"I see. You startled me," Howl says to explain himself, although he still sounds distinctly unamused. They begin to descend back towards the ground together, with Howl keeping his arm wound tightly around her waist. By the time their feet lightly touch the floor — both of Howl's healthy and normal again — even more of the tension has left his body and his face.

"...And I imagine it would startle just about anyone else, as well." Finally, he lets go of her, taking a half-step away. "I'd wager it will prove to be quite a useful trick."