The sound of dripping filled the room, echoed by the large walls. Merrigrim sniffed a bit, grimacing at the mineral smell and took a glance around the room. The walls shimmered with the reflection of clear blue water.

Elvira nudged Merri’s side, asking to be set down. The mare complied and leaned down, letting the black cat jump out of the basket. The cat padded down to the water, taking a sniff of it before drinking some.

Merrigrim watched, nervous for anything to happen to Elvira, but everything seemed fine. The cat didn’t sprout wings or grow twice as big, so clearly it was just a pool of water. She walked over to the pool and took a drink herself, watching the water as she did so.

Little colorful… things were in the water looking up at her. They seemed harmless, just little water bugs, but they seemed intelligent. The mare shifted on her hip, leaning forward and dunking her head under the water, looking at the bugs more closely. 

They were all shapes and sizes, a long and blue centipede-esce insect whirled around in the water, their legs helping them glide through the water with ease. She noticed a common water insect, an isopod. One of her favorite bugs, she just loved the little shells they wear.

Elvira nudged Merri’s leg, pawing at her hoof.

“Mm? Want back in, El?” They asked, nudging the small feline with their hoof, to which the cat headbutted their leg.

The mare sat down, letting the feline climb up her back and into the cat’s comfortable basket, purring and settling down.

Merrigrim settled by the water as well, resting their hoof in the cool liquid, “Good idea, huh?” They murmured, shifting and laying their head on the cool stone, the light glow from the pool reflecting Merrigrim’s sleek coat as the two slowly fell asleep, comforted by the soft sounds.