[Geir's not paying attention to the supplies scattered on the ground any more either-- Vern is a much more important priority. rubs his nose against Vern's hands, inviting petting; it's hard for him to see Vern upset without the impulse to soothe him rising up.]

So it's... someone who isn't a human? That's fine. I know lots of people who aren't humans, and if it's not one of them, it's just a person we haven't met yet.