"Much better." Symon pulled his legs up, arms braced on his knees, leaning down to catch his breath. More and more of his merrow features disappeared, but the scales remained, speckling his skin, following the lines of his spine and shoulders. After a moment he sat up and looked at Waver.

"Well," He said his voice mild, "I can't recommend you getting in the water." As he spoke, he groped for one of his treasures, fingers caressing over his hoard.