Fendros looked up and considered going for a swim, then lokoed down at Rhazii. "What do you think, little one? Want to go down to the water?" Fendros asked quietly. Rhazii stuck a hand in his mouth and looked obliviously up at Fendros, before looking at Ahnasha, then turning around to look at someone else. Fendros looked up and managed a smile, "I wouldn't mind cooling off."

"Me neither," Janius concurred.

Everyone began to sit up now that dinner was done. The rice and vegetables had gone down a treat, it seemed, and some swimming in the clean ocean might be nice before it got too dark. As everyone began to walk down, Sabine brushed up by Ariel and looked up at her, "Do you go swimming in the ocean often, Ariel?"

Ariel shook her head, "Not as much as I would like. It's a nice relief from the heat, but I'm too busy most days." She glanced down at her dress, "In fact, I think I'll stay sitting on the edge of the water for now."

In response, Sabine pulled a smile and lowered her brow in joking frustration, "Come, sister. Join us in the water."

There was a quiet laugh from Ariel, partly from Sabine's insistence, but also in surprise that Sabine would talk in such a way. She was normally extremely nervous and quick about asking people to do even the simplest of things. "Very well, Sabine, I'll just have to find a clean spot for my dress."

The group was being headed by Janius as they approached the water, more out of coincidence than knowing where to go. It was barely thirty paces before Janius paused to navigate his way down the chest-high stone outcrop that delimited the soil from the beach. The water ahead advanced and retreated with surprising calmness, but given the smoothness of the stone Janius climbed down, the stormier nights probably made for ferocious tides. Before going any further, Janius began to remove his armour and equipment. Fendros was especially careful descending the outcrop, opting to squat down and lower Rhazii into Ahnasha's hands once she was on the sand.