“Are they?” He cants his head curiously, watching Nam as the dragon simply stares at him. It’s moments like this when it’s plain for all to see that they are more than mere rivals. More than just long-suffering acquaintances. All their sharp edges fall away and Gaja finds himself truly breathless, gazing back at Nam.

And as spontaneously as it happened, the spell breaks.

Continuing on their walk through the garden, Gaja offers the smallest of eager grins. “Are they? Perhaps I’ll accompany you back to your river… just to see them.” It’s entirely about the flowers. Why would he care about an old crocodile’s company?