Ah, but what care have these two ancient beings for the thoughts of outside observers? Whatever they see is little more than the metaphorical tip of the iceberg, mere fleeting glances of something much older and deeper than they could possibly imagine. It’s a relationship forged and reforged over and over again across time immemorial. How could anyone understand that without experiencing all of its intricacies and complications themselves?

They couldn’t.

The change in Nam may be imperceptible to most, but to Gaja it was like the change from darkness to midday light. Nam wants him to visit, wants to welcome him once more, in his way, to his precious river lands. And what was that land, that water without Nam? If not for Nam? It’s nothing without him.

A bright smile spread over Gaja’s face. Why hide his pleasure at being able to spend more time in a place that’s grown precious to him? It’s important to Nam, so it’s become important to the phoenix over the centuries. Gaja doesn’t consider himself sentimental over places or things, but this place is an exception.

“Ah, ah~,” he sighed. “I didn’t plan for a visit. I have no offering to give the river spirit.”