Exceptionally dramatic splashing and all, Vax sputtered and bobbed his way to the surface of the water, not sure and not especially caring how much of the motion was him and how much was the wet stuff around him. And when he was relatively certain he'd got to where he wasn't in actual danger of drowning, he looked from the white-haired one to the other and back, breaking a grin and cackling a laugh.

No, it didn't begin to take the place of Vex'ahlia. Nothing could, and there was no point in trying. But he was with his mates, those that knew her and loved her, too, which had to be the next best thing. It was a far sight better than being alone. It would do, for now.

At least until they squelched their way out again and found some towels.