Take Shelter

Delaeni's cheeks burned with a mix of embarrassment and the warmth of Azoula's attention. The feline's laughter- the purrs at her expense only deepened her sense of shyness. It was a delicate dance, one where Azoula held all the strings, and the little wild dog tried her best to follow the steps. As she was teased about the makeshift shelter, Delaeni couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency to please her. The threat veiled in playfulness hung in the air, a reminder of the consequences of failure. She nodded nervously, the weight of Azoula's expectations pressing on her shoulders.

Watching the tigress effortlessly climb the tree, the canine marveled at the feline's agility. She felt a mixture of awe and envy, knowing she couldn't match such grace. Several branches were harvested before Azoula leapt back down. Delaeni, taking a deep breath, prepared herself for her next set of instructions. "Y-yes, Azoula. I'll make sure it keeps you dry," she stammered, her voice laced with pitiful determination. The makeshift shelter had to be perfect. Or at least, as perfect as she could make it.

Delaeni began organizing the branches, weaving them together to create a lattice-like structure. The massive leaves Azoula had chosen were carefully arranged to form a protective layer. Despite her small stature, she worked diligently, driven by the desire to follow orders. She glanced at the tigress from time to time, hoping to catch a glimpse of approval in her piercing eyes. After a considerable effort, Delaeni stepped back to admire her work. The makeshift shelter wasn't as solid as a cave, but it was the best she could create with the materials at hand. "Is it okay, Azoula?" she asked, her tone full of self-doubt.

"Delaeni Terblanche"