Larksong Grotto Sorry That Took So Long

She'd only just crossed the scented border when the Cardinal's scent overcame her, and her tail wagged wildly behind her as the scrawny black form of the man came into view. Nova halted and waited for him to come to her: he, too, praised their Lord for bringing her home, and the elder nodded. 
                 "Yes, Cardinal: He called me out when Grace needed me, led me to her with His light, and then brought me back home without problem. I'm sorry I couldn't have given you more of a warning, Hiram, but my daughter needed me." 
She was easy to give him her explanation without being asked, knowing that he would understand. Not long ago he'd taken his own leave of absence to retrieve his daughters-one of which Nova had met. She smiled joyously at him, settling back on her haunches to talk.