Kahlua was somewhat disappointed to find that the golden mare could not even manage a smile in all of her harshness, but as soon as the thought came into her shallow mind it drifted out again. She was not one to ponder complexities and personalities. I think it's time you left, the stallion called out and, despite telling the golden dun to join them, Kahlua found that she was happy he cared enough to protect her. She found comfort in his commanding demeanor, though she could not say why. And you are to stop me, the dun responded and Kahlua turned her head to see the mare sliding along the ice.

As she turned back, Apodis slid his nose into her neck and she did as he directed, sliding down the river and away from the dun. As Apodis crashed about on the ice behind her, she turned back and almost lost it herself. Instead of frustration, though, she giggled. This was fun to her, for some reason. A moment later, the stallion came beside her and whispered. Stay on the ice, and Kahlua bobbed her head in agreement before whispering back. “Of course, my friend.” Despite a poor grip on the surface that sent her limbs sliding this way and that, she was having a surprisingly good time, more or less clueless to the danger that Apodis perceived- and that was clearly present.

Behind them, Illynx chattered on about toys, though Kahlua did not understand the implications of such a word. New to the land as she was, she was completely oblivious to the brewing hostilities between the Basin and the rest of Helovia. Dare you to run? she called and Kahlua only giggled at the thought. Stopping her motion and turning around, careful to not fall (though she slipped a bit), she smiled. “I'm glad you joined us!” Her words were genuine, the poor stupid thing. “I don't think running would be such a good idea, though...” her words trailed off as the golden dun slid closer to them with her horn pointed down. A threat?

“Careful,” she cautioned, her smile turning to a frown. Despite her best efforts, this mare was not getting the hint. Today was supposed to be a happy and fun day. Sliding to her left, away from the horn, Kahlua felt her hooves bump into the bank. She wished she wasn't faced towards Illynx so she could hurry back to Apodis. She was beginning (oh-so-late) to gather that this meeting was not going to be as joyous a one as she had hoped for. Then she stopped, confused as to whether she should jump on the bank against Apodis' advice or turn back to Illynx against the part of her brain that cautioned her against it. She decided for neither. “Are you trying to hurt us? Don't you want to have fun?” Her question for Illynx was childish, but so was her brain. Her ear flicked back to Apodis as she spoke and she turned her head just slightly, trying to catch sight of her friend.