On Behalf of One of Mine

The next time Eve comes across the Ida in the Library, she asks cautiously, “May I hug you?”
“Hug me?”
“… Yeah.”
“I suppose so.”
Eve hugs the Ida, who awkwardly, stiffly reciprocates.
“Thank you, God.”
“You are welcome. Please release me.”
Eve backs away from the Ida, regaining their usual space.
The Ida initiates another hug itself, as awkward as it is, to sooth the anxious vulnerability radiating off of the kipiri.
Eve hugs back. “Thank you,” she whispers, again.
“You’re welcome.”
They stand like this for a few moments longer.
“… Please release me,” the Ida repeats.
Eve laughs at the Ida's expense as she parts.
She asks, “How do you prefer to be worshiped, God?”
Both of the Ida’s eyebrows shoot up at the question. “How do I prefer to receive worship?”
“Is that a weird question?”
“Music of air.”
“Ah. I should've seen that one coming.”
“Yes, you should have," the Ida agrees flippantly, then adds as an afterthought, "I often do not reply, but I do enjoy when I am spoken to."
“Prayer, then?” Eve translates.
“Conversation of a sort which might include prayer, yes.”
“I’m guessing hugs aren’t high up on your list, though, huh?”
“Absolutely not, but I am not allergic to some level of discomfort on behalf of one of mine on occasion.”
“… Thanks.”
“May I please return to my studying? Surely you have somewhere else to be?”
“Ah! Yes, um, of course.”
Right before Eve can leave, the Ida calls her back: “Eve.”
“Ah! Yes?”
“You are loved.”
“Oh…” Eve doesn’t know how to proceed with that.
“And as always, please inform me when you have made your choice.”
“Yes, God, yes…” Eve trails off, hesitating for an entire minute before she replies, “You’re loved, too?”
The Ida waves her off, already back to its studies, and so she continues on her way.