House's intended explanation of the relationship between the birds and the trees was completely derailed by the rest of what Bird Man had to say. "Talk...? No, no conversing with the wood." And then, because he just had to know, "Do they talk back to you?"

House was starting to feel on edge himself. He'd been doing a pretty good job of just going with the crazy flow--the wine helped--but he was really starting to wonder what might jump out from the shadows. "What kinds of anythings? Scary anythings? Are we talking monsters or men with really big swords or boy bands?"