Taking the parchment offered up to him Orlando realised that though it wasn’t an extensive list exactly, it was indeed a list and he nodded politely towards the nearest seat. Reading through each point solemnly he lowered the paper and fixed his gaze upon his step-son, trying desperately not to smile.

“I agree with you entirely on the subject of toads, but are you sure you would not rather an owl? You argue your case wonderfully but an owl can become a loyal friend and a cat...well, they’re much more temperamental.”