Faris does not pretend to understand why this exchange appears to amuse Adia Costas, but he is attentive regardless, learning more about human courtship the longer he watches them interact. He busies himself with finishing off his eggnog, lapping at the bowl as he listens, ears perked forward.

"Sensible," he agrees, once her attention turns his way yet again. "Humans are softer in skin than my peoples. It must be liberating to have so many options for self-expression."