There is a look like first she expected him to be kidding, which smooths into remembering that in his land-this land he plans to take her to-animals can and do talk.

"They have not been used in years here by the people." There is some sadness in her voice. "But I have been coming to keep them company and to spread feed since I was a very young girl who stumbled upon them. I come here when I find myself most in need, even when I didn't exactly mean to end up here."

Looking up at him, she added, blithely, "They seem to like you."