Canine- is that what it was? Sure looked like one- shifted and barked aloud in warning to his bonded as Cera approached, having discovered his presence long before the fae. Cherub is unbothered by the loud warning noise, and whinnies at him playfully. He is a delightful discovery, and quite interesting. He doesn’t know what he is at all, and he seems rather mean in fact, but a soft touch from the female quiets him. Cera turned his eyes to the girl, smile turning a bit unsure. Companions often were linked to the emotions of their bonded, did that mean the girl didn’t like him? Cherub is distracted by the Hellhound moving forward, eyes trained on Ilaria. Yipping at her, moving forward and then back once more in a confusing pattern. Ilaria eyed him calmly, chittering back at him and waving her long fluffy tail at him from her position on Cera’s head. Cera flicked his ear so that it twitched against her and she made a soft, almost purring sound. Smile returned as he succumbed to quiet, intimate conversation with her. It has only just now become a power he understands, happening only on this day, and it brings him so very close to her. The girl’s laughter brings him out of it, and he giggles softly with her just because it feels natural. Perhaps she doesn’t hate him after all.

”I’m Cirrus, this is Sitka,” she speaks, and the creature barks as if recognizing his name. They too seem to be revolved around each other, and Cera briefly wonders where the bond is between his father and Fina. It seems they are often at odds with each other, which brings about sadness in his chest. Suddenly there is an ethereal fire along the creatures back and Cera shied away, eyeing him warily. Dancing backwards, suddenly uncomfortable. Wings moving forth to cover the scar that will never be fully hidden, shielding his chest from the creature. Fear enters his orbs, though it is not fully focused on Sitka, for the pup seems joyous. Cera shivers and a whimper came unbidden from his lips, eyes going fuzzy with memory. Ilaria noticed immediately and started pulling on his ear and forelock with tiny paws, making a worried whine. His flashbacks do not hit often, but they still do, and she is making soft noises into his ear. Cera blinked hard- once, twice- before he came back to the present. Stilling the shaking in his limbs and uncovering his tiny chest, caramel wings retreating and folding back up against his side. It wouldn’t do to make himself seem even more emotionally messed up than he really is. Managing a smile at Cirrus, realizing he had not introduced Ilaria. ”Th-This is Ilaria!” He clarified, and Ilaria made her signature half chirp half coo at Cirrus before sliding lazily down Cera’s neck to his shoulders. It was normal for her to nap during around half of the day. The warmth was returning to his face as he smiled, a bit stronger than before. He wanted to play, but she was older than him, and he doubted she would play with him. To his surprise he was wrong, for her companion darted about her pillars, encouraging her to chase him. Cera was shocked to find her nudging him, enticing him to join them. Laughing, half surprised and half joyous, Cera let his long legs extend across the sand and chase after her. Wings extending and brushing her side playfully as he hopped beside her, laughter coming easier. Ilaria, unable to sleep, made her own flow of noises to encourage him as they ran alongside the other Throat youth and her companion.

[Oh my gawd what was that. Feel free to throw tomatoes.]