[It was sudden, okay? Emil is surprised by deer that don't make any noise at all, so, shush.

He shakes his head as he holds his hands out to cookie swap, although he's going to give the new one the same look. Hmmm.]

I didn't say you were. I talked to you all afternoon like that! I'm trying, aren't I?

[That's tiptoeing around childish, but it's all he's got; he's trying despite all his doubts about how practical it really is for people to have direct access to his--brain? Or something? He doesn't even know how it works!!]

It would be nice if these pushy strangers would ask first.

[hmph... and wait] Ah-- hang on, what does Reynir have to do with anything?