "You need blood." It was a statement of fact rather than a question, and before Maion gave it a second throught he tilted his neck in offering. He would rather he was the 'source' than any of his herdmates. "Drink. I offer this gift to you freely."