Stavanger Bay if "i love you" was a promise

the chuff still caused a gentle flinch in dalia, who's muzzle shot up only to see the form of velen standing before her. she relaxed, her muscles unclenching and her gaze softening upon his russet features. silently, she wondered, did he know? 

but she tried to smooth herself over, a small smile replacing her shocked expression and the guard hairs along her back falling as quickly as they had raised. "hey, velen," she tried to chime out, but her voice did lack it's natural, bell-like tone. it seemed softer than usual. though, still, her tail uncurled from her haunches and wagged slowly against the ground, her ears pricked up and turned towards him. "how are you?" she asked, casually as she could manage.