"Have," Astyanax corrects, sounding just a trifle defensive. "They're still there." Of course, there's no way of knowing that for certain, but the alternative is to horrible for either of them to contemplate.

Jennifer runs a finger down Astyanax's spine. "Bookish," she says in response to Edgar's question, offering him a wry (and apologetic) smile. "They're very intelligent… and peaceable." She feels compelled to add that last part due to the unfortunately common misconceptions that used to run rampant back home.