something new awaits

Audra answered with a soft hesitation that Avantika recognized. But she didn't exactly know what it meant, and it felt important to figure out what she was thinking. Did she want to go? Did she just not want to be rude and make Avantika do something she didn't want to do? She didn't need to worry. While plants weren't Avantika's thing, she liked learning new things. You never knew when some random bit of knowledge would be useful. And... "I'd love to spend more time with you," she said softly, surprising herself with her own boldness. She wanted to see that adorable nervous look on Audra's face again.

But it seemed both of them were being bold this round, and Avantika's zapped out of existence the moment Audra spoke next. 'You sound so strong.' Avantika's mind buzzed as she stared down at her paws, endlessly thankful that she had fur to cover her blush. "Th-thank you." Audra stumbled through an explanation nervously, and the realization hit her like a slap. Audra liked her. AUDRA LIKED HER! Hell. She couldn't comprehend her own thoughts for a frantically happy moment.

Avantika smiled nervously back at Audra. Something was happening here. She knew that for a fact now. Now if those butterflies in her stomach would quit their shenanigans, she could try to make sure that Audra continued to like her.

She stood up to walk beside Audra. "Sure." Her voice sounded awkward. They walked without speaking for a moment--was it too long? Did Audra think she was boring?--until Avantika asked, "Do--do you like Valhalla?"

"Speech"