Downy patterned feathers caressed the cooling air of the desert, unaware of the golden gaze that lay upon him. Ilaria was far more aware, but did nothing to bring Cera's attention to the arrival of his father. Only when his hooves touched down did the youth realize Midas was standing within his vision. Joy and embarrassment tangled together within his chest. These flights under the moonlight had been kept well-hidden from his father, but he'd been caught red-handed. Nevertheless he was overjoyed to see him, face brightening until his eyes nearly glowed like an emerald sun. Before he could fully take notice of his father's state, Cera had turned slowing legs into a faster forward pace, wanting to greet him home. Smile faltered when he finally realized that Midas was wearing his full armor, something he never did when it was just the two of them. It no longer scared Cera to see it, didn't drag up more than a twinge of a memory from that fateful day. He was healing, but the sight brought up a fresh wave of worry. Exhaustion was painted heavily upon his father's visage, and he smelled as if he had been running for hours on end. Blood stained silver glinted softly in the stars that were slowly poking their way through the fabric of the midnight sky. Cera did not ask, but his eyes stopped glowing in their happiness, turning sober. Midas had not told him he was going off to fight, and that made him feel sick and almost angry. It was a baseless anger, even he knew that.

Familiar, loving tone brought him back from his thoughts. Again that same mixture of emotion came through to tangle and weave its way through his ribcage, hearing the pride and taking happiness from it. Even so, Cera hadn't meant for Midas to catch him so soon. Surprising him had definitely been on the agenda, but the youth didn't truly mind that much that he'd been caught early. Obedient nod shook his cranium, dark patch of forelock falling over his eyes momentarily. Shuffling forward, Cera smiled and brought his muzzle to his fathers. Uncaring of the sweat and blood that clung to him in an acrid cloud, Cera inhaled the underlying familiar scent of his dad. Soft maw touched Midas', a caress to welcome him home, to show his love. "Okay. Are you hurt dad?" Concern laced his tone, eyes creasing slightly in worry. It was hard to tell through the armor, after all. Ilaria scampered up to his head, making him wince slightly as she pulled on his mane and scratched him accidentally. Fluff ball of red and black landed atop his crown, between his ears. Dark brown orbs stared at Midas, recognition clear. Chirruping softly in greeting, glad to see the one that made her bonded so happy. Already she was smoothing over the concern her babe felt, sending him lighter emotions that slowly glossed over the lines of worry. Midas was there, he was safe, and Ilaria pushed the happiness of those thoughts into their connection until Cera let go of the small piece of anger within. She may be younger, but she cared for him almost like a mother. Tail flickered against her beloved's ears, and after one last crooning sound towards Fina and Midas, she slid her body down Cera's neck to rest once more between his wings, more active at night due to her species. Cera smiled fondly at her and turned towards the water, so comfortable with his homeland it was done without a single thought. Surely he had more energy than his father, excitement buzzing within his blood, but he walked slowly anyways. Cera was aware that Midas was tired, and wouldn't dare push him just because he was not.