Wishes granted, but with a price. One Lakota would pay no matter what came, if she could help it. Her fears concerning the Earth God had been rather correct, but she held no ill will when it came to the ancient, wise being. Instead, her face broke into a relieved expression, Aodaun pressing against her flank at the glee and relief swimming in her veins, inspired to celebrate with her as subtly as he could in the face of the God. Affection painted the bearded face, and Lakota smiled tentatively back, overjoyed that he was at least giving them a chance despite his own clear reservations. Lakota understood that, in him, but her stubborn will and depth of love was too strong to be overcome.

Trials were rather intimidating, especially when set forth by a God, but Lakota nodded elegantly and bowed further in gratitude at the chance to both prove herself and the love between herself and Ktulu. Prayed for the strength and sincerity that could aid her and her mate in overcoming such hurdles. "Thank you, Lord," she breathed, knowing he could peer into her heart and mind and take the gracious words without her ever speaking them, but finding it to be a matter of principle that he hear them aloud from her lips.

Straightening on nimble limbs, reaffirming the grip of blackened hooves and rounding the curve of bowed back and lowered tiara, Lakota turned to her quiet mate. Sought her eyes, attempting to share with her the same determined set to her soul to triumph. Gaze slipping back towards the embodiment of the earth, she let her stubborn determination shine in the expressive set of her face. "I will try my best, and see you in time my Lord. Thank you for giving us a chance," her words dropped to a whisper, eyes sincere in their dark violet depths.

Turning back to Ktulu, sensing the dismissal hanging in the air, the lean maiden traversed the black rock beneath to touch her lips to the bend of Ktulu's jaw, and in silence lead them away from the throne of the great Lord. Perhaps other couples would find the Grove most suited for such a task, but Lakota knew it did not hold nearly as much sentimental value when it came to her and Ktulu. No, there was only one place she could consider perfect for the tasks awaiting them. Where they had first bonded, where the Grey had found life and clambered from the mists on triumphant hooves. The Deep Forest.

It was certainly a lengthy way to travel, but considering the similar path to the Grove, Lakota could not find it in herself to complain. The silence was at times charged, both mares clearly consumed with the worries of what trials would await them, trying to envision them despite the knowledge that they could never figure it out until the Earth God deemed to reveal them. But as they crossed the threshold into the looming trees, thick and silent like an untended grave, Lakota felt peace wash away the tension clinging to her bones. Not many found such a dark and gloomy place relaxing, much less romantic, but the land meant so much more to Lakota than any others could understand. Any others aside from Ktulu and the other Grey members.

Hooves slowed, paused, halted. Lithe body curved to gaze upon her beloved, her Constrictor. "Fitting, is it not?" Though she was still more than tentative; it had been the land where their relationship began. What if it was also where it would end?