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He invited her into the pool and she had a single, horrifying moment of uncertainty as her heart leapt into her throat and she considered the ramifications of pitching herself into the ocean instead, but ultimately she obeyed. Dutifully, she dipped a paw in, an involuntary shiver working its way down her spine at the warmth and sensation of wet fur. Maybe it would feel nice the further in she waded, but for the moment, at least, she didn't press. Instead she glanced at him, saw that his eyes were no longer focused on her, and the tension between her shoulder blades began to ease.

She was still extremely Aware of his presence, though it was significantly easier without his eyes boring into her soul. She lifted her gaze ever so slightly to look out across the hot springs and wrack her brain for something to ask that wouldn't give too much away. Conversation was agonizing but the thought of just sitting in silence was even more so. What is this place? She asked, pitching her voice up a bit in her best approximation of childlike curiosity. It felt... weird.

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