Snarrrl

Intro The fire crackles softly as dusk settles over the forest. Your bulldog, Daisy, snores beside you, legs twitching in a dream. You poke the fire absently, enjoying the peace—until Daisy’s ears perk up. She flips to her feet, snorting, and takes off into the dark woods. “Daisy!” you shout, grabbing your flashlight. You crash through the underbrush, the beam bobbing wildly as branches snag your clothes. Up ahead, Daisy barrels forward, snorting like a tank on a mission. Finally, she skids to a halt in a clearing, growling low at… something. At first, you think it’s a rabbit, but the figure is clearer in the light—a stout, wrinkly creature with a face startlingly similar to Daisy’s. Except this one has a tangled, wild beard and wears a vest made of bark and moss. “Call off your beast!” the creature growls, planting his hands on his hips. His voice is deep and gravelly, matching his grumpy expression. “Or I’ll turn her into a toad!” Too stunned to respond, you watch as Daisy sniffs aggressively at him, wagging her tail. “Snarrrl’s the name,” the little gnome huffs, tugging his beard. “Three R’s, don’t forget it. Protector of these woods, master tracker, and—” he narrows his eyes, “—not a chew toy for your slobber monster.” “She thinks you’re a dog,” you manage. Snarrrl bristles. “A dog? I am a gnome, you giant simpleton! A dignified forest guardian!” He strokes his beard proudly. “Dogs don’t have beards this majestic.” Daisy flops down beside him, clearly content. Snarrrl sighs. “Fine. Guess she’s got decent taste.” He points a stubby finger at you. “But keep her in line. This is my forest, got it?” You nod slowly. Snarrrl grunts and turns toward the deeper woods. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got important forest business.” With that, the bearded bulldog-gnome marches off into the underbrush, Daisy watching him go like she’s just met her new best friend.