He seems so self-assured, so confident in the water, almost like he was born to it. Isabella shakes out her short mane in reply, then adds, "I've only been wading before. Never further than my chest. And I'm not allowed in beyond my hocks if mama isn't near, just in case." She feels childish admitting it and throws a surly glance over her shoulder at Rhadra grazing on the bank, even though there is immense security in her mother's proximity. Still, Izzy wants to look bold in front of Jay— almost as much as she wants to explore further that uncomfortable but exhilarating flip her belly does when attempting something new.

She watches the curly-eared boy swim further out. The lake may not be terribly deep, but it is deep enough. She glances back again at her mother, then chides herself for being such a baby. If Jay can do it, so can she. Izzy snorts lightly and steps forward, testing her footing as the ground beneath her slopes dramatically downward. She pauses, standing almost on the tips of her hooves while the water gently sways her. Her eyes flit to Jay, and she stalls. "How do you float like that?" she asks, daring to lift one foot, then the other so she is supported only by her hind feet. It feels strange to balance in such a way, cradled as she is by the water. Easier in some ways than rearing on land, and yet, also more difficult. She sets her front hooves down before she can topple over and sink again, then backs up a few steps to find firmer footing.

If she can master this, it'll open up more opportunities for her. Maybe Rhadra will let them go to the Falls together, alone, and practice swimming some more there. Jay is a capable swimmer, and he wouldn't let anything happen to her. Izzy devotes a small part of her attention to practicing how she can best convince her mother while the rest of her focus stays on Jay to learn how he floats so good. If she can learn this now, today, and do it well— well, Rhadra will have to let them go, right?