breath of fresh air through smoke rings

Finch's eyes were almost dreamily half-closed as she found more comfort in reciting the names of these common meadow herbs and flowers. She was so focused on calming her nerves that she didn't notice Wylan until he was almost right next to her, eagerly announcing yet another nearby plant. Finnie couldn't help herself, she jumped straight up like a startled cat. Braced on all four legs like she was about to spring into a dead run, she met his eyes for the first time. "Oh!" she breathed, her gaze softening in wonder. What did they say about curiosity and that cat? "Those are magnificent! What do your muscles feel like when you stretch them? Are they heavy? Were you born with them? Can you fl-" she bit off the last question hurriedly. Can he fly? No, impossible! Not in her wildest dreams. "Can you feel them, like your own skin? If they're touched?" Finnie steered her question in a different direction, hoping he wouldn't connect the dots.