Shimmering Sands Over the Rainbow

As the ocean neared, Thea felt a surge of excitement and happiness --as if she weren't already excited-- and a huge grin threatened to split her face in two. The air grew heavy with salt and the scent of brine was carried on the wind to the trio, birds wheeling overhead and crying out as if to welcome the sisters. 

The small pools intrigued the girl, leaning over the natural aquarium to peer inside as they stopped. Tiny fish darted to and fro, colorful anemones waved delicate fingers at her, mollusks gripped the sides of rocks,  a colorful eel wiggled amongst a plant, and most intriguing was the small crab that waved at her with its strange hands.

Reaching out with a small paw, Thea startled most of the creatures away but the crab reached for her as well. Thea smiled in wonder but it soon slipped from her face as her paw finally reached its destination and the crab pinched down, hard.

With a yelp, Thea began to hurriedly waddle in a three legged manner back to Estella, who was the most level headed, for help with the crab dangling from her paw and snapping its free pincher angrily. "'Stella get it off!" She cried, whining softly in pain while holding her paw out for Estella to pull off the crab.