[ Her acceptance of the cookie is a good step. He nods when she accepts his appraisal of the situation, both because they are in agreement on her condition and because the Trader also wants the best for their followers. ]

And some do. Others might not live their best, but living a good life is still a life well-lived.

[ He cautions against striving for perfection in gods and in mortals. He doesn't say whether or not he believes it is achievable, but if it is he doesn't think it's worth the strain. ]

I want to give you an honest answer, Wicka, and that answer is that we honestly don't know.

[ He sets his hands to rest on his bent knees. His voice is soft as he speaks, summarizing the thoughts gleaned of many conversations over the centuries. ]

Some of us believe that we were chosen by the Singularity and find a great deal of comfort in that, whether it's a realization of fate or just the desire to be wanted. We're not so different from the mortals we try to protect, are we? I believe it was just the right set of circumstances. There might be some comfort in that too, but to each their own. Until the Singularity can articulate its thoughts and feelings in a meaningful way, we're going to inevitably draw our own conclusions.

[ The Trader bows his head towards the younger god. ]

What would you want it to be?