Shadewood The future tense of fear is either comedy or tragedy

Lost in her reverie, Arcelia didn't seem to take notice of Chacal who, step by step, made her way closer. Of course, this delighted the small child, who saw every inch as a success, though she was a naturally quiet child to begin with. Once she closed the gap between them to a matter of feet, she dropped quietly into a crouch, and started carefully creeping forward, the way a sheepdog might as it slinks its way threateningly toward a herd of sheep. 

Hesitantly, she lifted a paw, and began to reach up, slowly, slowly, sloooowly, lifting her elbow to avoid being swished by Arcelia's tail- with the intention of giving her a gentle poke! in the sensitive spot just above her flank.