The woman was not really human, though she appeared as one; she didn't dress in clothes, and only wore her hair loose, sometimes threaded with the same kind of flowers that were painted on her body.

She was nice company, and would help the little thing catch mice, birds, fish; they spent much time playing in the mountain and valley, just as the little thing had once played with its companion.

She had no home, but at night lit fires, dancing around them and laughing, playing until she grew tired and fell asleep. The little thing sometimes played, sometimes watched, but would sleep next to her no matter what.

In the winter, she covered herself with a coat of leaves, wearing shoes woven from grass.

" Oh, little thing," she laughed, "White as snow! I cannot see you like this; let me put some spots on you!"

She brushed her hand through its fur, a mottle of cream and grey left behind.

" Ah, how my little kitty changes when he's loved!" she exclaimed, all pleased with herself.

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