Redhawk Caldera giraffes are unable to cough.

Finley relented, much to Nightjar's relief. There was no telling how he would've reacted to bragging. Probably very negatively. Neither of them would find out, though, as Finley had the sense (or the heart) to back away and let him up. He found his feet immediately, feeling uncomfortable on the ground, and turned to face her just as she complimented him.

His tail waved behind him and his features, previously pinched with tension, relaxed. He even parted his jaws in a wolfish grin that seemed to say, thanks, aunt Fin! He didn't need words, though, and didn't use them. Conversation was more confusing than this more primal form of communication, which Nightjar reverted to more and more the older he got. It suited him, being as instinctive as he was.

He padded closer to his godmother, reaching out with his neck to rub the side of his face against the nape of her neck, if he would let her. A comforting gesture, or at least one that said all is well, and a gesture of thanks for sparring with him.