23 Water Stalkers (2/2)

[Way to be subtle about it, dude.]

”Is this idiot move of the day?” HoneyBeard asked.

”It is!” Nedla replied with exaggerated enthusiasm.”Idiot move of the day is swimming in possibly shark-infested waters, with the bonus-feature of possible death by drowning due to swimming while wearing two—count them—two bedsheets.”

SmithGuild commented mildly.”They are actually bath sheets.And I for one appreciate individuals that comport themselves with a certain amount of dignity.For example by going about dressed.”

Nelda leaned back into the water, paddling with her arms to keep her head above water.That comment might have been taken as a jab at the satyrs, but looking over o Herby….

[Feathers: check.Fur check.Big flappy wings: check. Clothing… nada.]

”Oh, don't start, Smithy…” Herby began. ”You're such a prude.”

Not really eager to start another sibling debate, Nelda sighed.She took a deep breath and bobby under the water.Her eyes blinked open briefly.She saw bubblies, ad the fine sand stirred up into the water and a flash of something silver.

Nelda flailed to her feet and looked in that direction.But all she could see now was the sunlight sparkling off the broken ripples of the water.

”I should have asked.Are there sharks.Or other bitey things?” Nelda tried to stand, but she had drifted over a hollow in the sand and couldn't feel the ground.

SmithGuild's beak edges curved into that charming smile of his.”That's how you can tell someone is an adventurer.They act first and then ask the questions.”

”What a coincidence,” HoneyBeard muttered.That's also how you can tell someone's an idiot.”

BuglehHead was poking something at the edge of the water with a sun-beached stick and not paying much attention to any of them.

Nelda started doggy-paddling back to sure.”Doesn't exactly answer the question, guys.”

”I would say, not bitey as such.” SmithGuild turned to Herby.”What would you say, sister?Some things might be characterized as a tad squeezy, or somewhat stingy?”

Herby replied mildly, ”I would say more in the nature of prickly, or perhaps burny. And of course--”

Nelda began to paddle more vigorous.At that moment something latched securely onto Nelda's uninjured ankle.Before it yanked her down she had just enough time to say:

”Oh, sh—”