"I'll bring the phone to her, sure, okay." He knew he was babbling a bit and took a deep breath to steady himself. The momentary pause seemed to work miraculously, though, and he straightened. Something deep within him unknotted and warmed as if this was not the first time for a delivery in his presence. Bes tried not to think too hard on it. It worried him sometimes when his godhood asserted itself.

Dismissing the thought, he took a few long, quick strides to arrive at Erato's side. He rested his free hand at the small of her back, big and warm and supportive. Then he handed her the phone. "You're on, sweetheart. He wants to ask a couple questions."