When the animal’s fur bristled, Rayadell froze, not daring to get any closer for another couple moments. When the elk showed no further sign of mistrust, she inched forward, watching him cautiously, but approached his side all the same.
	She watched Calanon mount the animal with an approving nod and impressed look. He seemed rather sprightly, even for an elf. She nodded when he spoke, then nimbly mounted the elk behind him, though with a bit less grace. She maneuvered her wings and cloak expertly, allowing her to sit easily on the animal without hindering its impending stride.
	A small smile pulled at the corner of her lips, and she looked beyond Calanon at the mountains. They were riding into a place her kind often considered home, on the back of an animal she never thought she would be capable of even looking at without them fearing her again. She could not think of a better way of starting a journey.
	“By your order, then, Calanon,” she said, her eyes still on the mountains.