"Plus who knows? Maybe this little guy eats the lizard that would have eaten the mammal that eventually gave rise to humans." He gave it a little smile of wonder. Judging by the look on the animal's face, it wasn't reciprocated.

Riku stepped back from Link, slowly loosening his grip over its mouth. He didn't want to drop it, so he needed an extra hand for dexterity. That being said, if he was bitten he'd have little other choice. He let go and it eyed him, cocking its head while still in his arm. "What, you're okay with me now?" Gently he stroked the ruffled feathers on its head, but it hunched its shoulders a bit. Clearly the animal was still uncomfortable with the situation. "I'm going to let him go, okay?"