They were stopped again. It was actually the first time they'd stopped that day, but it felt like more because of their late start and all the stops the previous day. Koleyn was finding it hard to keep his eyes off the slender blue limbs as they moved through the water. Oriel was intoxicating when in its element.

His thoughts stopped as he found himself drenched. There was musical laughter and he became aware of Oriel swimming to the other side of the small pond they'd found.

"Come in!" the sea creature called hopefully.

"Someone has to watch for trouble," Koleyn said, repeating his standard answer.

"I hear you, gentle one. And if I can surprise you, then you aren't the one to watch. Come in!"

Despite resentment of the accusation, Koleyn quickly found himself as naked as his companion and in the water. It was as cold as he'd expected, but almost as soon as he was wet, Oriel was at his side, and the water didn't seem as cold then.

The blue creature seemed conpletely enchanted that he had joined the water games although its fish companions weren't. It lowered into the water to cajol them back, and Koleyn was surrounded and introduced as though he were meeting Oriel's family.

Although with what Oriel was, it was completely possible. The elf put a hand in the water to touch the fish as Oriel did. Their fingers brushed and Koleyn was struck with the fact that there was something different about Oriel in water.

Oriel smiled at him, pulling its hand back. It moved into the water, swimming to the other side with a few strokes. Like the fish he'd just been introduced to, Koleyn felt compelled to follow, catching the slim hands in his own when he reached the other side.

There was a still moment while Oriel seemed to be searching for something. A noise nearby broke it and Oriel smiled gleefully and pushed Koleyn under water.

Koleyn came up spluttering and determined not to be beat at the game, even by a water creature. He followed Oriel under water, unable to match the blue one stroke for stroke, but trying his hardest.

He didn't know when the fish started circling him as much as his companion, but he felt like they were urging him on, enjoying the game as much as the to laughing creatures who were playing. He caught the elusive figure after a time and stood, breathing heavy, shaking reddish hair out of his eyes, while holding it.

"What do I get?"

"Get?" Oriel asked in curiosity, letting itself hang in Koleyn's grip, legs floating in the water.

"For catching you. There has to be some prize."

The musical laughter floated through him. "Perhaps when you catch me when I'm not swimming slowly for you," it offered.

"No, no," Koleyn said, grip tightening slightly. "I want a prize now." He leaned closer, breathing the sea salt scent of Oriel. Salt even in a freshwater pond. Oriel's face, open and childlike, was turned toward his in a cross of anticipation and curiosity.

Before he could touch the other more than he was, Oriel's head turned sharply in one direction. "Koleyn," it said, hands suddenly gripping the elf's arms tightly and shaking slightly.

Koleyn turned. On the bank of the pond, too close to his sword and clothes, were humans. Staring at them.