She laughed a little, and almost went down with him. Then she moved to put her hand on his chest and said, "Close your eyes and think of something else besides the floating." Assuming he at least gave it a try, she gently guided him to lie back, and then put her hands under him. They did not wander. "Like this," she said softly, "Now breathe in and let it out."

Pony took a shaky breath trying to not think about floating or sinking as he let her help him float in the slowly waving water.

She slowly let go, moving her hands out from under him. "You're doing just fine, Pony," she said with approval. "Now sit up and put your feet down to stand up and try it on your own again."

Pony nodded but nearly slipped under again when he tried to right himself. He gave a sheepish grin before trying it. A couple of failed attempts later he was finally floating. "Ah! I did it!"

"You did! And you can do it again! Floating is very important, it could very well save your life if you ever get into a shipwreck. So is treading water." She grinned and then said, "I am starting to get famished, what about you?"

Pony laughed softly. "Well I don't plan on going on a ship if I can help it." He nodded a bit and took the excuse to walk with her back to land. He shivered as the wind was a bit chilly on his exposed skin that was now soaking wet.

When they got back to the blanket, Pearl grabbed one of the blankets she'd stuffed into the basket and put it around him, then paused when she was close to him. She tilted her head, about to ask something, but then didn't. Instead, she set their food up. She had made fried chicken again, pear tarts, and a spread that would probably last all day.

Pony smiled and wrapped it around himself. "You really thought of everything. Aren't you cold?" he asked as they were both still in their underwear but helped her take the food out to eat.

"I am used to it," she said with a chuckle. "You have to keep moving around and keep your blood flowing." Soon she sat down and dished him up some food, "And this ought to warm you as well."

Pony oh'd and smiled, "Thank you, Pearl." He waited so she would get herself some too before eating. "You're very generous."