ardens gardens

Ice prickles at his toes, a stark reminder of just how deadly the island around him could be. Sheer sheets of ice cover the ebony rocks, making it near invisible. One wrong step and he could go falling into the frigid waters that surrounded the old volcano. Unwilling to risk his life, the pup keeps his distance from the massive deer while also trying to stand on a patch of dirt rather than rock. While the dirt is still rock hard and gives hardly any more advantage over the icy stone, he still feels somewhat better about it.

Especially when the massive bull turns his way, stomping a hoof in response to his callout. Violet and mauve eyes go wide, the hair along his spine bristling and tail tucking between his legs. Was he about to be stomped to death!? Maelstrom can't help the quiet 'eep' that escapes his lips. Frozen with more fear than curiosity, he stares back at those bright emerald eyes as the giant elk speaks to him.

"Yeeeesss, I am," Maelstrom replies slowly, tentatively, his fear slipping away as he continues to regard the animal. "Why do you wanna know?" His eyes begin to narrow, lips pursing suspiciously.