The sun was still on the rise when Aurelius stepped onto the Threshold, but it was already stinging. The tall trees here provided little relief, casting soothing shadows upon the sod below; all the while the sun was gathering strength from its throne in the sky. Aury sighed and shook his nape, trotting on relentlessly. With a naturally dense coat, he was meant for a much cooler climate, but he wasn’t one to complain. The dwarfen steed halted on a small inclination of the terrain, peering about with his mismatched eyes. Ears pricked forward to catch any sound of approaching souls, but he was once again disappointed. Truth be told, he had little idea of where he was headed, and he would very much appreciate a sort of guide who could give him a bit of a hint. Aury didn’t mind traveling alone, with his impressive set of horns, the predators seldom had the courage, but he wasn’t a great navigator. A long time ago, someone had told him something about the sun and the stars, and how you could use them to show the way, but it had long since skipped his memory.

Snorting, he flicked his silvery tail lazily to chase off a pair of cheeky bloodflies, once again pacing forward, this time at a slow stroll. The chocolate colored stag was well aware of the other dangers the forest may impose, but he hadn’t stumbled upon anyone of a malicious agenda just yet. Aury could talk his way out of anything either way; his lack of physical magnificence had resulted in a sharp mind and a golden tongue. It had gotten him out of many a jam through time, but then again, it was often that same tongue that had gotten him into trouble in the first place. The thought made him smirk; sometimes he really ought to keep his mouth shut. Striding up to a small pool, Aurelius dipped his nose greedily in the water. It tasted sour, like it had been still for too long, but he didn’t care. Sweat was soaking through his pelt and he needed to restore his reserves. Looking up, he realized there wasn’t much grass around, just some foreign foliage that he wasn’t sure if he should risk consuming. Getting caught alone out here with a poisoning would be a rather unfortunate turn of events. He decided to go hungry; maybe he could reduce a bit of his growing girth, making him more attractive to the fair maidens of this new land. Once again he smirked, deciding to stay in the shadow by the pool for a while, just to catch his breath, and see if someone would happen to find his way.

"¤"

[Done]