They had presumed he would be capable to drawing conclusions necessary to be drawn in terms of speech and its associations. Or would "communication" be the preferred terminology?

It hardly matters. Their head tilts slightly, momentarily, and they answer promptly and without a rise or fall to their tone.

"Housemates. Charges. Whichever you wish to call them." Those in need of their protection, as evidently Thisavrou is a harsher environment than is acceptable for a pair of children who love too easily, for whom forgiveness is second nature.