Freezing Swim

Cera frowned as she looked over the small pool. This body of water was nearby the lake that she and Amanda had been studying, but this one had far thinner ice - meaning that the Nimare found it particularly useful for their traditional ice baths, once they were freed from beneath the lake.

Nimare were probably accustomed to chilly waters, she figured - if they were to survive comfortably beneath the lake in the winter. She had read that some willingly stay underwater for the full winter, which she doubted any would do if the waters were particularly uncomfortable. That was reasonable. But…

“Come on in, Cera! The water’s— well, it’s cold!”

Amanda waved to her from her spot in the pond. Only her hooves were in the water, but she was shivering anyways - and yet, she had the biggest grin on her face as she did. From Cera’s point of view, though, it looked more like a wince.

“...Right. I think I’ll pass,” Cera said, frowning from underneath her mask. “Near-freezing temperatures aren’t my idea of fun.”

“That’s understandable, but—” Amanda waved a hand around, “It’s tradition! It’d be a little rude to not participate at all. It really isn’t so bad as it looks…”

Cera sighed. Amanda would probably be disappointed if she didn’t at least try joining in. She approached the water cautiously, and dipped the tip of her hoof in…

Before yanking it right back out. “That— that’s near freezing!” She said, shrinking back. “I am not going in there!”

Amanda shook her head a little. “Okay… if you really say so.” She sighed softly, leaning back and letting herself further into the pond as if it was a hot tub. “You get used to it really quickly if you just jump in, though—”

“Absolutely not.” Cera frowned beneath her mask.

“Suit yourself…” Amanda sighed, closing her eyes as if this was the most relaxing thing she could be doing right now.