Turtle Talk

A few days after arriving back in Nacogdoches, Zoe walked a little ways outside of town before shifting into lupus and jogging to the Angelina River. She let her canine senses take the lead as she made her way over the Texas landscape, scenting a variety of flora and fauna. When she arrived at the river it was still light out so she took the opportunity that the peaceful outdoors provided and spent a couple of hours in meditation.

Once night had fallen, she slipped into the penumbra and sidled up against the river. She sat down and began quietly summoning Ulinawa, the ancient turtle spirit they had met outside of Zavala. When her summons was complete, she assumed a respectful yet relaxed position as she awaited his response.

Within moments Ulinawa appeared, his spade-shaped head nosing up out of the water. The armored beast bobbed in the water, regarding the Theurge with patient curiosity.

"Hello, Daughter of Cockroach. You weathered the storm. This is good. What aid do you seek?"

Zoe nodded her head respectfully as the spirit greeted her.

"Thank you, Ulinawa, for responding to my summons. Your aid was quite valuable near Zavala. We were reprimanded for temporarily losing our spirit-infused items. I can only imagine how dire the consequences would have been had we not retrieved them with your assistance."

The young Theurge's eyebrows narrowed as she remembere Zavala with disgust. "That fateful nap also landed us in an impossible situation, stuck with a couple of human women between a raging crowd and an unpredictable little girl. I and my brothers coukd have easily escaped here into the spiritual realm, but we did not want to abandon the women in that mess."

Zoe looked the curious spirit in the eye. "Can you teach me how to safely bring humans into this realm? In exchange for your help, I offer to clear any obstacles that impede the flow of your river as I search along the river for my mother. That being said..."

She paused for a moment, considering whether to request more from the spirit at this time or not.

"It has been suggested to me that my mother may live somewhere along your river. Her memory has been essentially wiped out of the mind of everyone I've met that should have known her, so you may not have any past memories of her, but do you know anything about a woman, likely in her thirties or forties who may live in seclusion near your river?"

Ulinawa listened patiently, and it let the silence lapse for a few long moments before it responded in its unhurried way. "Protection of mortals, yes. I suppose that protecting others is a worthy goal, but these days I pay little attention to the doings of humans. Though sometimes the comings and goings of men disrupt my river, I could not tell one from the other."

The turtle spirit dipped beneath the water again before it continued. "I am sorry. I see finding this human means much to you, Zoe of the Iron Riders. Though I can be of little help, I will teach you what you wish to know. In return, I ask that you clear away that which blocks the river, diverting it from its natural path."

Zoe bowed her head in disappointed appreciation.

"Thank you, spirit, for imparting your knowledge to me. I will honor you and keep the river clear any time I see it blocked."

As Ulinawa disappeared into the ephemeral river, Zoe stepped sideways, returned to her lupine form, and trotted back to town, shifting into Homid upon her return. It was late when she returned to Connor's, but he was still awake, working hard on one of his personal projects. Zoe smiled warmly as he looked up from his work.

"Hey there. You're up late. Wanna take a walk?"

Connor took the piece of metal he was shaping and cooled it quickly.

"Sure, love. I could use some fresh air, and always enjoy your company."