Nautica catches herself a Meloduckie

It had been such a fun time on the beach, but now the place seemed to be overrun with ducks. Ducks, of all things! With little flowers around their heads and adorable leaves on their chest. Oh my they were simply adorable! Nautica hadn't been sure about owning livestock at first, not until Aurora convinced her too. But now the nautical found herself absolutely smitten with critters, especially ones that could swim or were water based. And luckily for her, they seemed abundant at the moment. If she could catch one, that is.

Heading on down to Elizabeth's, Nautica first scoped out what she'd need to properly care for a little duckie and as luck would have it, Elizabeth was already on top of it. Handing over silver, Nautica got everything to build a pond in addition to her coop and made use to fill it to the given parameters. Of course, all this took about a week, given she was a slow inexperienced worker, but eventually she had gotten it all done! Now, for a duckie.

Catching a duckie wasn't any easier. The little critters were faster than her and slick. Any time she thought she had her paws on one, it would slip right out of her grasp, like water off a, well a ducks back! So instead, she decided to go another route. Picking out a mix of berries and icky worms. Nautica began to create a food trail towards her coop, leaving the outer fence open (and her two hens safely inside of course) in hopes that a little duckie or two would waddle on into it and decided to stay. It took a few days, most duckies coming along, gobbling up the treats and leaving , but finally, one hot afternoon, a little duckie followed the food trail all the way inside the coop, and after looking around, took a cooling dip and sip of the pond waters. Seeming happily cooled and refreshed, it hung around. Slowly, Nautica crept outside, steady and gentle. She held out a tub of ice water mixed with more fruit for the little dear, a peace offering. Sensing this, the duckie happily began to chow down and accepted a few head pats.

Nautica smiled, pleased. "I do hope you'll stay, little one."

(379 words)