SMILE REMAINS EVER PRESENT, warm browns boring into shining ambers; remaining put even as other's gaze drifts ( attention that does not go unnoticed .. attention that causes a light blush to paint his cheeks ). coupling the elf's unwavering gaze with the honeyed words that fall betwixt his lips, & gale's simply preening; his own eyes flittering about the other's form as he drinks in the praise so generously offered up ( whether deserved or not ).
it makes me wish we could have met sooner .. words that echo in his mind, even as attention is drawn towards the light graze of fingers that ghost along his arm. it's a sentiment he can agree with. though being one to believe in things such as fate, he could only conclude thus was the reason for why they hadn't ( not that it makes him wish for such a change any less, of course ).
head turning to the side as zahav comes to stand opposite of where he'd started out, warm gaze lingers 'pon the hand upon his shoulder, only to drift upwards to meet golden hues once more; his own smile growing wider. ❝ i believe you're being much too kind with your singing of praise for me, though i'm nothing if not thankful that you think so highly of me in the first place— so, thank you. ❞ a pause, & he's turning his body further towards the elf; gaze held steady 'pon him; a hand giving way to a heartfelt squeeze to the older's own. ❝ i do believe the sentiment is mutual, and i consider myself lucky to call you a friend. ❞