It was hot, even for the early morning, and spots like this were so rare that for a moment she thought she was seeing things. Still, Rowan picked up the pace, digging her heels into Buttons' sides and shifting in her seat atop the animal. They both took a long-needed plunge as Buttons sank belly deep in clear, cold water. Rowan squealed as it splashed up around her, soaking her thighs and belly. She swung her leg over the creature's back and slid off easily, hands raised in the air as she sank to her knees in the crystal liquid. She opened her eyes once under the surface, cheeks puffed out with air and crazy hair swirling about her in the disturbed water. This was such a nice change from the sand of the surrounding dessert, which still itched in places she didn't know she had. Buttons stamped a foot and Rowan resurfaced with an extravagant whip of her hair over her shoulders. She grinned and looked down at herself as she stood, glancing over her shoulder briefly.  She was reflected rather beautifully on the shiny surface, shaking out her hair and smiling seductively at herself. Buttons snorted.

"Why can't you wait?" a gruff voice behind her said. She turned to see a very lean, very tall, man doubled over trying to catch his breath. He'd obviously ran here. Sweat dripped profusely from his forehead and nose, hair as soaked as her own. He lacked a shirt, which she wasn't at all complaining about, but his trousers were dark with sweat and other stains. "Come in the water, Maddy," Rowan sighed gently, a patient smirk on her face. Maddox gave a single nod and fell to his knees beside the pool. He splashed it in his face a few times before pausing to catch his breath and grin up at his friend, "I went longer today."