K A H L U A

Kahlua felt a sense of accomplishment as the wolf stated that she had done the right thing. Perhaps she not have let herself to drawn into his game so easily, but she had no sense otherwise. If he was evil, if he had nefarious plans, she was in his clutches. She was no stranger to schmoozing, laying on compliments when they would gain her ground with the right horses, but apparently she had no sense to know when (potentially) the same was being done to her. So, instead of thinking too much about it, she just smiled stupidly, glad that this philosopher wolf found her actions acceptable.

As the wolf sat thinking, Kahlua stood doing nothing. She had done her best to forget his words from the Threshold and had nearly succeeded. They were not gone, of course, still somewhere far in the back of her mind, but they were not close enough to bother her the way they had. She still kept one eye on the wolf, something in her heart of hearts preventing her from trusting him with her life, but for the most part she was happy with his presence.

Do you think they'll like me? His words interrupted nothing, as she was doing nothing. She looked down just in time to see him grin and her ear twitched at his smile. She couldn't help it. Perhaps someday she would not think twice about being in his presence but for now she could not help being cautious. She did not jump back this time, though, and that was an improvement. In an instant, though, her fear melted away. The way the wolf tucked his head down and poked his tongue out made her laugh, a brilliantly bright sound filling the air between them. “Of course, sir Vertigon Estray,” she said decidedly, shaking her head at him.

Rustling in the mists distracted her from the wolf then and she looked up to see her friend Resplendence appearing from the swirling darkness. Her ears perked and her smile became wide, she was glad to see the mare again. She had seen much of her since the invasion and she never got tired of the healer. Kahlua, as unobservant as always, failed to notice the dazed look on her friend's face and went right on about her business as normal. Bobbing her head in greeting, Kahlua all but missed the violent shake of the mare's head.

“Of course,” she responded to the mare's words immediately, not understanding that the claybank meant a soul companion. “He was in the Threshold, he requested a home.” Looking to the wolf for a moment she smiled, sure that Resplendence would find him as easy-going as she had, before turning back to the mare. “This is Vertigon,” she finished, not bothering to wonder whether the wolf would want his name revealed or not.