Duskfire Glacier She hides like a child but she’s always a woman to me

The creature’s massive head lifted back and away from her own, to her relief. Lilia knew the sound of laughter, but she’d not said anything funny. She had the feeling she was being mocked even before the panther leaned in to speak again, amusement gleaming in those gemstone eyes of hers. 

Her voice was a velveteen purr, her words writhed and coiled like a pile of snakes. There was something graceful about the feline’s movements that momentarily impressed the child, whose brow furrowed again as soon as she was deemed “little folk.” 

”Nod widdle fuck, I’m dwathe-ful.” As though being graceful was an excuse for being so small in comparison. ”I’m pintheth Lee-Lee-a,” She squeaked indignantly. ”Who you?” She asked the feline, eyeing her up and down skeptically.