Mudminnow River every hermit crab needs a shell

A stutter was the first thing Frederick noticed. One of biology--was he born with it?--or one of nervousness? He listened to him speak, blinking apathetically each time he tripped over his words, paying attention to the content of his sentences instead. Not lost, Frederick noticed. He nodded his head. A journey from the mountains. Left disoriented. He hummed.

A bit, Frederick said, glancing around at the sights before them. Hollow to the south, mountains to the west, another rise to the north. And behind him, east, where the river extended outwards for a little while longer. I suppose I am unused to it. I've only just arrived. Searching for his brother, Adrian--information that would be withheld for now, in case he was around. Frederick didn't want to spook him. Was he a flight risk?

Fredrick had not forgotten, but he would not mention the strange behaviours if the stranger did not comment on it. Explain it. Stranger. I am Fredrick, he tilted his head forwards as a greeting, tail flicking back and forth, now. Who are you?