Later that afternoon as she went about her duties at the hospital, checking supplies and staff roles, the door creaked open behind her. Supposing it to be one of the nurses, she didn't turn around until the rabbit cleared their throat. It was an unfamiliar voice to her ears.

Breelia replaced the tonic she was examining on the shelf and turned around to see the doe she'd examined earlier that day in the Mess Hall standing there expectantly.

When Breelia met her gaze, the doe offered a quick smile.

"How do you do," she said. "My name is Genna Renthill. I couldn't help but notice you earlier in the Mess Hall. You seem a very intelligent, observant doe."

Breelia didn't smile in return as she examined the doe. She was, seeing her in close proximity, probably closer to Breelia's age than she'd originally thought. She nodded in return to the doe's speech. "Breelia Wilder. You aren't from this area."

The doe shook her head, smiling slightly. "No, from a small settlement north of Harbone. My brother and I arrived here yesterday night."

Breelia nodded. "Have you found it to your liking?"

The doe smiled. "Very much so. You have a lovely citadel here. If you don't mind my asking, I believe I've heard of a Wilder family living around here. Would that be you?"

Breelia nodded, clasping her hands in front of her midsection. "My parents and grandparents were one of the first settlers around Black Lake." She didn't try to hide the pride in her voice.

Genna raised her eyebrows, over dramatically Breelia thought. "How incredible," she said, her sweet voice sounding…overly sweet. Breelia disliked the honeyed feel Genna had about her. "I saw you with a young doe earlier," Genna said after a brief pause. "Would that be your niece perhaps?"

"My sister," Breelia corrected.

"Ahh. What's her name?"

Breelia tried to think of a reason to not tell her, but found none. "Lorena Wilder. I assume the buck with you earlier was your brother?"

Genna nodded. "Timmot. I'm sure you'll meet him eventually." She swayed back and forth on the balls of her feet.

Breelia nodded crisply, glancing up from Genna's face as the door behind her opened. "Excuse me," she said. "I have work to attend to."

She strode past Genna to meet the nurse who had just entered, and then turned her back to Genna as she continued her ordering of the supplies. She heard no sound of footsteps though, and knew that Genna was still standing there.

After a moment, she turned her head slightly to let Genna know she could see her. "Was there anything else?" she asked directly.

Genna's eyes narrowed slightly, but before she could reply, the head of her brother, Timmot, came through the door frame. Without a word, and with a furtive glance at Breelia, he grabbed Genna's arm and pulled her out into the hallway.

Breelia could hear their receding voices and whispers for several seconds before the area quieted again.

Lips thinned, she turned back to her work. She would think more on the interaction later.

When she entered the Mess Hall that evening, she scanned the room quickly, as was her practice, and frowned on noticing Genna and Timmot talking with Lorena in the corner. She retrieved her food, and strode over to them, allowing her steps to be slightly louder and crisper than normal. She nodded to them as she sat, posture stiff and straight.

"Genna. Timmot."

Genna broke into a smile, though it didn't quite look fully genuine. "Breelia! So good to see you again. How did your work go earlier today? it can't be easy, working in a hospital all day."

"There is nothing wrong with the work I do," Breelia returned sharply. "Quite the contrary. After a wolf attack, I'd like to see where your brother would be if the hospital was not kept in perfect order."

Genna glanced at Timmot, her face full of something Breelia could not read as she settled in her seat and took a bite of food.

"Of course," Genna said after a moment. "I meant no offense."

Breelia hummed under her breath.

Lorena glanced between Breelia and Genna, being more accustomed to Breelia's sharpness than the newcomers. Now she smiled at Genna, who was around ten years older than Lorena. "Bree didn't mean anything by it," she said cheerily, yet solemnly. "I'm very proud of her for the work she does."

Genna smiled at the younger doe. "I'm sure you are."

Under the table, Breelia pressed a warning hand on Lorena's arm, stilling her.

Lorena cast a questioning glance at her, but Breelia didn't respond as she took a sip of water.

After several minutes of silence, Timmot rose, his large form filling the space in Breelia's view, and left.

Genna glanced between the two sisterts, her face unreadable. After a moment, she spoke. "I apologize if I have offended you." She shifted in her seat, rubbing her arm. "It was not my intent."

Breelia nodded once. "I understand."

After several minutes of silence, Genna rose, taking her tray, and left the Mess Hall just a few minutes behind her brother.

"What had they been saying to you?" Breelia asked Lorena in a low voice once they were gone.

Lorena examined her older sister with wondering eyes. "Why are you so suspicious of them? They're quite nice, and you don't need to bee cold."

Breelia glanced in the direction of the door. "They are nosy. I dislike nosy people."

Lorena laughed suddenly, causing several rabbits to glance their direction. "They were just asking questions," she countered., "They're new around here."

Breelia sighed under her breath. Lorena was ten years younger than she and at times, Breelia felt, very unobservant.

She didn't reply, and only took another sip of water before continuing to scrape the last of the food on her plate onto her spoon.

Lorena laid a hand on her arm, stilling her movement. "Please, Bree?" Lorena said softly. "They aren't hurting anything or anyone. There's no need to go all cold."

Breelia examined her sister's innocent face, and nodded once. Around Lorena, at least, she would try to act friendly.

A/N: I don't know if this chapter is at all top quality, hehe, but let me know what you think, please! :D I love hearing from readers!