In the morning, Hector had been dozing beside the vast ocean that lay before the borders he kept safe alongside fellow warriors. His heart had begun beating just that little bit faster and the days had slowly counted down until finally the time had come for the tournament rounds to start. Veci had felt his bonded's anticipation and was unusually quiet, soothing his friend just by being present at his side. The boggart had never been used in battle, Hector would not forgive himself if something happened to companion. Though he knew it was unlikely as Veci was of course, for all intents and purposes, a spectre that couldn't be seen unless he shape shifted. The only real downfall to that was the fact that, most of the time, Hector appeared to be talking to himself. The giant stud wondered how many of his herd mates thought him mad or even how many had sensed the presence of Veci. Helio had that one time, but he was one of the few. Looking out across the blue horizon the soldier came to the conclusion that, if anything, Veci was a very good set of eyes that he could use to a much better advantage when their bond strengthened. All in due time that was, all in due time.

As the sun peaked and began to set once again the orange stallion sighed shakily and unfurled his wings. The time was upon him. Already he could feel the weight of pressure shifting onto his shoulders, it was similar to that time he had fought against Kri, the pressure of impressing a Leader. His most revered. This was no different, he had another chance to show off his skill and finally a path that leads to a higher role. Even if he was defeated on this day, there was much he could learn and much to experience, if he was beaten it would be because his opponent was simply stronger. That he vowed to himself as he took off and lifted high into the air, angling his body in the direction of the oasis. His opponent was to be Gaucho and even that was sweat worthy. He had heard of this soldier's fighting prowess though never seen him in battle, it was that animosity that made him both excited and nervous. Thinking back to previous herd meetings, he remembered the stallion talked little if at all, big for most horses he had met, though not quite towering to his own heights. The bay stud had antlers if he remembered correctly, there was something in the back of his mind that echoed the confusion he had felt that day. Never before had he seen another with headgear and wings as he had.

Did that mean they were the same species? Or not?

Hector had not had the chance to find out. Maybe today he would. There was a tiny fire of hope inside him that wished he was not the only tribrid in the whole land ... Not the only freak.

Finally spotting the prehistoric form of Gaucho the undefeated with the vibrant azure of the lake beside him, he angled himself downwards and landed with the intentions of them being face-to-face. Smiling in friendship and bowing his head in comradeship. "It is an honour to fight such a mighty warrior. May the best soldier win." He said kindly to the Hanoverian stallion before lowering his head, checking Veci was still hovering by his side, and preparing his attack. There was no point in waiting after all, he gave Gaucho some moments if he wanted to say something out of politeness, however. The suns glare was going to be a problem if it dragged on, he swallowed to wet his dry throat before leaping forwards into a bold gallop.

He kept his wings to his sides, they were too vulnerable to be shown nakedly as his equine hooves churned up the parched grass of the oasis. He shied outwards when he thought he'd nearly reached Gaucho's left side and turned in attempt to plunge teeth into flesh. Angling his bite in hopes to attack the withers whilst trying to power his body into the mud coloured stud. If anything Hector was brave and bold, his attacks were always large and powerful, his body emitted that naturally. The only problem was when he encountered speedy opponents like Kri, his power was simply useless if he couldn't hit the target. In fact, it became more of a disadvantage than an advantage.

He just hoped he'd learnt enough from the fight with his commander to benefit from it in this crucial mini battle.

[WC: 775 | 1/4 Attack Posts | Companion Use: 0/2
Description: Hector gallops forward and attempts to power into the left side of Gaucho and aims a bite for his withers.

ooc: Good luck Aud dear!!! <33]