Following their night in the Kumai Delta, Azoula had Delaeni on the move again. Having crossed back into the bay and come out on the other side, they were presented with a rather large clearing- a cliffside meadow, it appeared to be. An array of flowers sprouted up from soft grasses, creating a multicolored hue across a field of green. And, when the oceanside wind started to pick up, the grass began to move in an alluring way- creating an optical effect, as if the entire cliff itself was swaying in the breeze. Feeling the grass at her paws was a nice contrast to the grainy sand of the beach below. And she could still smell the ocean’s salty tinge in the air, and hear the loud, screeching vocalizations of the seagulls in the sky. “Laney, go pick some flowers for my fur.” Azoula commanded, shifting her eyes to the girl. “Make sure they are beautiful- like myself.” Did she need the flowers? No. But, did she want to watch Laney forage through the meadow with the backdrop of a springtime sunset behind her? Absolutely. ”Speech”

1/3 explore a new land

Delaeni blinked in surprise, her teal eyes reflecting the unexpected request. After a moment of hesitation, she nodded obediently, her gaze shifting to take in the picturesque meadow around them. The vibrant colors of wildflowers and the gentle sway of tall grasses caught her attention, adding to the beauty of the scene. Delaeni's tail flicked nervously behind her, a clear indication of both uncertainty and a deep desire to please her friend. "U-uh, of course, Azoula," Delaeni stammered, her words laced with a mixture of eagerness and nervousness. She was accustomed to Azoula's requests, each one carrying its own distinct flair, but this one seemed to be more about aesthetics than practicality. Despite her initial hesitation, she cautiously padded into the meadow, her slender form tentatively weaving through the lush grasses and vivid flowers that swayed in the gentle breeze. The sun's warm rays danced across her skin, making it glisten like dewdrops on the petals of a flower. As she moved farther into the meadow, the sweet aroma of wildflowers enveloped her, filling her senses with their delicate fragrance.

With a discerning eye, she plucked a mixture of vibrant blooms from the meadow, careful to select a range of colors that mirrored the hues of the golden-lit sunset. The little wild dog held her collection delicately in her jaws, her teal eyes flickering back to Azoula in anticipation of her reaction. Her heart swelled with both pride and anxiety as she approached, hoping that her selection met Azoula's standards. "Here... I hope they are to your liking," With her head bowed and her body slightly hunched, Delaeni murmured softly as she timidly presented the vibrant bouquet to Azoula. The warm rays of the evening sunlight cascaded over the cliffside meadow, bathing the scene in a peaceful glow. Delaeni's tail flicked back and forth, betraying her nervous excitement as she waited for Azoula's reaction. The sweet scent of wildflowers and fresh grass filled the air, adding to the idyllic atmosphere of the moment as she awaited the tigress’ judgment.

"Delaeni Terblanche"

Following her command, the wild dog toddled off into the meadow, apprehensive and uncertain, perhaps confused by Azoula’s request. Regardless, she put her all into the task- collecting only the finest flowers, and creating a bouquet of exquisite variety and color. And while Laney worked, Azoula continued to survey their surroundings- taking in the expanse of the open territory, enjoying the soft breeze that ruffled her fur. The plains seemed to go on forever- intertwining with the blue sky, as the cliffs suddenly dropped off into the ocean below. When Laney presented the bouquet to her, Azoula would inspect them for several moments- silently analyzing them, wanting to stir more anxiety inside her pet. “I’ll accept them- but, collect more orange flowers, next time.” Tip of her tail whirling around behind her, the tigress shifted her gaze away from Laney. Really, she was fine with the flowers she picked- but she wasn’t going to admit that. “Now, place them in my fur.” She instructed. As Laney worked, the sunset backdrop morphed into a twilight phase, revealing some of the stars in the clear sky above them, scattered across the endless abyss, encompassing the full moon that was quickly rising. She couldn’t help but look up at them- trying to depict the constellations, as the sky slowly became darker in hue. “Which is the northern star, Delaeni?” She asked, quizzing her. ”Speech”

2/3 explore a new land
1/3 Taught a lesson related to navigation (Polaris & the constellation, how to find it)

Delaeni's heart fluttered with a mix of relief and anxiety as Azoula accepted the bouquet, even though she couldn't help but feel a tinge of disappointment at the mention of more orange flowers. However, she nodded obediently, her teal eyes reflecting a subtle determination to meet Azoula's expectations. "Of course, Azoula. I'll find more orange flowers next time," she responded, her voice a gentle murmur.

As she carefully placed the vibrant blooms in Azoula's fur, the twilight hues began to envelop the cliffside meadow. The transition from daylight to night brought a different kind of beauty to the scene, casting a tranquil atmosphere over the landscape. Delaeni's movements were deliberate, each flower carefully nestled into the tigress's fur to create a harmonious blend of colors.

However, when Azoula quizzed her about the northern star, Delaeni's anxiety flared up again. She gazed up at the darkening sky, trying to discern the celestial patterns. "Um... I think it's that bright one over there?" She pointed hesitantly at a shining star that seemed to stand out among the others. "Or maybe that one?" She gestured toward another, uncertain if her guess was accurate. The vastness of the night sky and the sparkling constellations overhead held a mystique that both fascinated and intimidated her. Delaeni awaited Azoula's response, hoping she had chosen correctly.

"Delaeni Terblanche"

Flicking her tail behind her, Azoula became noticeably disappointed in Laney’s inability to locate the northern star. She had it correct the first time- but, given the dog’s fearful, indecisive nature, she didn’t side with intuition. Azoula released a throaty, feminine laugh. Volcanic eyes shifted towards Laney, still looking up at the darkening sky. ”You must know the stars, Delaeni- they will guide you back to me, if we become separated.” Moving closer to Delaeni, Azoula raised an arm and placed it beneath hers. Her forelimb was so much larger than the girl’s. More muscular, powerful, and dangerous. It brought on a predatory thrill inside of the tigress, knowing she could dominate Laney at any given moment. Lifting Delaeni’s arm with hers, she pointed their paws up at the sky towards the shimmering, bright star, Polaris. “The northern star- also called, Polaris. If we are separated, and you cannot find me. Follow it north, and I will meet you there.” She started, wanting Laney to find the landmark before she continued. ”Speech”

2/3 Taught a lesson related to navigation (Polaris & the constellation, how to find it)

Delaeni's teal eyes widened with a mixture of awe and reverence as Azoula explained the significance of the northern star. The inky black expanse of the night sky stretched above them, speckled with twinkling stars that seemed to hold an ancient wisdom. Delaeni's gaze was drawn towards the brightest star, its steady glow guiding the way for travelers like them. The idea of using these celestial bodies for navigation added a layer of wonder to their journey, as if they were following a path set by the gods themselves. She felt a shiver run down her spine, both from the chill of the crisp night air and the weight of Azoula's powerful arm beside hers.

"Polaris... the northern star," Delaeni repeated in a hushed tone, her gaze fixed on the shimmering sky above, eyes sparkling as she traced the trajectory of Azoula's extended paw. Its brilliance seemed to radiate down on them like a beacon of hope, a constant guide in the vast expanse of the night sky. The idea that such a distant light could serve as a map to reunite them if ever they were separated filled Delaeni with awe.

A sense of responsibility and trust settled over her as Azoula continued, and Delaeni nodded, committing the lesson to memory. "I... I'll remember, Azoula. Polaris, the northern star," she affirmed, her voice carrying a newfound determination. The knowledge that the stars held such power and significance instilled a sense of security in Delaeni. Her tail, once swaying with nervous energy, now hung still, as if absorbing the weight of the moment. The night sky stretched above them, a vast canvas of constellations, each telling its own story- stories she knew very little if nothing at all about. Even still, Delaeni couldn't help but feel a deeper connection to the world around her, guided by the heavenly forces that watched over them.

"Delaeni Terblanche"

Once Delaeni was able to identify the northern star, Azoula would allow the information to settle in the dogs mind- giving her a few minutes to absorb the variations in the nighttime sky, as the constellations started to form the longer they stared. “Good girl.” She purred, still holding Delaeni’s arm up. Bringing her face closer to the girl’s, brushing her whiskers against her cheek. Wanting to ignite waves of electrifying emotion inside of her… whether that be anxiety, tension, or even desire. “Look below Polaris- study the grouping of stars. What shape do they form?”  Another question, as she continued to quiz Delaeni. ”Speech”

3/3 Taught a lesson related to navigation (Polaris & the constellation, how to find it)

Delaeni's heart fluttered at Azoula's praise, a warm feeling of approval washing over her. The tigress's proximity, her whiskers brushing against Delaeni's cheek, sent a shiver down her spine. She felt a mix of emotions swirling inside her, a cocktail of fear and exhilaration at being so close to Azoula, who exuded power and confidence in every movement.

"Th-thank you, Azoula," Delaeni stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. She tried to focus on the task at hand, tearing her gaze away from Azoula's intense gaze to the sky above. Following Azoula's instructions, she looked below Polaris, studying the grouping of stars. The shapes began to form in her mind, faint memories of stories she had heard in her youth.

"They... they form a... it looks kind of like an animal, I think," Delaeni replied tentatively, her voice gaining confidence as she recognized the familiar pattern. "With a body and a head." She traced the outline in the sky with her paw, trying to match the stars to the image she recalled. Azoula's teachings were opening up a whole new world for Delaeni, one where the stars were not just distant lights but guides and storytellers, weaving tales of the cosmos above.

"Delaeni Terblanche"

Delaeni is successful in identifying the formation that Polaris falls within- Ursa Minor, or, the little bear, some called it. The smirk on the tigress’ face widens. Relaxing her muscular forearm, she lets Laney’s fall down with hers- setting them in a neutral position, before she continues with her lesson. “Polaris is the tip of its tail- like you said, it looks like a small animal.” A short pause, as her tail flicked behind her inquisitively. “Some say it looks like a small bear. Others, a dog.” Like Laney. Flicking her ears, she waits for the information to sink in. Giving a final sweep of the moontouched cliffs, noting its beauty even in the nighttime. The multi-colored flowers could still be seen beneath the moonlight, creating an ethereal glow across the grasses. With a sigh and a big yawn - one that revealed the massive and hazardous canines in her mouth - Azoula looked at Laney a final time before shifting onto her side. “Be a good girl and close your eyes, Laney- we have much more to see tomorrow.” And with that, the tigress fell silent- indulging in the background noise of crickets and the crashing of waves.

-end-

"Azoula Davati"

3/3 explore a new land
4/3 Taught a lesson related to navigation (Polaris & the constellation, how to find it)