Miaren thinks fast as well, giving a flick of mental approval for Fern's answer - they could still communicate this way if they were careful about it.  Fern's answer<em>is</em>completely honest.  She hasn't instructed Miaren in anything - much less speech.<br/><br/>Responding to body language isn't the same thing as responding to speech, however, and Miaren has observed wild and tame creatures long enough to know various possibilities that would be 'appropriate' reactions for a hunting pet protecting one of its pack-mates in distress.<br/><br/>Lowering her stance a little, and never taking her eyes off of Adamion, she eases closer to Fern, letting only an inarticulate rumble pass through her throat.<br/><br/><em>Play the part.  We'll be out of this soon,</em>she reminds herself, and hopefully Fern.