His joke had brought a grin to her face and that meant more than looking silly in front of her. Tolio didn't mind making a fool of himself if it gifted him with the joy of her laughter or happiness. It was...nice. More than nice, it was incredible to finally be himself around somebody and not worry about them judging him. She knew he was gay and had not made fun of him, but hadn't judged him for anything less than a stallion. He despised being thought of as weak just because he didn't fancy girls. It was cruel and ignorant. Phaedra on the other hand, hadn't once seemed disgusted by him and had remained kind and friendly. If Tolio were a smidge more emotional than his normal self, he would have been prone to tears. Which may seem strange to others, but it seemed they were so perfectly compatible that an instant deep friendship had been struck.

Their embrace lasted longer than Tolio had first thought it would, but he wasn't surprised to discover he didn't quite want to pull away. Warmth was shared between their coats in the freezing day, creating a bubble only they belonged in. As if their very hearts were beating in sync, an easy understanding of the other's intentions and inflections coming to them without words. Deep inside himself, his heart reached out to hers and tied them together. She was more than just a friend, or a best friend. Phaedra was welcomed into his world as the sister he had always wanted, and knew if the time ever came he would put his life down for her. Would do it even in that moment, despite knowing her for such a short time. It was a little dizzying, to bond so quickly with her, but it was a good kind of dizzy. Like lifting all restraints and simply being.

Her head lifted from his back, and he tilted his to lay his cheek over her shoulders, gazing out over the sand comfortably. Following words were so completely wistful and random that he couldn't help but giggle in surprise at her. Where had that come from? Velvet muzzle touched upon his back, and he sighed. "Sometimes I wish I could too, doll. I'm afraid there's not much I can show you here on the ground." Imagining what it would be like to fly. How strange and exhilarating it must be, weightless in the clouds. What would his wings look like? Fanciful thoughts that would never come true, but it was fun to imagine at least.