The genuinely touched smile, not the playful one but every bit as vibrant, that River considered her nicest feature was offered in thanks to the compliment. Her appearance wasn't as prim and orderly as other's, and she wasn't nearly as gorgeous as Inara, but to be called beautiful by someone, especially when she could see an idea of what he truly considered most beautiful in his heart, well. It was more than a comfort. Perhaps she even felt a bit shy, dancing along the road she'd come to find along the way.

"Would it be too painful to ask about what she's like?" she wondered quietly, gently as a girl or a dove could land on a thin branch.