Ace at the Table

The doors of the Rising Rey creaked as you entered. The ears atop your head twitched and absorbed the sounds of jovial drinking and conversation. Your eyes scanned the room, the bar, the tables. Two other felines... It was riskier to do this here, it seemed your kind was scarce around these parts. But from what you've heard there was good money in Wrypeak. You dropped a button, which slid perfectly out onto the street. You ordered a shot of whiskey from the bar, downing it almost as quickly as it arrives. Then you make your way to the table.

Emmeline stepped in next, flipping the button like a coin through the air. She didn't look at or acknowledge you, and went to the bar. Perfect, the open seat at the table was near the window, facing in. You'd be able to see her while you played. With a final flip, it transformed into a butterfly, and fluttered near to the table. Your sister's familiar. You've already won.

You and your sister had worked the strategy out when playing with friends. When you dodged the draft and crossed the pond to Aemela, it became the source of income. Her tail moved smoothly through the air. Her hair, tail and ears were of a much different color than yours, an auburn to your black. But if not for the short way you kept your hair, you'd be near indistinguishable. Aside from her figure, of course. You were just as slender and short though.

"Hey, want another player?" You stand behind the chair looking innocent.

An older man with a goatee smirks, but nods. "Sure kid. Buy in's five riel."

You were given your chips and waited for the next round. The deal wasn't terrible, an eight and a queen of spades. The flop went down, and the butterfly circled. You already had a pair of eights, which wasn't terrible. The man across you nodded. "Alright, I'm in." He paid his ten sen.

"I'ma raise it." The tanned gentleman with the thicker accent had a better poker face, stoic even with the voice. It was your turn now, and you had already seen Emmeline's tail. Constant movements upward. Your odds were good.

"I'll see you."

The game was on, only one fold. Time to fleece them all, and pay for your meals for the next week.