I find that I like being instructed. There is a certainty about it, of letting go of ones own wants and desires to merely follow orders, a security that blanketed me. It is hard to judge what one should do when one had unlimited time at their disposal but nothing to do for it. If Hadrian had said jump in the ocean and swim to the island I might have considered it in this moment, although my fear of such a vast current would in the end subdue such thoughts. I don't like the way the salt water stings as it slides from my fur into my eyes. It is a nuisance that I ignore, learning young to ignore things that are of no significance but must be dealt with.

Laying the shell down without spilling a significant amount of water was a chore that I rather enjoyed. I liked puzzles because they implied intelligence and I wanted to be intelligent. I wanted to be brave as well - the epitome of the best kind of wolf out there. It would take time, that is why I was here, that is why I would stay. My gaze finds him as he draws near, ignoring my urge to shake off the rest of the water that attempts to meander between the fibers of my fur, if only so that I do not fling them on my teacher. He seems pleased, I think, but I keep my face open and inviting, awaiting whatever he had to teach me.

Apparently sea water would help with indigestion - my gaze drags back to it thoughtfully, ears cocked towards him as I listen with all the fiber of my being. I grimace as he mentions drinking it, nodding in agreement. The taste of the nasty salt was still in my maw from carrying it and I had ingested a little by means of simply breathing so I understood how it might turn a stomach on itself. "It is nasty," I agree softly to him, lips offering a wry smile as I glance back up. "No sir, I knew that salt water was good to clean wounds and disinfect but I did not know about the indigestion. Thank you for teaching me." It was always good to be thankful, and I was a rather proud owner of my own turtle shell suddenly. I tip it over with one paw so the water spills in the sand then lean down to grab it gently between my teeth, rising to look at him expectantly - where to next?