[the shoebill is steadfastly ignoring xie lian's existence, looking away from him stubbornly. it doesn't know this man, but it is pretty sure he is annoying in some fashion.

in any case, when xie lian looks up, he'll find hythlodaeus watching him! not in a scary way or anything, just in a faintly amused way. head tilted a bit, he smiles, visible despite his mask.]

I could not say that the bird is mine, if only because if I did, it would not take kindly to the suggestion. [he says, with a laugh in his voice.] You may take a photograph. I do not mind.