Annanu crouched before the Hound of the Underworld, overlapping his hands and holding them up as if in offering.
"If you can, please take these words of mine to Ereshkigal."
His gaze settled on his palms, a faint smile on his face.
"Shamhat gave me intellect, but the one who truly gave me life will always be Humbaba. She knows my story, Enkidu's story, and Humbaba's story. I once told her all about them."
Within Annanu's palms, a round seed separated itself from his hand.
"I know I answered her question, but she lives in the Underworld every day. I imagine she cannot truly feel it, so—"
"I will add a touch of color to her Underworld."
Surging with life force, the golden seed split open. A shoot emerged, sprouting two leaves and
a flower bud.
"This is my blessing for her, and proof that I acknowledge she is still alive. Though that might sound a little presumptuous." As Annanu said this, an embarrassed smile appeared on his face.
Annanu raised his hands, presenting the flower bud before the Hound of the Underworld.
Pop!
The flower bloomed.
It was a bright yellow flower, trembling gently in Annanu's palm. It was not breathtakingly beautiful, but it was enough, because it was an embodiment of Annanu.
It was a flower that made one feel at ease without even realizing it, a flower filled with life.
"Take this flower back with you."
Smiling, Annanu nudged the yellow flower toward the hound.
"Take it to Ereshkigal, and tell her that this flower can be cultivated with divine power."
The Hound of the Underworld hesitated, as though wondering whether such a "life" could be taken back to the Underworld in Annanu's stead.
But its hesitation did not last long.
Lowering its head as though bowing