Ernesto let out a small chuckle at Selenium’s question, although he let the sights answer it for him once they emerged from the foliage on the bank of the real lagoon. The whole territory was indeed damp and murky, but the water at the heart of it was its namesake, and the most beautiful part of it, that was for certain.

Judging by the way Selenium’s expression softened, and the compliment she gave it after a moment’s observation, Ernesto could see that even she couldn’t deny that, even if she might have liked to just to prove him wrong.

He smiled as he watched her drink it in for a few moments before she began to speak. Ernesto had not been around long enough to hear most of the horror stories of the Lagoon, but even in his short time on these islands he had heard enough rumours to understand the impression some residents seemed to have of the bachelor group.

“I have to say,” he replied, the smirk still clinging to his lips, “not many ladies are brave enough to march in here all alone. But if you ask me I think a lot of the men here are gatitos, really – they’re all talk.”

He paused a moment, watching her.

“Where do you come from then, Selenium? No horror stories of your home?”

ernesto
heartbreak is savvy and love is a bitch