[Free and comfortable as the shrikes were with the earthier side of their natures, flirting landed somewhere between a cherished pastime and a competitive sport when they were at home. To say nothing of how practiced the Warlords and their officers were in the arts of seduction--all very necessary to their jobs--and that is something Illarion hasn't thought about or practiced for years. (Death did that to a man.)

Gratifying how easy it is to slip back into, even if it's only play.]

No doubt.

[Wherever the conversation went from that--did it go anywhere, which Illarion scarcely expects--it's probably not for a public beach. There is a certain look in his unfocused eyes, though...

He settles back more comfortably on his heels now that they've traded meditation for conversation, resting his folded arms across his thighs.]

To walk, and to speak, at first. Not so unusual for mammals, I understand, but strange for elves, who come out the egg knowing both. [Descended from birds and not all that far, either.] We are odd, and have given up both eggs and precocity.

[Which is a story in and of itself; and the amusement on Illarion's narrow face says he fully expects more questions about that.]

After this, they learn to keep themselves safe in the wood; and to follow after their parents at their trades. But that is more expected for most children, yes? Or are yours different?