He let the sounds of nature wash over his relaxed form as he reclined against the ancient tree. Alive with birdsong, the branches over his head rustled.
"I thought I'd find you out here," the elder turtle commented lightly as he dropped down softly beside his brother. As the newcomer settled down beside him he raised a finger to point out across the twinkling stream, beak twitching upwards in a grin.
"Watch," he advised quietly, anticipation sparking in his eyes, "she should be here soon."
The shifting foliage betrayed her arrival as she cautiously approached the riverside. Treading the leaf-strewn forest floor with dainty hoofs, her ears swivelled as she searched for threats. Casting her gaze over the two reptiles on the opposite bank she dismissed them as harmless, calmly lowering her head to the cool water to sate her thirst.
With the doe's easy acceptance of their presence, Leonardo felt his own tension drain away as they simply enjoyed the dappled sunlight streaming through the tree canopy. Feeling a nudge, Leo looked over at his brother, his own inner peace reflected in the other's eyes.
"She's beautiful, isn't she?"
"Like a forest spirit," he whispered back, his eyes drawn once more to the gentle creature.
Michaelangelo let out a quiet chuckle, his hand dropping to thread through the grass.
Across the bank the deer stood, satisfied. Giving the reptiles one last glance she retreated, merging back into the safety and shadows of the trees.
"Like a spirit," Michaelangelo murmured to himself, "like us."