It was almost two weeks before Nyx was able to get back to the desert to check for new messages. One of the hazards of being a mother to a brood as large as hers was the near constant birthday celebrations. And while the Keres all arrived en mass, because there were so many, they had not all been birthed on the same day. That was simply impossible. So the birthday proceedings stretched over several days, plus there had been the planning and set up, not to mention cleaning up afterward. All of her children pitched in with such chores, but it still took time.
When it was done, and Nyx had the time to remember her far-off pen pal, she was worried that whatever message that might have been left would have been erased by the elements. She shared her concerns with her husband, who reassured her and Nyx determined to go check that very night. And then she kissed her darling Darkness and rewarded him for being the most wonderful, supportive spouse in the history of ever.
When she finally arrived at the usual spot her heart leaped, because the message was still there! Then she got down to the business of deciphering this newest piece of artwork. If the curve was the earth, and he was beneath it, that would put her falcon friend in the underworld. Since he was a sunny god, she had to assume that he traveled there on his time off, in this instance, at night. And when he was there, he fought off snakes. Snakes? Actual snakes or did they represent something? Either way, it was a nightly battle. So that he could get back to those for whom the night and darkness held dangers like lions and hippos.
She had to smile at the scene with the falcon being happy to see the raven. So he apparently was as pleased with their surprise communications as she was. That was gratifying because she was getting the impression that there may be a bias against the night here. She would just have to show him how wonderful it could be. When he wasn't fighting off snakes.
And it looked as though he wanted to meet, if she understood that last bit correctly. When, though? When? Oh. Three days? But when had he left this message? Did he mean three days from now? Or had she missed the meeting he'd asked for? Drat.
Well, there was only one thing to do then. She would wait for him this morning. To apologize if she was late. And perhaps surprise him if she was early. If he didn't arrive this morning, she'd wait for him the following morning. Her pen pall wished to meet her, and she wanted to oblige.