"We must seem a whole different world," Ardasa said. Perhaps she was beginning to feel comfortable, to some extent, in the presence of these leering gods. She could just talk and talk her heart out, and they would listen, respectful of her insecurities. They were in that respect almost like her own gods. "Less extravagant, more simple, less . . . hierarchal. You must understand why I am so eager for this alliance to bear cultural as well as military fruits. I think that while individually, we are capable of great feats of art and history, together we may change an entire generation. Some, within the walls of both or any city, will hate. Let us ignore them, in favor of understanding. That is your goal as well, I hope?"