Northstar Vale Go ahead and cry little girl, nobody does it like you do

this fuckin' kid, man. Casmir was used to running for short distances and hunting, not carrying a wriggling, shrieking bundle for miles and miles. as a result, he had developed a wicked crick in his neck, one that radiated pain along his spine with each step he took. saena called a halt -- the children were tired, hungry, and cranky. Casmir was as well, but he gently deposited Indra down with her siblings and settled on his haunches to make sure Saena was settled before he murmured, "i'll be right back." they were not alone -- luke of course was ever present, and after the boy checked on the nearness of the alpha male, he loped into the forest.

some time later, he returned with a marmot and dropped it in front of the pale woman, noting the strain on her face. "you should eat, cuz," Cas muttered, though warmly, taking up his post near her and the kids. it was with a familiarity that they probably didn't have yet that he'd addressed her, but maybe she wouldn't mind. either way, the Mayfair boy was hungry and tired and selfishly focused in that moment on his needs and how maybe when luke came over he himself could steal off for a bite to eat and a nap.