"It is my lot in the south to be better regarded by mabari than their masters, I think," she says, a little bit amused by the mention (and absolutely not mentioning the gift she has for Max, all prepared and even wrapped, ready for Wintersend), "though Captain Reynolds would never tease me so."

Out of fear, mainly. Mal Reynolds has a healthy respect for Thevenets elder and younger, and Benevenuta should probably leave the poor man alone.