Benjen watches the tail, and then Asato's face. He's making a note to himself that the ribika likes compliments. Not that he'll hand out any without meaning them, but it's no stretch to find things likable about Asato.

"I hope you will fish with me when the thaw arrives, but I am no expert on plants." He hopes this Neville is not interested in Asato. He tears his eyes away from his companion to look ahead, eyes narrowing. "There, do you see the bent twig?" A bush in the near distance bears possible evidence of an animal.