Unnamed (Temp name: Asa) –
Bonsai Kodama/Dryad, Sakura/Prunus serrulata, 64 looks 30ish, female, asian/undetermined nationality, works at Arboretum, consults at Zoo. Tree doctor in all permiatations of the meaning. Confused caretaker of several well-nibbled exotic flora.

Unnamed – Were-Tortoise (no, seriously), Geochelone elephantopus, 125 looks 50ish, male?, fondness for Opuntia, callous disregard for other peoples gardens and the concept of asking before eating. Shame on him.

Unnmaed Contact at Zoo – who involves Kodama in flower-munching mystery.

20ish Grandgaughter of Tortoise – who is horribly embarassed with the whole thing and thinks her granddad is a nut. He thinks she is too young to be living on her own (which she is, in turtle years) and insists on visiting often.