[Once the stranger is standing on steady feet, Xiao moves to take a step away—only to pause at the slight pressure alighting on his forearm. Were it any more insistent, he would have pointedly continued in his effort to put physical distance between them. Instead, however… Even after Lessa has retracted his hand, the yaksha remains where he is, gazing down at the point of contact in thoughtful silence. It is rare for anyone to touch him. Not even the Traveler has dared. The sensation is not…unwelcome.

Breathing in sharply, Xiao realizes that the other young man is speaking. He’s surprised by the faint smile that he feels briefly ghosting across his expression at the remark on vain behavior from the gods.]

Can shrines not be both? Not all mortals have the means or ambition to build them.

[A pause. He tilts his head, considering.]

Anyway, why were you interested in my prayer? If you want to hear about my god… [Xiao shifts, looking uncomfortable.] …Normally I’d suggest there’s someone better suited to describing him, but I haven’t met anyone else here familiar with Rex Lapis. Or is there another reason you were eavesdropping?

[Despite his words, there’s no real accusation present in his tone. Xiao sounds merely curious.]