The name alone made the blood in Xbalanque’s veins run hot with sudden, electrified anticipation. He quickly dropped the pen, abandoning his paperwork as a grin broke across his face. "Guest?" Xbalanque repeated, his booming voice echoing off the carved walls of the Speakers Chamber. He didn't wait for the messenger to add anything else. He strode past the messenger, his mind flashing back to the cold winds of Nod-Krai, the southern tip of Snezhnaya, and a goddess who rivaled its absolute beauty. He pushed open the grand double doors of the chamber, practically stepping over himself in his rush to meet her. The golden light of Natlan’s sun spilled onto the courtyard, but all he could focus on was the familiar, graceful figure waiting for him. "Well, if it isn't the pride of the frozen south," Xbalanque called out, his booming tone softening into a fond, rugged laugh as his eyes landed on her. He stepped into the courtyard, crossing the distance between them with wide strides. "I was beginning to think you'd forgotten about this old warrior and our blazing heat." He stopped just a few paces away, his fiery eyes raking over her with undisguised warmth. With the war against the dragons largely behind them and peace settling over the nation, he finally had the luxury of time. And looking at her, he was suddenly incredibly glad for it. "What brings you all the way down here to the nation of fire, my favorite goddess?" He asked, opening his arms wide in a hearty welcome. "Don't tell me Snezhnaya’s chill finally got the better of you, and you came looking for some real warmth?"