Blacktail Deer Plateau It's Britney, bitch.

Miryam has never been good at ecology, particularly the seasons in which things do or do not emerge. But Lilitu was pretty sure it was a toad—she'd chased them during the rainy season in the valley. (And who knew the difference between a frog and a toad, anyway? Not this girl!) She nodded, and then listened studiously as Wraen continued on.

Really? she exclaimed, fascinated by the idea of talking to other animals. And. . .well, kind of bummed out, too. She thought suddenly of the rabbits and squirrels Mama hunted for them to eat. Had she been able to hold a conversation with one, Lilitu didn't think she could stomach swallowing them down afterward. 

What's a mink? Lilitu asked. And how do you talk to one? Like, if I want to talk to a bird, do I have to go cheep cheep cheep? 

It seemed quite silly, but she was into it. The possibility of more friends, no matter the species, had her excited.