Aurel let out a small laugh as Illyana pulled out the small book. [color=#a7d3d4]"No, not at all. I made a bet with myself that you would find a way. I expected you to pull a book out of [i]somewhere[/i]."[/color] He said amusingly. This was something that had remained the same about Illy after all this years. She almost always had a book on her person, or relatively nearby, one way or another. 

[color=598527]"Not really a fair bet."[/color] She responded with a smile, causing him to chuckle. 

[color=#a7d3d4]"I take advantage of the bets I can win."[/color] He joked, before turning his gaze back onto the water, now in a brighter mood. There.. was no need to ruin such a good day with sad memories. Lucien was clearly in a good mood, and he wanted things to stay that way. He'd be sure to enjoy himself too.

[color=#a7d3d4]"Thank you."[/color] He said in a slightly quieter tone, giving her a grateful smile. [color=#a7d3d4]"I guess I will go for a swim. Would you mind keeping a look out for my snakes for me?"[/color] He asked. Usually if they were gone too long he went to go look for them to make sure they were okay. Of course the snakes could take care of themselves, but there were other predators out there. He didn't want any of them to come to harm. At that Illyana nodded, and Aurel began to head toward the water. 

As they had been speaking, the other carnies who weren't currently busy cleaning Cora's tank were beginning to set up a little. For these occasions they usually set up a smaller version of the mess area for food and drinks and other things. Having taken note of Aurel's intention to swim, Lucien turned to Geralt, mostly in an attempt to keep him distracted from that situation.

[color=burlywood]"Ah yes, I suppose I owe you an explanation. Part of the reason we came to the lake was to refill Cora's tank with fresh water. It's a bit of a process, but we all help out to make it as quick as possible. Once we've finished that, the rest of the day will be dedicated to celebration."[/color] He told him, no longer finding any need to keep the reason why they were here a secret. He was satisfied with having managed to clearly surprise the man at least twice in one day.