The little dragon actually manages to look sheepish, ducking its -- her? -- head and letting out a bird-like cheep. It's a little unnerving. Biffy's tone was mild enough that the creature can only be reacting to what he's said, not how he's said it. Just how clever is she?

But it's a little endearing, too. She doesn't look as if she means any harm. Nor does she come any closer. She just sits back on her haunches, lifting her tail up with her forepaws like a young child with a favorite toy.

"Is she a--a very young dragon?" The phrase that first came to mind was 'only a baby,' but if the dragonet is capable of understanding her, she'd best choose her words carefully. Still, she can't help asking, with a trace of incredulity, "And did you say her name was Kitten?"