Um.

[paperwaiting]

[Overinvested. Look it up.

Picking up a character to ensure that they receive the proper care somewhere is a little excessive, don't you think?

But as long as there's lettuce and solid ground - it's not like Clyde really minds.]

Comments

[bakedstreet]

[Clyde.

Gladstone knows your troubles.

But come closer, little guy. You're too cute to exist in the same space as Gladstone. You must be dealt with.]

[paperwaiting]

[What did he ever do to you?

He's not moving till he finishes up the last of the lettuce. No point in it going to waste.

Maybe you're the reason the mundane's Internet died, hmm?]

[absurdlysimple]

A tortoise?

[Someone needs to keep a better eye on their animals.]

[paperwaiting]

[They can be adaptable little buggers.

That said, it is a good thing there is no traffic in headspace.]

[can_fall_no_lower]

...oh. You must be a 'pet'. I've read about those. [He kneels down by the box, just looking, curious. His eyes shift from black to a warm orange brown.] You're rather small to be out and about on your own, aren't you? Where's your owner?

[paperwaiting]

[Sadly, Clyde doesn't speak any language known to humans.

He'll just have to resort to crawling around Alasdair in a circle, trying to indicate that they're lost and he's looking for them.]

[can_fall_no_lower]

We'll find your caretaker. It's alright. [The creature seems upset, and awfully vulnerable. Hesitantly, he reaches out to touch the tiny thing's head.] Although if they're human, perhaps it's best I take you in, myself...

[paperwaiting]

[Cranes his neck up to stare, blinking slowly.

Touching is fine, as long as you don't flip him onto his back.

Not quite sure what to take of the comment about humans. They're really the only ones who have ever taken care of him, after all.]

[can_fall_no_lower]

[He gently strokes Clyde's head, with two fingers. He's not sure how delicate a turtle actually is or isn't.] But either way, you're too slow to find them on foot in a place this big. Hmm.

[paperwaiting]

[They're tough little buggers. The stroking is rather nice.

He would still search the place, even if it was by himself.]

[can_fall_no_lower]

Perhaps I could carry you, but I'm not sure how to identify your caretaker.

[paperwaiting]

[Oh, one of them may recognize him. How many box tortoises could there be in a place like this?

And it seems that missing posters often help the process along.]

[can_fall_no_lower]

[Alisdair gingerly reaches out to pick him up, just to see if the little guy's alright with it.]

[paperwaiting]

[There's a small moment for the wiggling of limbs, before he pulls himself together.

This isn't anything new, he's old hands at being moved about. Especially now.]

[can_fall_no_lower]

There, there. I have no intentions of hurting you. [He places a hand underneath the turtle to support the little guy's body.]

[paperwaiting]

[Moves so that his feet are no longer hanging in the air.

The view's pretty nice from up here.]

[can_fall_no_lower]

[He holds Clyde closer, biting his lip thoughtfully.] ...I really want to keep you.

[paperwaiting]

[That all depends on whether you manage to find Sherlock or Watson, wouldn't it?

But company is always appreciated. And visits can always be arranged.]

[can_fall_no_lower]

It would be nice to have someone or something to come home to. Empty buildings are becoming haunting. And turtles betray no secrets.

[paperwaiting]

[Well, it wouldn't hurt to have a foster home for as long as it takes to find his owners.

And unlike cats, you don't have to buy the affections of a tortoise.]

[can_fall_no_lower]

I think I'll name you... Daharin. You can stay in my room. I'll make you a place there.

[paperwaiting]

[Today has certainly been a day for changes. New muse, new place, new people, new name.

Life is really starting to pick up.

He tucks himself into his shell.]