video;

[kazilik]

[Iskierka is in her suite today, frowning at a hole in her wall, close to the floor. Through the hole can be seen the back legs and shell of a young turtle, and Iskierka huffs a moment, as she sees what her adopted progeny is up to. The turtle's happily munching away on a fine piece of cloth, draped somewhat artfully on a wall and pinned there.]

Yin! Do not eat that, it is not filling at all. [She abandons the console for a moment to attempt to hold the young turtle back, and then shoves the tapestry up a bit higher.]

Come along, Yin, we shall find you some fish or some plants; perhaps a stew -- may turtles eat stew? I suppose that Gong Su would know, but he is not here.

[Then her neck cranes back towards the console, still keeping a firm claw on the erstwhile Yin.]

Does anyone know what young turtles might eat?

Comments

[kazilik]

If you might find the insects and the vegetables, I think I may supply the fish. I catch some very nearly daily, anyhow, it will be no great trouble to add some to it.

[angermanaging]

I guess we’re each taking one. Seems fitting. I’ll get the vegetables.

[Short pause.]

You don’t mind keeping her with you, right? I can’t really… She’d be a wreck at work. [SUV sized turtle in his lab—yeah, no.]

[kazilik]

Certainly not, she has already made various holes in my apartments. [And Iskierka knows of a decent contractor, so that's good, too.]

[angermanaging]

... Does that mean I shouldn't offer to repair them yet? If she'll just-- make more.

[He's worked various construction jobs over the years. It's common for itinerant laborers and frequently lets him get paid under the table, without pesky paperwork. Bruce is more than a little familiar with the job.]

[kazilik]

That is very kind of you, but I think we should wait; or perhaps we might build her a pavilion of some kind? I could easily fetch some logs and the like for it.

[angermanaging]

A pavilion? [He thinks that over.] You don’t think it’s too cold? I guess we could move the heater in there.

[He abruptly realizes he’s thinking out loud.] Sorry. I mean, sure, I could build something like that.

[kazilik]

Oh, no, in China Temeraire says they make them so one might heat the floors, I could easily find some way to heat it.

I shall help, if you need quite heavy things lifted.

[angermanaging]

That would help, thanks. I'm sure I could do heated floors. [What kind of genius is he otherwise?]

I'll draw up some plans tonight.

[kazilik]

Of course! I may provide the fire if it is at all needed. [Cheap and easy way to heat things, right here.]

Oh! This will be lovely, Yin will be quite pleased.

[angermanaging]

I think I'll make something that you won't have to continuously monitor. In case there's... other things you want to do.

[What do dragons do in their free time? Do they have jobs? She theoretically has to have a job.

He actually appreciates her enthusiasm, at least.] It'll definitely be a lot easier for her. [Something he does care about despite appearances. Bruce can be a soft touch if you get him exactly right.]

[kazilik]

Yes, I thought so, certainly much easier than fitting in these apartments. [Iskierka only fits because she had renovations done, once she figured out how to.]

That is very kind of you.