Gaja was practically across the world from Nam's river when the question of bellybuttons arose. Because he mimics the human body, of course Gaja has one when he's in that shape. He just assumed Nam does, too. But the question burns in his mind for hours, days, weeks. He's never had occasion to see Nam naked β why would he? It's their power to conjure up clothes when they shift forms... right? Has he ever actually seen Nam transform? Gaja can't remember (not surprising).
Eventually, the question prompts him to make the long journey back to pay his dear old crocodile a visit. It's urgent he finds out! So urgent he doesn't bother traveling like a human. Instead, he takes to the sky on flaming wings, soaring high above the clouds, out of sight of most mortal eyes. It only takes him a few days to traverse the globe in his true form.
He shifts one more into the shape of some mortal bird β always something easily as large as an albatross β before dipping out of the cloud cover. Gaja lands on the bank of Nam's river and transforms once more into the shape of a human. He bounds eagerly to the water's edge, crouching down to splash in it with one hand. To get Nam's attention, of course. It's like knocking, right?
Bellybutton!
Eventually, the question prompts him to make the long journey back to pay his dear old crocodile a visit. It's urgent he finds out! So urgent he doesn't bother traveling like a human. Instead, he takes to the sky on flaming wings, soaring high above the clouds, out of sight of most mortal eyes. It only takes him a few days to traverse the globe in his true form.
He shifts one more into the shape of some mortal bird β always something easily as large as an albatross β before dipping out of the cloud cover. Gaja lands on the bank of Nam's river and transforms once more into the shape of a human. He bounds eagerly to the water's edge, crouching down to splash in it with one hand. To get Nam's attention, of course. It's like knocking, right?
"Nam~! Naaaam~"