Work Text:
The sun beats down on the sand sailer as it lays dormant among the dunes even as it begins to set. A small unassuming tent is set up, nailed down to the deck. A small entrance opens up to a room 3 times the size of said tent with a mummy wandering about.
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Nelthor walks the length of the small living room area, passing by the small chairs supplied by the magic tent and the big bean bag bought for the largeness that was Kore. Nelthor turns to the large dog-sized 2-headed cat laying in the bean bag, “What?” he questions Nerbles.
Nerbles stares unimpressed at the stressed mummy, ears flicking from both heads while his pink flames burn bright. Nelthor stares for another moment before tearing his eyes from the cat and continuing his stressed walking. He’s not worried, he reassures himself, he knows Kore and Rooster can handle themselves. He knows they’re stronger than him, but he cares for the pair that took him in, even with Kore’s fear.
He might play the silly uncle of the group, but he can just as quickly turn into a mother hen. He had been so for his last party, gods bless their souls, but for these two he was just their silly friend. Playing the goofs and mystery while panic filled him when they did missions like this, like in the Arena or in Vyder or in the golden damn city. He was left to watch Jesika and Nerbles, precious to both and while he adored their trust, he panics still.
He knows he has a few hours left before he bombs the place to hell to either save or gods forbid once more, avenge. But still, he panics, panics for a family he got not long ago but treasures like blood. Almost ready to leave hours early to help even if it interrupted the plans. As he turns, he feels a soft weight press against his old, bandaged legs, a rumble vibrating through the layers. He looks down to see Nerble almost laying against his legs, slightly pushing him to the oversized bean bag. He lets them do so, as he sits down for a moment to appease the giant cat, leg bouncing with anxiety wanting to again pace around the living space. But his spiral is interrupted by the purring weight jumping up and laying across his chest.
Nelthor watches as Nerbles settles himself and stares at Nelthor, daring him to break the unwritten rule. Never remove a cat from your lap. Nelthor slowly calms his breath to the beat of Nerbles purrs, lowers his fidgety hands to pet them, and stops his leg to not shake them. He was trapped and he knew Nerbles knew what he was doing. He took a deep breath, sinking further into the bean bag, as his mind cleared mostly of the panic and filled with calm. As the two sat there, Nelthor knew he owed the cat extra jerky later.
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As Nelthor stood ready to launch hell upon the dumb looking pyramid, he watched as a lady made her way out, followed by a rough but alive Rooster and Kore. Successful again in their plans. He knew he owed Nerbles triple jerky next feeding day and wept for his coin.