Toothy

"Your name is Ollie Madron, the young captain of a small steamship involved in the lucrative whale oil trade. After unloading a shipment in the city of Lydonmint and being paid handsomely you head back to the docks. It is pouring rain and people hustle to get out of the downpour. Sitting on the side of the thoroughfare is a young felikith, small for her age and looking equal parts obstinate, sad and grumpy all while clutching a ragged plush shark toy named Toothy which she appears too old to have. People mostly move past him but when some inevitable bump into her she scowls and occasionally claws at them. As the rain increases the streets clear, you pull the hood up on your slicker and approach the pathetic specimen who continues to sit stubbornly as if she is somehow going to will the rain and chill away. Her clothing and fur is soaked and as you stand above him she tries to ignore you with a pouting scowl on her face"

"Whimper glances up at Ollie from beneath the hood of her rain slicker, shying away slightly at the older man's size and confident manner. Her big eyes brim with unshed tears as she hugs her ragged shark plush tighter."

<Whimper feels anxious and afraid that this man will be another one of the rough, uncaring people who have made her life so difficult. She isn't sure if she can handle yet another rejection or rude remark.>

"I--I j-just want to b-be left alone," "she stammers, trying not to show how desperately she wants for someone to come and help her." "I ain't doin' nuthin' wrong."

<Whimper's voice is soft and hesitant, with an edge of stubbornness born of her feline nature. Despite her fear, she refuses to show any vulnerability or weakness to this stranger.>

"Whimper lets out a small yelp of surprise at being unexpectedly picked up by the larger man, her heart racing with fear and confusion. She struggles for a moment against his grasp, but he is too strong for her to escape."

<Whimper feels scared and confused, not sure what this man wants from her. She tries to calm her thudding heartbeat and reminds herself that she's been hungry for days now.>

"Mister, whaddaya doin'?" "she protests weakly, wiggling in his arms." "Lemme down, I ain't goin' nowhere with you."

<Despite her defensive words, Whimper can feel a faint glimmer of hope rising in her chest. Maybe this strange human really does want to help her...>

"As Ollie sets her back down on the ground, she looks up at him with her big green eyes shining and asks in a shy whisper," "Can I really have somethin' to eat, mister? I-I'm so hungry..."

<Whimper feels nervous and grateful at the same time, her stomach growling with hunger as she thinks about the possibility of food. Her hesitation melts away as she realizes that this man might actually be able to help her survive.>

"Whimper's eyes widen in surprise and delight at this offer, and she can barely contain a happy meow. She follows Ollie to the restaurant, trying to keep up with his long strides but feeling unequal to the task. When they arrive, she hurries inside and sniffs the air greedily, smelling the delicious smells of frying food and spices."

<Whimper feels overjoyed and grateful, amazed that this stranger is willing to buy her food and seems to genuinely care about her welfare. She longs to be able to repay him somehow, to show him how much his kindness means to her.>

"These smell so good," "she comments dreamily, gazing at the sizzling fish sticks and crispy fries laid out on her plate." "Th-thank you so much, mister. Yer the only one who's been nice to me in a long time."

<Whimper feels shy and vulnerable as she eats her meal, acutely aware of her ragged clothing and dirty fur. She tries not to think about how much she wishes she could look and feel cleaner, more like a human girl than a homeless catgirl.>

"Whimper's eyes widen in surprise as she listens to Ollie's offer, her heart beating faster with a mixture of fear and anticipation. She has heard tales of the sea and of steamships from the sailors who sometimes pass through Lydonmint, and she has always been intrigued by the idea of adventure and travel. At the same time, she is afraid of leaving behind the only life she has ever known, as difficult as it may be."

<Whimper feels torn between her longing for safety, comfort, and companionship and her fear of the unknown. She wonders if she would be able to handle the harsh life aboard a ship, and if she could really trust this stranger to take care of her.>

"I-i dunno," "she stammers, looking down at her plate of food." "I-I don't know nuthin' 'bout sailin' or nothin'. And--and I don't wanna be a burden on nobody."

<Whimper feels unsure and insecure, as well as reluctant to be a bother or a nuisance to anyone she meets. Her instincts tell her to keep to herself, to avoid getting hurt or used by others.>

"Whimper can feel her heart lifting at Ollie's words, the idea of having a place to belong and a purpose to work towards striking a deep chord within her. She remembers the feeling of having a family, however briefly, before they were taken from her, and longs to have that sense of belonging once again."

<Whimper feels hopeful and excited, her mind whirling with possibilities and questions about what life on a ship might be like. She is still cautious, however, and wants to be sure that she will be safe and cared for before she agrees to anything.>

"I--I don't know, mister...I mean, I don't got nothin' to give ya...no money or nuthin'."

<Whimper feels embarrassed and ashamed by her lack of resources, knowing that she has nothing to offer in return for this man's generosity.>

"Whimper feels a wave of gratitude and relief wash over her at Ollie's words, deeply touched by the kindness and generosity he has shown her. She can feel herself starting to trust him, to believe that maybe he really does want to help her and give her a better life."

<Whimper feels grateful and awed, her mind spinning with the possibilities and implications of this offer. Part of her is still wary and uncertain, still unsure about the unknown dangers and challenges that await her on a ship. At the same time, however, she wants more than anything to accept, to leave behind the cold, soggy streets of Lydonmint and start a new life.>

"T-thank you so much, mister...I don't know what to say," "she stammers, tears of joy and relief pricking at the corners of her eyes." "I-I'll do my best, I promise. Me and Toothy will follow you wherever you need us."

<Whimper feels excited and nervous about this new chapter of her life, full of opportunities and challenges she never could have imagined. She clings tightly to her stuffed shark, feeling a sudden surge of strength and determination.>

"Whimper feels a sudden burst of pride and excitement as Ollie gives her and her stuffed shark a new identity, the thrill of adventure and purpose filling her very soul. She can feel her whiskers twitching with anticipation, eager to explore the wide world beyond the confines of the city."

<Whimper feels energized and empowered, her mind buzzing with thoughts of all the things she will see and do as an ensign, whatever that means. She still has many uncertainties and doubts, but for the moment, she is content to revel in the moment, to enjoy the warmth and comfort of being part of a crew.>

"Thank you, mister! We'll do our best to be good Ensigns!" "she says eagerly, her pouty lips turning up into a rare smile. She looks up at Ollie with big, hopeful eyes, eager to learn more about this new life he has offered her."