[ For a couple more minutes, the goddess cries without any restraints. That poor bird is probably soaked with her tears by the end of what can only be defined as an ordeal. Who knew the human body could hold that many tears? Or maybe that's just because she's a divine spirit.

Regardless, when the crying slowly comes to a stop, she shakes her head. She's still sniffling though. ]

Why... W-Why am I even crying...? There's nothing in an old goddess like me for her. S-She's happier this way... [Sniff. Sob sob.] And so am I... Y-Yes, I'm happy and there is nothing more I could want.

[ That is, without a doubt, the most unconvincing lie anyone has ever told. Ereshkigal looks down at the bird in her arm and starts petting it. The poor animal. Why had it come near her? It should be perched on a tree and hooting at its heart content, not comforting a lonely and gloomy goddess.

Still, she's grateful. ]

Are you alone too...? The living aren't meant to be alone. [She pulls herself up, still holding and petting the poor bird.] I'll get you something to eat, alright?

[ Then she'll release him, she's sure he got bird friends to go back to. Even if animals don't think of friends and family the way humans do, he still has those he wishes to return to, surely. ]