Blackwater Islands Oh Comely

Apart from the harsh, biting chill of the freezing water, this had been the first happy moment of Whip's life since the time before his father's death -- perhaps even further still. He found it easier to stay afloat as he went along, and after a few moments, Whip no longer worried as he had before. Akantha took his side close by, and while he knew his presence among the neriedes was expendable at best, her presence was reasuring. As to why she showed him kindness, Whip was unsure.

As Whip's head bobbed clumsily above the water, a foreign expression crossed his face. A smile. "Holy fuck, I'm doing it," he uttered in suprise of himself. Swimming came easy, but Whip found it to be hard work. Soon enough, he grew tired.

Turning back to shore, Whip sought the comfort of solid ground. When his paws finally made landfall, he looked back to Akantha and wondered aloud, "How can I remember how to do something when I've never done it before?" What the matriarch had said held Whip's attention. His curiosity was genuine and childlike.