Excitement bubbled up within the stallion’s brain as the impending challenge grew closer to its start. Never having been one to back down from a challenge before he closed his silver orbs for a moment or two focusing on the sound of Midas’s instructions. Deep breath in...And out again, calming his mind so that it may be as sharp as possible for the route ahead of him. Steam he could handle but should the magma touch his flesh it would surely not be a pretty sight or feeling for that matter. Injuries were not something that he could afford to deal with right now, not with the amount of responsibility currently upon his plate. Parelia would surely be expecting him to return in one piece with the same number of extremities that he had left with, he would do his best to uphold that image. A slight smirk crossed his maw as an image of himself staggering back into the Hidden Falls crossed his mind. He could just imagine the horror that would be written over his mate’s face at the sight of him battered and deformed. She would likely kill him for going ahead with the challenge in the first place if this would be the result. No he would do his damnest to retain all limbs and body parts as he rather liked being able to get around on his own power.

The countdown began within his mind as Midas started his concluding statements; opening his eyes he knew that he was ready. Turning his head to ensure that Kiara was safely tucked away in her sling snug and secure he sent a silent prayer to the heavens to keep them both safe especially Kiara. Stretching his neck forward he flexed his muscles to prepare them for the strenuous activity ahead; a strained muscle would do no good this early in the game.

The cry rang out across the land signalling the beginning of the challenge, the clock was ticking it was time to move out and prove he had what it took to call himself a warrior. Springing forward his hooves dug deep into the earth’s flesh sending a shower of dirt and grass raining down behind him, now the fun began. Effortlessly he spurred himself forward into a full gallop consuming much distance with each stride, eyes focused on the other stallion up ahead of him watching him closely. His path through the battlefield would dictate his own route, his missteps would be learning opportunities so the he would not make the same mistakes. He had two lives at stake and he was not about to jeopardize them carelessly, swiveling his ears around the hiss of steam was audible from each of the geysers. Each of his senses would be tested in this challenge he needed to focus. Drawing himself to a reasonable pace that would still cover the ground quickly but burn his energy stores less he watched each step, each movement, listened to every sound, planning his every move.

The smell of fire was everywhere making this sense very limited, ok so he would have to make due with the remaining 5 senses. A strange gurgling hiss broke through the air moments before the stallion up ahead careened sideways to avoid majority of the magma bubble that exploded from the earth. Throwing his head up a snort sounded from his vocals in both surprise and faded horror, great this was just great. Magma had passed his mind but for some reason he was not expecting it to be so damn hot and completely random. Wrinkling his nose as the scent of singed flesh floated towards him he shook his head to refocus. Determination flooded his brain, he was going to do this one way or another now move out! The first golden gate was within sight, that’s where they needed to be. Lengthening his stride again he chose a route slightly to the left of the geyser of magma until he was on the other side of it before veering back to follow the safest path as marked by the stud before him.



Ciceron talks
Ciceron thinks
Kiara speaks