[He's tiny. Part of her wonders where the rest of him is, all the shimmering coils of scaled muscle. Where does it go, when he shifts? She's always wondered. Maybe he turns it inward, as she does with her decay. No more bones on the outside, as they used to be, though neither brother had ever loved her less for it. Even as the flesh grew and withered over her small frame, they had never been scared. Not like the rest of their extended family, with her constant reminders of mortality making them face their fear of death. Even gods can die.

But whatever his size, his shape, he still looks at her the way he always did, and her smile only broadens, fingers twining carefully through his claws.]

Not yet, though I imagine it's only a matter of time. They've explored all the rest already.

[As he draws her hands to his chest, she steps closer, expression growing more solemn, dark eyes intent on his own. A quick shake of her head expresses her opinion, her vows.]

Never again. We stay together, as we were meant to be. And we'll find a way to free our brother, as well.

[A touch of rue enters her expression, something closer to her customary irony.]

It seems we owe the gods of this place a debt. For our reunion, if nothing else.