BigHorse can't hear them actually as they are too deep inside his body. There never was any real danger for Arkain. The digestive system is unable to kill them as it's specialized in vegetation. There is enough oxygen to go around both in the stomach and throughout the guts due to the plant material in there.<br/><br/>The shield now around Arkain may be well intended. It's entirely unnecessary as there is no danger. What's more it may very well deprive Arkain from the sensation that lies ahead. Practically dehydrated and consistant the substance more or less resembles hay. Warm and soft, yet holding him in. Combined with the massages of the equally warm gut that lay beyond the gut, it creates the perfect environment to relax and sleep in, better even than the stomach itself.<br/><br/>Eventually the horse slows down eating as his stomach is filled. The stomach is positionned horizontally more or less so the movement isn't exactly down, but down to the opposite side.