I look at the fox dumbfounded and not knowing what to say… Why did she call me a “stray child”?

She continues to speak before I can muster up any words: She proceeds to extend a hand towards me, a necklace made of 10 transparent beads forming into her hand.

I take it and wear it, as she expects me to, and well, I don't feel any different, the beads necklace are a little too big for me, but it's not uncomfortable, and well it will fit perfectly if I ever become an adult again and then I ask:

The fox chuckles and says a bit flustered:

Then resumed her gentle serious tone

Understandable, I thought, a mother would try to help her children, though I don't doubt there is more going on.

I ask genuinely interested, as I didn't want to accidentally annihilate myself.

She looks at me with kind eyes and says:

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

I nod, helpful, it will avoid accidental suicide and keep a reserve of energy in case I get killed… maybe.

I ask to make sure.

Well, I was thankful to not have tried my luck fighting the adventurers, I would have probably ended my time in this world forever.

But that aside, I look at Ira and say: There is no point in refusing help right now, I’m absolutely sure she isn’t telling all the truth, but her manners are more decent than most of the people I worked for, so for now the nice, giant, fox lady gets the benefit of the doubt; plus… I really only have to gain if she is being truthful about my soul disintegrating, and I have no reference to catch on eventual lies.

She motions for me to get close and I oblige, once I’m right in front of the cushion she is sitting on she picks me up like a small cat, cradles me like a child, and says:

I close my eyes trying to do what she explained and she starts to rock me side by side like a baby, while also humming a calming tune.

I do have to admit being in her embrace does feel good, it’s like laying on a firm, fluffy, warm couch, if I was tired I'd probably fall asleep instantly; That aside… I resume my attempt to change form, I do as I was told, and only when I managed to completely empty my head did I feel a flow of energy pushing outwards in my body, shaping it to what it is, like a balloon. After feeling the energy I start focusing on the form of the four-legged legged fox. Nothing happens for what seems like forever but I don't give up and focus harder then I start to feel the flow changing, slowly but steadily I’m starting to feel my body change.

When I open my eyes I can see that I’ve become a feral fox again, and Ira looks even bigger, now I fit almost in one of her hands.

I nod and go through the same process taking only slightly less… I really need to practice swapping forms. She puts me back down once I am back to my humanoid form and says: , she gives me a gentle caress with one of her fingers and then everything goes black.