The pair barely escape the sudden downpour, but little droplets make their way through the forest canopy just enough to occasionally splatter on Claudius' hide. He looks upward, blinking at the darkness deepened by the trees. All was silent save for the constant wash of water and the crack of thunder. The creatures of the forest are hunkering down just as they are. The feeling is almost eerie, quiet and nearly watchful. As if Claudius can feel thousands of glowing eyes pricking at his skin. Though not entirely perturbed, Claudius feels a wave of gooseflesh rise on his legs.
Breaking the silence with a question, Apothica stops. Claudius pauses with her, blinking in surprise. "Ye-" he starts to say to break the uncomfortable hush, but his companion speaks up again.
Rarely is Claudius intuitive enough to sense the emotions of others; but the storm and the silence has made their encounter so private, there is little else that he can focus on. Slowly, he sidles a little to the side, creating a few extra inches of space between the pair. Though he senses Apothica's discomfort, he has absolutely no idea what caused it so abruptly. Still only blinking stupidly, the stallion tries desperately to come up with something to say to soothe her; but for once in his life, he is at a loss for words.
Swallowing loudly, all Claudius did was fall back into step with Apothica once she started walking again. This time, though, he maintained a larger distance. Her discomfort made him uncomfortable, and it shows in the tenseness of his steps.
"I think that's a valiant objective," the chestnut answers, the cheeriness in his voice more forced than genuine. He keeps his gaze directly ahead, even when damp, dangling foliage brushes his face awkwardly.
"Have you ever done it? Achieved a better path?"
@Apothica