Roman rode up to Virgil's trailer as the cowboy finished tightening the straps on Bucephalus's saddle. Virgil looked up, through his bangs to see the Queen as flashy as ever in a red bejeweled western shirt and signature chaps with his castle logo. Virgil wasn't sure but he thought it might have been his family's logo since his last name was King. Without meaning to Virgil ran his finger over the back of his saddle, over the impression stained black to stand out against the rich brown leather. Luckily it was small enough and in a place where it was not noticed often. Still it made him shudder. If he could afford it he would have bought a different saddle years ago but saddles weren't cheap and this one was his. It had taken years to break it in to fit him perfectly and most days he could forget that the brand was even there.

"Hey Virgil! I was just hanging out and wondered if you wanted to go for a ride with me? I heard rumors of a trail from some of the other folks and I thought it would be a great adventure to go and find it," Roman rambled on. Virgil grabbed the headstall from it's hook on the trailer before placing the bit in Buce's mouth and placing it on his head.

Virgil usually took a ride before the show but usually he took it alone to calm his nerves before the rush of the night. He took a deep breath before deciding.

"There is a trail and I know exactly where it is," Virgil countered. Sure he usually took the time for himself but for some reason he wanted to hang out with Roman and this was his best chance to do just that. "So not much of an adventure."

"Well that's not true, it is an adventure for me because I have never seen it before. Plus if you've been on it before I don't have to be worried about being lost," he said with a dramatic flare. Virgil pulled himself up onto his black gelding and steered him to Aphrodite's side.

"This way, Drama Queen." They traveled single file, Roman following behind him as they made it to the edge of the camping area. There they found an opening in the trees that lead to a path. Virgil had gone down this path many times and it was one of his favorites. It was medium length and circled around to the other side of the campsite and someone had taken the time to carve into the trunks of some fallen trees, giving the path a delightful scavenger hunt.

"And so our epic journey begins," Roman declared. The path was just wide enough for them to ride side by side with their legs barely an inch away. Virgil used most of his focus to keep Bucephalus in a straight line to avoid bumping into Roman. They rode in silence for a bit, letting the forest around them fill their ears.

"Thanks for taking us on this trail, Virgil. Aphrodite was getting antsy from being in the trailer most of the day. She's kind of high strung but otherwise she's a great horse."

"No problem. I always take a ride before everything starts. It's relaxing. And I could tell Aphrodite is a little energetic but she's a beautiful mare."

Roman patted her spotted neck and smiled. He loved talking about his horse. "Yes she was a graduation gift from my parents right before I started college. We clicked right away and we've been inseparable ever since. She's the only girl I've ever needed in my life, not counting my mother of course." Virgil nodded, he could understand Roman's love for his horse because that was exactly how he felt about Bucephalus.

"What'd you study at college?" Roman's attention went to the trees.

"I started out with a business degree because I wasn't sure what to do with my life. Then during college I met some friends and they convinced me to pursue my love for acting. So I scrapped the business idea and tried my hand at the arts. It didn't work out in the end though, my career never went past small town commercials and small parts in unpopular shows."

"I'm sorry it didn't work out," Virgil tried consoling. Roman shifted in his saddle.

"It's all good though. That's why I ran for queen, its something enjoyable to do before I have to figure out my next move, whatever it may be." Virgil could understand being anxious about the future. He had always wanted to be a bull rider but he had convinced himself that he could never make a living that way because he wasn't good enough. A series of events had lead him to his first rodeo and then he was hooked. Roman suddenly brought Aphrodite to a halt. "What's that?"

Virgil looked over to see what had caught the man's attention to see a tree stump that had been artistically sculpted into the silhouette of a two people dancing. They were so closely intertwined that no one could tell the gender of the people and Virgil liked it that way. To him it captured love perfectly showing it in a simple gender less idea.

"It's the wood art. There are more of them on down the path. Someone carved out old dead trees to make the place look nicer. My favorite one is just around the next bend, the one shaped like a mustang rearing up." Virgil let Roman gawk for a while longer before ushering Bucephalus forward with a click of his tongue. As the path went on it started to get narrower as no one had trimmed it up yet this year and nature was slowly creeping over the simple dirt. Virgil could feel Roman's leg right next to his, a few times they had bumped together, sending a shock through Virgil. Eventually the path got too tight and Roman trailed behind him. Virgil let out a breath he didn't know he had been holding and made himself keep looking forward.

They continued on the path until they reached the end where it opened back up into the rodeo grounds.

"Thanks for taking me with you," Roman said as he rode back up to Virgil's side. Virgil looked over to see his shining smile. It was so blinding that he had to look away as his face flushed. "It was very relaxing but I need to get ready before tonight, you know make-up and all."

"Of course," Virgil answered as they made their way towards the trailers. "I'll see you later than."

"Yes. Will you be by the back gate like last time?" Roman hoped he didn't seem too clingy but he wanted to see Virgil again as soon as possible.

"Sometimes, depends on what Remus and Dallas plan on doing and on when I ride." Virgil wished he had a more concrete answer but he really did need to find his friends.

"Sounds good, see you around then." He rode off and Virgil smiled as he watched him go. He would definitely be by the gate, for as long as he had to be to see the queen again.