Winter had brought on an unexpected turn of events. Being trapped from the blizzard and in close quarters, it was an eventual nature taking its course. Kajika had not force anything, nor would he have if Bastet had told him no. He could only imagine what might result from that time. Eventually, it became more obvious. He had younger siblings, so there was eventually a point that his companion would not be able to hide her pregnancy.

It was easier, however, to stay by her side and help with collecting herbs and ensuring they both had plenty to eat. Some areas as they skirted them were concerning. It had taken longer to travel around places that had flooded. Kajika respectfully gave Bastet her space whenever she required it. His thoughts often wandered to what would happen when they finally returned to Asteraia. How would Sekhmet react to becoming a grandmother? To one of her daughters being pregnant? To the fact it was he who was the father? There were so many questions, and the only way to learn the answer was to return home.

As they padded along through the fields, he found himself lagging behind just a little bit. Enough that his cerulean gaze lingered on the dark coated young woman. Kajika found himself smiling. Whatever became of their own relationship in the future, one thing was certain that he would always be her friend no matter the outcome when they finally returned to the plain they called home.

When the silence broke, his ears pricked up as he trotted closer to close the gap he had inadvertently created. He nodded in agreement. "Better now than later," he said in agreement. A small wince flashed across his features. He did not worry for Bastet, at least in that her family would be upset but they would not run her off. No, if anything he was likely in more danger the more he thought about it. "We can find the perfect spot. Maybe even something you can expand on to keep your herb store," he suggested.

He could see some worry in Bastet's eyes. Kajika wasn't sure what she might worry over. Any expectant mother might worry over any number of things. Her own health, the health of her children, how their family would take new additions, ensuring everyone's survival. "It'll be fine. We'll be fine," he said, his tone reassuring. The words were as much for him as for Bastet. Kajika wanted to give her a gentle nudge of reassurance, but now that they were closer to him, he wasn't sure if such a thing was technically inappropriate? Way to start feeling awkward about it all, he chided himself mentally. "Whenever you're ready, I'll be right there with you," Kajika said after a moment of silence with a warm smile on his face. There, that was better than nothing.