Gaja appreciates the unspoken reasons as much as the spoken ones. Nam is one of precious few he counts as a friend. It's difficult to make friends when one lives forever and little else does. There are some long-lived creatures out there, but most choose to remain hidden and solitary. It's only by coincidence that Gaja met Nam.

A very happy coincidence, Gaja thinks.

"I'm not so egotistical to think my time and company are gift enough to properly honor the river's guardian," Gaja snarks. Even as he speaks, he reaches into the bag he often carries (specifically to stow gifts for Nam in). He wit draws from it an ornate box of rosewood with his gift for the dragon inside.