Effy Stonem was not the type of girl who enjoyed operating on a strict schedule. Even in school, she had managed to float in and out of classes without drawing much of anyone's attention, a soft raise of her hand and a motion of her head towards the restroom had been all that she ever needed to do. People didn't question you, she'd learned, when there were no words on your tongue to tell any lies, when every single message was encapsulated in the bright blue of one's eyes. But for those she cared deeply about, Effy was capable of holding herself to the tick of the clock, and there was no doubt in her mind that Kate Gregson was one such person worth molding for, changing for.

And even though Kate had arrived late, the time hadn't been put entirely to waste, an intricate circle of whorls drawn all around Effy's person, from where she'd stretched from her seat, drawing overlaying flowers. Glancing up, she grinned and nodded in the direction of the canoe.

For such a short trip, they hadn't needed to pack much. Yet Effy had brought along enough for a party twice their number. Including a large bottle of water.

"Very prepared, then," she smiled.