"Hear wh--oh, the birds?" That's odd. Normally she'd've noticed them as soon as she stepped in, but it's only now that she can feel the brush of their minds against hers. She frowns thoughtfully, letting Edgar lead the way until they reach the birdcage.

They're not the Emperor's birds, but they could be. "Tanager," she says, nodding at a striking black and scarlet bird clinging to the wicker bars. "And those are painted finches, near the back." When she steps up to the cage, the birds cluster as near to her as they can get, some on perches, and some clinging to the sides of the cage. After a few moments of silent conference, she admits, "They're well cared for."