Their eyes meet, and Athena is thankful when Aryel did not speak her name. It had taken her a long time to get used to her facade, to become 'Ari'. All that she wants to stay is clogged up in her throat, and she cannot speak. Instead, warm eyes turn impossibly sweeter. How long does it last? It is an easily shattered peace, and d'Artagnan's dismissal had been missed by the golden mare. Athena wanted to cower beneath his anger, respecting his strength far more than Aryel. Then again, Athena was not a fighter and would stand no chance against the experienced poisoner. Even so, the thought of the Throat being dragged to war over herself and Lana...Athena's nature rebelled against it. Would rather to remain forever, far from her blooming wonderland of desert and red sand, than risk the warriors that had protected her for so long over such a simple existence.

Aviya's arrival shook her, and Athena's ears flattened submissively. She was no brave soul, having more of a look-on-the-bright-side, love-everybody mindset. d'Artagnan giving her sudden freedom, and announcing her as his daughter, was more than enough to make her drop her eyes further and try to hide her small aureate frame even more. Would she even have the courage to run, leave, if she was given the chance? Aviya's threatening gaze was already enough to make the tiny shimmer of hope disappear. Nevertheless her body still remained close to Lana's, wanting to protect her like the day when they'd met Mauja. When the fog floated dangerously close to them Athena shied away from it, knowing it was unnatural and feeling the prickles on her skin that always worked as a sign that magic was in the air. Seeing it descend on Aryel made orbs widen in terror and horror, but she could do nothing to help her and knew it. If she tried, she too would be caught up in its effects. Watching the warrior, the Sergeant, kneel beneath its power made her tremble. Order soon came from Aryel's lips, and Athena whimpered softly, conflicted. So badly she wanted to return home, and apparently her and Lana had the chance, but she hesitated. Torn. Would they hold true to their word? Surely they would be more wary, considering they knew of the inner workings of the Basin? Athena's tail flickered fast, jerking around in complete betrayal of her poorly hidden anxiety.