This time, Chaitivel had a different companion. Not one he'd met until just before entering the furnace, mind you, but a companion nonetheless. The horse he'd found himself adventuring alongside, Danais, was quite a stark difference from the focused, determined Phoebe or the silent, headstrong Aeneid. Instead, they were hardened and jovial, an odd combination but one he had begun to enjoy. It was pleasant to have someone who engaged him consistently in conversation, whilst being polite to him all the same.

The pair had been traveling for quite a bit of time now, and it seemed as though they were doomed to find nothing of note. Frankly, this was something that the Knight himself found greatly relieving, but his companion contrarily found boring.

"I would take a pack of hellhounds at this point! Where's the excitement?"

The bay horse spoke with a deep, gravelly voice, a trait that Chaitivel couldn't help but find... endearing? Oh my.

"I'm sure we'll find something eventually, my friend. Though, admittedly..."

He grimaced, pulling up a hoof. The heat was getting to him, scorching his hooves in an uncomfortable manner. The other waits expectantly as he turns to them, putting on a bit of a pout. "It's just so hot. I'm not sure how much more of this I can take!"

Danais lets out a deep laugh, booming like thunder in the furnace. Chaitivel lets out an indignant huff, turning his reddening face away in embarrassment. Of course he would be mocked for this. To think he could speak freely- what a fool's errand! He dares not turn back to look as he hears his companion trotting towards him, preparing himself mentally for the blow to his ego he was surely about to take. Why, it was only a matter of time until-

"!"

Chaitivel gasps as something cool touches him, the white stallion swiftly whipping around to see what was happening. To his great shock, the other was placing something down on the ground beside his hoof, a mysterious object they'd held gently in their mouth. Noting that he'd finally regarded them again, Danais gave him a warm grin.

"Worry not, fellow. These cooling stones were supplied to me by a trusted wizard." They go to reach towards their pack again, catching hold of the Knight's gaze for a moment. "It's always important to venture well-prepared."

"Oh- oh! Yes, of course. How silly of me."

The white horse lets out an awkward laugh as the other continues to pull out these cold, smooth rocks, placing them carefully onto the ground. He finally permits himself to truly appreciate the gesture by daintily placing his own hooves atop their flat surfaces, instantly feeling the chill relief. Chaitivel sighs.

"Now, if only there were a bed of these!"

Danais laughs.

"Perhaps I'll ask him next time!"