Sonia lets out a half-shrieked, half-choked laugh at that, trying to wriggle away from Byerly and batting his hands away.

"Gentler? Than the Vorrutyers, maybe, but you've never met my uncle." Another giggle escapes her as Byerly gives her side one last poke. Somewhere in the back of her mind, a little ring of triumph sounds at Byerly praising his own qualities, in whatever context. It's warming, in an odd sort of way. "Byerly Vorrutyer, if you try to tickle me one more time, I'm going to kick you in the face, and -- probably -- not even on purpose!"