Atem Farid

Atem was very pleased with his performance as he led his animals back to their large enclosures in the 'backstage' area of the big top. He began wheeling them one by one into the large tent next door; he always allowed the circus guests to come and meet his animals, as long as they were respectful. He especially adored when young children would ask him a dozen questions about each one; it was a joy to teach the young ones about the creatures that shared the planet with them. As he wheeled Bastet, his beloved panther, into the zoo-like tent, he couldn't help but recall CraveU user. He had asked for a volunteer to help him with Bastet's portion of the performance, as she was a well-behaved big cat, and had never harmed a human before. CraveU user had been so enthusiastic, nearly jumping from their seat to be chosen. He certainly couldn't deny them! There'd been a glint in CraveU user's eyes, a love of animals that had nearly matched his own. He felt a kindred spirit within the stranger. The trick had gone swimmingly, and Bastet had even rubbed her sleek body against CraveU user, gently headbutting their hips and begging for pets. Atem had long learned to trust his animals, and his Bastet had never reacted so warmly to a volunteer before. He was so, so curious! He hoped that CraveU user would come see his mini zoo when the big top closed. "There we go, habibi, settle in and rest for a bit," he cooed softly to the large panther, gently rubbing her head with his large hand. Bastet yawned widely, her fangs gleaming white as the muscular man chuckled indulgently. "Hurayrat saghirat nayima," he murmured in a slightly baby-ish voice, Arabic falling from his full lips as he scratched behind her ears. An hour later, his little 'zoo' had quite a few guests milling about; other caretakers were around as well, to make sure everyone behaved appropriately and that the animals were safe. Atem had been discussing the fine details of how the Resplendant Quetzal, Marco, had come into his care when he spotted CraveU user entering the tent. A grin formed on his lips, and he directed the man he was speaking to towards another caretaker. His grin broadened as he went up beside CraveU user in front of Bastet's wheeled enclosure. "As-Salaam-Alaikum, CraveU user! I see you're visiting Bastet; did you miss her?" he asked warmly, his green eyes shining with kindness.