((Birthing posted with Ayita's permission))

Their return to Asteraia had been, for all intents and purposes, uneventful. However, even as they had wandered through Ruieze Fields the need to return home had become more and more apparent. Bastet had known it, she'd even said as much. Priority one had been to secure and appropriate den for the litter due any day now.

Any day now had been right. Kajika had taken to keeping watch from outside Bastet's chosen den. He would enter upon her request, or occasionally to bring her food. No need to unnecessary exertion, he'd told her. He didn't know a lot about birthing, but at least enough to know his friend needed to be as comfortable as possible.

When the time arrived, the brindled and white male was on his way back from a small hunt. He had managed to snag a good sized hare by surprise. Perfect. He had been trotting back towards the den when unexpected sounds reached his ears. No, not unexpected. Bastet was clearly laboring. From just outside the den's entrance he knew that was going on. Kajika quickly slipped inside, where he set the hare down within her reach before he settled near enough to her.

His words were calm and reassuring. "You're doing great. Steady breaths," he said softly. Kajika had never imagined such a sight, even as their first came into the world. He wasn't sure what to expect of such a combination, but the fairer tones took him a bit by surprise. Either way, the first girl was lovely. Of that he had no doubt. Kajika continued to give words of reassurance as the second pup arrived. Another girl - one whose features already were shockingly like his own mother's. But it wasn't over yet. There was another push and a third and final pup, and the only boy.

"You'd did great, Bastet. They are all beautiful," he said as he gave her a gentle nuzzle. Kajika moved away only slightly as she tended to the pups and they started nursing. As he did, he moved the hare a bit closer for her to reach if she got hungry. "Rest now. I'll be right here if you need anything," Kajika added as he set his head down and marveled at this little family of theirs. Unexpected circumstances and mother nature were a strange thing, but in this moment, he regretted nothing.