"I Wouldn't Say Good. I Can Swim Sure, But I Can't Really Use My Wings When I Do. Not Built For It, And

"I wouldn't say good. I can swim sure, but I can't really use my wings when I do. Not built for it, and they tend to get waterlogged. Easier to just keep them tucked and paddle."

Golden Afternoon

He nods. "Alrighty. I should probably get a new swimsuit myself." he says absentmindedly. He continues eating his sandwich and pops open a bag of chips, offering them to her. "So, did you enjoy the lake?"

She takes a few. "Thanks. Yeah, it's really nice and peaceful up there. And the water was nice and cool, but not cold." she gets a tingle from remembering it.

"It's a surprisingly relaxing tree for something called a weeping willow." he says as he looks up as well. His mind wanders and he speaks the first thing that comes to his mind. "I'm really glad I met you." he states, not even thinking.

"I am too." she replies also without thinking. "It's been really nice, in spite of the injuries."

She takes a deep breath of the calm air, letting out slowly through her beak. Her head tilts back, half-lidded eyes watching the sun play through the leaves. Mottled shadows dance down on and around the two.

"Sounds like a plan, how about on the balcony, it's always got a nice breeze." he suggests, stretching a bit, his hand accidentally brushing against hers.

Her hand reflexively brushes back. “I was thinking under some of these trees actually." she looks around the periphery of the property “Like that big willow over there by the stream. I’ve never seen one in real life."

She heads for the house, subconsciously pulling him along to the kitchen.

"Oh there good folks. Brave, strong, and loyal. Some are wise, some smart. It's strange how varied a group we've found. Most every unit is integrated, there is no such thing as an all pony or all dragon unit." he explains. "It's part of how we work, we are protectors, and we help any in need. We even have a few changelings." he adds. "Our scientists are always interesting to."

"What do your scientists do?" images whirl in her imagination of mixed groups working on various projects in that huge complex.

Rider follows, suspecting something but deciding not to push. Instead he goes and gets some snacks and some drinks together so they can enjoy there little adventure.

Gale lives up to her species combo, making the sandwiches in a flash. Panting a bit, she breathes, “Okay, sandwiches are done. Got anything to carry them with?"

By now her coloring has gone to normal. Only slightly winded, she looks around at the unfamiliar cupboards, not that her own home had many accouterments either.