[ It does take a few tries to grab her attention, and she does see him, she jerks, startled - not so much by him, but what he is now. Man, why did the transformations here have to be so hideous? ]

My apologies, Hubert. It is going to take some time to adjust to your new look.

[ She shuffles off her throne and stands - still feels weird doing that without tailfeathers! - and brushes herself down before addressing him again. ]

Let's not waste any time and head for the track. I was not exaggerating when I told you how earnest I was to see what you have collected. My imagination is working overtime to even grasp what you could possibly have.

[ and here comes Espurr, toddling along. don't forget me! ]