Surprise crossed Rayadell’s face at the animal’s apparent understanding of his rider and, more importantly, its lack of hostility. She tilted her head slightly, her silvery eyes narrowing in suspicion. Not bothering to hide the expression when Calanon looked to her, Rayadell returned his courtesies with only a simple, nearly imperceptible nod, then turned toward the direction leading them to the quickest path she had found on the map.
	She kept a fair distance between her and Brogach, her suspicion turning into curiosity about the beast’s lack of aggression.
	[i]Does it not have that sixth sense?[/i] she wondered, her gaze shifting from scanning the surrounding road as they began their journey toward the north, to the pair just in front of her.
	She paid little attention to how long she and her new companions walked for, the silence between them neither comfortable nor uncomfortable. When at last they left the town behind, entering a part of the sparse forest, Rayadell closed her eyes for a moment and inhaled deeply, relishing the earthy scents that had replaced the harsher smells of human habitation.
	As they reached a hill, Rayadell took the lead, pausing at its crest to take in the view before them. Her gaze lingered on the mountain pass. It had been so long since she had ventured into the heart of mountains. They held the promise of adventure and danger, of beauty and mystery. But most of all, it possessed a sense [i]home.[/i] An impatient longing settled over her face and seeped into her bones. She wanted to discard her cloak, spread her wings, and glide over the long stretch separating her from the mountains dusted in a glittering layer of snow.
	The gentle clomp of the elk’s hooves interrupted her thoughts, making her scowl. She turned her head toward the two, her irritated expression turning to one of contemplation.
	If the animal had not shown any unease toward her thus far, perhaps it was worth a try. After all, it had been nearly as long since she had traveled by steed as it had been since her last visit to the mountains.
	“How fast could your friend travel with two riders?” she asked slowly, cautiously. The itch to get to the mountains made her shift her weight from foot to foot as she glanced at them over her shoulder.