Don't shy away from my touch...

Silence and stillness seemed to radiate from the land, one that was stirred only briefly as Merlin passed before it reclaimed it's hold over the night. Merlin dwelled not upon the strange air to this place, but rather relived the events of the past few hours over and over again. How could so much change in such short a time? Perhaps he'd simply dreamt the events and they'd never truly happened...

No. Merlin silenced his doubts. Never before had he been a dreamer and besides which he chose to believe even if he tried he wouldn't be able to come up with such a tale as that in which he'd found himself. It was far too distant from everything he'd ever known. I mean, come on, ghosts appearing out of thin air and disappearing in the same fashion? If his tale was ever retold Merlin knew that none would believe him, and that if another was to tell him of similar events he'd never believe them himself. So what was with the certainty in his heat that all that had happened tonight was reality?

A sudden change in the atmosphere caused Merlin to halt abruptly. For what felt like hours though he was sure it must have been but a few minutes, Merlin remained rooted to that very spot. He wasn't even sure what it was that had caused him to pause - and then it came to him. Drifting in the slightest breeze a single scent caught his nares; one that sent a tingle down his spine. No longer was he alone in this place. Instead of setting off immediately to meet this stranger as you might expect him to, Merlin remained in his place. He was certain from the scent that the equine was a mare, yet still he paused. For you see, though he'd likely never admit it even to himself, Merlin was unexpectedly struck with nerves. Never before had he even imagined claiming a territory to lead a herd in - it was a responsibility that had been set upon his shoulders, and the weight of that responsibility suddenly dawned on him. He had to get this right.

Taking a deep breath Merlin tried to calm himself and draw upon his courage. From the lump in his throat and tension in his muscles you'd have thought he was about to walk to his death rather than approach a fellow equine who may even be thankful for his presence. Trotting forward slowly, Merlin soon caught sight of the one who'd caused him his sudden discomfort. He let out a quiet greeting whinny to catch her attention and then slowed to a walk to approach her. "Hello, I hope you do not mind but I thought I'd come and see who else is traveling so late." With a brief pause he continued, thinking it impolite not to introduce himself. "I am Merlin's Touch, newly appointed lead of the Naji Herd. I apologize if you have greater plans than to stop and converse with the likes of me and shall understand if you wish to be off." Having finished what Merlin felt to be the required formalities he let out a silent sigh of relief. This was much easier than he expected. Whilst waiting for the mare to reply Merlin made sure to stand a distance away in an attempt not to worry her. It was all to possible that for some reason or another she didn't take kindly to strangers.

...Or you won't feel the magic.

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OOC: Great opening post by the way.

Don't shy away from my touch...

Hearing the knowledge that he wasn't intruding on anything, Merlin relaxed, it had fallen on grateful ears. He shook his head solemnly upon hearing her hope of finding somewhere she belonged. Perhaps he'd come to the wrong place to find a member of his herd, for although he could promise his absolute protection he had no control of whether an equine would fit well into his herd or not. "That's quite a quest you have on your hooves, but I wish you luck with it." A quiet chuckle escaped him as she spoke of the Naji herd. Realizing that he ought to let echo in on his private joke he decided to give her some information. "Indeed, neither had I until very recently. Like I said, I am newly appointed lead but I plan to uphold the qualities all light herds should have." He left out the part about a spirit appearing to him just hours ago and giving him this mission, for if he went around telling of this other equine would surely think him to be quite mad.

Remembering the reason behind his quest here in the first place Merlin bit his lower lip. Was it to forward to simply ask her to join him? They had only just met, after all. But how else was he to learn whether his being here was a waste of time or not, right now Merlin didn't have the time to watch it fall away. A herd could not be built overnight, yet he was determined to make a good start on it. "However I was left with the dilemma that none of the members from the original Naji herd remain, they have either passed on or left..." Merlin paused to arrange his thoughts,for he wished this to come out perfectly. "I apologize for my forwardness, usually I would stick around longer to get to know you before asking anything of this sort, but my new found responsibilities deprive me of such leisure. The dawn fast approaches and, should you agree, I would like to escort you to the safety of my home before the Dark stallions of the land begin to arrive." Wincing, merlin wondered if that last part made him sound like a coward. He would be more than happy to have a shot at every Dark in the land to try and protect another, but their safety was much easier ensured on his own land. "You would be free to come and go as you will, even if you only stay until you have a clear plan in your mind of where you should search for your true place."

...Or you won't feel the magic.

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OOC: Yeah I think my openings always turn out better than the rest of my posts, and I love it when you first get to RP a new character as well.

Don't shy away from my touch...

Merlin waited with baited breath for Echo to give him an answer. Although he was to preoccupied to notice Merlin's muscles twitched with a mix of nerves and excitement. This could be his very first herd member! At the same time it could be his first rejection though... Doubts started to fire through his mind: had he asked her to join him too soon; was his offer acceptable and would it hold any value to echo; what would he do if he got turned down? Question after question seemed to throw itself into Merlin's thoughts, to such an extent that he frowned in concentration just to listen to Echo's reply.

Upon hearing her answer a wide smile spread across Merlin's maw. He honestly felt like at that moment in time he could jump and reach the stars. Realising that he should probably say something rather than standing and grinning dumbly, Merlin spoke. "I'm glad you'll be joining me, and though I can't promise it shall be the place you belong but I will do everything in my power to make you feel safe and comfortable." Realising that the sooner they set off for his lands the sooner they would get safely inside the borders of the Homeland field Merlin inclined his head in the direction of his home. "The lands are this way, if you care to follow." He waited briefly simply to make sure that Echo was going to follow before setting of on his journey home. Every now and then he looked over his shoulder to make sure that Echo was following.

...Or you won't feel the magic.

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OOC: No worries, I'll continue this post in a thread in the Homeland Fields.