You make your way up the slender branches of the tulip tree, anticipating seeing another cat. Puffing slightly, you question the two pixies about the tree's inhabitant. Rikale chews on her lower lip in thought, then proceeds.
'Grimau is an ex-witch's cat. We found him living half-starved in a hovel, abused and ill-tempered. It seems his mistress was planning on slaughtering him for his blood, whiskers, eyes, and claws, which she needed for a spell.' Rikale sighs and shakes her head; Kalika, you notice, is pale with fury.
'I don't understand it,' Kalika snaps. 'Why must you humans be so cruel?' She glares at you. You hastily remind her that you would never do anything like that to any animal, that you love nature.
'Well it's about time someone did,' a voice mutters. Looking down at you from a branch near your nose is a pair of jade eyes. Connected to the eyes is a solid black cat. You can barely make him out in the darkness.
'You're sure this human is ok, Kalika?' Grimau asks nervously. At the pixie's nod, you see visible relaxing from the cat. 'Well, don't just stare, pet me!' Grimau orders. You quickly comply, stroking the cat's soft black fur. He begins to purr, leaning into your strokes.
'What's this!' Grimau suddenly cries out. 'A squirrel!' He dashes up the tree, leaving you to stare in wonder.