[hider=Arae and (Saucer) Shengshi's collab]
Deep in thought, Shengshi gazed around once more, and his eyes fell upon a shape that was quite familiar to him: Another reptillian, one a decent bit taller than him, sporting a beautiful coat of blue, striped with darker shades, but lacking the humanoid torso he himself had. The red snake-man slithered over with a broad smile carving its way across his leathery lips, peaking just under the edges of his mustache. The shape's owner was familiar to him, too. Arae, goddess of family, a domain so sacred Shengshi was certain she had to have a prosperous goal in mind! Perhaps this could be a new ally? Shengshi came to a stop before the goddess and bowed as low as his new muscles allowed.

"In the name of our blessed creator," Shengshi said, taking a moment to bow swiftly in the direction of the Architect, "I give you my deepest greeting, dear goddess Arae."

Arae watched as everyone began to form around her. As they did, Arae gained the understanding of their beings, their names and their roles in this new world. Not everyone was all good or all bad, but that was fine. As a family member, Arae knew she had to embrace and accept everything about them, flaws and all. This new family was going to be an interesting one. A greeting then suddenly came from her side. Arae turned her head around to see someone who was currently approaching her. Arae recognized him as Shengshi, God of Rivers. 

"[color=f6989d]Greetings to you as well, Shengshi,[/color]" Arae responded warmly. "[color=f6989d]But please, raise your head. We are family members of equal standing. Neither of us needs to bow to the other.[/color]"

Shengshi chuckled softly and tilted his torso back up. "I had not expected any other answer from Your blessed self. It is indeed a holy communion of all manners of fate and destiny that I am so lucky to be here with you and my dearest, well, family, as you so perfectly put it! A so diverse and beautiful selection of relatives, agree?" The riverlord folded his clawed hands together and heaved a satisfied sigh.

"[color=f6989d]Agreed,[/color]" Arae nodded in agreement. "[color=f6989d]The Architect has done a wonderful thing, summoning so many beings here.[/color]" 

"A most true statement. I am curious, though, my dearest sister - may I call you sister?" The serpent looked up to the greater serpent with a wide grin. 

"[color=f6989d]Of course.[/color]"

"Fantastic! Our family grows ever closer! I digress, however. I am curious, though, as to what you think of this cosmos - and what you see in its future."

"[color=f6989d]I see potential, Shengshi,[/color]" Arae answered. "[color=f6989d]There is plenty of good that can be done here, and there are plenty of Gods that can make that good happen.[/color]" Looking around, Arae added, "[color=f6989d]I only hope that everyone gets along well enough for that to happen.[/color]" 

The shorter reptillian creature nodded and plucked at his facial hair in deep thought. "A point I certainly agree with, dearest sister," he mumbled, "as the stones on the road to prosperity are laid by friends. It is indeed imperative that we all make an effort to cooperate." Shengshi bowed again. "I hope our family shares in this mindset, dearest sister."

"[color=f6989d]Not everyone will, of that I am certain,[/color]" Arae said, shaking her head slightly. "[color=f6989d]But that is fine. Disagreements and arguments are bound to happen in a family, and they will only serve to increase the strength of our bonds. Moderation is key, though, which is why it falls to each other to ensure our bonds stay strong.[/color]"

"Ah, certainly. Like the flow twists and turns around obstacles, familial ties will remain strong through minor squabbles - and like the flow, it cannot carve through a barrier as tough as that of blood-related enemies... Speaking of, would you consider all of us blood-related? I cannot exactly decide on what we could call ourselves..." The snake scratched his chin. "Spirit-related?"

"[color=f6989d]I... do not know,[/color]" Arae said after a brief moment. "[color=f6989d]'Spirit-related' is perhaps the best description we're going to get right now. We've all come from different places, so I will not consider us related by blood, but the fact that we've all answered the Architect's call makes us family in my eyes.[/color]"

"I suppose I will have to find a word that rhymes with 'spirit-related', then... That will certainly be an ordeal. I wish to know, though, dearest sister. While I am aware that your purpose in this cosmos is to be the guardian of the family - a blessed quest, that is - but I am not as aware of what your goal with this is. Would you mind sharing it with me?"

"[color=f6989d]A goal...[/color]" Arae said, staring off into the distance. "[color=f6989d]I do not really have one. I only wish to ensure that families live long, happy lives with each other. I will not allow a family to be torn apart, not if I can help it.[/color]" In a low voice, almost inaudible even to Arae, she muttered, "[color=f6989d]Not again...[/color]"

Shengshi lowered his head and nodded. "I remember little from my past lives, if I am to be honest, but I am glad that I know those that remember more of their own. Your seniority will be a great asset to the blessed Architect's project, dearest sister." He took a moment to look towards the dark orb in the distance, one of the few named objects in this cosmos. 

"[color=f6989d]Thank you, brother,[/color]" Arae said. Looking around, she then said, "[color=f6989d]Well, I do enjoy our chat, but perhaps I should take this time to get to know the other members of our family. I hope you won't mind if I excuse myself here.[/color]"

Shengshi shook his smiling head and bowed. "Oh, of course not, dearest sister! Please, get to know our family a little better! I will try to do the same. Though, please -do- come visit some time. I'll have something to drink ready for when you do." With that invitation in the air, the draconic face of Shengshi was fashioned into a wide, fanged grin as he looked back up at Arae.

Arae nodded happily, "[color=f6989d]Of course! Until next time, brother.[/color]" With that said, Arae turned and flew on, wondering who to interact with next.

"Until next time," Shengshi said. He waited until Arae had moved on, then slithered on.
[/hider]

[hider=Summary]
Shengshi approaches Arae in hopes of establishing friendly relationships. Arae agrees and the two engage in some conversation. They talk about the great potential of the world they find themselves in, as well as the hopeful compatibility of the other Gods and Goddesses. They establish a new name for the bond between the Gods: "Spirit-related", due to the Architect's call summoning them all here. They talk about the goals for this world. Finally, they leave to establish more friendly relationships with everyone else.
[/hider]