Spring Sunsets

Delaeni watched as Azoula patted the sand beside her, motioning for her to take a seat. The small painted dog eagerly obeyed, curling her tail around her legs as she settled down next to her companion. She listened attentively as Azoula spoke, her teal eyes fixed on the shifting hues of the ocean. Nothing important. The words echoed in Delaeni's mind, disappointing her slightly. She had hoped that Azoula had discovered something of significance during her absence. That perhaps their journey could be over. But as Azoula's claw gently touched her chin, Delaeni allowed herself to be turned to meet her gaze. The volcanic intensity in Azoula's eyes both captivated and intimidated her. It was a reminder of the power and strength that resided within her companion. Delaeni's heart swelled with gratitude for being under Azoula's protection, knowing that without her, she would have never been brave enough to follow through on such daring orders. No matter how the Sultan would have tried to motivate her.

She felt a shiver run down her spine as Azoula's rumble reverberated through her body, a mixture of her baseline nervousness and anxious excitement coursing through her veins. As Azoula circled around her, their bodies brushing against each other, Delaeni couldn't help but tense at the sensation, but in the same action she was granted a sense of security. Azoula's warmth enveloped her like a shield, reminding her that she wasn't alone in these treacherous wilds. At least Azoula had been instructed to go with her.

Curiosity flickered in Delaeni's eyes as she observed Azoula with an expectant look. She understood the unspoken command, the silent request for her to track down prey - to prove herself worthy of Azoula's guidance and protection. The very thought of going forward and leading the track was frightening, but she quickly answered with an uncertain nod. Delaeni rose from her seated position and stepped forward, her mind reeling as to how she was going to accomplish her task. Looking through their surroundings, she caught the scent of nearby boar wafting through the air. It caused her nose to twitch with the anticipation of a chase. In a last ditch effort, she took a deep breath in an attempt to summon whatever courage she could muster, and set to the hunt. Stepping away from Azoula, she ventured towards the sand dunes where she thought the prey might be hiding.

As she approached the dunes, Delaeni's senses heightened. She could smell the unmistakable musk of boar in the air, a tantalizing scent that beckoned her forward. Gritting her teeth with determination, she scanned her surroundings, her teal eyes searching for any signs of movement or disturbance in the sand. Suddenly, she caught a glimpse of a flicker of movement in the distance - the telltale sign of what they were hunting. Heart pounding in her chest, Delaeni cautiously followed their tracks through the soft sand until she reached the crest of the dunes. Peering over the edge, she saw a small group of medium-sized boar foraging in a patch of shrubs below. Her heart raced with a mix of excitement and nerves as she sought out Azoula's eye contact, wondering just how her friend would want to proceed.

"Delaeni Terblanche"