After much coaxing and persuasion, Nanshe's emotions finally settled down.
Enki was finally able to ask his own question.
"How did you come to like Annanu? Isn't he a weapon?"
Enki had personally sent Annanu and Enkidu into the forest back then, so he naturally knew what they truly were. He could not quite understand his daughter's feelings.
"H-He's handsome." Nanshe was still sniffling as she wiped her nose.
Enki:?
He understood even less now.
"That Annanu, like his brother Enkidu, received his appearance from a divine maiden named Shamhat." Enki stroked Nanshe's head, his expression gentle.
"I know, but I just... can't forget that feeling." Nanshe shook her head in confusion. "Father God, I've thought about this myself, but the conclusion I came to was—"
"Alright, alright, don't say it." Enki hurriedly covered Nanshe's mouth, sighing as he shook his head.
The divine father and daughter fell silent for a moment. Enki gripped Nanshe's shoulders and looked seriously into her eyes. "He is a weapon of the gods. Just a weapon."
"As a weapon, do you know what his ending will be?"
Nanshe shook her head, but her expression remained calm.
"I don't know, but I can probably guess."
"Even so, I still want to like him."
Enki shrugged and smiled as he patted Nanshe's head. "Then go pursue him yourself. Don't leave yourself with regrets."
"Mm, I understand." Nanshe nodded obediently and stood up. "Then, Father God, I'll be leaving. Take care of yourself."
With that, without waiting for Enki's response, Nanshe flew into the air and departed in the direction beyond Eridu.
Enki sat there alone, gently shaking his head.
"Mesopotamian goddesses are all like this, huh."
"Forget it, let her do as she wishes. As long as she can be happy."
"Does it still hurt here?"