Sabine hummed with amusement. "I would, too." She opened her eyes to Karl. "You should join in as well. We could use your knowledge."

"Really?" Karl shot an interested look.

"Mhm," Sabine said. "You understand the city pipe structures better than us. Also..." The water sloshed as Sabine lifted her hand out and ran her palm over Karl's shoulder. "I want to work with you more."

Karl's face softened into a gentle smile. He shuffled closer to Sabine. "I'd like that," he said.

After Sabine and Karl exchanged their affectionate look, Karl looked to Meesei. "I didn't think I would be invited to a project the Champion was heading up. I probably didn't hide my nerves especially well at the beginning of the evening...and I certainly would not have been calm if I had been called upon for such a project before tonight. But, apart from all the..." Karl turned his hand just under the water's surface. "You know, arcane power, you are far less intimidating than the stories made you out to be, Meesei. Not to mean any offence, of course."