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NADIA STARES AT THE FOOD IN FRONT OF HER WITH A GRIM EXPRESSION. Breakfast has never been one of her favorite meals; she'll be the first to admit it, but she's starting to find every meal is becoming difficult, with only less than seconds to get anything into her mouth. She looks to Jake for confirmation, holds her breath, and places whatever meal into her mouth, only to quickly resecure her mask back on so she can chew. Water is easier on her, but even then, she must remove her mask with precision and put it back on just before time runs out. It's more work than reward, but it's the only way to keep her strong and alive. Jake is sure to keep an eye on her while she eats, and while she finds it nice of him, it doesn't make her feel like any less of a burden. It is as if every meal is a chore now, and she has no choice but to comply with it.
Jake leans down and places an exopack in front of her; this pack is a bit chunkier than the ones she's used to wearing. She eyeballs it for a second longer, taking a look up at Jake while she waits for him to further explain what exactly she's looking at.
"Norm thought it might be best if he sent you some updated Exopack versions. They're supposedly more sustainable and durable underwater, which is perfect for our festivities today."
"So, I'll be able to breathe underwater?" Nadia asks, reassuring herself that's what this is meant to do for her.
"For some time, yes." Jake nods, noticing a look on her face. "A period of time, Nadi, means pay attention to how much time you have under all that weight, and more importantly, be safe."
Nadia nods, remembering just how unlikely it is that she'll succeed today with their 'festivities' all being water-related. Observing the ocean is one thing, but diving into it is quite another. Nadia has always known the ground. Despite the occasional excitement from flying and climbing various trees at once, she remains grounded. It gives her a sense of both security and control. Water is different. Water knows no limitations and runs its course however it pleases. It's always moving, always changing, and always giving different perspectives for different movements. So, while Nadia loves to observe the ocean for hours on end, she's reluctant to take a step into it.
She stands beside Kiri, who is completely zoning off into the water for the whole time, listening to Tsireya give little to no instructions right before watching her be the first to dive headfirst into the water below. It's effortless and natural; it's like she dives the same way she breathes. Nadia remembers how astonished she was the first time she watched Lo'ak swing through trees and vines when they were younger. He always knew how to land on his feet, despite the constant arm work it gave him.
Tuk hops from one foot to the other, excitement practically oozing off of her to be the next one to go. Meanwhile, Nadia barely got any sleep due to the anxiety making itself at home in her stomach, and her breakfast from this morning wasn't sitting well. She takes a small step back, hoping to avoid being the next in line.
