Dragoncrest Cliffs and be yourself my ally in love’s battle

A loyal seawolf, hmmm...

Merlin was not at all thrilled for the competition that was supposed to take place in water. Had he known that he would have to learn to love the sea quite literally, he would have thought twice upon joining. He had not approached the frickin' ice cold wet stuff ever since his failed stint with Erzulie and, though even now he sincerely wished to impress the object of his affections, there was a limit of, how far a chivalrous knight was ready (and able) to go. While standing on the start-line and looking grimly at the stretch he would have to swim, he dearly wanted to opt out. He was a land wolf, a forest wolf at heart. Who swam only, when necessary or to cool off in a hot summer day. Not now.

He could opt out - surely there would be people, who would want to take his place, he glimpsed over his shoulder and was surprised to see quite a few disappointed and pissed off expressions there. And were it not for Haunt on that side and Erzulie on the other, he would have politely refused to participate and given up his place to someone else. Things being as they were - his pride decided to flex its muscles and show off at the least appropriate moment. Okay, he would do this. After all, what was the worst that could happen? Die?

While waiting for the start signal, he had a sinking feeling in his chest that dying was not at all least likely outcome for a wolf, who hardly knew, how to handle ocean. Let alone one in wintertime.