"A few different reasons, actually!" He considered telling her one of the big ones, but thought they should at least know each other for more than thirty seconds first. So instead what he said was, "I study animals, demons, and magic, and though you guys are a pretty obscure listing, I have read plenty."

Then he sucked in a breath, his tail sticking straight up behind him for a moment. Looking at her, he spread his hands with a bright smile. "Hey, speaking of studying animals, that's what I'm doing out here! How much do you know about birds? And would you like to see if we can find a really unique one? I've been waiting for a sighting, should be any minute now if we're lucky!"