"Is that..." Jin started, then stopped, blinking rapidly. "Is that penguin wearing a monocle?"
Indeed, a distinguished looking penguin was examining goods at a jeweler's stall, a golden monocle perched over one eye as he appraised a string of pearls.
"I've heard stories," Valeria said quietly, her professional demeanor cracking slightly with wonder. "But seeing it in person is different. Intelligent animals living as equals with humans. We aren't used to this in Herene."
Marcus gave a smile. "That's right. That's how it is here. Mora is inhabited by humans, seals, and penguins. We're all living together."
"Not just living," Elara noted, her sharp eyes taking in details the others might miss. "Look at the shop signs. Some are in human script, others in... I don't know what to call it. Flipper writing?"
Lumi smiled slightly. "They might consider that racist."
