The sky was a dark hue as the sun set over the sandy horizon. A mother lay down, watching as her newly born kits suckled, her hazel eyes shimmering with pride as she swept her tassel around her kits.

Suddenly, she lifted her head.

''Who's there?'' she yowled, tail fluffing up in worry and anger as upset cries erupted from the three kittens that lay beside her.

''Relax, Trauwen, it's just me.''

''Thoemar?''

''Yes, it's Thoemar. Your kits look wonderful,'' he purred, nuzzling them as he settled down beside her. One let out a shrill cry of mingled emotion as she burrowed deeper into her mother's belly, then let out a soft whimper. ''Welcome to Earth. May the stars guide you to the path of glory.'' Thoemar rumbled, his thin sandy brown pelt rippling.

Thoemar then looked up at Trauwen, his gaze intensifying. ''You will have to give them up to Aivlys soon, Trauwen. You may not keep them forever.''

''I know,'' the scarlet cat cringed, white paws tensing. ''Please don't remind me.''

''You will see them again. You're part of us, remember?'' Thoemar reassured, golden eyes now having warmth spread across their usually cold depths.

''It just hurts to see them grow up. And without their father, I don't think I'll be able able to raise them by myself.'' she cried again, now burying her head into her snowy-hued paws, then let out another cringe, body rippling and all kittens, at the same time, letting out a sudden squeal at their mother's movement.

''You'll pull through. It just requires patience, and time. The moons will go by fast, you'll see.''

Trauwen looked at her ivory-hued paws, hazel eyes dulling with sadness, then turned to her kits. ''Rest, my sweets. I will see you in the morning.''

The tom let out a squeak and rolled over. Trauwen's throat rumbled until it developed into a purr, and she curled her tail tighter around the three kittens.

''Good night, Trauwen.''

''Good night, Thoemar. I will cherish them until it is time.''

''Then these kits will grow up to be extraordinary, wonderful individuals.''

''Yes, Thoemar.'' the she-cat breathed.

''Yes, they will.''