PANEL ONE: Erlak and Nizini sit on the bench on the Mountains of the Gods. Erlak is gazing into a tureen. NIZINI: You've been staring at that tureen for some time... are you really that enthralled by it? PANEL TWO: Erlak looks up. ERLAK: The reflection makes my nose look really big! PANEL THREE: Erlak looks at Nizini seriously. ERLAK: Zeen, have you ever had a champion? PANEL FOUR: Close on Nizini. NIZINI: One or two, but not too recently... Why do you ask? PANEL FIVE: Close(ish) on Erlak. ERLAK: Well, the guys who gave me this tureen asked me to relay a message to my champion. I said I would, but is that the kind of interaction gods and their champions are supposed to have? I mean, so far I've just been showing up if he calls on me... Should I be dropping by of my own initiative? Or should I not drop by at all, but maintain an aloof distance? What are the rules for divine patronage, anyway? PANEL SIX: Nizini talks to Erlak. NIZINI: Well, I don't think there are any hard and fast RULES, per se. It depends on the god. Some gods take a hands-off approach, and decide that the honor of having a divine patron is reward enough for their champions. PANEL SEVEN: Extreme close-up on Nizini. NIZINI: Others go all out, giving their champions special powers, constantly intervening in their lives, making themselves and their patronage a constant presence. PANEL EIGHT: Nizini talks to Erlak. NIZINI: Personally, I value the QUALITY of interaction over the quantity. I say, by all means drop by when it's appropriate, but do other things too. Little things, the occasional surprise, just to let your champion know you remember him and you're there for him. PANEL NINE: Close on Erlak, his hand over his face in thought. ERLAK: Hmm... All right... Thanks. PANEL TEN: The champion and Maiz ride the giant rat Nezhoni through a downpour of yellow liquid falling from the sky. MAIZ: Why is it raining lemon bisque? CHAMPION: I'm not altogether sure I want to know.