His eyes go a little wider too. Of course it makes more sense than not for the wings to be functional, and avian intelligence is far from unheard of, even on this level, but it's still really fucking cool.

"Wonderful. You know, I've always wondered what it would be like, being able to fly. Under my own steam, I mean."

Not being able to talk around Julian is a big, big problem. He could go on for hours - and probably will, with no one to shut him up. Luckily (or not?) he doesn't need or even really expect a reply. He's happy more or less just talking to himself.

"Oh!" But... not entirely. "How remiss--! I'm sorry, I should have asked at first, but you know how it is, so easy to get distracted, but better late than never I'm sure. Is there any name you're, well, presumably you don't actually use a name as I would think of it, but-- well, have you got one? Something you'd prefer to be called? And - oh, damn - if you do, a method of, er, communicating it?"

He almost wishes he hadn't brought it up. Or at least that he'd figured out that question in his head before trying to ask it.