Verity raised an eyebrow and let Abrazo run down to her palm. "When the colony found out you were going into space, they insisted I let someone come along. Probably took it as a sign for what your name should be," she told Liam before explaining to Kaidan, "Aeslin mice are pathologically religious. They've been worshiping my family for generations. The finding of a new god or priestess is a big deal."

"They're mostly variations on 'priest,'" Verity said, smiling down at her mouse. "All Aeslin are somehow involved in their church, but only some have specific authority and lead the rites."

"HAIL!"

"Abrazo is--Abrazo, how would you describe your position?"

"Well, Priestess," the mouse said, blinking up at Verity with earnest, inkdrop eyes. "I am Of The Faithful, but I am but a Layperson In Your Service." The capital letters were audible. No one had any idea of the Aeslin did it. "Though, I have been Granted the Privilege of carrying the stories of your Adventures Into The Stars this day."

Abrazo gave Kaidan a deep and formal bow. "The Honor is mine," he squeaked. "Any who the call the God of Distant Stars calls Friend is Respected."

And then Abrazo ran up and hid in Verity's hair.

"He's a little overwhelmed," she explained, with a fond smile. "This is the first time in a generation that we've seen the elevation of someone to godhood and it's all a little much for some of the younger mice." She reached up to pet Abrazo with one soft finger. "Aeslin are almost extinct," she added. "The colony that live with us may be the last of their species in the world. So unless you're very well-tied into the cryptid population of your world, I wouldn't be surprised that you hadn't heard of them."

"There is no cheese or cake," Verity said loudly. The mouse drooped in disappointment. "We've come to witness the stars, a view that no Aeslin has ever seen. Expecting anything else would be greedy."

Sometimes you have to be firm with Aeslin. Especially when it came to snacks.