"I suppose we should," Daine says, reluctantly shifting the albino back into the cage. Another rat with faded brown patch on its nose takes the opportunity to brace its forepaws against her fingers, and she gives it a gentle scritch before pulling her hand back out. They really are sweet little things.

It's a relief to at least hear that Thomas plans on getting them a big enclosure. And toys, no less. "You'll spoil them rotten," she says with a slow smile. "I'm sure they'd love to have things to play with. They're fair curious - and clever, yes. The more you occupy them, the less likely they are to get into things you'd rather they didn't." She considers the idea for a few moments, then adds, "If you could hide food in places where they'd have to work to get at it, I'm sure that'd keep 'em busy."