Cora, Amari, Reese, and Vercyn all arrive the rest all following a determined Cora. She arrives with a bright grin and a rather excited expression, "This is going to be fun!"

Thorley is with Violet, going over the last parts of the preparations for the event. "You know.. in my younger days when I did this with the Navy, we usually just had a few kegs of ale and whisky and jumped off the end of the dock after the prayer." There's a smirk at that, as he holds the dark blue shift around to protect against a gust of wind.

Glancing aside to his wife, he draws in a breath and touches her stomach. "Wish us luck?" he asks his wife as he straightens and guides towards the water to begin the celebration when others start to arrive.

Arriving to the beaches is a much more casually dressed Sir Enoch Grayson of the Kings Own. He arrives alone but seems to smile at how many people gathered for such an occasion. "Well, this should be interesting."

Rowenova and Asher head down the long beach toward the party crowd over there. Upon finally arriving, Rowenova waves over to their lovely host and hostess.

Vercyn always seems to travel with a gaggle of princesses and ladies, doubtlessly because of his raw animal magnetism... and this evening is no exception. Of course, he is usually quite content to follow the excitable young ladies like a protective dad, and he does trail behind with his hands behind his back, looking like anytime now he will call out and tell them to slow down, or watch their steps.

Reese arrives along with Coraline in the others. She glances over the area, having a smile of greeting for those gathered here. "It might be fun. It might be painful to." She says, but seems to be in a cheerful mood and she smiles over to Coraline after her words.

Lethe arrives to the event with an eager grin. She looks around with a curious look to see who else is here.

Barric had arrived at the beach early for the upcoming event and the 'Polar Plunge'. He had stayed away from any other groups that had formed instead choosing to stand off a bit away where he could observe without intruding at all. He speaks quietly to his attendant upon occasion, the young woman taking notes, but otherwise the Grayson Prince seems a bit distanced from everyone else for the time being. It isn't until the celebrating seems to be beginning that Barric walks over towards the gathering. A few polite nods are given here and there but otherwise Barric just remains silent.

Marian arrives at the beach, a lot lighter than the armor that she usually wears. She's got a woolen tunic and breeches with a heavy cloak and boots that can easily be removed for the polar bear swim. She also has removed her weapons, carrying only a knife. There is a flask that she keeps in her cloak pocket that has the scent of whiskey, showing that the warrior princess has brought fortification along.

Arik makes his way through the crowd dressed down in loose linens hardly warm enough for the end of winter, but definitely a better choice than furs and leathers for jumping into an ocean. He doesn't say much just offers an idle wave to the Commandant and her husband once he nears the couple.

Perched beside her husband by the coffee table, and wrapped in a very warm cloak against the chill, stands Violet. There is a grin on her face as she leans into the kiss. "Ahhh, well, luck for us both eh? We should probably say something," She notes as more and more people arrive.

Turning to the masses she steps forward. In her best and boldest voice she booms in her best field commander voice, "WELCOME TO THE POLAR PLUNGE EVERYONE! WHO IS EXCITED?"

Dandy, the red fox arrives, following Etienne.

Kit, the grey fox, a tiny man with a BIG unpronounceable name, 1 Greenmarch Guard, Q, a very tall man with a very short name, Etienne arrive, following Monique.

Titania comes walking down the beach wrappe din a blue velvet cloak its hood half pulled up just resting on the top of her head. Her ocean blue eyes look around to see who has shown for the Polar Plunge.

Lisebet wouldn't miss it, totally here to show support for Thorley and Violet. So she makes her way down, offering a quiet wave to everyone she recognizes. As Violet calls out, she laughs, and cheers. "Hurrah!"

Approaching the ocean is Enoch, taking his boots off as if to feel how the water is. Of course, it's freezing cold, but he mutters a soft prayer. "May the Gods bless us today and prevent any accidents from happening." He then stands and moves towards the group, waving at Princess Reese. "Hello cousin."

Amari might not look like she shares Coraline's enthusiasm, exactly. She does, however, look determined. Steeled. She walks with purpose and she stares out at the cold seawater like she's going to punch it in the face. "We can do this." She announces to her small party, confident, strong, and then, "It's not over our head is it? I can't swim very well." Okay, that was far less confident, but as they get closer to the water, it looks more and more unfriendly to her, clearly. She looks away and happens to spot Lethe who she waves to, beckoning her over.

Felicia doesn't particularly go far without her sword, so she's got Persuasion, and her heavy badger-fur cloak, but instead of her off duty leathers the redheaded Harrow elder's opted to come down in black linens. And boots. Boots which are presently being removed methodically as she eyes the water like 'what the hell am I thinking?'. Distracted, to say the least.

"Painful, bah, life is pain!" Cora cheers to Reese then says softly to Amari, "You won't drown, I won't let you. Just stay near me and it will be fine." She smiles encouragingly. "And this will earn you respect from the Thraxians I am sure." Says a Thraxian. She hears Violent in her Commandant voice and cheers loudly, "Wooo LETS DO IT!"

Lethe waves back to Amari and smiles as she walks over to her and the group she is with. "Hello." She looks to everyone. "This should be fun."

Marian laughs as the water is tested and found freezing. She starts untying her boots, getting ready to make the plunge when Violet asks if folks are ready. She lets out a shout, letting the Commandt know that she is ready to jump into the freezing water, "Ready!"

Rosalie arrives from the docks where her uncle's ship is docked, having used his cabin to change to more appropriate clothing while he's attending to business elsewhere in the city. A simple linen shirt and pants, heavy boots, and a thick wool cloak that she keeps tucked around her tightly to stay as warm as possible. It would seem the young lady intends to participate! She offers a bright smile and wave towards Coraline as she approaches.

Arik spies his Uncle in the crowd and makes his way away from Violet and Thorley towards Vercyn, "Uncle I see you've arrived in your normal manner." he rumbles with a glance at Coraline and Reese before moving to unbuckle his swordbelt. "Care to hold the House blade for however long I am in the water?" he wonders even as he's drawing the dual swordbelt off his hips.

Monique arrives on the arm of the resplendant Archlector of Gild, looking warily down at the frigid waters where people have congregated. The Minx of the Marches leans in to murmur something to Etienne, huddling deeper within the dark green of her coat.

At the question of who is ready or not, Barric unbuckles his sword belts and hands them over to Ahsha, the woman taking hold of them carefully and respectfully... like she might treat a poisonous snake about to bite her. Once the sword belts are done though Barric removes his coat and strips down to small clothes, because polar bears wear small clothes. Or something. Either way he folds the clothing up and hands it over to the woman before he makes his way down towards the waters edge, "There is a similar ritual to this up north isn't there Princess?" He asks Marian curiously, crouching down on the balls of his feet to test the temperature of the surf when it comes up.

Reese smiles over to Enoch. "Oh, Sir Enoch, hi." She say sin his direction. She then glances over to Marian as she starts to read. "I guess we should get ready to." Reese starts to strip down to her bloomer sand camisole. "Oh....cold..." She says, already. She then turns to Arik, giving him a wave. "Lord Arik, hi!"

Reese smiles over to Barric as well, waving her cousin's direction.

Cora starts stripping down all non essential clothing wearing finally nothing but a shift, trousers and a dagger with a ship onit. Rosalie gets a bright wave, "Ah Rosalie, come meet Amari, she is marrying into Thrax." Arik gets a respectful nod, "I do believe I meant to speak to you Sword Arik, not now of course, but how about a bottle of whiskey in a few days?" Monique and Etienne get a cheerful wave as well.

Reese notices Monique and blows a kiss in her direction.

"Mayhap I'll be about the spirits if you're looking for me or you can write." Arik says to Coraline and Reese get an easy grin and a dip of his head. "Princess Marian, care for a wager?" he asks even as he pulls his lengthy braid around from behind his back and carefully checks that a pink satin ribbon is properly secured and isn't going to go floating off into the ocean.

When Asher arrives with Rowenova, he looks like he's brought a warm blanket or three. Why? Because damn cold water, that's why. He had cheered when Violet had asked who was excited, perhaps louder than he meant to cheer. For now, he's laying out the blankets so that there might be a spot for him and whoever else to sit. And then he's starting to pull off that leather armor because he'll be damned if he misses out on the freezing fun.

Barric lifts a hand in a wave and a small smile to Reese in response to her wave but doesn't look to be heading over to join the group she is a part of today.

"Hello, Lady Amari! You're marrying one of my... second or third cousins! I can't recall which at the moment, might be the tiny chill in the air!" Rosalie calls back towards Coraline and Amari, lifting a hand in the air even as she sheds her cloak and boots, moving to join the insane that are going to step into the frigid waters. She looks to Coraline and shrugs, "Scholars can take the plunge too, right? I expect I'll set a record for fastest out of the water." Grinning broadly despite the chill that raises goosebumps on her skin.

After the kiss to his cheek, Thorley grins. "Yes, luck for us. And trying to stay warm in the cloak is cheating." Winking at his wife, the knight ventures forth. Eventide is secured around his waist over his shift. And then, in his best command style voice, the knight calls out after a polite bow.

"Thank you all for coming today. Back in Westrock, there is usually far more booze involved in this event than we have on hand today - but the event is still one of celebration. As the end of the winter comes, we are here to ask Mangata to give us her fairest seas and best winds to guide us in the coming spring and summer."

He bites on his lip for a moment, then straightens and continues. "After a short prayer, we shall all enter the water. If you did not bring a shift with you and wish to partake, we have shifts available for you. If you wish to remain on the beach, you are welcome to stay and observe."

"For those that wish to enter the water, it is a matter of endurance. How long can you remain, how much warmth you wish to spend to Mangata - she will not take all." He hopes, at least. "The last ones out of the water will be given prizes. Commandant Sandreef-Marjawn has created a beautiful mask for the event and a top prize has been commissioned from Dame Harrow and will be presented when completed."

As his excitable, nubile /charges/ are leaping ahead for the plunge, Vercyn slows down just in time for Arik to approach. He nods to the younger Halfshav's question, holding out a palm for said house blade, but notes wryly as well. "You do intend to take it back, I trust? Remember, you are from Whitehold, where we consider /this/ sort of weather mild. Show these people how we handle the cold in the north, hmm?"

Reese gets a white linen bathing smock with pink roses and ribbons from a willow woven basket lined with petal pink wool.

Reese has a bathing smock on that is adorned with pink roses and pink ribbons.

"Alright, I'm hanging onto the Thrax and the Tyde." Amari smiles, confidence buoyed by Coraline and Lethe as she squeezes in between them, and grins at the latter, "It will be something... I thought I should get in Mangata's good graces before our trip to the Isle. Did you have the same thought?" Hearing Arik she glances his way and dips her head, "Lord Arik. Does your Uncle float by chance? He looked like he might. I was hoping." At Rosalie's approach, and Cora's introduction, she nods politely to her, "Ah, hello. You were at Paint and Wine night, I recall."

Etienne surveys the robust collection of brave souls in various states of disrobing on the beach. The sea whipping up the air and causing his light pale hair to become a tangled mess upon his head. The glittery over coat is pulled tightly around him and as he stares into the distance, leaning slightly to one side to ask his companion a question. "Are you.. entirely sure you won't join in?" he asks with a smile lighting up his face. "You will at least hold my coat?" he asks Monique

Marian gives a nod to Barric, "I believe there is such a thing in the North but I have never had the pleasure of participating." She gives a salute to Reese who greets her, "Your highness, it is good to see you." She glances back to Violet and Thorley as things get started. She listens carefully as Thorley explains the rules, taking another sip of whiskey to prepare herself for the deep chill.

Felicia leaves her gear with Merril before electing to pad over towards Thorley and Violet, a nod offered towards Rowenova, Arik and others as she finds a spot to linger, arms clasped about her,"Gods I must be insane." she mutters, mostly for Violet, already eyeing the cloak Merril's holding as she endeavors to suck it up and try to focus on what's to come.

Enoch happens to smile a little bit as Violet and Thorley give the announcements and commencements that after the prayer, it's game time. Though he notices Barric and he smiles. "Prince Barric, a pleasure to see you here." then, Enoch bows his head softly, as if awaiting for the prayer while simultaneously uttering yet another silent prayer to himself.

Closer now to the party crowd, Rowenova apparently proves to be in full furs with wolf headdress (along with her entire kit of back-and-belt stashed defensive weaponry). Not really fit for water fun. She almost seems to be somewhat uninterested in the water splash until the competition talk after which she suddenly begins to strip down to her linen undergarments before then carefully arranging leather armor on an unoccupied one of Asher's blankets.

Cora nods to Arik, "Alright, I should hopefully be able to catch you then." She then grins at Rosalie, "Oh I think being a Scholar and doing this says quite a bit about your mettle. Good on you for doing it, no matter how long you stay in." Lathe gets a bright welcomeing smile and Amari gets a solid nod, "We got this." Marian gets a cheerful wave as well before the gaggle move to the edge of the ocean where the waves kiss Cora's toes.

Derovai has been on the quiet spot of beach for a while, but he hasn't interacted with anyone in all that while. He's spent his time rather slowly folding that finely tailored coat of his, a little pensive about something as he sets it in the sand. Then the rest of his clothing follows, along with those silk gloves he's been wearing, stripping all the way down in a rather utilitarian fashion before he gets into the opaque, dark swim trunks he's selected from the pile. He nods at the announcement, but stays silent. A hand reaches up to rub at the back of his neck, as if easing a little tension in it. "Ready."

"I'll reclaim it soon enough." Arik quips back to Vercyn even though the younger of the pair offers a grim smile at the challenge. "I suppose if I tie a rock to my leg that will help." he remarks even as he hauls off his shirt and boots and leaves them piled beside Rowenova's own gear leaving linen pants at the very least.

Lethe grins as she looks to Rosalie. "Lady Rosalie, it's good to see you again." She nods to Amari. "I think so. I'm not expecting to last all that long, but I think it'll be a good time anyway."

Reese wavers to Marian. She bounces around a bit as if trying to keep warm. The more movement the better, right?

Lisebet nabs a nice opaque bathing shift, since they are available, and finds a spot to get ready. Boots removed, and once changed, she comes back out to look around and listen to what is happening. Just in time to catch Felicia's mutter. "I think we're all insane, Dame Felicia," she says. "But we are also willing to try new things."

"A pleasure to see you as well, Sir Enoch." Barric offers towards the man with a smile and a polite nod. He nods towards Marian, "It should be interesting to say the least. May I?" He gestures towards her whiskey flask, seemingly asking for a drink as well.

Monique waves to those she recognizes, Coraline, Reese, and Marian, before looking to Etienne dubiously. "Oh, fine! Fine! I'll give it a shot. But if I freeze, you're warming me up," she threatens the handsome man lightly, slipping out of her own dark jacket as they descend the beaches, boots sinking into the sands. She leans in to murmur something else, quietly.

Violetturns and beams at Arik, waving at him as he meanders over to Vercyn and the gaggle of princesses. Moving towards the water her cloak flutters from a wind and she gives a little 'eek' of sound. For today she is wearing a simple, sleeveless and just above the knees, shift of washed-out red. An old and well loved piece of clothing no doubt. But she doesn't go into the water juuuuuust yet. "If anyone needs to change, we have some small screens and tents to do so. And if you forgot a towel, they are being kept warm by the bonfires!" Then she turns at a familiar face calls towards Marian "Welcome, your highness. So glad you could make it." Then she spots Vercyn and he receives similar treatment. As Felicia makes her way over, though, and comments she is chuckling. "Think of it as challenging rather than crazy, might help," Then she turns to Thorley and nods. "I think you can start the prayer, if you like?" The cloak is handed off to Erin who is also holding her bow and quiver.

Asher leaves his gear on the blankets but he does rifle through his things to find... Ah! A flask of booze. He empties it into himself, like fueling up for a long drive, and then shakes his head as if to make himself ready.

Dressed down in linen longsleeves and linen skirt, the young scout (Rowenova) stretches out her wiry arms. She smiles brightly to Lord Arik, "Hello!"

"You know Violet as a Halfshav commoner, I expect no less than a second place finish." Arik teases the commandant with a wolfish grin and then Rowenova finally notices him and he adds, "And Row a third place finish."

Reese smiles over Rowenova. "Hi Scout Rowenova, nice to see you again." She says in direction while bouncing a bit on the balls of her small feet and clearly trying not to freeze. "The idea is to never stop moving." She says to Coraline.

Etienne is not to be out done by the crowds of undressed brave souls, and soon is toe to toe with the lapping of the waves awaiting the signal, already lightly shivering in the cold air. He wears an unmistakable shadow of regret across his face, though his resolve is set, as a wave over takes his foot he backs up, glancing from side to side to judge the rest of the 'competition'.

Marian hands the flask to Barric, letting him take a drink. She gives a wave to her sister, laughing as she agrees to join them, "Sister! Good to see you've lost your senses too." She strips down to her long sleeved, long woolen tunic, leaving the cloak, breeches and boots to the side, not bothering to hind behind a screen since nothing is shown as she gets ready. She gives an intake of breath at the cold weather and shakes her head as she comments to Barric, "I must be insane."

As Violet does the introductions and mingling in the crowd, Thorley nods his head towards his wife, and then he clears his throat as he approaches the water to stand before it. "I'm no Archlector, but..." the knight gives a small chuckle, nervous for the first time in all of this.

When we are brought into Aion,
the tempest, the squall, the storm,
It is within the warmth of Mangata,
that we feel our mother's warm.

We are all children of the wave,
from the most inland to the deep harbor,
we venture forth into the unknown brave,
and it is with her that adventure is savored.

Throughout our days, in the hardiest blow,
and in the hardest of times,
and in our most eloquent,
Mangata is there, in our bosom below.

The ships on the river,
and those that venture the sea,
those that follow the paths inland,
with Mangata, we all believe.

We gather forth today to celebrate and in our hearts feel
that deepest satisfaction of life,
the tug of adventure's appeal.
Mangata has given us that spark of light.

Now we share it with her,
And give her some of our warmth in turn.
The mother that pushed us forth,
We gladly gift you the return.

Into the water we go, chilly and cold,
to feel Mangata's caress again,
and know that we are again whole.
And in that moment we feel Mangata's delight.

With the prayer finished, Thorley is the first to start towards the water, taking his wife's hand so that she may follow her within the waves as they wash onto the shore - the soft of her red and the dark of his blue as much of a contrast as their hair colors.

Rowenova wolfishly grins toward Lord Arik, "Gonna go for first place!" says she with that competitive gleam to her cobalt blues. Then, to Princess Reese, "Greetings! Always good to see you!" Of course she waves to those she knows, even Enoch who she briefly met before.

Felicia grins briefly at Lisebet,"I may have found something you'll be interested in, to add to your... ah.. collection." she mentions quietly to her with a grimace at Violet,"Challenging and crazy are not always that separate. And I'm here. There wouldn't even be a point to me winning the glasswork as it is, so, I'm just here because I'm crazy." which is okay with her at least, no matter how much a shiver is repressed.

Rowenova and Enoch are given cheerful waves too as Cora responds to Reese, "Naw, get nice and cold before you go in, then the shock isn't as bad." She beams and the look of excitement is very real, she is still, not moving accepting the cold and taking it in, she does shiver though. As the prayer begins she listens respectfully, her clothes and weapons in the keeping of her assistant and guards, Cora follows Thorley into the ocean.

Vercyn takes Frostfang from Arik and carefully ties the scabbard to his belt, adding the House Blade to his own weapons. Rowenova's arrival is noted next, thick brows arching as the scout starts stripping down as well. "You are taking the plunge as well, Scout Rowenova?" If she passes nearby the Duke will give her a reassuring pat on the shoulder, before he catches Violet's greeting and returns with an incline of his chin.

Titania moves over to the statue of Mangata a gloved hand rests on it as she lowers her head speaking softly, when she is done she looks up moving to a spot she slips her shoes off and slips her hands under her cloak to let hher dress fall down. Her gloves come off and all she is wrapped in for the moment all she is wrapped in is her blue velvet cloak that she holds closed with her hands.

Arik watches as Violet and Thorley go off into the waves and the Halfshav opts to jog along not going with the slow approach and instead jumping right into the surf with a *hup* sound. Under the water and then popping up several yards away he's already shivering and his teeth clenched as his limbs stretch out to try and move about instead of curling into a little ball.

Derovai cracks his neck, glancing over at Etienne. "Do it for Telmar," he calls out crisply to the Archlector, a smile flicking across his lips for a moment or two, before he sets foot into the water moments after Thorley and Violet do, unhesitating. If the prayer's had any impact on him, it doesn't see to have landed on his face, at least. He glances back towards that statue in time to see Titania speaking to it. He raises a hand to the hooded woman, a signal to talk later.

"I think it is always good to go for first place." Reese says to Rowenova. She then smiles over to Felicia. Reese listens to Coraline. "I don't know if that will help or not." She says thoughtfully. Still Reese does stop her bouncing for a moment.

Lisebet offers a definite look of interest at Felicia, and then she nods. "We should definitely catch up afterwards then. Or at least when we both have time." She smiles also to Violet, and offers a wave to others she recognizes. There are a lot of them!

"It is for the Gods." Barric tells Marian with a wry smile, taking a drink from the flask and then offering it back, "Thank you. I should have brought some Setarco Fire or something." He offers a smile and a wave to Monique when she arrives, "We're all a little bit crazy today I think, but, what's the worst that can happen?" He grins at that before he murmurs something softly to Marian afterwards. Then louder, "I am sure that Mangata will see us through and honor the challenge." Then the prayer is beginning and he lowers his head to give his own prayers to Mangata. When they are done he looks back towards the water.

Rowenova waves over toward Coraline, then she turns back to the water beyond and deftly strides into the waiting water without slowing down despite all the frigid temperatures until she can duck down in a complete way, soaking up the platinum braid all decked out in its colorful ribbons.

Derovai has rolled a critical success!
Derovai checked stamina + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 115 higher.

Barric checked stamina + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 39 higher.

Murmuring her own quiet prayer, Rosalie sighs and wades out into the surf, then into the water, up to her shoulders and no further.

Reese checked willpower + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 67 higher.

Etienne claps, and jumps, ostensibly in celebration of the fine prayer but perhaps it's just to keep warm. He glances at Derovai with a friendly smirk, and rubs his palms on his legs.

Rowenova checked willpower + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 33 higher.

Felicia checked stamina + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 35 higher.

Asher has rolled a critical success!
Asher checked stamina + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 12 higher.

Amari checked stamina + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 3 lower.

Coraline checked stamina + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 11 higher.

Arik checked stamina + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 52 higher.

Marian checked stamina + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 25 higher.

Etienne checked willpower + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 4 higher.

Monique stands beside Etienne, not quite in the water yet, waving back to Barric with a grin. To her sister, she offers, "The Archlector might need your help carrying me out when my legs turn to blocks of ice, sister. I've no doubt you're going to win this!" She nudges Etienne. "Have you met my sister, Princess Marian?"

Monique checked stamina + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 27 higher.

Enoch checked stamina + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 8 higher.

Titania checked stamina + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 5 lower.

Rosalie checked stamina + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 2 higher.

Arik might be shivering and chattering of teeth but when the Halfshav looks over at Derovai, well known for his Foolsbane antics, the just glowers. He glowers at the injustice in the world and he even rumbles, "Master Vossssss" it's very cold, "Remind me... To invite you to a training yard sometime." he says somewhat ominiously, it's obvious he's jealous.

Lethe checked stamina + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 5 higher.

With the prayer finished, Enoch moves to the water, jumping right on in! ooooooo it was so c-c-c-c-c-cold! He might not be able to last too long, but he'll certainly try!

Marian puts her flask aside, makes sure her knife is securely fastened to her thigh under her tunic. Then she gives a silent prayer to Mangata. She gives a glance to her sister and tells tell, "If you turn to ice, you're on your own." She gives her a teasing wink to make sure she's kidding. Once they're invited in to catch the waves, she moves in, letting the cold waves hit her body as she gives out a shout, "Damn that's cold!"

Felicia gives a nod for Lisebet, praying along silently before electing to go back for her flask and taking a swig of it along with a couple of deep breathes. She'd at least gone for black linen, but well, it probably just makes her look even paler combined with the cold, the redheaded knight swinging her arms and sucking down a few deep breathes before she elects to go wade into the water. That first touch blatant for the,"Mangata have mercy!" that escapes her as she wades her way in.

Reese checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 5 lower.

Rowenova comes up from having dunked down below the water's surface, and then she pushes back any stray hairs which clung close to her fair face. Now, the heat-sapping cold finally causes a few shivers, but she ardently wills herself to stay calm and less tense, waving around one hand through the cold water.

Derovai doesn't even notice the water, initially. Indeed, he seems to be pushing himself to go as far as he can, not even a hint of a shiver breaking his bare shoulders. He nods shortly at Arik's words, silent. Focused. The waves might be ice, but he doesn't seem to notice, glancing back to make sure his clothing hasn't gone anywhere.

As Thorley gives the prayer, Lisebet stills to listen, her only movement her shivering. And then she takes a deep breath before shouting out, "COME ON, EVERYONE! LET'S GO!!" And she heads into the water. Fast cause otherwise she'll chicken out.

Violet checked stamina + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 10 higher.

"I will undoubtedly need help, perhaps if they tie us all together the survivors can drag us all out at once." Etienne snorts, stilling fidgeting. "No, no. I'm not sure if I have" he answers Monique. He looks at himself, as if modesty is suddenly important while standing on a beach being introduced to new people.

Stepping into the water Cora yelps at the cold then laughs, now THIS is an adventure. She laughs harder at Marian's words to Monique, oh dear.

Thorley checked stamina + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 17 higher.

Reese is in the water while looking pale, wet and cold. She tries to play it though and completely fails. "Cold...so cold." She says, shivering and not being nearly as badass as she wishes.

Moving into the water with the others, Barric clenches his jaw tightly to keep teeth from trying to chatter already! He nods towards all the others who are talking about the cold as the water climbs higher and he ends up diving in when it gets deep enough to make walking slow going and difficult! Coming up for air he gets further out into the water where hopefully swimming against the waves to hold position will help keep him warm! He sputters a bit though as he hisses breath through clenched teeth and treads water.

Lethe looks hesitant to stay in the water after she gets in but she looks to Amari and Rosalie with an encouraging smile as she stays where she is.

Lisebet checked stamina + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 11 lower.

When it's time to go in, Amari tightens her jaw, stares ahead with total concentration and strides out into the water which promptly slows her down to an awkward wade and turns her feet to ice, and then her calves, and then the ice creeps over her knee and she keeps going until she's waist deep. That's when she realizes what a terrible awful idea this all was. The water is brutally cold. She looks suddenly like a cat someone has thrown in a pond, there's shock and then panic. "I'm sorry!" She blurts through already chattering teeth, then shrieking, she swirls herself around and stumbles for the shore.

"Cold, sister! Ice cold!" Puns. Monique loves them. She turns back to Etienne. "You have my full permission to splash her," is the Minx's laugh, looking over to Coraline. "And you! Will /you/ carry me out should I fall frozen?" She's only in to her ankles and already shivering.

Coraline checked stamina + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 32 higher.

Barric checked stamina + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 7 higher.

"Oh dear Gods... this was such a terrible idea... so cold!" Rosalie mutters to herself between chattering teeth, barely clinging to the resolve to stay in the water. Looking towards Lethe, Coraline, and Amari, trying to smile through lips quickly taking on a blue cast.

Reese checked willpower + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 22 higher.

Rowenova checked stamina + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 22 higher.

Etienne enters the water with caution, though the waves give him little choice as they advance on him threatening to knock him over before he is ready. It is bracing, and he moves slowly, a tiny yelp emitting from him.

Monique checked stamina + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 39 higher.

Asher had run to the first dive and... Wait. Is that water supposed to be cold? Doesn't seem like it. Maybe it's the booze. It'll certainly set in soon, he's sure. And it will SUCK.

Titania slips into the water and instantly starts to shiver, she breaths deeply trying to relax herself she gets to about waist high and shakes her head she just was not ready for this so she turns back to head for the beach she tried and thats all that counts.

Arik checked stamina + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 15 higher.

Rosalie checked stamina + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 17 lower.

Derovai has rolled a critical success!
Derovai checked willpower + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 54 higher.

Lethe has rolled a critical success!
Lethe checked stamina + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 71 higher.

Etienne checked willpower + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 5 higher.

Marian checked stamina + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 26 higher.

Felicia checked stamina + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 19 higher.

Asher checked stamina + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 1 lower.

Enoch checked stamina + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 2 lower.

Cora laughs again and nods to Monique, "Oh certainly, i will even do it princess style all artisticlike, like one of those books you have." She smirks Amari gets a nod, "You did well Amari, shake it off and get something warm in you and on you." Rosalie gets a wink, "You got this." Reese as well gets a bracing back pat, "Come on guys this is exhilerating!"

Rowenova stays in, her wiry work forged body somehow handling the severe cold.

Thorley checked willpower + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 16 higher.

Violet checked stamina + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 17 higher.

Arik continues to float in the waves bobbing and sometimes going under. Between a formidable beard and his somewhat extensive hair he looks a bit like a drowned rat losing much of his formidable presence with all the hair flattening out. He continues to keep his limps stretched out under the waves, moving above, trying to keep them warm and acclimated. It really doesn't help he has pale skin because it's already getting paler. "Why isn't this a dual... Mangata, Lagoma thing? Do the Westrock's just hate fire?" he calls out to Violet and Thorley with a chatter to his words.

Reese looks over to Rosalie "It was a terrible idea." She says. Reese seems to be hanging in there and still in the very cold water. "Yupe, we got this." She says to Coraline.

Lisebet makes it into the water, all the way, and then she sort of stops, shivering. It's almost like she's frozen for a long moment, and then she lets out an "Eeeeeee" And she turns to head up to the beach. Though as she comes out of the water, her teeth are chattering she's so cold. Very cold. She heads for a towel and then turns to watch who is doing well. There's got to be something she can do better, right? Someone in there is going to be able to t-t-t-teach her.

Looking to Cora, Rosalie nods, grinning through the fierce shivering, "You're right! I got this. I got this.. I... oh Gods no I don't, so coooooooooold! Sorry Cora, I'll see you at dinner toniiiiiiiiiight!" And thus the Lady Rosalie rushes out of the freezing waters to seek the warm of boots and cloak!

Derovai stays in the water, motionless, silent. The cold starts to affect him a bit more -- a slight chatter to his teeth now -- but he stays calm and still, pushing forward, talking to nobody, his blue-eyed gaze focused on the waters to the east.

Lethe looks less miserable once she's been in the water for a bit. She stays in the water and looks to see if her friends are still around.

Marian starts to settle into the waves, the cold penetrating her body but she keeps her head above the waves and moves to stop her limbs from freezing up. She glances over at Rosalie, noticing the girl is having trouble. She motions for someone to go help the girl. A wave crashes over her and for a moment she losses sight of the girl but then breaths easy as she notices the girl is out of the water. She then looks around to see who else is having trouble.

Holding his hands behind his back once more, Vercyn stands on the shore and watches people running into the ice cold water... with a look of amusement on his face and a resigned shake of his head. KIDS. Unfortunately the ones exiting the competition are also ladies, so somewhat reluctantly Vercyn takes a step or two into the water, if only to offer a hand to pull them back to shore. He's looking at you, Amari. Lisebet. And Titania.

Reese peeks over to Rosalie, seeming a bit concerned for her.

A wave hits Barric in the face and he ducks under for a moment, coming back up but closer to the shore. It is so tempting, that shore, the water is /so/ cold. It's a close thing, his will nearly breaks but he pushes through it and gets back out a little bit deeper. "Gods above." He gasps out with chattering teeth then clamps them down tight again as best he can so as to stop the chattering! It doesn't help all that much, shivering in the water. "If you should turn to ice, I will certainly help get you out Lady Monique." He says with a chuckle that is more of teeth chattering. "Is there any rules against sharing warmth?" He asks with a laugh.

"There should be not all of us are getting married, Your Highness." Arik calls from a short distance away.

Much like Derovai, Rowenova stays silent without saying anything as well as completely controlling her respiratory rate despite her chattering teeth.

Lisebet will totally take that hand, Vercyn, such a gentleman.

"You did well Rosalie! Well done! Get warm," Cora grins and moves her limbs to keep them moving and warm. "Reese, move your limbs now, you want to get the blood flowing it will help."

Felicia is no northerner, nope, the city-born knight certainly pacing (wading?) a circle to try and keep herself moving and warm. Screw the not letting her teeth chatter. She eyes Arik and snort at the floating Arik, electing to duck lower in the water as somehow the air feels colder than the waves to. But it's Derovai who she can't help but squint out, whistling lowly, impressed from the tone of it,"That doesn't exclude sharing warmth." the redhead quips, electing to slit her eyes mostly closed to try and concentrate on not giving in to the desire to run for the shore.

Violet is in the water and beside Thorley. She is looking pale and cold and her teeth are solidly set together. But she keeps moving, back and forth, dancing a little circle around Thorley. About to answe Arik she is temporarily dunked by the ocean and comes up shaking her head and blowing water out her nose. "Thanks," She says to the water with an amused smirk.

Up on the shore there are medics. Granted they are Crimson Blade medics, but they bring the chilled large, warm towels and hot drinks. Careful to avoid anyone getting too cold. That would be bad, right?

Etienne is now submerged to his shoulders, he stands on the sandy bottom of the sea and hugs himself as if that will do him any good. He moves side to side with the force of the waves, his eyes a bit unfocused, he stares at the shoreline with envy. "Oh goddess." he says, the rest is either muttering of words or chattering of teeth.

Reese looks over to Coraline, nodding in response to her words. She starts to move about in the water, bouncing on all the balls of her feet once again.

Amari's hand is like blue, already. She grasps for Vercyn's own and she can't even make her fingers work. She mostly just slaps his hand then goes limp in the hopes he'll pull her out like a fish. "C-c-c-c-cold." She cries, glancing back to see how everyone else is doing and looking wild eyed as she does. That Cora, Reese and Lethe are still out there is impressive to her, clearly, but the shock of the cold has stolen her breath so she can only sob encouragement at them from the beach and try to leech some heat off Duke Halfshav. Surely his magnificent beard retains lots of heat.

Marian checked stamina + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 34 higher.

Rowenova checked willpower + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 33 higher.

Arik checked stamina + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 10 higher.

Coraline checked stamina + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 18 higher.

Felicia checked stamina + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 20 higher.

Monique checked stamina + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 6 higher.

Reese checked willpower + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 9 higher.

Derovai checked willpower + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 21 higher.

Lethe has rolled a critical success!
Lethe checked stamina + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 5 higher.

Etienne checked willpower + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 0 higher.

Barric checked stamina + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 15 higher.

Asher thought he could hold it together. But, he can't. Booze only gets so far when talking of sheer determination. It doesn't get Asher far enough - it begins to hurt, and though he's known pain, it's not like he can hold it off indefinitely. There's no freakin' way! So he's out of the water laughing, moving to grab those blankets to wrap himself in. Don't want to die of cold!

Thorley checked willpower + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 1 higher.

Enoch thought he could do it! but....sadly no. He eventually gets out of the water and moves for a towel, shivering a little bit. He needs to work on his willpower, clearly! But at the moment, the poor soul is looking ridiculously cold.

Violet checked stamina + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 18 higher.

"Woooo bracing! This is something we should do more often." She is shivering violently but seems determined to stay in as long as possible, she is now swimming and jumping to keep the blood pumping and pumping herself up with cheers, hopefully it helps others too, "Come on, we got this!"

Although Arik halfshav is not the most competent of oceanic swimmers he can swim and so he starts doing sloppy freestyle stroke a little ways away and then heads back towards the group. Trying to keep that blood flowing but also a highly likely excuse, wet beard in winter sea breeze is a recipe for frozen chins and dipping it periodically is better than leaving it out!

The water's cold is a sharp caress, wrapping around some, and already taking away all the warmth they wish to offer. As they run towards the shore, the waves continue to crash and splash against those that remain. Apparently the offering is considered acceptable, for the waves continue to splash and pull.

As Violet is dancing around, Thorley is standing still. He has his eyes closed, head upturned towards the light above, as if he can guide it's warmth directly into the water. His hands are clenched tightly, as is his teeth and eyes. He just wants to last as long as possible.

He continues his quiet prayers to Mangata, eyes tilted towards the sky and then the horizon, as the others continue to go. His daughter's name slips from his lips for a moment, before Thorley reaches to touch Violet's hand as she makes a pass.

Once safely wrapped in cloak and wearing her boots, Rosalie becomes mischevious once more. She lifts a hand and calls out to Coraline, "I'm going to go share Mangata's blessing with Corbit now! Wish me luck in getting as much on him as possible!" Snickering, the drenched young woman races off for the city!

Marian gives a grin to her sister as she notices that she's made it this far. She shouts out to her, "How's the water?" She gives a deep chuckle, moving her limbs to keep the waves from pulling her under. It's odd but the more time she spends in the water, it seems the Marian is getting more adjusted. She glances over at Coraline, Reese and Barric, "How are you doing?" She shouts out to Arik, "Nice..." Overall, Marian tries to encourage others to fight the good fight and stay in the water.

Still good, Rowenova slow walks the sandy floor below them with a crashing wave washing away her khol eyeliner despite squinching closed both cobalt blues.

Marian checked stamina + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 27 higher.

Etienne has shut his eyes now, the water throwing him back and forth as he floats slowly out to sea, every so often he walks a few steps back closer to shore. "This was such a bad idea." he says, loudly, starting now to hop up and down, as if he is likely to bolt from the water at any moment.

Rowenova checked willpower + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 38 higher.

Reese checked willpower + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 26 higher.

Felicia checked stamina + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 25 higher.

Coraline checked stamina + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 9 higher.

Lethe checked stamina + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 21 lower.

It's gotten easier, or maybe Barric's just gotten colder to the point to where he is more numb. Who knows. Either way he seems to handle the next bit a toucher easier and he smiles over towards Monique and Marian, "Oh just swell." And then there is a swell of wave that picks him up and sets him down again. Starting to jump a bit up and down to try and keep warm. "Just peachy."

Thorley checked willpower + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 0 higher.

Barric has rolled a critical success!
Barric checked stamina + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 117 higher.

Derovai checked willpower + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 6 higher.

Violet beams at her husband. As she makes her little circles she catches, briefly, his hand and gives it a squeeze. So far she is shivering just a little bit, but still seems to be hanging in there just fine. Northerner? Yep.

Etienne checked willpower + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 5 lower.

Violet checked stamina + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 11 lower.

"There is no end," Monique replies, her crimson hair turning dark as spilled blood floating on the freezing waters, "to how awful this is. I think Prince Barric's suggestion is a sound one," she chatters, giving Etienne a pointed look and a lascivous waggle of her brows which is distracted by Marian calling out. "I hate you so much right now. No one should look so cheerful in this!"

Monique checked stamina + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 17 higher.

Lethe has finally had more than enough of being in the water. She quickly gets out and goes to warm up.

Arik checked stamina + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 8 higher.

Reese peeks over to Marian. "I'm goooood..." She says, but the word draws out and her teeth chatter. Still Rees seems to be holding steady and is staying int he water. For now anyways.

Cora beams at Marian, "Doing fantastic! How are you managing?" She bounces happily looking for all the world like she is on holiday.

Monique scowls at Coraline. SCOWLS.

Derovai smiles faintly towards Felicia, as his gaze flicks her way for just a second. He's still, though, and silent, something clearly working its way into his thoughts as he lets the icy water swish around him, his gaze losing focus for a second or two. He almost breaks, though, drawing a breath that he shouldn't have drawn. But he's still hanging in there, and he's motionless and almost speechless. A, "You did well," is called over to Lethe, and then his gaze flicks towards Etienne, brows raising.

Enoch keeps watching as his teeth chatter from the cold, seeing who's gonna make it out! He sees some of the forerunners...but he also wonders if //anyone// is gonna win.

Cora blows a kiss Monique's way and winks, "Snuggle up to the adorable Archlector all in the name of doubling the blessing."

Lisebet's eyes go to Reese who is still in the water. Marian and Cora, and Violet and Thorley. Barric, Derovai. All the way through the list, checking on them. She gets a warm towel, and for the moment is okay to stand by Vercyn and watch, just out of the water. "I think my toes are going blue," she says, looking down curiously. "You all in the water are totally amazing. Actually, everyone who went in - well done!"

Patiently abiding, Rowenova lethargically blinks the water drops from both her blue eyes which peer out toward the yonder horizon further away from Arx.

That's it, the increasingly blue golden haired Archlector has had enough, no hopping, hugging, jumping or other motion can free him from the intensity of this salt-laden tragic mistake for which his more delicate body parts will be expressing their dismay for countless hours and days. He begins to run out of the water, his intention clear, his motion precise, .. his experience running in water lacking he plunges entirely into the surf now nothing more than splash and regret. Seconds later he emerges, clawing himself up the beach to lay upon the sand.

Marian calls out to her baby sister, "I love you too." She blows Monique a kiss, using the teasing to distract her from the bone numbing cold waters. She gives a look to Cora, noticing that she's weathering it well, "I'm holding in there your highness. Trying to keep my head a float." She ducks as another wave comes in, pulling her head up, "Now if the ocean just wasn't so pounding..."

Reese smiles over to Lethe. "You did do good, Lady Lethe." She says while still doing her trying to keep warm bounce.

Arik can't really keep up the freestyle so easily so he settles down near the heart of the group. He's still shivering and chattering with his teeth but there is something greater than prayer... he takes a deep breath and for once there are no commoners around to complain pre-emptively!

Derovai calls over to Etienne, "Some things money can't buy," as he keeps his vigil in the water.

And just like that all the warmth is gone from Violet's body. Being a smart northerner she doesn't try and touch it out. Instead she surges for the shore, after a quick peck to her husband's cheek, and into the waiting towels there. Shivering and teeth chattering now she stalls not in heading for the bonfires and the warmth of the coffee others are enjoying.

Somehow Barric seems to be adjusting to the cold, "I think I need to get fat for next year, like a seal or a walrus, to make this easier. Keep the heat in." He says with a laugh, through chattering teeth as he rides the waves as best he can, jumping he lets them push him towards the beach and then he has to swim back out. The swimming is apparently helping to keep him warm!

Reese looks over to Barric. "I will help. Will send you cupakes."

Felicia can't help but laugh at Monique's words, but Arik swimming around like this was a summer dip apparently pricks her pride to the point where the redheaded knight elects to dogpaddle about gracelessly. She's unlikely to ever get style points for swimming, but somehow the movement seems to help some at least. Or the death's head grin is simply her baring her teeth at the cold to try and force herself not to shiver, or give in to the desire to run for the beach,"Gods." the knight mutters all but under her breath,"Blessed Mangata please don't turn me to ice today."

Marian sends some splashes his way, "Yeah, go visit Lottie a few weeks before next year's event. Her cakes are irresistable."

Lethe once she's a little warmer she looks to Reese and Derovai with a smile and watches to see how the rest of the competition goes.

Monique laughs shakily over at Coraline and then nods to Etienne's departure from the waves. "I'm afraid the good Archlector has stood me up. Sister! I'm /dying/ over here! Surely you'd share your warmth? Where is your sense of love for family!"

The feel of Violet's hand gives Thorley reason to open his eyes and smile. He's still still, but she can tell he's extremely cold, chattering and shivering, but holding steady in the water.

"I-I-Isn't it a wonderful feeling! C-c-c-ome on! Mangata.. oh gods.." It's cold, he knows it. The waves continue their relentless splashes and crashes. The beach that is usually so warm and inviting for a good cool down on the hottest of summer days - now it just seems so foreboding and cold - and the chill seems not to be relenting, but there are those that still remain.

"Waves and ice, shivering nice
Don't tell me it'll get better
I'm only out here getting wetter!"
Arik manages a chorus but really it's awful, it's jangly and off key and there's a brrrr or three in there. He also can't even get to the second bit it's so damn cold... It might be worse than the chill, for the people on the beach anyway.

Rowenova checked willpower + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 27 higher.

Barric checked stamina + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 7 lower.

Derovai checked willpower + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 5 higher.

Marian checked stamina + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 5 lower.

Arik checked stamina + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 0 higher.

Monique checked stamina + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 7 lower.

Felicia checked stamina + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 37 higher.

Reese checked willpower + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 13 higher.

Thorley checked stamina + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 24 lower.

Coraline checked willpower + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 12 higher.

4 Crimson Blades Private, 1 Crimson Blades Sergeant arrive, following Fredrik.

Cora laughs and nods, "The waves are just Mangata trying to give us an enthusiastic hug!" Cora beams at Monique, "Awwww, thats okay I am sure you can warm each other up after." She beams as she bounces a bit.

4 Crimson Blades Private, 1 Crimson Blades Sergeant leave, following Fredrik.

Rowenova had not actually expelled much breath, but she guffaws once due to the chosen lyrics of Arik's song. She still seems to have enough wherewithall, though, slow wading through the icy water and not moving overly much.

"Is it normal to be unable to move your legs?" Monique replies, the words slurred and her teeth chattering hard. She starts to slide sideways into the waters, flailing her arms feebly. "Little bit of help here!" she cries out, some real distress in her tone.

Reese seems to be hanging in there still as she continues to stand in the water. Se looks cold and her cheeks are pink from the chill now. She looks over to Monique with concern.

Marian sees her sister in trouble and abandons any plans of trying to win the contest. She motions towards where her friends are, letting Barric know she might need help and then swims like a fish to her sister, cutting through the water as if she's been born to swim in the ocean. She gets to her sister and manages to pull her up with the help of Barric, "Thanks..." She then drags her sister to safety, making sure to distribute Monique's weight between her and Barric.

Derovai remains in the water with a few others. He may not be the toughest fellow, but he's definitely got nerve to spare. He starts reciting something to keep his pace, but the sound of actual distress makes him turn towards Monique. "Someone get her!" he's quick to exclaim, looking for a nearby party. Barric is gestured to, with a slice of his hand in the air.

It seems that Thorley was only waiting for Violet to break first. The kiss to his cheek warms him, and then Mangata seems to just suck that warmth away as fleetingly as it came. "F-f-reezing." he rumbles.

And with that, he is retreating shortly after his wife. He heads to the coffee first to gather a pair of mugs for himself and her before he moves to join her at the bonfire. There's no words, just a grin.

Eventually the water just... wins. It wins by making Barric bite his tongue, and then his inner cheek, and then his lip. The shivers are just to much. The sting of salt water doesn't help much either and so Barric goes under. Only to pop up again some ways closer to shore and he is about to try and head back out but... there's an excuse to give up! Barric takes it, moving over towards Monique as she starts to struggle, "Alright, I'm done too!" He helps Marian secure Monique and starts to head out with the other two. "Gods this is cold..." He chatters teeth more than says words.

More people are met at the waters edge with warm towels and warm drinks. There is cheering going on, in general, as the crowd remaining dwindles down.

Rowenova checked willpower + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 30 higher.

Coraline checked willpower + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 3 lower.

Reese has rolled a critical success!
Reese checked willpower + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 100 higher.

Arik checked stamina + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 13 lower.

Derovai checked willpower + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 15 lower.

Felicia checked stamina + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 23 higher.

Rowenova checked willpower + survival at difficulty 60, rolling 2 lower.

Reese checked willpower + survival at difficulty 60, rolling 19 higher.

Felicia isn't close enough to try and swim to Monique's rescue, electing instead to mutter at Arik,"I mean, gods, at least sing something upbeat. Like about drinking or sailors or somthing, not a reminder of how cold it is." she doesn't need the reminder. Numb is possibly bad. Possibly? It's a little hard to tell. Toes sort of feel like icicles but she wriggles them anyways to try and keep herself moving.

despite a formidable beard and some hardy northern heritage to lean into the Halfshav Lord can't tough it out and begins to make his way in. "Hoooookkkkkkkkkk-ay." he chatters as he tries to stay lighthearted and probably awake. Once he's on land he's shivering and almost stumbling over to the bonefire and a warm towel.

Felicia checked stamina + survival at difficulty 60, rolling 12 higher.

Laughing Cora is now shivering too much to manage and stumbles her way out, one last wave tumbling her and leaving her on shore looking a bit befuddled before she manages to make her way shivering to a towel and a fire and dear gods something warm to drink.

Etienne has retreated to the comfort of the fires, and what coverings he can find that are not wet, he abandons them at the sight of Monique being rescued from the frigid waters shuffling over to her saviors with some concern, a few "Gods, what did I talk her into." he says

Amari finds a towel, finds Lethe and throws a clammy, cold arm over her shoulders. She can't speak yet. She'll just stand there, watch the ongoing contest and shiver uncontrollably.

Reese is still in the water. She is shivering and clearly cold, but the blonde seems quite detrimined.

Looks like Row ends up in 3rd place, just like Lord Arik's previous prediction. Despite doing her absolute best, she finally conceeds that this might be in unhealthy levels of shere cold. She starts back for the warmer shoreline, but she definitely senses her blue-eyed vision going sideways.

Marian makes sure to get her sister out of the water with Barric's help and in the warm blankets first. Once she's got her sister squared away, she accepts assistance, wrapping herself tightly in the blanket and getting close to the fire, "It's frozen balls cold out here." She shivers and glances at her sister to make sure she's okay. Barric finally gets his, "Thank you your highness for assistance, that was a two person job."

Marian shouts from nearby, "You got this Reese~"

When it comes down to just two, Thorley isn't sure who he should cheer for at this point. He doesn't when it comes to it. Instead, he watches the pair as the knight continues to move to stay warm and drinks sips of coffee.

The cold of the water is now bitter at this point. There are no others to share the caress of the waves with. It is just the Dame and the Princess. The waves crash and splash around them as the cold continues to pull and then push in that pulsating chilled rhythm.

Reese checked willpower + survival at difficulty 70, rolling 17 higher.

Felicia checked stamina + survival at difficulty 70, rolling 31 lower.

"I think I can verify, that balls are indeed frozen." Barric says when he finally gets a warm towel to dry off and blanket to try and warm up by the fire. His teeth still chatter and his bottom lip is fat from where he bit it. He smiles at Marian and Monique, "Always a pleasure." then he grabs a towel and a blanket, carrying them over to Coraline where she has tumbled to wrap her up first to dry her off and then to warm her up with the blanket.

Monique isn't even shaking. Her body is still trying to catch up. "S'okay," she slurs, getting wrapped up in blankets by the fire. "Got some whiskey? Whiskey would be good. So good." She glares balefully at Etienne, as much as she can as the shivering finally starts. The glare says 'all your fault'. "Thank you," she murmurs to Barric and Marian.

And then there were two. Violet cheers for those remaining in the water, even as she switches out her damp towel for a dry one. The bonfire is warm, the coffee is warm, and she leans in to Thorle for whatever remaining warmth they both have to share. Teeth chattering she doesn't even try before taking a hefty drink of her coffee. "F-f-f-fuck it's cold! That was fun though. GO FEL! GO YOUR HIGHNESS!"

Reese checked willpower + survival at difficulty 80, rolling 36 lower.

Derovai should have kept his mouth shut. He breaks, finishing a singsong to himself, before he turns and heads for the shore. Having gone most of the way on will alone, he's shaking hard, and he whips a towel out of the hand of whichever attendant hands it to him, wrapping his shoulders with it before he moves back to the small pile where he's left his clothes, goosebumps all over. He looks towards the statue of Mangata again, but Titania has apparently disappeared, so he dresses slowly, his fingers working through the question mark buttons on his shirt. He adjusts his coat just so, smoothing it down.

Arik is crouched near the bonfire with the blanket around his shoulders and the linens trousers stuck to him as his rough hewn hands begin to rub against his chest to keep his center warm. "Uncle.... Uncle! Sword, if I die to frostbite I'd like to have Frostfang on me at least." he rumbles with a chatter and brrrr still in his voice, he sounds a little lethargic.

Cora cheers for Reese and then smiles and leans into Barric, "Get yourself warm love, and thank you. Is Monique ok? You did a wonderful thing going and helping her." She leans into him babbling a bit but her smile is genuine and warm.

"Whiskey." Felicia vows to whoever's listening,"Please say there's going to be whiskey. Mulled cider, even. Mead? I'll take mead. And maybe stuff my cloak with headed rocks from the fire. Or something..." must be the talk of all the warm things, or the interesting shades of blue she's turning, but finally there's an adamant shake of her head as she elects to abandon water for the shore. Or, well, tries to. Trying to get the limbs moving at this point is difficult, and it's easier to crawl than try to stand as she endeavors to at least get out of the water.

Asher applauds for Rowenova as she exits the water, and prepares one of the blankets for her. And to grab... His second flask! Of course he has multiple, what self-respecting alcoholic wouldn't? He offers it to 'Nova, to make sure she's warm enough.

With Felicia breaking finally - Reese is the last one in the water. From the shoreline, cheers break out for the Princess and her survival in the frozen waters - to have stayed as long as she has was simply amazing. She really isn't an ice princess, after all.

Rowenova suffers similarly as Derovai does. She let out that singular laugh and then that was all she wrote. She stumbles up into the waiting blanket within Asher's hands, "Thanks." she croaks out with her whole body cold quaking. Though, she does not have enough fine motor control yet for the cup hold. "Momentary." she huskily chatters.

Violet moves with warm towels and two mugs of coffee with whiskey splashed in it. Down to the waterside she goes with these for Reese and Felicia. And so she gives a loud cheer as the last two come from the waters. "You two are amazing! Way to go!"

Etienne seeing that Monique isn't dead, but perhaps interpreting the look as she wishes for his death retreats momentarily, returning with a pile of blankets, all warm from being near the fire and offers them to Monique as a gesture of peace. "Wasn't this fun?" he offers.

Vercyn has designated himself as unofficial helper, as he helps haul more and more icicles out of the freezing water. The last one happens to be his nephew, who after being pulled out, gets slapped on the back, and maybe a little shove until he's crouched near the fire. "You are supposed to win this competition!" He rumbles, while handing the sword back to Arik.

Reese tries to continue even after she is the last one still tolerating the icy cold water, but eventually she succumbs to the cold. Her teeth are chattering, her skin is very pale and she seems quite frozen. She finally leaves the water, all stiff and totally chilled. Reese quickly searches for her cloak. She smiles to Violet. "Thanks.." She says in her chattering tone and she smiles to Felicia as well. she looks over to Eienne. "Very fun." She adds while wrapping herself in a pink and white wool cloak.

Arik wields Frostfang the Sword of House Halfshav.

Marian has someone bring her the cloak. She pulls out her flash of whiskey and hands it over to her sister, "Here...this should warm you up." For all her teasing, Marian is worried for her sister. She gives a murmur of thanks to Barric before he heads back to Coraline. She then gives a nod of greeting to Etienne, "Sister...you should have left sooner." She glances up as Reese wins the event and makes a point of cheering for her before turning back to her sister.

Lethe smiles as she look to Amari. "Thank you. They were all so amazing. That was tough."

Working with handing out Farshaw coffee to those that want it, Thorley keeps moving to try to stay warm as he continues to tend to his official duties as a host. "Wondering if you were going to have to give the window to yourself." comes the comment to Felicia as he continues to move along and cheers for Reese in her victory.

"Working on it." Barric tells Coraline, already wrapped in his own towel and blanket. He moves though to wrap his arms around Coraline and then his blanket around them both so that Coraline and he can warm up all the quicker. He murmurs something softly to her but then cheers when it is Felicia and Reese only left, "Well done Dame Felicia, Cousin!" And win Reese wins he manages to stop his teeth chattering further to whistle between two fingers. Going to help Coraline up if she allows he'll guide her over towards Marian and Monique, but more importantly, the fire.

Reese is overheard praising Felicia: Very tough in cold waters.

Reese is overheard praising Violet: yay, polar bear plunge!

Reese is overheard praising Thorley: yay, polar bear plunge

"Well, when have I ever done what I should?" Monique replies to Marian with a shivering, tremulous smile. She accepts the blankets from Etienne with low bark of laughter, wrapping herself in them and shifting as close to the fire as is possible without catching flame. "If this was fun, I'd rather be having something else. Perhaps the Hot Springs after this?" She offers to those around, looking hopeful.

Cora lets Barric help her up and guide her towards Marian as she cheers all three of those who were last out of the water, "Everyone did an amazing job! Incredible job! Reese, see I /told/ you you were amazing! Wooooo!"

Arik glowers up at his Uncle while accepting the swordbelt his body shivering, shuddering by the fire. "My retainer took Third. Now... I am going to stumble home and get into my furs." he decides while shakily rising up without bothering to put on his boots or tunic but he does straightup steal the towel from the event. Just right off with it!

Monique is overheard praising Marian.

Monique is overheard praising Barric.

Monique is overheard praising Reese.

Monique is overheard praising Violet.

"Then I'd have given it to her a-anyways." Felicia avows with a grateful grin to Vercyn for the help, letting Merril drape her cloak about her and failing to not give into the shivering violently,"It's about proving I can d-do it." she adds,"Though her highness, Princess Reese, always seems to defeat me in them." not that she sounds upset as she grins at Reese briefly, trying to repress a shudder.

Monique is overheard praising Thorley.

Derovai is overheard praising Lethe: Strong effort from an unexpected source.

Lisebet checked willpower + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 8 higher.

Reese makes her way toward the fire. She peeks over to Coraline, giving her a gentle smile. "Thank you. I'm glad that I came." She says in her direction. She then glances over to Felicia with a sheepish smile. "We have been the last two in like three challenges I think."

Marian takes her flash back once her sister has a sip and then passes it over to Barric to give to Coraline, "Hot Springs sounds like a grand idea sister." She glances at others to see if they want to go with her and Monique. She snuggles under the blanket, taking in the warmth of the fire, making sure her fingers and toes are turning back to their normal color.

Barric offers the flask to Coraline first, so she can have a drink of the whiskey and then takes another pull himself once she has had one, or not, as per her choice. Then offering it back to Marian he smiles, "Hot s-s-springs s-sounds d-d-d-d-divine." He's warming up yes, but nowhere near /warmed/ up yet after time in that water!

"Oh yes, hot springs sound lovely. I mean not that I am c-c-cold or anything." Cora says with heavy shivering and a stiff upper lip but her eyes say, gimmie some hot springs! Reese gets a little come here and lets warm you up gester, "Reese, how bout it? Hot springs?" She accepts the flask with a smile and takes a drink then hands it back to Barric, "Thank you."

"Dry." Is about all Amari can manage to say which is at all identifiable as an actual word and not a random noise she's chattering out. There's a shaky smile for everyone who did amazingly, and better than her, which is practically everyone, then she gestures vaguely off away from the ocean and walks off, pale and shivering.

Lisebet is warming up, finally, with some warm coffee in hand. "Well done, Your Highness, Dame Felicia." She inclines her head to all those who totally outlasted her. Her lips aren't blue any more though, which is probably a good hting.

Amari is overheard praising Reese.

Derovai slips over to the fire momentarily, nodding at Felicia. "Better than the woods. Nicely done," he states briefly, a little shiver visible despite that coat. Ungloved, he's got entirely normal hands, and he avoids pulling the silk gloves on quite yet. They'll just get wet after all. He doesn't move for the drink as it's passed round, though, running a towel through his hair. "You too," he adds towards Etienne, if succinctly.

Amari is overheard praising Violet.

Violet begins to move to other groups, checking on them as she does. To Barric and Coraline's cluster she migrates with a smile. Nodding to Marian and Monique, "Everyone all right? Hot springs are a great idea after this," She may have overheard.

Amari is overheard praising Thorley.

Lethe is overheard praising Reese.

Derovai is overheard praising Felicia.

Lisebet is overheard praising Violet.

Lisebet is overheard praising Thorley.

Lisebet is overheard praising Felicia.

Lisebet is overheard praising Reese.

Derovai is overheard praising Etienne.

Asher helps Rowenova with the drink if she requires it, but also shows her that rubbing the heat into the torso is better. "The arms will take care of themselves, keep the body warm and the rest follows." He doesn't know everything about surviving cold, but he knows some. And sure, 'Nova might know it, but it's also hard to think when you're freezing your everything off.

Marian gives a nod as Violet comes up and then looks to her sister, "How many can we fit in the springs?" She gives a motion like she's inviting Violet and her husband along. She does make a point of gathering her things since it looks like she's leaving soon.

"I'm telling you, the horse walked me into a tree." Felicia asserts for Derovai with a wry grin,"And oh gods yes, hot springs. And alcohol, I still can't feel my toes." towel, blanket? A few more layers would be awesome.

Etienne nods, "Next time I'll let you pick the outing" he replies to Monique. The blanket wrapped man wanders about on the beach for a moment finally approaching Derovai. "Thank you for your encouragement Master Voss" Etienne says with a smile. "I'm sure the gods heard your words and lent me some strength."

Rowenova lip curls into a weird grin which should probably look something akin to a real smile yet does not really shape out to be a good one after the retainer mention by Lord Arik. She glances over toward Princes Reese along with Dame Felicia, "You are absolutely impressive, both!" She leans close toward Master Asher for whatever body warmth she can vamp off him. "Thanks." Indeed, she happily partakes of the given drink, especially an alcohol one.

Standing up and moving to the edge of the water, Thorley leaves a small offering there for Mangata, before his attention returns to the others. "Congratulations to Princess Grayson and Dame Harrow, they are definitely children of the sea." Smiling to the two, the knight turns his attention to the others.

"Thank you all for attending this celebration and ceremony. You are more than welcome to help yourself to the fires, the coffee, gratefully supplied by Duke Ryhalt and Lady Lisebet. I hope that everyone has enjoyed in partaking in this plunge and sharing of warmth and companionship, and that our words and warmth will be felt and the coming season is a good one!"

Enoch is overheard praising Violet.

Asher is overheard praising Violet.

Asher is overheard praising Thorley.

Asher is overheard praising Reese.

Etienne is overheard praising Violet.

Etienne is overheard praising Thorley.

Monique finally finds the strength to stand, leaning heavily on her sister. "To the Lodge, then and the Haven Springs where we can all warm up and enjoy some whiskey and fine conversation. And warmth. Oh, spirits, so much warmth! Shall we?" She looks around to those nearby, extending the invitation with a blue-lipped smile.

Lisebet is overheard praising Monique.

Derovai gives Etienne a vague sort of smile at that. "You know, I was rooting for you all along," he deadpans to the Archlector, slipping past the priest as he does so.

Barric chuckles softly, "I think we are all ready to go." He looks over to Reese and offers a hand to her, "Come on Cousin, let's go get warm."

Violet inclines her head to Marian and says, "Thanks. I am sure once we see to clean up of everything, Thorley and I will find out way to the hot springs as well." And she bows to the group and moves on to others to check in.

Shivering as she leans against Barric, Cora grins at Violet, "This was wonderful, I am so glad I came. Thank you, thank you so much. And yes hot springs, not that I am cold or anything of course," she says shivering, "but uh others are, yeah!"

Haven Springs... Hot Springs? Oh heck yes. Asher is nudging his icy 'ward', to see about dragging her there. Warm. Warm water is nice. "Up for a trip there?"

Barric adds to Violet, "It was a wonderful time." Apparently he's warmed up enough to not chatter his words at least if in short bursts, "Though I am glad it is only once a year!" He says with a laugh.

Reese takes Barric's offered hand. She has a smile for Cora and is still wrapped up in her cloak. "Okay, some place warm sounds good." She then smiles over to Violet and Thorley. "Thanks for hosting this."

Rowenova slightly shakes her frosty noggin, "Thanks, I do not think it is wise to go from cold to hot, but please do what you wish to. I will be fine here, and... gotta get the free food, too! That was why I came in the first place, but... then I heard there was a competitive prize, so..." She cracks up. "Anyway, I will be fine. Go get you some hot springs!"

Watching everyone else leave, Thorley reaches to take Violet's hand in his own, and squeezes hers warmly, before he bows his head. "Thank you all for coming, and have a safe journey back to your destinations!"

Rowenova says, "I'll bring this blanket back home, Master Asher."