Andy blinked again.

"I never learned how to tell Jaal and Dejaal apart," she commented. "It was never important."

*Dejaal,* the big cat told Belle. *I am Dejaal.*

"Dejaal," Belle said, then smiled, ignoring her dex beeping at her. She was also resisting the urge to hug the big kitty.

Andy grinned at the look on Belle's face, but didn't comment. She'd glomped Kaelas within thirty seconds of catching him, so she really had no room to tease.

Belle let Dejaal sniff her hand, and they looked at each other for a moment before he rubbed against her hand. Then she hugged him, scratching behind his ears and grinning broadly when he rolled over so she could rub his stomach.

*Disgraceful,* Kaelas said, just between him and Andy. She rolled her eyes.

"You're just as bad," she said to him.

Once Belle was somewhat over the 'I have a big kitty!', Dejaal got up and went over to Kaelas, regarding him for a moment before acknowledging that yes, the other cat was bigger and older and had prior claim to one trainer. Then he trotted back over to Belle, obviously content.

Andy grinned.

"There, now you have your own big kitty," she teased Belle.

Belle grinned broadly and scratched behind Dejaal's ears. His eyes slid half-closed and he leaned against her legs, nearly toppling her over. "I'm a very, very happy person right now. Now all I need is a dragon or two."

"We can get you an Iskierka or something," Andy said. "She's about the size of Temeraire, covered in spikes that shoot steam, and she breathes fire."

Belle chuckled. "Well, honestly, I was thinking more Anne McCaffrey dragons. Although there are lots of different variations of dragons that I could go for."

Andy grinned.

"I forgot, you're old-school when it comes to dragons," she said.

"Not entirely. Just the Pernese ones are probably my favorite." Belle grinned.

"You and your alien world," Andy teased.

Belle stuck her tongue out at Andy and 'oof'ed as Dejaal leaned her into a tree. "Ow..." Dejaal managed to look sheepish and stopped leaning on her.

Andy laughed a little.

"I'm a little glad Kaelas isn't that touchy-feely," she said. She grinned. "Though Dejaal seems to be a good match for you."

"Yeah, I've been described as touchy-feely-cuddly." Belle gave Dejaal a quick scratch behind the ears. "So, shall we get going again? I still want to find Daemon and Saetan."

"Right," Andy replied. She grinned. "Should I feel bad for them?"

"No, I don't think so. I know better than to try with Daemon, and I think it would take a bit to get to that point with Saetan. I'm usually good to my newbies. I spoil them a bit. Ask Thomas." Belle grinned.

"Thomas is spoiled more than a bit," Andy pointed out. "A lot more than a bit."

Belle rolled her eyes. "Well, you know what I mean. I go easy on them when they're new. Only after I know how much shit I can pull on them do I start doing that."

"You're so mean," Andy teased. "At least be nice to Saetan, he's old." She stumbled a bit when Kaelas headbutted her knees. "What? He is. Fifty-five thousand is old."

Belle laughed at that and shook her head, reaching over to give Kaelas a quick scratch too. "Well first I have to find one. Which won't happen until after dark, most likely. And who knows if I'll find a Daemon or not."

"Well, most of the interesting people are out after dark anyways," Andy pointed out. "So we may as well plant ourselves here, start a fire, and make camp so you have somewhere to come back to when you've found everyone you want."

"This is true," Belle agreed. She blinked when Dejaal tugged at her hand, pulling her over several feet into a more hidden area, where their camp wouldn't be seen by someone just walking by. "Thanks, Dejaal." The big cat rumbled out a deep purr, starting to help gather wood.

Andy nudged Kaelas.

"Go on and help," she said. "I can get the others to help set up camp." The Arcerian nodded and followed the tiger.