For now, the birds seemed to regard her with little concern, more intent with plucking easy food out of the grass than in worrying about Aftran.

"Yes, it's remarkably quiet. There aren't many forests left back where I come from, and I don't believe any are this large. It is... a pity." There really was no other word for it. Advancements in technology had pushed nature by the wayside, and most of the plant life that remained was planned, carefully sheltered and sculpted. "They are mostly displays, not allowed to grow wild."