They are caught in a stalemate of wonder, staring at each other as Muriel's brain works double time. Had she broken through to him? The idea elates her, for even though he is practically a stranger to her, her soul desired to encompass all living, breathing creatures in a blanket of love and security. To see she had made even the smallest measure of progress was simply staggering, in the best kind of way. Were she aware of the hesitation it caused in him, the shame, she would have reacted swifter. Instead, she let her laughter do all the explaining, cheeks nearly hurting with the effervescent nature of her delight. It is his turn to stare at her stupidly, which only makes her laugh even more, eyes like bright snapdragon blossoms.

His laughter twines with hers soon after, coiling up and out in a symphony of their delight. No laughter could ever sound bad to the maiden, because it was a simplistic expression of one of her favorite emotions. She is caught up in her happiness, partially simply because he was happy, but his movement makes her eyes wink and twinkle mischievously as she dances further from reach. The river is swift but it cannot match the rushing beat of her heart, playing at her legs in the same manner that they play and gallivant around with one another.

A delighted, if surprised, squeak escapes her pale rose lips as Gull suddenly lunged for her. Her automatic reaction was further, breathless laughter as she surged away in response. A game of chase, where the inevitable tag was something interesting, delicate. Unknown. Muriel always was a curious thing. So she pauses, lips curled in an enchanting smile as he suddenly bears down upon her. Even as her eyes widen in surprise, she does not move away, mock lifting her knees as if to embrace or knock against him. Their muzzles dance dangerously close, and his heat washes over her. It prompts a reaction from her, four wings rushing forth as if to welcome him into her embrace. Encouraging, grasping, needy. His chest is fleeting against hers, and she desires him back, but feels as if it's not her right to ask. So instead she does it wordlessly, with her wings and her body.

Their foreheads are nearly touching, and she smiles. Shyer but more radiant. "Well hi there," she laughs softly, quiet, as if speaking any louder would break the spell he'd cast on her. She's tempted to hold her breath, afraid he will back away from her reaching wings, her eyes that are as plainly read as the weather overhead. She was tired of being alone. Maybe he was too.

@[Gull]