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PrimalInstincts — Barky Labyrinth
Published: 2023-03-19 23:11:12 +0000 UTC; Views: 601; Favourites: 5; Downloads: 0
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Description
Featuring Demetrius , Icarus and Aldora
Summer 328, Blooming Territories
Ripple Effects <-- Previous || Next --> Distraction at the Finish Line
It didn't take long for the trio to dive into the maze of a forest as they began to trek north. Icarus was quick to complain that they didn't have a good way to keep track of what direction they were going in. Originally Demetri had thought about trying to track the sun but he quickly realized that this section of the forest seemed to be particularly over grown. The trees kept them sheltered from the sun all day which left him making guesses which was no way to travel. His panic over his lack of direction was kept diminished thanks to sweet Aldora. She was just so excited to be in the forest that it was hard to be too upset. Considering he had kept the herd mostly near the Flame Expanse she hadn't seen so many trees before. Not to mention ones as massive as the those they wove between on a daily basis.
In fact, the filly's enthusiasm helped guide Demetri to a more dependable landmark. The filly had always had an affinity for water so when she asked if they could follow the river for awhile it didn't surprise either stallion. However after a mile or two of walking Demetri realized this was the exact marker they needed. The river ran north, flowed south so it would not only lead them further into the tangle but could also lead them back out. Furthermore they wouldn't have to worry about finding a drink and the foilage was much thinner here.
"This place must flood a lot." Icarus whined from the back as he looked around at the younger trees and small berry bushes. "Real safe."
"Well it's a good thing we're doing this now and not during the spring rains then." Demetri snipped back as he looked to the stallion. He had been an absolute stick in the mud since they had left the open plains and Demetri was quickly loosing his patience with him. They had experienced a rather uneventful adventure so far and he was optimistic it would continue to be.
"Do you think any of these berries are okay to eat?" Aldora asked excited, trotting up beside Demerti as she grinned. The bay looked to some of the passing bushes which smelled sweet but he didn't recognize them.
"Mmm...not sure Aldora. Best not to tempt fate." He pointed out as she sighed sadly.
"Shame, they look good." She hummed, eyeing them longing as Demetri laughed.
"They do, but better to go without and not be laid up with a stomach ache or worse." He pointed out, making a face when he caught her staring at a bush a little too much. "Aldora." He warned more sternly, eyes flickering back Icarus as he gave the filly a bump with his nose to encourage her along. He gave him an appreciative nod before letting his eyes go forward again.
"Not that I like to admit it but he's right Aldora. Unless you know for sure what it is, never eat it." He insisted with a firm nod. "It's not worth it. There are berries and fruits out there that could kill you." He reminded as she let her ears go back.
"Sorry...guess I'm just hungry." She hummed as Demetri nodded.
"We can stop and eat a little." He nodded as he slowed down to look around. "Let's just step inside the tree's." He nodded, chuckling as Aldora happily trotted her way past him and to the nearest patch of green grass. With a chuckle he shook his head but looked back when he heard Icarus clearing his throat. He sighed, sure this the golden stallion wanting to complain again about this journey.
He stepped out from the trees, keeping an ear on Aldora as he eyed Icarus.
"It's been two days Demetri. When are we going to call it quits?" He sighed, not even waiting to voice his complaint. "This is such a bad idea. We're exposed here! Predators need water too you know." He frowned as Demetri narrowed his eyes.
"The offer still remains Icarus. If you have a problem with how I do things, you're free to leave." He growled softly as Icarus' nose wrinkled. "But I think we should press on. We're have good luck and the weather is favorable. We have a chance here not only to better ourselves but to give Aldora something as well. Not to mention she deserves to see more of the world." He pointed out, watching as Icarus' expression failed to waver.
"Plus, I'm optimistic that we could find others here." He admitted. The stallion would have been lying if he hadn't...been thinking about trying to hoof at romance again. Aldora had been such a joy and it made him realize he really wanted some foals of his own. Not that Aldora wasn't his in a way. He was pulled from his sappy thoughts as he noticed the flicker in Icarus' eyes and this time he was the one to frown. It seemed the thought of running into other horses was also of interest to Icarus which made something in Demetri's blood boil. Perhaps this was a bad idea. Tensions between them had been bad enough before but if they did find a mare he was worried they would scare her off. Icarus wasn't exactly the most subtle and as forceful as he tended to be about things...
"Fine." The golden stallion huffed after a beat. "A few more days." He nodded, this tone making Demetri roll his eyes. He made it sound like it was his idea. "But I'm not about to go chasing ghosts. There are plenty of hungry mouths in these trees and I'm not about to risk it for your fairy tale wishes Demetri. It's not worth it." He insisted with a flip of his long mane.
"Maybe you should go ahead and eat something. It will improve your mood." Demetri smirked, turning to go back to Aldora. He made a point to swish his tail in Icarus' face which left him sputtering and angry. He really had a way of getting on his nerves...
Tensions continue to fluctuate between these two as they charge ahead into the Blooming Territories!! For Demetri's sake, I really hope they find the shrine this time X'D
Word Count: 1,022
