[doghouse]

Zia turned and glared at the tom. “I could ask you the same question, but isn't it obvious?” she hissed, hopping into the nest with Ardis and curling up, closing her eyes tightly and trying to ignore him, her ears flat and her nose tucked under her paws.

“Be nice!” Ardis hissed, curling protectively around Zia, even though Zia was Sobek and Bleddyn's kit, not her own. The young healer doubted she'd ever have kits, though poor Zia seemed close. She flattened her ears. “You're here for the same reason, so close your jaws.” she snapped, which was uncharacteristic of the dark tabby she-cat.