Tiny dots of heaven.

That's what they were. Tiny dots of heaven.

Cats had always been the protectors of the gods, their defenders. It was why cats were so often walking abroad during the day; there was no time to spend in the home when one was on protection duty.

Some took their duty more seriously than others, but those cats would be punished.

They would not be given these tiny dots of heaven - a reward from above, a thank you from the Masters.

Of course, you had to put up with stupid names from the earthly ones, but usually there was a reason behind them (a heavenly one as well as an earthly one) and you were bound to your earthly for a reason. You didn't always find out why when you were with them. And sometimes it changed; sometimes you had to move on to another, sometimes you had to take care of many.

Tiddles (who hated her name) liked to think she did a good job of caring for Alice (who also hated her name), and was taking these tiny dots of heaven as confirmation of this.

"It's a bit cold, isn't it? Let's go home." Alice whispered into her fur, squeezing her tight, turning away.

Tiddles stretched - she would do as her earthly wished, but she would enjoy the reward for as long as she could.