Natalia turned, a response ready on her lips, but there was something very familiar about this young man. She regarded him, puzzled. "That voice... Do I know you from somewhere?" His brilliant blue eyes were a remarkable color, and she could swear she'd seen them somewhere before.

But where???

Giving herself a quick shake, as she must have appeared quite rude indeed to ignore his question, she bobbed her head once. "Yes. I haven't spoken with too many others in the field, but those I have talked to have been very kind."

Her gaze traveled to the large bird he was leading, and her eyes widened fractionally. "My, they're even more impressive up close! Is it all right to touch it?"