For being such an awkward standoff, this was going remarkably well. They were talking, actually conversing like grown people, as if they hadn't spent every second in the past fighting some pig-headed battle over who was more impressive. Rikyn even laughed at her self-deprecating joke, and it was such an unusual sound that Erthë did a double take and stared at him. Had he ever done that before? No, not that she could recall. In fact, this was the first time where his smile hadn't been more than a curve of the lips, a brooding line of dazzling misery that only made him look grumpier.

The effect was remarkable. Though both the mirth and the brightness that flashed over the black-pointed features lasted only moments, it was enough to illuminate the young man in a light not so tainted by prejudice or misconceptions. Something strange fluttered through her stomach, swift and ticklish like a butterflies wings... It disappeared almost as soon as it came, but the sensation that lingered was peculiar indeed - like the taste that lingered in the mouth after eating something sweet, or the tender ache in the soul when she watched a sunset.

Weirded out by herself, Erthë had to restrain herself from physically shaking the head  and forced her attention away from the unicorn and back to his bonded. It was much easier to smile at Duir, far more gratifying to hear about his peculiar birth than think about this stallion or her feelings about him.

"Really? And egg? My father has a bond too, but Vlasi was already big when I was born. I wonder if all companion creatures do that... I saw the hatching of a dragon before, but you kind of expect them to come from eggs, don't you..."

It was an intriguing thought, one she would have to look into... sometime. Right now she was.. busy. Guilty eyes turned towards the horizon, the sun-baked desert landscape tugging at her while the taste of guilt grew stronger on the tongue. She ought to keep moving, needed to get this over with...

But it could wait a few more minutes, right? Just a few, so that she might forget a little while longer.

"Duir is a great name" the filly cooed, her eyes returning to the young stag. As the smile returned - faltered for a moment, flickering like a candle in the wind - Erthë made to sidle over towards the companion, driven by a sudden urge to touch it.

"A very good name indeed, suitable for such a handsome fellow. How did you come by such a treasure, Rikyn?" His name felt strange in her mouth; rough and uneven, the sharp edges not quite worn down. Was she pronouncing it wrong? But it would be weird to say it again so Erthë reached out for the deer instead, deliberately distracting herself with how soft the brown pelt looked, how pleasant it would feel beneath her nose.

Would it be permitted? Or would the skittish creature hide behind its brother again, unwilling to be so intimate with someone like her?

Halfway through the motion Erthë faltered, doubt and fear of rejection paralyzing even her own thoughts.