She recognizes that smile for the social awkwardness that it is. Is that what she looks like, when she's trying to fake a smile? She hopes not. Yikes.

"It's nice to meet you, Micolash." She means it, too, if only so she no longer has to feel guilty about avoiding him in the library. "He is, isn't he?" She smiles fondly at the bird and pets his crest, but he doesn't seem to be interested in this man's flattery. He's on to you, buddy, he knows what you mean by "specimen". "He looks out for me, when I'm here."

But who is looking out for Micolash? He seems so lost, without purpose. "You'd be surprised by who you meet here. Maybe not a... a Great One, but I've met people who walk through dreams." She folds her hands in her lap, looking more thoughtful than nervous. "And sometimes help comes when you least expect it."