Rayadell frowned at Calanon’s response to her concerns. “You misunderstand.” She looked toward the stables as the [i]thunk[/i] of one of the doors opening came from inside. “[i]Animals[/i] are the ones who have an issue with me, not the other way around.”
	When the red elk galloped toward them, she stepped back, keeping a fair distance between her and it. If he had the same reaction most animals did to the darkness of the curse surrounding her, those antlers could do a good bit of damage.
	She watched the exchange between rider and steed. Between [i]friends.[/i] The thought made her frown deepen almost enviously, before she quickly wiped it from her face when Calanon looked to her.
	“Walking would currently be the wiser choice for me.” Her wary gaze never left the magnificent animal, watching for any sign of unease or signal it would try to attack. She had found that those loyal to a rider or owner always tended to be extra protective and quick to defend, and she expected nothing less from the elk.