You follow the two pixies into the tall grass, wondering just what a tevetti could be. As if answering your thoughts, Kalika explains, 'Tevetti are small, canine-like creatures that come in a variety of colours and breeds. We only have a few right now, but more could turn up! One never knows.' Kalika grins and winks at you.
'There's one now!' Rikale tells you. You follow her gaze and see a small animal in the grass. You bend down slowly, and it approaches you.
~Greetings, human, and welcome to our section of the meadow,~ the creature says in your mind. ~I am Owylin, mate of Sajik. We are called honey-backed tevetti. Although we come in many colours, we all have the tan back and tail.~ The dainty creature sniffs your palm, then turns her head and barks sharply. A golden head darts up out of the grass. The creature runs over quickly, eyeing you.
~Owylin, is this... human, bothering you? You can't have her! No matter how much you try, you humans will never separate us!~ The larger tevetti looks anxiously at you. His mate is quick to calm.
~Sajik, please, this human comes in peace! Now, love, go get the others.~
~Oh, alright...~ And with that, Sajik again disappears into the grass.
At your questioning glance, Owylin explains, ~There are four of us here: Sajik and I, and the two spotted tevetti, Haknyl and Jerryl. In our old homeland those two would be above us in hierarchy, but since Sajik and I are mates, and those two have no mates, we rank above them.~ The tevetti sounds a bit smug. ~Ah, they return.~
Sajik leads the way in, followed by a large grey and aqua tevetti. ~Hello. I am Haknyl, a greater spotted tevetti, the largest tevetti breed. We welcome you to our land, as long as you are peaceful.~ You nod and bend to scratch the large animal's ears. He leans against you, making small noises of pleasure.
~This,~ Haknyl motions a second tevetti forward, ~is Jerryl, a lesser spotted tevetti.~ You gasp in awe. Of all of the tevetti, this one is probably the most beautiful. Her eyes are slanted, set in a head shaped like a jackle. But her colouring! Her fur is snow white, with bold blue stripes. She walks towards you hesitantly, then more boldly as she sees the caresses Haknyl is receiving.
You put a hand to Jerryl's neck, stroking softly. Her fur is like down, soft as a feather. She sighs and lays at your feet, putting her head on your knee. You continue to pet the animals, marveling at their beauty.
'Alright,' Kalika informs you, 'it's time to go.' With regret, you say goodbye to the tevetti. They, in turn, make you promise to return. You will certainly keep that in mind.