Pollen had been branching out a little, after getting settled in and all. There was a lot to explore- Ursa was huge, and so was Leo, and there were so many smells! She missed the Palace, though... But, there were so many different plants. Could she get seeds for them, maybe? But-- no, right now, she didn't see many plants at all in this place. Pretty gems, maybe... really reflective, and shiny, and pretty.
She was drawn to the sound of water, thirsty and tired from walking so much. Four padded paws carried her to the waterfall and its pool- how pretty, too!- and she marveled at it, staring down into the crystal clear water. It rippled with the waterfall's additions, and Pollen turned her head this way and that, giggling as her reflection warped in the mirror. She was getting more color, still- her muzzle was dark! And the mane atop her was slowly growing in, and she felt less fuzzy than before. Patting out over her, she inspected her reflection, opening her mouth and flexing her inner nostrils, sticking her tongue out.
Funny. That's the right word for it. She didn't look like anyone, and anybody she knew didn't look like anybody else. There wasn't a why to that wondering, just a small realization, and a 'huh'. That's just how life was.
Bending down, Pollen drank up some of the water, as if drinking from an oversized cup. It didn't take much to get her fill. A small clatter of rocks, and Pollen slowly turned her head to look, water dripping down her chin and pouring over her chest.
She twisted around the other way, and her eyes landed on... An alcove. Huh! Pulling back, Pollen shoved up onto her hind legs and wandered closer, paws together in front of her abdomen. Just behind the corner, the air wavered and danced, and she stretched out to look at it. One paw came forward, gently reaching, not quite touching. Was this magic? She didn't smell anything.
She stood and watched for a moment more, her tail faintly wagging behind her.
(for t4, gm chosen rift item!)