Bastet

Bastet was never meant for dragonkind.

Though revered by dragons both small and large, her sole focus is the feline population of Sornieth.

She hears every meow, every purr, every cry, every silent plea.

They are her children, and she watches over them.

She waits in her throne room. Dark and ancient, lit by flaming braziers, with pillars which disappear into the shadows overhead. There she lounges, draped upon her throne.

She is never alone.

Cats are possessed of the ability to see beyond this world - and sometimes, they can even travel outside of it. Bastet welcomes them into her domain with open paws. The shadows of her throne room ripple with fur, and bright eyes reflect the firelight from the darkness.

Here, she hears her children's stories.

The battle-worn tomcat with mangled ear and scars is lauded for his hard-earned victories.

The ancient, wizened crone, eyes cloudy with the years, mouth full of gums, but still as vibrant with life as ever. Bastet welcomes her as an old friend.

The mother cat, belly still distended from pregnancy, exhausted from another feeding, draws strength from her goddess.

The clever hunter who captured a pocketmouse is recognized for their cunning and skill.

The littlest kitten is encouraged and praised as he wiggles - calibrates - and attempts An Big Pouncy.

While these visitors bring Bastet joy, others make her heart ache.

The cat with back legs and tail twisted together, paralyzed, scooting along on his front legs at top speed. She laughs with delight as he rams into her and fiercely nuzzles her paw, purring as she pets him.

The forlorn stray, alone and hungry on the streets. Bastet nestles her snugly beside a brazier, offering her warmth and safety for so long as she chooses to stay.

The litter of kittens, abandoned and afraid. They miss their mother. Nursing queens take turns feeding the babies as Bastet reassures them of their mother's love for them.

The grouchy old man whose dragon left and never came back. The goddess holds him on her lap, sheltering him from the view of the others as he mourns for his oldest companion.

The frail calico, body ravaged by disease, weary after a lifetime of fighting the sickness within her. For her Bastet prepares a warrior's feast, recognizing what a struggle each day is.

Even as her heart breaks, the motherly goddess pours all of her strength, her tenderness, her compassion, and her love into the little lives before her.

Old and young, soft fur or coarse, tabby, black, tortie, mainecoon, hairless or long-furred, deaf or blind or crippled-

Bastet welcomes them all.

She has nothing to offer the dragons who call upon her. All that she has, all that she is, she gives to her children.

And when it is their time - she gathers them into her arms. No longer must they seek out her realm in times of need. She opens it to them, giving them all that is within.

Cool dark shadows, or warm sunbeams in which to nap. The most bountiful hunting grounds any cat has ever seen. Soft, cozy beds. Endless tummy rubs and ear scritches.

No more hunger, or hurt, or pain, or fear.

Here there are only warm beds, full bellies, safety, and love.

All of the love that a mother has for her children.

One by one, Bastet welcomes them home.