`` you never talk about anything interesting when i 'm awake . '' a wide , flat tongue swept over its bloody muzzle before it returned to its meal . i fear they have already reached the forest and the dark hills , and even now are passing into the shadows of the trees . ' `` now , there is a question for us to consider . '' `` do you ... '' she hesitated , jaw tightening , clearly determined to be out with it . but it was a little late for that . 