Nyarthotep entered the edge of the territory just south of Britney and the cubs with her. He stopped, and bowed his head in deference.
"Hello. I'm sorry if I am intruding. My name is Nyarthotep. I was wondering if a young tom named..." his eyes settled on Kole, "well there you are."
"She's coming along right behind me," said Nyarthotep. "Your sister is. Your mother, I'm afraid, is still missing."
"Yes and no," said Nyarthotep.
Basil stood back and let the two reunite. It did make her purr,just seeing him this happy. But was he going to leave them now?
Britney sat down beside her daughter and watched. She was jut glad something else had come up and Kole had found his sister. She looked to Nyarthotep.
"How did you find him?"
"Intuition," said Nyarthotep. "He'd gone in this direction, and I've been looking for him quite a while."
Nyarthotep spoke up. "Might not be that easy. Unlike you two, she doesn't seem to be in the area."
"I leave this to you," said Nyarthotep. "Those who wish to come may, those who don't, do not have to."
"A deer, nothing remarkable but delicious as deer always are," said Nyarthotep. "Is there anything that happened...anything you need me for?"
Nyarthotep appeared a bit sad then. "Does this mean you're leaving?"
"I am home," said Nyarthotep. "Why not here. This place provides us good food and shelter."
"What do you think is the right place for you?" said Nyarthotep. "What do you want to do?"
Nyarthotep's gaze grew distant and his voice vague. "Indeed I do. It is wider than you can imagine."
"It's actually been some time since I went to visit Azathoth," said Nyarthotep as he paused between bites. "I need to get back to him and make sure he's all right soon. He is almost like a son to me."
"It's strange how that works," said Nyarthotep. He had begun to head back towards the large and luxuriant cavern where Azathoth lived with his mate and cubs, and also his mother. "I was given a mission to look after him and I've found it very fulfilling. More than makes up for not having a family of my own."
"You can most definitely come. Just be prepared for the strangeness. Azathoth's family is one of mysterious powers."
Nyarthotep turned and headed back towards the home cave. He didn't stop to ponder if they had enough to eat or whatever...they always just did. In the air, the wind formed notes like blowing through hollow reeds and holes.
It seemed like Nyarthotep was always at least a little bit cryptic. On the flip side at least he always seemed calm.
The forest's shade deepened as they moved up the slope.
