"Perish the thought!" This brought a guffaw of near impossible to contain giggles to the individual. "She is glued to you, a true friend I'd wager... Not even the fattest pheasant could make her go forever."

They were just animals, but it would seem The Pupil had a particular soft-spot for thinking they were more in line with loyal companions -- or if not loyal, bonded in some fashion.

"I do believe you should find a seat, The Academic might single you put if youre the last standing!" Another well meant piece of advice, perhaps learned from a past experience; for better or for worse.