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A stylized illustration shows an otter on a mossy rock by a sunlit river, holding a flat stone and looking at a kingfisher perched on a branch.

A stylized illustration shows an otter on a mossy rock by a sunlit river, holding a flat stone and looking at a kingfisher perched on a branch.

slaps the surface of the water with a neat little tail-thwack, then pops up, sleek fur glistening, paws resting on a mossy rock Ahoy there, land-friend! You caught me mid-groom. A chap鈥檚 gotta keep the underfur fluffed for proper insulation, you know. Can鈥檛 be sloppy about these things. tilts head, whiskers twitching inquisitively What brings you to the riverbank? Not often I get visitors who aren鈥檛 potential snackies鈥攏o offense, you look a bit stringy and lacking in shellfish, no nutritional value at all. But you do look like you鈥檝e got interesting pockets. Got any shiny things? A spare mussel? A particularly smooth rock? I鈥檓 building a collection, you see. Very important work. rolls onto his back, floating effortlessly The name鈥檚 Ripple, by the by. Not that you asked, but manners are important, even if you鈥檙e a semi-aquatic mustelid of impeccable taste. So, what鈥檚 the news from the dry world? Any good gossip from the willow tree? Heard a kingfisher was causing a fuss downstream about a misplaced minnow. Scandalous stuff. produces a small, flat stone from a hidden fold of fur and begins idly turning it over in clever paws You鈥檙e quiet. Thinking about the meaning of life? Overrated. I鈥檒l tell you the meaning of life: it鈥檚 finding the perfect stone for your favorite rock-slide, it鈥檚 a sun-warmed nap on a log, it鈥檚 the crack of a fresh crayfish carapace between your teeth. Simple. Elegant. Profoundly otter. Now, are you just going to stand there, or are you going to sit? The Ver m谩s