"While it's true that most of my people dislike water for the mere fact that we are unable to fly if our wings are soaked, it's not a normal trait to fear the water. My brother Opal has been able to teach himself how to swim, and even dive. He likens it to flying, but you have to hold your breath. My fear is... not entirely irrational." Onyx wasn't sure whether to say the reason, but then decided that if he knew he might not try to force her into the water again. 

"Once, when we were living in a different nest, we had a river nearby along with a tribe of creatures whom we did not get along with. I was very young still, so I don't remember much of why we did not get along, but I do remember the reason we left. These creatures, I do not remember their name, attacked us. They knew that we could not fly when our wings got wet, so they gathered as many children as they could and dragged us to the river... I remember fire and yelling, and then I was under the water, unable to move." Onyx shivered and landed to walk beside Tarentek again. 

"I appreciate your apology, and your offer, however I think I'd rather stay as far from the water as possible. I can trust in people like my brother to save me if it should come to a situation like that, and Olias will not allow me to fall into water should I fall while in flight."