Tigerlily and the Old Dwarf

"I am going to regret this." Tigerlily stated emphatically. "Yes, I will let you play with my tail. Just don't pull on it."

The little girl squealed with delight and began to stroke the orange appendage. "Pretty Kitty..."

"I am not a kitty, not anymore. Have you ever seen another person with animal ears or a tail?"

"Oh yes," the Innkeeper's granddaughter, Lithel said with a smile. "His name is Gard. He lives by the river."

This perked up the Catgirl's orange and white ears. The fluffy cat's ears focused on the little girl. "How do I get there?"

The Uittle girl was euphoric, still stroking Tigerlily's tail. "You walk to the river and then head to the left."

Tigerlily stood up. Her tail slipped from the little girl's fingers, and she pouted at her loss. The diminutive Catgirl slipped out of the Inn of the Prancing Fairy and walked excitedly towards the river. She had been searching for someone like her, some animal turned person for a little over a year, and as yet had been unfruitful. Maybe today was the day.

Among the houses along the torpid river friendly gardeners told her which house was Gard's. Pulling on the bell rope Tigerlily waited, her left hand resting on her sword hilt as was her custom when restless. Eventually an old Dwarf appeared at the door. It was not unusual to find Dwarfs living within a Human town, but immediately she frowned. He had unique ears, but he had not once been an animal. He had been a tavern boxer. His ears were overlarge, but most definitely cauliflower from years of being hit.

"Still, he might have some interesting stories."

"Hello. My name is Tigerlily, and I was wondering if we could talk. I am a Storyteller.”