Setting Sail

It was easy to fall in behind Azoula. While her heart ran rampant in her chest, she knew that she was safe with the Tigeress. So she didn’t question her friend when she gestured them to return to the heart of the forest. Laney allowed herself a sigh of relief as the familiarity of the surroundings provided a semblance of comfort. The path was clear, if not physically, then metaphorically, and Azoula led the way with grace that the little painted dog admired.

The trip back, however, was not as smooth as Delaeni had hoped. Toppled logs, thick snowdrifts and winding pathways were strewn along their path. Each obstacle caused the apprehension inside her to rise, her heart pounding in her chest as she constantly second-guessed each step. Teetering on the edge of a frozen stream they had found, her claws dug into the icy surface as a shiver ran down her spine. It was alien territory, unknown and uncharted. The very thought of it made Delaeni flinch, and she steered away from the edge, following Azoula's lead instead.

Once the others came into view, and began to gather around. She couldn’t help but to remain lingering on the outskirts, trembling with nervous anticipation. She studied those around her with wary eyes, taking in their interactions with an unease that gnawed at her insides. The Saxe woman explained how the territory would make an ideal expansion, to which she nodded- but remained silent. Returning her attention to Azoula, she looked for any insight the tigeress might have.


"Delaeni Terblanche"