Aresenn stood tall and proud, his thick fur bristling in the frigid autumn air. The scent of saltwater and ice filled his senses as he gazed out at the vast expanse of the Polar Sound. Its waters were a deep shade of cerulean, surely to be frozen in time and unyielding to those who dared challenge its icy depths. Across the channel lay Arden Glacies, once a powerful volcano now submerged beneath the surface. Its jagged edges protruded from the water, offering little insight into its mysterious interior. But Aresenn was determined to uncover its secrets, no matter how freezing the journey may be.

Aresenn knew that as the winter months approached, a frozen pathway would form, connecting the isolated island to the mainland. He had experienced it before in the previous year, but now, in mid-autumn, the waters were still wide open and treacherous. The frothy waves crashed against the rocky shore, daring anyone to attempt to cross the channel. Even for a seasoned wolf like Aresenn, this was no easy feat. The icy waters tested one's endurance and strength, demanding the utmost respect for the raw power of nature. Each step was a calculated risk, as the wolf carefully navigated through the frigid currents.

Despite the treacherous journey that lay ahead, Aresenn felt a surge of determination coursing through his veins. He stood at the edge of the icy channel, steeling himself for the daunting task ahead. The frigid waters lapped against his skin, causing his muscles to tense and his breath to become shallow. But he was undeterred. With each step forward, he could feel the weight on his shoulders lifting, replaced by a fierce determination to conquer this challenge one stroke at a time. And just before his breath was stolen from him, he issued a call for those willing to accompany him. And so, with a deep breath and unwavering focus, Aresenn plunged into the freezing depths to begin the acclimation process, ready to face whatever obstacles awaited him on his journey to Arden Glacies.

"Aresenn Praetor"

Lingering around the shores of The Polar Sound with Rhazien, Azoula was discussing the recent events in Saffron with the brute. She knew him well, having grown up alongside him- though, she was always one step beneath him and his family, being their Sidi handler. Often she spoke to him formally, unable to morph into casual conversation. But she enjoyed his company, nonetheless- even if she got pervert vibes from him. Reaching the western portion of the beach, Azoula caught the silhouette of a crimson frame in her peripheral vision. A large male she’d seen at the pack meeting, stalking along the shore before slowly entering the shallows. Was he swimming to the island in those frigid, treacherous waters? Interested, given she was a navigator herself. Azoula looked towards Rhazien, who also seemed intrigued. Together, they walked over to Aresenn, answering his call. How did he plan to navigate this she wondered? With Rhazien’s OK, she slipped into the frigid waters- pelt bristling out of reflex, moving out towards Aresenn until she couldn’t feel the bottom anymore. Water was starting to splash over her head, her muscles quivering from the cold. Looking towards Aresenn, she gave him a look of what the hell now? ”Speech”

Walking along the shore with Azoula, they were locked in conversation- she was updating on his family’s conditions, and any important events that transpired in his absence. Unsurprisingly, things seemed to be the same, which satisfied him. He was about ready to dismiss her, but her attention shifted elsewhere- falling on the crimson frame of Aresenn, who was sauntering along the shore. Then, he went inside the ocean, which was rougher than in previous days. Did he have a death wish? Motioning for Azoula to follow, he heeded the man's call. “You crazy or what?” He’d say, genuinely curious as to what Aresenn wanted to achieve by navigating the treacherous waters. Couldn’t he wait until the tides died down? Following after Aresenn, Rhazien plunged into the frigid water. “Fuck, this is colder than a few days ago.” He says, musing of his journey to the island with Medulla. But surely, Aresenn had a plan right? Or was he just an adrenaline junkie? ”Speech”

Delaeni had been searching for Azoula, her heart pounding with worry as she combed the shoreline for any sign of her friend. It wasn’t until her ears perked up at the sound of a distant call that she finally found the lioness. She turned toward the sound, her teal eyes widening in surprise as she saw Azoula and Rhazien walking toward a large, crimson wolf who had ventured into the frigid waters. Aresenn's call seemed to echo across the icy expanse, drawing Delaeni's attention like a magnet.

Frantically, Delaeni followed after them, her paws pounding against the rocky shore as she tried to keep pace. As she neared the water's edge, however, she hesitated. The water looked cold, far colder than anything she had ever experienced before. Her heart raced as she watched Azoula and Rhazien wade out into the icy depths, to join Aresenn in his crossing of the channel.

"Delaeni Terblanche"

As the group of four approached, Aresenn turned to face them with a confident yet welcoming smile. Azoula, Rhazien, and Delaeni's expressions were a mix of curiosity and uncertainty, their brows furrowed and muscles tense against the bitter cold. But Aresenn could sense their apprehension, and he knew it was his responsibility to ease their fears. With a subtle nod, he began to explain the basics of swimming in icy water, "Listen closely," Aresenn began, his voice steady and authoritative. "Swimming in icy water is not like swimming in warmer waters. The cold can sap your strength quickly, so it's important to conserve your energy and move efficiently." He demonstrated a few strokes, showing them how to propel themselves through the water with minimal effort. "Keep your movements smooth and controlled," Aresenn continued as he began the daunting journey toward the island.

"Aresenn Praetor"

Oh? Azoula hadn’t expected Delaeni to arrive- the small, lithe frame of the dog appearing in her peripheral, causing her head to whirl around as those volcanic orbs narrowed in on her friend. And when she followed after them, stopping at the shore of the frigid waters. Azoula shot her an expression that read, this is too dangerous for you Laney. Prompting her to stay where it was safe and observe. But whether or not she listened, was an entirely different thing. Aresenn started speaking to them, giving guidance on how to navigate swimming in the colder waters. They needed to keep their movements smooth and controlled, which Azoula could do with ease. Slowing down, she paddled against the waves in more calculated movements- keeping her head above the water, conserving her stamina.   ”Speech”

What was this? A small, dog girl arrived at the shore, hesitant to jump into the water but she had come to Aresenn’s call nonetheless- a girl he remembered quite well from Saffron, but hadn’t seen until now. Delaeni, the AWD. She’d been a prize more than a true Sidi- Apollyon had been drawn to the oddity of her beauty, and hadn’t torn the girl up too much. More than anything, he remembered how Azoula hawked over the girl- almost possessively. Oh, he’d have to investigate this dynamic further. Surely Apollyon wouldn’t have released the girl so easily to Azoula? Aresenn’s voice pulled his attention back to the task, the treacherous waves pushing against his body, as he fought to stay afloat. Conserve their energy, and keep their movements smooth and controlled. With a smirk, Rhazien did just that- trying out Aresenn’s teachings. It seemed to help too, because he felt more in control now, paddling against the waves with more ease than before. ”Speech”

Delaeni watched as Azoula, Rhazien, and Aresenn started their journey across the icy waters, their movements smooth and controlled. She hesitated for a moment, her teal eyes scanning the horizon as she debated whether to follow them or stay behind. But her worry for Azoula's safety outweighed her fear of the cold water, and with a deep breath, she plunged into the frigid depths.

The water was breathtakingly cold, sending a shock through her body as it enveloped her. Delaeni's muscles tensed against the chill, but she forced herself to keep moving, kicking her legs and paddling her paws in a slow and steady rhythm. She could feel the cold seeping into her bones, but she pushed through it, focusing on Aresenn's instructions to conserve her energy and move efficiently.

As she swam, Delaeni could hear Aresenn's voice echoing in her mind, guiding her through the icy waters. She tried to mimic his smooth and controlled movements, pushing against the waves with determination. It was a struggle, but she refused to give up, afraid of the consequence of turning back now.

"Delaeni Terblanche"

Aresenn watched as Azoula, Rhazien, and Delaeni followed his instructions, their movements becoming more controlled and efficient with each stroke. He could see the determination in their eyes, the will to conquer this challenge despite the icy waters that threatened to sap their strength. As they swam, Aresenn stayed close, offering encouragement and correcting their technique when needed.

"Very good," Aresenn called out, his voice carrying over the sound of the crashing waves. "Remember to breathe steadily and stay calm. You're doing great." As they neared the halfway point, Aresenn knew it was time to impart the final lesson of swimming in icy waters. "Now, as we approach the halfway point, you'll start to feel the effects of the cold more intensely," he explained. "Your muscles may start to stiffen, and your movements may become more difficult. But it's important to stay focused and keep moving forward. Focus on your breathing," Aresenn instructed. "Inhale deeply and exhale slowly, keeping your body relaxed. Let the water support you, and use your strokes to propel yourself forward." They were doing it. They were nearly there.

"Aresenn Praetor"

Tsk. She heard the splash behind her, head swiveling to look over her shoulder and sure enough, Laney had jumped into the water to swim after her. Slowing down, she let herself fall behind the two male wolves, wanting Delaeni to reach her before she turned her attention back to Aresenn. So she could grab her if she started to drown. Breathe steady and stay calm. Well, Azoula had been pretty calm before Delaeni jumped into the waters. Still, she’d listen to the wolf’s instructions- they’d reached the halfway point, the island in the distance materializing with more clarity now. And Aresenn was right- the effects of the cold were far more intense now- her limbs starting to feel numb, making it more difficult to swim at an even pace. But she kept moving forward, her main motivator being Delaeni’s safety now. Her eyes shifted over to the girl, making sure she was treading the water appropriately, as they inched towards the island.   ”Speech”

Laughter bellowed from the beast, amusement spreading across his face as Delaeni plunged into the ocean's depths. What a daring, little Sidi. Either she had confidence in her swimming skills, or she was confident Azoula would save her if need be. Looking back at her, Rhazien would flash her a smirk, before looking at Azoula. A look of this is interesting morphing across his features. Turning to Aresenn, he was giving them more instructions. They’d reached the halfway mark, the island far off now. Good. His legs had grown numb, his breathing more haggard now but he took Aresenn’s teachings and slowed it down, focusing on relaxing his body and using the momentum of the waves to propel himself forward. ”Speech”

Delaeni felt a surge of adrenaline as she swam, her body slicing through the icy waters with determined strokes. She could feel the cold seeping into her bones, causing her muscles to stiffen and her movements to become more sluggish. But she refused to give up, pushing herself to keep moving forward.

As Aresenn's voice echoed in her mind, Delaeni tried to focus on his instructions. She breathed steadily, inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly, trying to keep her body relaxed despite the biting cold. She could feel the water supporting her, and she used her strokes to propel herself forward, keeping her eyes locked on the island in the distance.

As they reached the halfway point, Delaeni felt the effects of the cold intensify. Her limbs grew numb, and it became harder to maintain a steady pace. But she pushed through, determined to reach the island with the others. She glanced over at Azoula, who was swimming nearby, her eyes filled with concern and apprehension. They were going to make it.

"Delaeni Terblanche"