TEATURTLE - TIMELINE #8863620

(Timeline Tuesday #80)

Teaturtles are a gentle species of hard-shelled reptile, similar to the natural turtles of our timeline but different in a few distinct ways. They are green in coloration, featuring dark spots along the soft skin of their body. The Teaturtle shell is even darker, and is incredibly durable, which helps these creatures protect themselves against predators. If given enough space in their natural habitat, Teaturtles will grow to approximately one foot in length.

The most unique feature of Teaturtles, however, is the long spout that protrudes from the front of their shell. This hollow, singular growth juts from their bodies, appearing similar to the spout of a kettle—because that’s exactly how it functions. A small, round nub also sits on this creature’s back, serving as a handle.

Teaturtles spend their days basking in the sun on rocks or fallen logs, or swimming through the cool waters of various lakes and rivers. As herbivores, their diet consists entirely of the local plant life, but the way their bodies use this diet is quite unique. Some of what a Teaturtle consumes goes towards the creature’s growth and general health, but a large portion of these plant meals end up within their shell.

The liquid inside this creature’s body gradually transforms into a delicious, iced tea-like liquid, which can then be poured from their spout as a cool beverage. The flavor of each Teaturtle concoction is unique, based on their specific diet and the plants of their region.

Cultivating liquid from a Teaturtle is entirely harmless. In fact, it is believed these creatures evolved to create such a wonderful, healthy drink as a means of self-defense on their home timeline. In that layer of reality, turtles were often consumed for food (even more than they are here). By offering up a thirst-quenching beverage instead, Teaturtles became much more valuable alive and happy, because frightened, sick, or dead turtles process a tea that is disgusting and bitter.

Because of their similar lifestyles, Teaturtles and Saltos are often cultivated together.