After assisting Riot’s hunting party, Azoula figured it was time to lead her scouts into the forest Sephiran wanted to overtake. She’d gotten a decent look at the borders during the hunt, but what lay within the territory was still a mystery to her. She needed to determine the value of the forest’s resources, and whether it was a suitable addition to their kingdom. So far, she’d determined a use for the timber, and the soil could be used for gardening herbs in the warmer seasons. But she needed to know if there were water sources, den sites with well-developed infrastructures to protect them during storms, the extent of the biodiversity… etcetera.

She’d asked Delaeni to accompany her, among others. Before leaving The Polar Sound, she’d released a roar into the territory, summoning the navigators to meet her at the edge of the Sparse Pines. And while she waited for them to arrive, she reveled in her alone time with Laney, pressing herself into the dogs body, savoring the warmth that rolled off of her in waves. She was still recovering from her interaction with the Sultan, but she was a well-trained Sidi; she had resolve and was durable. Soon enough the experience would be a distant memory.

Once her comrades arrived, she’d address them as a whole. “Sephiran plans to take this forest.” She says, shifting her gaze between each member of the group. Most of them already knew this, but for the others, she’d make it known. “Our mission today is to scout the territory for resources  to determine its viability.” So far, it looked simple enough; a sparse pine forest that was even larger than The Polar Sound. But Azoula was certain there were hidden treasures within. “One of you trace the perimeter and guesstimate its size.” She needed to know how difficult it would be to maintain patrols. “The rest will join me in exploring the forest.” With a flick of her snout, she’s motioning for them to follow her past the border and inside the Sparse Pines.

Round 1/3  

"Azoula Davati"

Delaeni listened carefully to Azoula, her heart fluttering with the usual medley of anxiety and anticipation. She glanced nervously at the forest, a behemoth entity that seemed to engulf everything around it with its sheer magnitude. The idea of venturing into its depths made her stomach churn, not because she had never seen this particular forest before- she had. It was just so uncommon for a Sidi to be escorted out of the territory … it was hard to stomach her nerves. Despite her fear, she tried to maintain a level expression.

When Azoula ordered them to proceed, Delaeni held back momentarily, her gaze lingering on the bordering trees. She was not one for spontaneous adventures, her prudence telling her to stay back, but Azoula's commanding presence pulled at her stronger than any sense of fear. She sighed, took a deep breath, and then stepped into the forest with the others.

As the group ventured deeper into the forest, Delaeni looked around, her gaze flitting between the towering trees and the undergrowth. The sights and smells of the forest stimulated her senses in a way that was both frightening and exciting. The rustle of the leaves above, the crunch of twigs beneath their feet, the vague scent of wet earth all around them - it wasn’t all that different from their own territory.

Round 1/3  

"Delaeni Terblanche"

With their seemingly constant growth, Sephiran had decided that it was time to expand their horizons and claim a new land. Sparse Pines was the target, but they wouldn't solidify this decision without investigating first. Azoula called for wolves to join her and Kai was close, so she joined up. Ears perked as the feline spoke and, once she was finished, Kaino nodded. "I'll run the perimeter," she volunteered. Fast little shit that she was.

Kaino broke away from the group once she was sure that nothing more needed to be said. She then worked her slender frame into a distance eating lope, ears perked and eyes wide, searching for things of interest. So far she had noted the plentiful signs of game. Trails eked their way through the pines, there was a variety of scat laid about. Upon the pines there were rubs from antlers and swaths of turned dirt where ungulates had scraped, searching for roots and spreading their scent.

"Speech"

Sephiran had drilled into him that he would have to pull his weight. It was what made him leave the comforts of his abode. The warmth of Cierzo's body next to his was missed the moment he stepped into the morning dawn. However, they both needed to meet up with the others. Ensuring she remained by his side as they traveled the path t'wards the Pines, he tugged at her new collar. The display of braided vines wrapped around her slender neck sat beautifully on display. He'd made sure to do so while she slumbered. Not wanting to deal with the aftermath of her response. Cifarelli was neither kind nor nice. It just so happened that Cierzo was his first Sidi and he couldn't help but treat her differently. Rizi easily wrapped around the thickness of her master's neck. Settling in with every step he made in the direction of Azoula's scent. Her particular aroma always intrigued her. She was not a wolf like the others. Though just as big as those she'd run into along her hunts. Tongue flicked at the winter's air. The cooling temperatures would have nearly killed her had this black male not rescued her so long ago. Luckily for Merizi, though, she snuggled deeper into the dark coat. Looking back ever so often at Cie. Cifarelli yawned in response to the words that reached his ears the moment they arrived. Eyeing the two that'd shown up earlier before any of the others. He knew Kaino would soon arrive and as if right on queue, she appeared shortly after. The first was for her to meet his new Sidi and perhaps this would surely give way to see if she could handle herself amongst the others. Kai could be a real bitch when it came to newcomers. Depending on the situation at hand. So, to see her quickly scurry off to check the perimeters, it drew a sharp breath through his teeth. He wished to be off on his own. Not with a group. Turning his gaze to the blush-colored woman, his voice was low and threatening. Each word spoken was covered in a growling rumble. "Do not dare think to run. You won't make it far. Follow the others." His hot breath would fill her ear. Finally coming to look back at Azoula. Breaking away from the others to further investigate the looming trees. Their pines barely brushed with that of winter's arrival. The freezing temps had yet to come. Something he was very much grateful for. "Cifarelli Saxe" Round 1/3

She was being made to follow him, for one of the first times being able to leave the confines of his den. Cierzo felt the weight of the collar around her neck as Cifarelli tugged at it, which she only just realized was… different. New. She had grown accustomed to the feeling, so to have a different sensation wrapping around her throat to remind her of her place… well, of course she would notice. Still, the woman tried to keep her wits about her. She was a slave, so her head was not held high, but to stay true to her upbringing she did not point her muzzle to the ground either. That was unattractive. At least that’s what her mother always said. So, Cierzo always keeps her gaze just below any given other’s. To be safe.

As they arrived at their destination, she was frozen with Cifarelli's heated warning in her ear, which sent a dreadful shiver down her spine, reminding her of the consequences of disobedience. She nodded obediently, her gaze flickering between him and the rest of the group she was to follow.

With a final glance back at Cifarelli who was off on his own task, she fell into step behind the others, her movements careful and measured. She knew better than to defy him, to risk his wrath. And so, she followed this group she knew so little about – that could end her life at any given time.

””

Sweeping her gaze across the faces of the group, Azoula tries to determine who will step up. Of course, it’s Kaino who wants to explore the perimeter of the forest- the girl is motivated, tactful, and knows the importance of thorough patrols. Nodding in agreement, she watches the bob-tailed fae vanish into the horizon, and turns her volcanic gaze back to the group. 

She motioned for the rest of them to follow, and they did. Cifa had brought his little toy along; a broken girl Azoula was getting to know, given she was in charge of overseeing the Sidi. Despite her background, she seemed to be a good fit for the hot-headed Saxe. She was obedient. Submissive. Beautiful. Azoula couldn’t help but rover her gaze across the rosy hues of her pelt, settling on the collar around her throat before turning back to the task at hand. 

Entering the forest, the tigress walks at an even pace beneath the canopy of thin pines. Gravitating towards the east, she can hear the sound of waves crashing in the distance. Oceanfront property too? How charming. The salt-laden breeze mixes with the smell of pine, the occasional outcry of a seabird mingling with the creaking of snow-laden branches. “Cifarelli,” She purrs, looking over her shoulder at him.“Perhaps you can search for den sites?” A simple task really, one that would give them alone time. They could christen them while they were at it. As long as he continued his scouting, she didn’t care. 

Motioning for Laney to follow her, she led them closer to the water's edge. A snow-covered beach appeared in front of them, Ardens Glacies sitting on the horizon to the East. “This must be the forest we can see from the island.” She said, her tall flicking behind her. “Quite beautiful, don’t you think?”  She turns to the girl, her lips pulling back into a tight smirk. In the warmer months, when the snow melted away and the forest flourished with life, this beach would be more suitable for life. She imagined seals came to birth their pups here. Sea birds built their nests on the cliff sides. And the sand dunes helped shield the forest from whipping, ocean winds. 

Round 2/3

"Azoula Davati"

As Delaeni trudged along behind Azoula, the sound of waves crashing in the distance filled her ears, a symphony that both comforted and unsettled her. The grandeur of the ocean was something she found infinitely mesmerizing, but there was also an undercurrent of panic that came from the sheer magnitude and unpredictability of such a force. The beach was vast, spread out before them like a vast expanse of untouched white canvas. As they approached, Laney felt the cold wind whipping at her face, carrying with it the sharp scent of salt and frost.

"Yes.. Beautiful," Delaeni stuttered out the words as Azoula looked back at her, her gaze seeming to penetrate through the outer shell of obedience Laney so often wore. Delaeni's eyes remained fixed on the horizon, where the dawn's colors were slowly spreading across the sky like watercolor on a canvas. The sight was indeed beautiful, breathtakingly so, yet it did nothing to ease the knot of dread in her stomach.

"Delaeni Terblanche"

Smokey ears turned this way and that as Kaino ran the perimeter of their potential new territory. Calls from elk and caribou could be heard in the distance. As she moved along, mint and ice eyes noted a pig wallow beneath the shade of one pine. Ample food to stock their kill den with. It was frigid, but that was to be expected with Boreas having finally come into winter's embrace. This was no big deal for Kaino. Though sleek and slender, she preferred the cooler climes. It was always easier to get warm when it was cold. It wasn't nearly as easy to cool down when it was hot.


Kai ran along the edge of the stone wall where it touched the edge of the pines. She quite liked the wall. It provided a sort of barrier against the outside world. She  wondered if they might repair some of the broken places to further fortify the pines against intruders. It was something that she'd bring up to the group once she rejoined them.

"Speech"

"Cifarelli Saxe" Attention fell onto the words of Azoula. Her request was a simple one that would leave him and Cierzo alone to do whatever was to be done. His eyes shifted onto the blush hue of his Sidi. The curve of her hips was quite tempting as she moved about the area. Knowing his threat lingered in the darkness of her mind. He moved t'wards her then. Teeth applying nips to her thighs and right flank. "Come with me." There wasn't much left to be said to the tigress. Nodding at the simple task; before, leading them away from the others. Gaze kept the grounds in search of burrows. A few revealed themselves beneath the thick tree trunks. Their gaping mouths breathed out winter's dust from whatever lay within. He took note of this.  Their journey continued along. Mild caves dunked off in the cut of the Pines came into sight. The positioning they rested in was quite hard to find if not fully discovered. Just like the hollowed entrance to an old large tree, he was currently approaching. His nose scented in its direction. Investigating if the inside was utterly empty. A sharp bark released soon after to echo around the wood walls. When nothing ran out or responded back, Cifa turned to look at Cie. "Inside."

Round 2/3

Cierzo’s pulse quickened as Cifarelli's nips made contact with her tender flesh, his command firm and unquestionable. She followed him, her movements obedient and measured, the weight of his threat still heavy in her mind. The cold air bit at her nares, but she paid it little mind, focused solely on the task at hand. She had to.

As they walked, Cierzo's eyes scanned their surroundings, noting the burrows and caves that Cifarelli seemed to be assessing. The forest felt both vast and suffocating, each shadow a potential hiding place for danger. She could feel the tension in her muscles, the instinctual urge to flee kept in check by the ever-present knowledge of the consequences. She couldn’t.

When they reached the hollowed tree, Cierzo hesitated for a brief moment. The sharp bark that Cifarelli released echoed around them, emphasizing the silence that followed. She glanced at him, his command clear and unyielding. What would he do?

Swallowing her fear, she stepped towards the entrance of the tree, her heart pounding in her chest. She could feel Cifarelli's gaze on her, a heavy leer she was still not accustomed to. She crouched slightly to enter, the interior of the tree dark and musty, the scent of decay mingling with the cold air. It was dreadful to the delicate woman, but it opened up into a wider chamber with a makeshift skylight.

Inside, she tried to steady her breathing, her eyes adjusting to the dim light filtering through a big crack in the bark. She knew she had to be strong, to show him that she could be of use. But the fear was always there, the fear he would realize just how worthless she truly was. Turning to look at Cifarelli, she waited for his next command, her body tense with anticipation. She hoped that by obeying him, she could avoid his wrath.

””

The island off on the horizon was truly a marvel to witness- the sun cast an ethereal glow over it, amplifying its magnitude and commanding attention. As Azoula observed it, she made a mental note to return in the next couple of days, while a frozen bridge still connected it to the mainland.

A low, rhythmic purr resonated from her chest, her eyes shifting back to Laney. She agreed with Azoula’s statement, and the tigress nodded before deciding to move on with their scouting. Motioning for her to follow, Azoula fell into a steady pace, traveling towards the heart of the sparse pines. As they traveled, they’d have to leap over fallen logs, push through snow drifts and find winding paths. Eventually, they even found a freshwater stream, which was fed by the melting icecaps in the West. It was slow progress, but it was valuable nonetheless - Azoula was mapping the area out in her mind, to report back to Sephiran later.

Reaching the center of the pines, Azoula finds a large boulder and climbs on top of it. She waits a bit longer, allowing the rest of the scouting party ample time to finish their investigations. Then, she releases a mighty, thunderous roar, commanding them back to her so they can discuss the details of their new domain.

Round 3/3

"Azoula Davati"

"Cifarelli Saxe" He held every intention to have his way with Cierzo. How obedient she was. Ever always listening to his words and doing as she was instructed. Cifarelli took a moment to admire the beautifully blush coated woman. Her intoxicated smell filling the narrowed, yet spacious tree trunk. It nearly made all senses go right back out to which they’d came. If not for the tigress beckoning call. Surely things would have became quite interesting. Cifa leaned over to steal a dominating kiss. His tongue easily slipping into her mouth. Claiming it as he snarled possessively. The heavy organ between his hind legs exposing just the fleshy pink tip. A clear view of what should have taken place. With no further chose, reluctantly he pulled away and lead the way t’wards where Azoula’s perfume carried the most heavily. The large Tigress mud brown fur came into view. Sitting ‘mongst a large boulder as if she ran these lands. Cifarelli gave nothing but a quick glance in her direction. Taking spot just to the left. Motioning Cie to settled in front of him.

Round 3/3

Round and round she went, clinging to the border until she heard Azoula's call echo throughout the pines. Hmmph. A part of Kai wanted to ignore the call. She was the Emira and Azoula was just a slavekeeper. Buuuut... they had things to do and Kai didn't really give a shit about titles anyway, so... she adjusted her course.

Cutting through the center of the territory, it was easy to make her way back to the group. As she passed, Kai shot a narrowed glance at Cifa, releasing a low growl. He stank of sex and hormones. He'd better be keeping his head in the game and not in his Sidi.

"The size of the territory is substantial. I wasn't able to make it even half way around before you called. I've been here before, however. This chunk of land is pretty large." Rather than look at Cifa, she kept her dual-toned gaze on the cat. "The land butts up against a stone wall that we could easily repair for extra fortification against the outside world." One smokey shoulder lifted slightly. "Other than that, it's full of game. Hunting should never be an issue."

"Speech"

Cierzo's heart pounded as Cifarelli's intentions became clear, his possessive gaze sending shivers down her spine. She felt the heat of his admiration, her own cheeks flushed with a mix of fear and anticipation. His scent was overwhelming, mingling with her own, and it took all her willpower to stay focused.

When Cifarelli leaned in, stealing a dominating kiss, Cierzo's breath caught in her throat. His tongue invaded her mouth, claiming it with a ferocity that left her trembling. She tasted the raw power and dominance in his snarl, her mind reeling from the intensity of the moment. The brief glimpse of his arousal only heightened her anxiety, a reminder of what he could demand from her.

As he pulled away, leading her towards the source of Azoula's perfume, Cierzo struggled to steady herself. The large tigress came into view, exuding an air of authority as she lounged atop the boulder. Cierzo felt a pang of dread, knowing that any misstep could bring about dire consequences. Had she made a mistake, she could only wonder.

Obediently, she moved to settle in front of Cifarelli, her body tense with apprehension. She could feel his presence looming behind her, his way of reminding her of his control. She glanced at Azoula, then quickly lowered her eyes, trying to mask her fear. She needed to show obedience, to prove her worth as at least a slave, it was all she knew to do.

With a deep breath, Cierzo prepared herself for whatever command would come next.

””

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"