"Oh, I couldn't possibly deprive you of valuable experience. A Hero must be able to survive without being coddled." The emphasis Jade put on the word survive was a mere accident, surely. "Don't worry, though -- I'll support you from here. There is nothing to be afraid of."

Except, of course, the sound of something large moving through swamp water. There was a certain quality in the sound that suggested this something may have been a touch on the slimy side.

If it was any consolation, Jade appeared perfectly calm and not in the least bit worried. Surely that was encouraging, wasn't it?