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The sea-god laughed with what seemed to be genuine mirth, and Erthë found her appetite for this event rise significantly. Though she was sore in body and spirit from the terrible events in the north and jumped skittishly at even the slightest hint of red upon a strangers coat (she had a lot to worry about, never before had she noticed what a common color it was) it was difficult not to relax in the face of Kisamoa's enthusiasm. She nodded energetically that she would indeed stick around, and spent several minutes while the gallery gathered to look at the peculiar creature that called himself a relative of gods. When @Noe passed she returned the mare's smile with a grin of her own, and leaned affectionately into @Alune 's side as the moon-eyed man came to stand beside her. Her eyes twinkled mischievously at being called 'lady'; the Seer should know better than most that it was the last thing she was. But, it was sweet of him to try, so she offered him the frosty hug of a wing, a momentary embrace before her attention was brought back to the host of today's even.

Gradually, as Kis explained the challenge he had in store, the young Philosopher's eyes widened in mingled intrigue and shock. The sea? They were supposed to go into the sea? Oh, he was a clever fellow indeed, was he not - it would take remarkable bravery for most to even put their head under water, let alone dive down into the deep. The mere thought was enough to leave her short of breath, she threw a sideways glance at Alune; it was so tempting, but should she really...? How often would she have a chance to go below the surface. This might be a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn more about the workings of this world, to discover new truths she could not have even begun to fathom with her feet planted firmly on dry ground.

Kis took a step back, turned and plunged into the cold water. His challenge hung in the air for a few seconds midway between a dare and a taunt, then she couldn't restrain herself any longer. Without saying anything or responding to eventual protests from her teacher, Erthë shuffled forth into the gray surge and napped up a long tendril of kelp between her teeth. The texture was horrible - slimy and rubbery and tasted strongly of salt - but the water felt almost pleasant against her snow-cold skin.

A deep breath; then she struggled forth into the deep. At first it was difficult just keeping herself beneath the surface, the air-filled feathers serving as buoys  to keep her afloat. Once they were soaked through however, she sank deeper and deeper into the darkness, heart pounding with fear and excitement as she searched for the sea-creature by the light of her glowing acorn.

Where was he? And what would truly happen once she ran out of breath?