Gingerly, Aset began to lift the small kitten, unsure of what Bast's reaction would be to being hauled up like that. Fortunately the kitten seemed to accept it. Maybe there was hope that a little love and a little firmness would have some affect on the wild cat.
She was just about to give Bast a scritch behind the ear when she heard Anpu yelp. "Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't know she was still holding on!" As she spoke, she bent enough to set Bast down again, stroking one ear. She realized then that if they had been fighting, Bast would not have been so docile when she had picked her up. Nor would she still be hanging on.
Had they actually been playing?
Standing upright again, she looked down at the pair. Well, playing was a good sign, and she did want them to get along. What they needed was time, but that all depended on Bast returning with them to the temple.
She could pick her up again and carry her, but she knew that Bast had to come of her own accord, or she would be more inclined to run away later. "I'm going to go inside. It is rather warm today, and I could use a drink and something to eat. When you two are done playing, I'll have something waiting for you."
Without waiting, she turned and began to walk toward her temple. If Bast didn't follow on her own, perhaps Anubis could convince her.