"No, I'm very fond of them, actually." Shrieky's never actually seen a dog from above eye level before, since most of his contact with them has involved him slumped up over the edge of his moat, and the dogs in question trying desperately to figure out what exactly he is.

His steps are still slightly awkward, as if he's not quite confident in the way he moves yet, but his spirits are undampened, and he's not astute enough to pick up on any of Ilde's weariness.

"So how did you learn to play the Harp? Is it a common thing, where you are from?"