Maybe he was a wee bit stronger than he'd given himself credit for.

She collapsed on his chest with enough force to rattle the entire boat, thoroughly wetting his own hair and robes. He propped himself on his elbows and shot her a pointed glance that said 'really?', but the look faded from his face after a minute and was replaced with a smile and a muffled chuckle.

"You've got seaweed in your hair," he laughed, plucking away a piece that hung down in front of her face. He sat up then, gently pushing her weight off him. He looked down at his own robes and silently prayed that they'd dry before they reached the castle. He didn't want to bring any added attention to himself; he figured he'd already be getting interrogated about the girl's fall.

"Hey," he said after a momentary silence. "What's your name anyways?"

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