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Moloch stalked through the forest, slinking from tree to tree and slashing at any bushes that dared get in his way with his sharp hooves and horn. This was his forest, his, and how dare they get in his way! He snorted and stopped by a stream. Warily, he paused, ears strained for any noise, and looked around him. Nobody in sight. Good; it would be safe to drink. He bowed his head and awkwardly drank, doing his best to keep his horn out of the way, all the while ready to jump up and fight at a moments notice.

Floki was now walking in the direction he saw Nightshade fly. He was tired from galloping after him and any way he lost him from sight. He loved his brother even though they were not blood related for Floki was adopted. But he held Nightshade's actions irresponsible for future herd leader considering he was no more a child. He kept this thoughts to him self not wanting to anger Nightshade and followed him everywhere in case he gets himself in some kind of trouble and needs help.

Moloch continued to drink, although he could easily hear the wing beats of the stallion. He watched him land out of the corner of his eye; healthy, large wings... it would be hard to take him by surprise. And harder still to attack him without the other star taking off. But it had to be done; it simply would not do to have the other star fly over his forest. He would have to be taught of a lesson.

Moloch raised his head from the water and fixed the youth with an icy stare. "Who are you?" he growled, all of his attention on the stallion.

Floki heard voices and hastened up in they're direction. When he came to the end of the woods he slowed down and stopped just few steps away from the last tree. He didn't like the scene he saw and although the distance between them was big he was glad a stream crossed they're path for this new star looked dangerous and not too friendly. He was thankful for the years spent with Ivy for he grew larger and stronger than average stars but still he didn't know it he could withstand the stranger. So he stood calmly and tried not to do anything offensive.

'' I greet you. My name is Floki. ''

Moloch slicked back his ears at the mention of "we." Granted, this... Nightshade... was showing the proper deference for an intruder, but how many did he mean by "we"? Two? Three? An entire herd? Moloch had a great deal of confidence in himself and his ability to fight, but he was no fool. Still, it couldn't be a very large herd, or perhaps they were too far away to reach this Nightshade in time. Why else would Nightshade be so apologetic? There was no rational explanation.

He turned as Floki introduced himself, and examined this second intruder carefully. He was bigger and stronger than most stars Moloch had met, and Moloch was starting to reconsider his original plan to attack Nightshade. Granted, this "Floki" character was unable to fly, but he had horns and Moloch was not in the mood to take on two stars, not when one could attack from above. But they showed a certain hint of fear; that was interesting, perhaps they were inexperienced fighters and could be intimidated. Even fought and chased out of the forest, if it came to that. Scared badly, like the small, insolent brats they were.

"I am Moloch," he said, drawing himself up proudly, "and you are intruding on my territory. Normally I would ki-punish you for such an offense, but I'm sure we can come to some kind of peaceful arrangement." And here he smiled, a gradual baring of his teeth. Oh yes, there was a great deal he could do with these two.

Floki liked situation he was in even less after he heard the conversation. What kind of arrangement, what kind of benefit, what was going on. And what kind of star was this Moloch. He was glad that Nightshade was distanced enough from Moloch and only hopped he knew what he was doing. His eyes followed every move Moloch made and his ears started to search for any sound around him that would uncover any hidden star be it Moloch's ally or just one more wanderer and prevent any unwanted surprises. Suppressing his fear he prepared his muscles for any needed action but didn't move and decided not to speak if it's not necessary.

Moloch relaxed slightly. All was going well, although the wording of his next statement was critical. "We will be... allies." His lips curled at the words. Disgusting; they should serve him. But it was best that they continued to think themselves at least somewhat equal to him, even if that was not the case. "I will pardon this intrusion, and the occasional further intrusion - within reason, of course - as long as you come to my aid in times of need. You may drink from my streams as you pass through, even graze, but you will always report to me when you know I am near. You have wings, Nightshade; I ask only that you let me know if you have seen any danger to me - or my territory - during your travels and in return, I will aid you. I will..." he debated this last bit. It was necessary, to make sure Nightshade returned. Preferably without Floki. "I will not attack you as long as you stay true, and you may seek refuge within my forest," he managed to get out through gritted teeth.

Still, much as he hated pardoning these disgusting lower beings for their intrusion - and let them pass through again later! - this was bound to pay off in the long run. Yes, they would serve him. They would be his, he would use their strengths to supplement his own. And yes, he would protect them, but only as long as they proved useful.

Moloch ears perked forward at this last. Perhaps it was best that he had not attacked Nightshade right off the bat; he would have to bear this in mind for future reference. He would also have to bear in mind that Nightshade was capable of such things.

"I accept," he said, "although I would rather you left the foul plants that are near the border of my territory. They shall offer a handy ring of protection." And warn off further intruders, he added to himself.