The barest hint of relaxation seemed to travel through their physical contact, wing across back. He couldn't see her in the darkness, but hoped that she took comfort in having him near, even though his head was starting to pound again - or perhaps it just seemed that way, because his heart was beating fiercely, each reverberating beat sending a tremble through his brain? She seemed to have relaxed slightly, for which he was immensely grateful, so why did his heart keep galloping in his chest, even though his breathing was calm? He wasn't quite sure, and even his theory that she'd relaxed was proven wrong when she started babbling in a pitched, semi-hysterical fashion. Moth's jaws clamped shut. She hadn't even given him time to finish the sentence! Normally, she was such a cautious mare, making sure you had stopped speaking before replying, but this had come bulldozing out of the dark. Clearly she was still affected by her fear, and he let out a small sigh, and sidled closer to her, hooves scuffling across the rough, damp floor. His feathers whispered as they slid across her back, the tip of his large wing resting lightly against the floor on the other side of her.

"And you don't think that you being unhappy will trouble me?" he asked of her in a low voice, wishing some of the outside light could penetrate the darkness of the cave. He wanted to see her face, her eyes, and let her see his, too, but that was impossible. The speck of light acted only as a beacon, a guide back to the outside world. If he wasn't so worn out by his stupid mistake, he probably would've ordered them both back outside, but as it was, he actually wanted to take her by her word when she said that she was fine, and sink down and sleep. It was niggling at his brain, a little voice whispering go sleep, and the worst thing was that he would probably be able to, despite knowing how uncomfortable Onni was in here. That fact didn't sit entirely right with him, because even though he was a bit of a thick, insensitive jerk at times, he did care at heart. He didn't want to just go out like a light and leave her alone in a cave where her thoughts could run rampant. Still, if he'd been any less awake than he actually was, he probably would've believed her when she said it was fine. Maybe that would've been easier? But the easiest way out, isn't always the best.

But it was hard to keep denying that he was tired, though, and he gave his head a slow, sluggish shake, trying to rattle his brain enough to keep it awake. Her magic was wearing off, and now that it had started, it wasn't being courteous and tardy about it. In the dark, Moth blinked like an owl several times. "Damn it," he muttered in a thick voice. Standing so close already, it wasn't hard for him to trace her muzzle - all he had to do was feel for the warmth of her exhalations. Without really thinking about it, he bumped his against hers in what he hoped was a soothing gesture. Tired and worn, the thrill it sent through him was muted, like a distant echo of adrenaline, and he blinked, again, then shrugged. "I think your magic is wearing off... It's okay if you'd rather be outside, I think I'll be fine in here." Moth cocked one hip and leaned his right hind hoof on its tip. His head kept drooping down, but he jerked it up, not ready to give in just yet. The possibility that she'd leave him when he slept - go outside, take to the skies and disappear - hadn't even crossed his mind. Even if it had, he would've seriously doubted she'd do it.

( xP Want to continue this after he falls asleep, or skip forth to the Throat and be all "after resting and drinking and eating and peeing, they were once more on the way~"? ^^ )