the cat understands that the girl wolf is the leader here.
the cat knows who butters their bread, so to speak.
the tail raises proudly. the cat walks among wolf and servant and guard and wends their way under the gleaming ceilings.
the cat finds the queen. no matter what she is doing, the cat approaches. they arch along
@Toula's legs with a pleasant
"mrowl" to follow.
dreams. strange dreams. it seemed another Goddess had come to visit; now to discern what it was She wished to be known! to the priests did Toula seek to consult, and after her morning prayers and preparations she thought to call them.
but it was Bastet that came to her then, the Goddess that stayed. Bastet might deliver wisdom herself that she could bring to the priests as well. Toula had gifts nearby, gifts gathered to deliver to altars she would build—but there were plenty of them, so much so that plenty could still be spared for the Goddess that once again graced her presence. oh! and that sound! so darling! Toula was smitten.
she smiled as the little thing wound around her legs. she moved to the pile of things and grabbed what she thought Bastet might appreciate best of all. shiny, pretty baubles with more feathers, one bigger than the rest. one that Toula thought Bastet would look darling wearing, but would never presume to dress the Goddess herself. not without that consent!
to Her did Toula bring these things, and she smiled upon her. what wisdom might You prevail upon me today, Bastet?
she wondered.
feathers. finery.
the cat bats the presents. the cat lies on soft belly with swishing tail, and at last, for the queen alone, a loud, vibrating purr pours out of the small furry body.
the cat pins a blue feather beneath their paw. the cat loafs, eyes blinking slowly at the queen. they allow pettings, cossetting, yes, even decoration, patient and purring for they are aware at any moment, any one they choose, they can shake off all these wolf things and go anywhere they please.
the cat seems in bliss. and Toula sees then the wisdom shared: how important happiness was, and that Gods too should feel such joy. she bowed her head before the lesson and the Goddess, and said,
let us go to your altar,
she invited,
there will be more offerings there for you to see and choose.
Toula moves, beginning to lead the way. more and more the halls were becoming that of Akashingo. royal, resplendent—beautiful. murals already decorated some, and Toula gestured to one she knew was the work of
@Akhtar.
his work is so lovely. rumor tells he has painted you,
she smiles at that, eager to see it.
the cat follows in purring splendor.
the young wolf speaks. the cat gives a slow blink. they gaze at the artistry on the wall. but the cat knows they themselves are all the idols the wolves need to worship.
the scent of the holy man lingers. they offer a delicate sniff, as if to say he is worthy.
Akhtar is fond of the tiny Goddess, and the tiny Goddess is fond of them. it gladdens her heart; the Queen had much love in her heart for him. that he was looked upon so highly meant favorable things for her people, she felt, as he was one of the greatest representatives of their people.
Toula offers her own shoulder to the cat to climb upon, if She so pleased. I am glad you have come here. I hope you will stay, and witness my marriage,
as of then she was uncertain of her own ascension—it still just a thought.
marriage.
the cat knows the scent upon the royal wolf's coat. Bast knows there is a man who is close. but cats do not marry in a way we understand, and so there was no answer given.
however, the god did not intend to yet quit this realm. an arching of lithe body against smooth ankle is confirmation: they will stay and they were content to stay.
she smiled down at the cat, who seemed content. good! that they would be here for this felt right to her, too—another God to view the ceremony.
and then they moved in silence for a time, closing the distance between where they were meant to be going and where they presently roamed. she only hoped that Bastet would like what they had built for Her.
Bast follows.
she is devout.
she knows the gods.
all offerings belong to the cat and the wolf queen is theirs to bless.
they keep pace.
Toula stops upon entering the place made for Bast; she steps back, to let Her inspect every bit of it and all the matter of things that had been left for Her!
she, in the meantime, bowed her head and began to pray—her eyes lingering on the little Goddess.