That gets a chuckle of sympathy from Inessa, a wry smile curving her lips. "I'm lucky to have gotten something of a crash course on that with the Wardens, though I can't say I didn't have some mishaps before them. The more pressing issue with me was realizing how quickly food can spoil--and sometimes not even visibly. As you might have guessed, I suffered for that. It's why the preservation technique with ice is important to me, in terms of passing it on."

She tilts her head, thoughtful. "I wouldn't mind learning more swimming techniques than you showed me up north, when you have the time. Though I admit I don't know where would be a decent spot for that nearby." And with them in the mountains and the weather cooling, that window is closing unless they travel north again.