The words are sharper this time, cutting through the thick fog of sleep. He can feel this chill more acutely now: the cold that seems to cover every inch of his body. A shiver wracks through him then. A nip on his shoulder brings things more into focus, but Alioth is still motionless in the snow.
When he feels the flutter of her lips on his forelock and around his face, the spotted stallion's eyelashes flutter. He struggles to keep his eyes open, but he drinks in the wash of Eriana's scent as she stands near him. Brow knit together some as he considers rising, eyes still mostly closed.
Another deep breath. In.. Out.. 'Alioth.. please..' His dark ears flick once, twice. Then Alioth shifts, his legs stretching and unfolding stiffly. Gods, it was cold. His eyes open, but they are unfocused. He doesn't realize yet how close he's come to danger. His head shakes slightly as Alioth tries to focus on rising.
"This is.. more difficult than I thought it was gonna be," he half-laughs, voice still thick with slumber.