<i>I would still win, in the end.</i><br/><br/>"No doubt," Ryland said, still smiling. If that bothered him, it certainly couldn't be read in his demeanor. In fact, he looked almost pleased about it. "Though whether I would be miserable drenched would depend entirely how well and fast I was warmed up again after."<br/><br/>He'd expected more resistance to his flirting, but so far Kethaias was curled toward him, eyes bright, the threat of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Ryland took that last as blantant invitation, even teasing. Hunger and eagerness rose up, ready to push for his win. It had become less about the bet than what Kethaias would<i>allow.</i>A much finer and delicate sport, Ryland mused.<br/><br/>The water was, in fact, freezing. Coming down off the mountains from ice-melt and then running through this cliff-face, it was cold and clear even in this late summer day. Still, Ryland couldn't imagine Kethaias as anything but practical if they both fell in, which was a pity. The best he thought he could tempt at the omens was that smile, but it wouldn't be for lack of trying.<br/><br/>Which Kethaias seemed to want as well.<br/><br/>"Oh? Well, what next should I talk about? I fear I might offend you, or disturb this mood," he said, "which seems such a rare thing for you." That might have soured Kethaias right away, but Ryland enjoyed his needling even as he knew how to soften it.<br/><br/>"I don't want to end up over the side of this boat, after all, even if I take you with me." He shot Kethaias a smile, then, deliberately, wound the braid around his hand with turns of his wrist until it was just shy of taut.<br/><br/>He glanced down at the braided coil, as though noticing it in detail for the first time.<br/><br/>"Your hair is so fine. I've wanted my hands in it since I saw you." He bent his head to nuzzle his cheek across it, to feel the smooth strands pass over his skin. His hold on it didn't slacken:<i>Come here.</i><br/><br/>"You seem to be feeling better, at least. I'd like to take credit, but I'd rather the job wasn't quite done yet," he said, another wicked smile flickering over his mouth, "so think carefully if you are or not."