[ Of course, Lucius realizes Eridanus has been unhappy with his appearance. He isn't blind; merely self-absorbed. But it's that very self-absorption that keeps him from empathy, even as he feels so much more at home in this skin than he had in the demeaning shape of a manticore. ]

And if a man doesn't see the beauty of that hideous flesh, then he is a fool. [ Lucius allows Eridanus to recoil from his touch, and while another time he might simply allow him to stew in his self-loathing, now Lucius spreads his arms wide and splays his fingers. ] At least come to me, so that I may gaze upon your face in all its breathtaking splendor.