Still smiling, Sabine took Peiter's hands. She had not expected Peiter's reaction to be quite so flattering, but it certainly made her feel as though the veritable makeover was a great success. To reduce his apprehension, she drew him closer and guided his arms around her body before bringing her own arms around him. Feeling his racing heart in his chest would have made Sabine's own heart rate fly up in empathy if it had not already been fluttering. Now bringing her forehead to his, she whispered, "I am glad you like it," and then kissed him without heed to those around her.

There was a patient silence for a few moments, but Tzirret had a bashful reaction to the public display of affection. "Ahem, this one thinks he will try the waters further upstream," Tzirret said, looking and sounding awkward. He then paddled to the shore, retrieved his belongings, and began walking a distance away.