"No one else is going to," he huffs. His brow lifts as he meets Nam's gaze as if to silently ask are they? Is there someone else in the old crocodile's life who cares about his loneliness, who comes to his river year after year with offerings to honor him with want of nothing in return, who would have sought the dragon out if he hadn't sat beside Gaja first?

Gold shines in his eyes as he jerks his head in a very bird-like gesture to one side. It's as if the makeup adorning his skin continues into his irises. Ah, but they're never as bright as when they're gazing on Nam.

"You look fetching tonight, Nam," he finally concedes after another blatant once-over. "Blue always has suited you best."