Lion Head Mesa As promised

Ash Paws voice with her own was a comforting thing. It made the song more beautiful, Toula felt. Warm, and happy, and at peace... Toula felt Tawaret must have heard the hymn, must be among them. Toula felt safe once more; she did not know, though, if this was due to the Goddess or ash paw's own independently comforting presence.
not for the first time, Toula found herself wishing the woman could stay. but she would not press it! not when ash paw was due so soon.
ash paw spoke of her Gods, and how she might be the last of them to carry the faith. Toula pondered if she would teach her own cubs, and hoped that she would if she wished it; perhaps ash paw could create a resurgence of her faith, all with the help of her progeny. and perhaps, too, one who knew it well would come along to teach her more!
but if this never happened, Toula would help ash paw how she could with her own faith.
pulled then into a hug, Toula nearly started at the unexpected touch; the head of a fellahin peered in, in time to see Toula lean against the woman, newly salt-limned eyes blinking furiously to work away the overwhelming emotion that overcame her. Toula had needed that embrace, wished it every day from her departed mother (where had she gone?), and the absence of her was like a gaping wound, unfillable and impossible to heal without first aid...
Toula pressed herself into the calico furs of ash paw, swallowing her tears and only hoping that ash paw would not note the wetness there. Toula was unable to remove herself then, as ash paw apologized. Toula did withdraw, though, smiling warmly to ash paw. how short she had known her for, but how fiercely Toula cared for her already!
there is nothing to forgive, Toula gently said, your hug was a gift. I felt the power of Tawaret, Toula breathed, truly grateful. ash paw, touched by something maternal, had made her feel a way in which only Treva, only a mother, could! I think that you will make a wonderful mother, she hums happily, tail stirring behind her.