Aurelius walked next to Mauja when the ground sloped downward, smelling the salt ocean as they moved closer. He very much liked these lands already, as opposed to his previous homestead. There were many reasons for a stallion of age to leave home, stepping out of the shadow of his father, making a name for himself. Aurelius had merely been fed up by being surrounded by morons. He liked the casual way that Mauja was acting; it was obvious that he wasn’t a stiff aristocrat, like the ones Aury was used to. Still, he kept up the formality of his speech; only a foolish man would walk into a stranger’s lands and throw away courtesies, it could have unforeseeable consequences if you offended the wrong guy. So as long as Mau didn’t make clear where he stood on the matter, Aurelius liked to be on the safe side, especially considering the large size-difference between the two of them. No doubt, if altercations should occur, Aurelius would come up short. No pun intended.

When Mauja claimed his father be an idiot, the dwarf guffawed. "I never said he was a smart man. A fool and a craven, more likely," he said cheerfully, glancing up as the king continued speaking. The mention of his step-mother made him shrug his shoulders. "You see, I was a constant reminder of her mate’s unfaithfulness. I’m sure you wouldn’t want something like that waved under your nose every day," he said calmly. A sharp noise caused his ears to flicker back and forth, a startled snort emitting him as the ice spike shot out of the ground. His eyes reflected surprise, but he did not startle otherwise, as someone of more delicate heritage may. Aury was aware of magic, he had encountered quite a few magical equines on his journey, but where he came from it was not at all common.

Suddenly the white steed had left his side, moving at a trot towards the surf. Aurelius stood for a moment, watching with a smile on his face, before strolling placidly down to the water. The dwarven stag was not afraid of the sea, as an islander it was as much a part of him as the earth and rocks. He went out until the water engulfed him, lifting him upward slightly, and his small legs darted in the depths to keep him afloat. Thus, he swam, enjoying the chill waters as they enveloped him in their soothing embrace. Aury’s thick coat worked as a form of wetsuit, keeping the water away from his skin. A deep whicker escaped him, eyes looking to Mauja with a mischievous expression in them. "I have been wondering… Why are there only unicorns in your kingdom, Mauja?" He asked calmly, coming to the conclusion that swimming together set them past silly courtesies, so he didn’t bother with them any further.