I do. They're magnificent creatures. I can't claim to love animals as much as Thoma does, but I have a fondness for many of them. Birds of prey especially.

["You make a lovely owl," he almost says. But Ori catches him off-guard with her statement before he has the chance, and the thought more or less evaporates. His hand tightens over hers for a few moments, and again he glances away from her.]

I... um, thank you.

[He falls into a silence that's partially content, partially embarrassed thereafter, watching the owlets play and keeping a hold of Ori's hand.]