Bramble Falls [TfT] Turtle Shell

Tit for Tat, This or That

Laying on the edge of the pool there appears to be a rock—oh, wait no, it's hollow. You tip it over and find that there's really only two sheets of this hard layer connected by some fibers. It dawns on you that this must be a turtle shell— ah yes, there are the holes for the arms and legs. But where is the turtle? Can they live outside their shells?

With summer now in high gear, along with the soaring temperatures, all of the animals were doing their best to cool off. Be it by taking refuge in the shade, spending the day tucked underground in a den, or seeking out a water source to keep hydrated. As a budding healer, Neha already knew how vitally important it was not to succumb to dehydration. An easy feat, in this stifling heat, if you were not careful.

Anticipating that her stay in Grizzly Hollow with her extended family would soon come to an end, the pale agouti female was doing her best to get in as much combined socializing and learning as possible. While Uncle Veho had been able, to an extent, provide her with his teachings, she knew that the new father could not devote the entirety of his free time to her. Neha instead, seized what opportunities she could to learn, and the rest of the time, took to socializing with Oula, and her growing cousins. When they were unavailable, she used her time to study the local plant life alone. Already, she had a small collection of herbs formed and set aside neatly in her secluded den.

Today, herbal medicine was not on her mind. Rather, it was cooling off. Fortunate to be blessed with a light toned pelt, laced with beiges, golds and reds, she did not suffer the effects of the heat nearly as bad as others, say, Draven, for example. The unexpected visit from her friend (and former part time patient), had been a pleasant surprise. She had been delighted to see him, a familiar face from back home. And also, a reminder, that when she left, to make a pit stop at her lakefront home. She missed her immediate family, and while she had been informed of the birth of her two little sisters, felt as if she was missing out while being absent, in their earliest days. There she would reconnect, re-establish old bonds, and hang around just long enough to enjoy the social get together with their allies of Oak Tree Bend. Then, she would resume her quest for knowledge of the medicinal field.

Wisely, she had chosen to steer clear of the Lagoon. While it was closer, so were the Willow wolves, whom she had been cautioned about. The feisty but peaceful princess would rather not chance a run in with those seemingly hostile neighbors. What was worse, was that they could mistake her as a Hollow wolf, when that was not the case at all. Instead, her location of choice was the Bramble Falls. Upon arriving at the sight, her breath was blown away momentarily. The cascading falls that formed the crystal clear pool of water below was an enticing sight. Especially to a wolf like herself, who was already warm enough, even with her summer coat. The place reminded her of home, in a sense, only on a smaller scale. Eager to dip her legs into the refreshing water, Neha did not immediately notice the upturned, bowl like rock perched inches from the pool. It was only when her ankle knocked against it lightly, did she pause to turn and see what had been laying nearly in her path. Amber brown eyes squinted curiously at the object. What was a rock like this doing out here? She had never seen a rock shaped like this before. Inching her muzzle closer to flip it over, the hollow, bowl shaped underside caught her eye. Then she remembered! Ah yes...this was a discarded turtle shell! Images of the shelled reptiles sunning themselves at the lake crept into her mind. She had seen them before, but never without their shell. Smiling to herself, Neha decided she could ponder over how it got like this later. Maybe...she would just keep it for herself. It's bowl like shape would come in handy for storing her herbs, especially if she planned to travel back home soon.

Neha can often be found close to Aleister's side and therefore may appear in any of his threads.

Claiming/Exit post!
:D

Feminine brows knitted together thoughtfully whilst she stared at her would be prize a moment longer. Before claiming it officially for herself, she decided that a few basic tests were in order. If she were to use this to store and eventually transport her growing collection of herbs, it would have to stand up to a variety of weather conditions and fluctuating temperatures. It was still summer after all, and if the shell had been sitting out in this heat for long, then surely it would last the rest of the season.

The cold was a different story though. But Neha was fortunate in that the small pool at the bottom of the falls could provide her with just the resources she needed. The water was considerably cooler than the warm summer air, as she could feel by the gently spraying mist which landed occasionally on her fur. At the same time, the water would prove as a suitable test as to how water resistant the shell was. Or wasn't. Not that she planned on getting her possession wet all the time. But it never hurt to be prepared. Reaching down, her jaws parted to gently grasp the outer rim of the bowl like shell. Clasped with it between her jaws, head held proudly upright, she turned to make her way down to the pool.

The downward slope was slick with water, and she had to take her time, lest she lose her footing. This was nothing at all like the descent down the mountains closer to home. The last thing the aspiring healer needed was a sprained wrist. When she at last reached the more level ground just before the pool, she relaxed. A narrow opening in the stone rim surrounding it provided the perfect point of entry, for a wolf her size. Unaware that anyone else could show up at any moment, Neha stepped in, one paw at a time. When her feet no longer felt the surface, she surged forward, legs churning furiously. Seeing this as a fine opportunity to strengthen her muscles while cooling off, she released the turtle shell gently from her jaws. Intently, she watched it slowly float away, bouncing gently on the lapping surface of the water, turned upright. It was buoyant...something she had anticipated already. Confident in knowing that it wasn't going anywhere, to be easily retrieved, the princess took this moment to perform one or two laps around the entirety of the pool. Her thinner summer coat was little match against holding back the water that seeped down to her skin, cooling her off considerably. This was more refreshing than the lake, where one always had to watch out for the pesky swans, the likes of which had harassed her and Cernan long ago. A smile came to her face at the thought of her brother. He might like it here. She'd have to show it to him sometime. After the passing of a few moments, she turned to retrieve the still floating shell. Climbing back to the bank, she inspected it carefully. There were no further signs of wear and tear, or decay. No weakness in it's structure. Giving her body a satisfied shake, sending water flying, the satisfied female picked up her prize. She was tired from that little swim, but content. Now she turned to head back home to the forest and her personal den, to let her claim dry out before being put to use.

Exit

Neha can often be found close to Aleister's side and therefore may appear in any of his threads.