(while xiao struggles to find the words to describe how he's feeling, lessa watches and listens. it is what he had intended to do from the start, but he is glad for his imbalance, now able to be present with him while quietly contemplating the houses of gods.

he would like to reach out again and doesn't, brow creasing instead as xiao thanks him.)

There is a war ongoing to determine this very thing... A regrettable outcome, but the fighting is an emblem of these people's strong feelings. Each side has an understandable reason for believing what they do. Regardless of whether he is alive or dead, however, his soul will hear you. It is enough for some people to know this, (lessa explains, admiring the steep steps of quetzalcoatl's paradise. they're the steps to her own personal heaven. would that the gods of each individual world be represented here. would the sun god ra have a temple here? would rex lapis?

lessa relates to xiao. but he would like nothing more than to ask a dear friend for advice.)

But no, young man... I am not a philanthropist. I am just an old goat. (emulating what he had often witnessed from humankind, his hand is outstretched for xiao to shake.) My name is Lessa. What is yours?