(*cackles*)

Aryel had no idea that two worlds had collided. She had no idea that shades, opposites of the horses of Helovia, were slinking in this world, exact duplicates in all but personality. At the moment, her thoughts were on her impending duel, her friend Lana's imprisonment, as well as the day-to-day matters of the Throat. It was for that reason that she plodded through the meadow, head down, all but oblivious even to the wonderfully crisp fall wind that tossed her mane and ruffled her feathers. Her ever-present companion rode on her shoulders, combing his thumb claws through the base of her mane, grooming the tangles and dust out. She appreciated his care, even if she didn't show it other than her grateful emotions through their link. Still, Java was unable to understand why the two had to fight. If she was mean to someone, he would be mean too, but Crowley's hellhound was too nice to be mean to. Why couldn't everyone just get along?

She had not anticipated seeing Crowley anytime before their fight. So, when she heard a bright laugh, he was the last horse she expected to turn around and see. But it was him, standing a distance away, his rear facing her. Aryel's ears swiveled backwards, and she rolled her eyes. Great. Now she had to share space with him and not kill him. She watched as he dropped his head, and heard him speaking to...a bee? Supreme confusion twisted the mare's features. Why would Crowley ever speak to a bee? Hell, why would he speak to anyone that wasn't a unicorn? Even stranger, his usual arrogant tone was gone, replaced with something earnest, almost childish. He was talking to the bee like a young foal intoxicated with his first spring.

Slowly, almost cautiously, she lowered her head to the ground and began champing grass. Maybe it was just a farce. Maybe if she didn't make eye contact, he wouldn't turn his attention to her.

At least until she felt Java's weight leave her back.

Before she could swear, Java had flitted towards Crowley, hovering briefly in front of him before landing on the ground. He tilted his head and gave a curious, quiet squeak, just as confused as Aryel, but also excited. If the brindle was nicer, the bat reasoned, maybe his bondmate would get along nicer with him! Aryel's glare was not missed, however. She was reluctant to approach the horse that was currently the bane of her existence, but at the same time she wasn't about to let her bat be hurt. Java, she thought at him, get back here. Maybe he didn't hear, or maybe he chose not to obey. Either way, Java was determined to get Crowley's, or at least the horse that looked him, attention.

Walk walk walk walk.
"Talk talk talk talk."