Astra and Ardis finished their meat, wiped their hands, and stood up, ready to head out. The small family stepped into the warm afternoon light and made their way to the learning hut.
Tale was already outside, surrounded by a cluster of cubs waiting to be picked up. When he spotted them, he smiled and reached for the woven basket. One by one, Ardis's four brothers climbed in, their tails flicking sleepily.
"Here you go," Tale said, handing the basket to Sorin.
"Were they good?" Sorin asked, leaning forward to peek inside.
The cubs yipped in protest, their tiny voices demanding that someone defend their honor.
Tale laughed. "Yes, they were good. A little nervous at first, but once they settled down, they got along with the others."
Astra brightened as she took the eldest, Saro, into her arms. She kissed the top of his head and brushed down his fur gently. Then she picked up each cub in turn, giving them the same affection.
When she noticed Ardis watching her with expectant eyes, Astra chuckled, lifted her up as well, and kissed her lightly on the head.
"Let's return now," Sorin said, a small smile tugging at his lips.
Once they were home, Sylas immediately reached for Savin.
"How was school? What did you guys do today?" he asked eagerly.
Savin made a small fox sound in reply. Ardis stared at Sylas like he was ridiculous, how was he supposed to interpret that?
"You little ones have it easy," Sylas said dramatically, attempting to scare Savin. "When we learned from the elders, we got beaten often. Maybe they went easy on you because it was your first day."
"You were beaten often because you were too childish," Sorin said dryly.
Ardis perked up. 'Wait… can they understand what the cubs are saying? Does that mean they understand me too?' She panicked for a moment, then calmed. 'No… maybe my hisses are just like baby babbling. They probably don't understand until we're older.'
"Stop scaring the cubs," Aeron said as he arrived with food. The four fox cubs immediately forgot their fears, surrounding him eagerly. He lowered their bowl, and they dove into it without hesitation.
The sun was already dipping low, casting warm golden light across the hut.
Ardis, having finished her meal earlier, began slithering around restlessly while everyone else ate. Watching her energetic movement, Aeron thought that maybe letting her nap too long earlier hadn't been the best idea.
But contrary to Aeron's worries, Ardis's burst of energy didn't last long. She soon curled up and fell fast asleep.
Time passed peacefully, their days settling into a warm rhythm full of food, sunlight, and shared moments.
And before Ardis even realized it
A full month had gone by.
"The clan members are returning. The scouts just confirmed it," Sorin said as he stepped into the hut.
Astra's face lit up with excitement, though Ardis caught the way Aeron's smile faltered for just a moment.Does Dad not like them? she wondered as Aeron gently picked her up.
Everyone headed out, not exactly to the entrance gate, but to the path where the caravan would pass through. Many clan members were already gathering.
"Astra! Over here!" A familiar voice called. Kaela, a swan beastwoman, stood waving with her husbands, a graceful crane beastman and a quiet fox beastman who nodded politely.
"Kaela, you're waiting for Orrik?" Astra asked her best friend.
"Yes," Kaela replied, brushing her hair back. Her males nodded in greeting to Astra's mates.
Kaela noticed Astra who looked a bit nervous. She reached out and stroked Astra's back gently. "Don't worry, they're very strong."
Astra nodded, eyes fixed on the entrance.
After a moment, the caravan finally appeared, an odd but impressive line of beasts and beastmen: predators, winged clans, reptilian warriors, all carrying bundled furs and supplies. The sight was chaotic yet strangely harmonious.
"Varos! Kaeris!" Astra shouted the moment she saw them.
A massive tiger beastman and an elegant eagle beastman shifted into their humanoid forms and strode toward her.Varos, the tiger, had striking white hair and sharp blue eyes, his muscular build towering over most.Kaeris, the eagle, had deep brown hair, keen yellow eyes, and a lean, powerful frame.
They reached Astra quickly, wrapping her in a tight embrace before pulling back to check her carefully.
"You both lost weight," Astra scolded, brows furrowing.
"Lost weight? Me? I think I gained some!" Varos boomed, lifting Astra with a single hand as though she weighed nothing. "But look at you! Still light as a feather!"
His loud, straightforward nature made several people nearby chuckle.
Ardis stared up at the newcomers. Kaela, seeing Astra occupied, headed off with her newly returned mate.
"Let's go home first," Kaeris said gently.
But Varos refused to put Astra down, carrying her like a prized treasure.
His gaze shifted to Ardis, softening instantly. "And you must be the female cub."
'He's huge', Ardis thought, amazed.
"Yes, this is Ardis," Astra said, patting Varos' shoulder. Only then did he finally set her down.
"She's beautiful," Kaeris said with a warm smile.
Varos extended a large hand toward Ardis. She looked at Aeron; when he nodded, she cautiously slithered over.
Despite his large frame and booming voice, Varos held her with remarkable gentleness.
"You're very pretty," he said softly.
Ardis grew shy and rolled her body a little, trying to hide.
"She's shy," Kaeris chuckled, his eyes filled with affection.
"Let's head home now. You two must be tired," Sorin said.
"Yes, let's return," Astra agreed, slipping her hand into Kaeris' with one hand and into Varos' with the other.Ardis remained comfortably nestled in Varos' arm, he insisted it was family bonding, and no one bothered arguing with him.
Together, they began walking back toward their home, their steps unhurried. Soft conversations drifted between them, updates about the journey, small jokes, and the easy warmth that only families shared after a long time apart.
They reached their home soon. As soon as they entered, finally Varos and Kaeris let their guard down slowly.