[So much easier. Though the whole giant turtle thing is kind of neat in a novel 'never seen this before' way. (It's better than a giant shitball in space, or a giant monster, etc.) He touches down in the snow, and it starts to melt around his legs as he steps closer and slides an arm over his shoulders, putting off warmth.]

Mm, nothing yet. It is indeed a giant turtle and there is indeed a barrier around it. Nothing but water on all sides as far as I can tell.