Annabelle

There was a certain odd feeling brewing inside of Yanggadi Saghani. He did not like the aura his mother gave off just now as they left. He loved his mother, and wanted to please her, but this is the first time he felt truly at odds with her…and he simply did not understand how to handle it.

The spirits or the mother…which takes precedence?

As they traveled a bit further, Yanggadi Saghani let a comforting smile cross his face towards the sleet woman. Yet inside, he wondered what the future held. They had to find a gift, and he had to ensure Fa’liya saw and understood the truth…that the caribou gods ushered this girl to Saatsine, and that she belonged here in some way. Were they meant to protect her? Was she meant to come as a slave as mother implied? He didn’t know…but he intended to avoid her being slave if he had any say in it.

He headed back towards where they met, wondering if this would be the area to find a gift. Maybe the spirits had left something behind? Something they could use? The fireflies were beginning to die down, and the moon lit their way.

”Gift…what gift...be gift?” he asked, lips twisted as he held frustration in his lack of ability to properly verbally communicate with her. Sure, words are not always needed, but they were quite useful at times. He looked to her then, tilting his head slightly, as if to ask if she had any ideas.

It had to be her gift, this he knew. What would the girl think of? The swampy forest ahead of them held many treasures, but what is it the girl finds worthy?

Oh! But she knew of the perfect gift!

Flowers!

Everyone loved flowers. Surely even Fa'liya would appreciate something so lovely. Annabelle's ears perked at Yanggadi's question, and the uncertainty that had lingered in her expression was quickly swept away by a sudden burst of excitement. Her pale eyes brightened. She bounced once upon her paws, then again, unable to contain the enthusiasm bubbling up inside her.

Flowers! She knew just where to find some!

With a cheerful little hum, she turned toward him and motioned eagerly for him to follow. There was no need to worry about finding a gift now. She had an idea, and it was a very good one. Perhaps the very best one!

Her nose dipped toward the earth as she began to sniff and snuffle through the undergrowth, following familiar traces carried upon the cool evening air. She remembered them! Sweet, delicate, unmistakable. Roses! Somewhere nearby, there were roses, and she was quite certain she could find them if she only followed the scent.

And mint, too! That would be even better. Pretty flowers were lovely all on their own, but mint was useful as well. It smelled fresh and pleasant, and it could help soothe an upset tummy. A gift ought to be beautiful and helpful, shouldn't it?

She trotted ahead, occasionally pausing to glance back at Yanggadi and make certain he was keeping up. Her tail swayed behind her, and every so often she gave another encouraging little bounce, as though she were inviting him to share in a wonderful secret.

She would find the prettiest roses. Perhaps she could gather a little bundle of mint to go with them, too. Fa'liya would surely like that!

Yanggadi Saghani