Of Hounds and Ivy

You get to your paws. "Who are you?" You whisper, striding over. Your mother lets out a little laugh as the other cat grins. You can tell by the fact that bright white teeth suddenly shine where their face is. Your earlier confidence suddenly fades as your steps falter. Your mother picks you up and carries you the rest of the way, setting you between her paws with a purr. You glance back up at the cat before you...