It was midday, making it almost the
warmest part of the day, which was the only thing keeping Reflection from whining like a foal at how uncomfortable he was. His beard was freezing off, and Ishtar was moving along next to him without complaint, covered by her long mane to keep her warm. He
hated Ishtar. Not really. Only when it was cold, and she was more content than he was. The pair of them had been sent to patrol in one direction today, while Arae had been sent to patrol one of the more naturally-defended areas of their small section of land with Ohanzee.
"Could you stop flailing along behind me? You know better than that, and you're being very noisy." Her sweet voice was brisk and businesslike, and he bared his teeth at her rump and debated nipping her. Chances were, though, that he'd get a mouthful of tail fur for his trouble instead of the satisfaction of a mouthful of pained cry. Besides, it wasn't very gentlemanly, and his mother would have his hide as a winter coat. Even if she did deserve it. Such a bad niece. Step-niece. Herdmate. Whatever she was other than an annoyingly comfortable partner.
"I'm not flailing." he rumbled. "I'm trying to keep warm. A subtle difference I know you can't appreciate." His red eyes met hers as she turned her head to give him a glare. "And if my noise bothers you, you should listen to your own. Resonance was more subtle when she was
pregnant." A quick inhale, a flare of the nostrils. A nerve had been struck. Her head jerked up, and her mouth opened, but they both noticed the same thing at the same time.
There was someone else on their lands.
Moving quickly, moving quietly. Not trying to hide, which was good considering that if there was any snow they might have been able to blend right in. Ishtar was concerned, but upon closer inspection Reflection recognized one of the two approaching and broke into a trot to move and meet them. "Hello!" he called, greeting the two new arrivals.
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