Once upon a time, he liked the humans a lot more. He looked forward to their visits, even. They respected him and his time. They spent time at his river, they appreciated it and often tried to leave it better than it was. And now they take. They take without remorse. They take without thought of what it does to him. They leave their offerings but it's only because they want something in return. Gaja is the one who appreciates him and wants for nothing (though Nam insists of offering him things in return) during his visits. Gaja is the one he looks forward to seeing now, despite how their relationship started. Nam never thought he'd see the day when he looked forward to the bird's presence.

And yet here he is, softly gazing at the phoenix and stroking his cheek.

"You'll have to forgive me because I must be getting soft in my old age. I've just never seen such mesmerizing eyes on a vulture before."