So arranged and encouraged either by that wagging would-be tail or by the shape of Ellis' hand, Wysteria makes some small effort to demonstrate what she knows of scratching dogs behind their ears. Her nails scrub through Ruadh's bristling coat. Her knuckles bump against Ellis' palm.

Yes, yes, all right. See how swift a study she is!

"Ear scratches, conversation, fish bones." A brisk correction— "Fish, and also bones."