That first bit sounds like a direct nudge at her, but Avery's second comment sounds at least somewhat self-aware. So though she'd paused and given her a look, she eventually decides that it isn't worth it to let herself get bristled, especially not in light of the circumstances.

"Not always," she remarks lightly. "Some can be remarkably unpleasant when they're in pain. Going through moods is what makes them so much like people, after all. Not to mention, haven't you ever heard the way some animals can squeal and carry on? They can be very cute, certainly, but I'll take intelligible conversation any day."