Bast was being very careful not to overeact to his stroking her fur - yes, it was only on the back of her hand, but that was still enough to make her tail flick upwards and a surprised - and very pleased - purr to start deep in her throat.

She blinked and focussed on his words, then smiled widely. //It's nice to be seen. Honestly, the last time we...met, I thought I was condemed to stay as little brown cat forever. You changed that, gave me a bit of hope. Gave some hope to everyone, from the sound of it.//

Her ears flicked back briefly, embarassed, then very slowly and deliberatly raised his hand to her cheek, and rubbed against it, still purring quietly. //Thankyou.//