[Trade] Wild Weather
The wind was howling, leaves were being torn from the trees and branches rained down from above. The rain pelted anything below it with such force it felt like hail stones. This storm had been the wildest of the season and it was no time to be out and about. Creatures sheltered in logs, caves and overhangs. There were some stragglers struggling to find a place to hide from the weather, among them was Kyrien. As the rain smashed down on the leaf litter around him it stirred up a damp compost smell which overwhelmed all others around him, so much so that he did not detect the scent of another Cryolophosaur wafting from a nearby cave, the other dinosaur detected him however. She stood taking in a deep breath through her nose… ‘Kyrien’.
Breaking from her cover she ran out to him, he couldn’t tell who it was through the heavy rain but they were corralling him into a nearby cave, feeling a mix of eagerness to be out of the rain and nervousness of who this unknown Cryo could be he allowed himself to be guided to shelter. As he stepped over the threshold a wave of relief washed across him as the persistent pelting of rain in his skin gave way to the cooling of wind on his wet back. He peered around the gloomy cave trying to find the one that had assisted him, still unable to recognize the scent around him. Then he laid eyes on her… Jolene.
He felt a flutter in his chest and began to stammer. “I-it’s been a while.” He said, voice raised slightly so it could be heard over the racket outside. She scowled lightly, “It’s never too long… you always seem to find me again.” She spoke with purpose and her words caused him to falter, was she annoyed? Did she not want him around? He was flooded with questions. She assessed his response noting she had caused him some distress. “It’s okay though, I enjoy the interruptions to my lone endeavours.” She said with a more playful tone as she brushed up against him letting out an affectionate purr like sound.
Kyrien felt a tingle through his whole body, though Jolene preferred her space, whenever they met there was bountiful chemistry. Regardless of the raging storm outside, within the cave it was tranquil, calming and comfortable. The pair enjoyed their time together watching the storm tear the forest apart outside. What luck that Jolene had smelt Kyrien and brought him to safety when she did. Had he been outside still he likely would have been killed by a falling tree or loose branch. This fact was not lost on him and it made meeting with her so much sweeter.
Their closeness led to him thinking about their bond, their past offspring and how they were growing. It seems that Jolene too had similar thoughts as she whispered “I miss our kids, well… when they were little atleast.”, she let a dramatic sigh escape her. Kyrien sighed as well, thinking back to the chicks he never got to raise because in the very end, he could never deprive her of what she wanted.
She looked over to him, batting her non existent eyelashes. Kyrien remained strong, resisting her pull, he looked away. “Well last time I wasn’t much involved.” He stared out into the rain again. “I don’t know if I want to feel like that for a second time.” Jolene frowned, as she turned on the charm. “You can stay with us from time to time?” She offered in negotiation, rubbing her cheek on his shoulder lovingly. Again Kyrien sighed, hanging his head he looked down at his feet. He wanted to believe her but he knew in the end he would give in. “Okay, but don't change your mind on me.” He said as he nuzzled back into her.
~
Many storms had come and gone, but none like that one. The devastation outside the cave was immense and the time in the cave with Jolene was something he would not readily forget. As an upside to the debris strewn around them there was an excellent selection of nesting materials. The softest leaves from the tops of the trees, the fluffiest lichen from the surrounding trunks and countless fallen branches, perfect for structure lay within metres of each other. The morning sun spotlighted these things through gaps in the canopy like jewels on display.
The pair wasted no time in gathering nest essentials. Kyrien tackled the heavier branches and pokey sticks, laying down a sturdy foundation for Jolene to build upon. She set about ensuring every gap was filled with something soft or squishy and by the end of the day the back of the cave had a text book quality nest built.
The pair stood side by side admiring their work. The anticipation of soon seeing perfect ivory shells within began to build. The thought of watching a clutch of his own chicks learn and grow made Kyrien’s eyes a little watery, a sensation that he was not familiar with. Jolene noticed this and felt butterflies in her stomach. Raising them on her own was always her intention, it was what she did last time and she wanted to do the same this time round, but something in the way Kyrien’s eyes were twinkling made her second guess herself. She smiled, for once not feeling frustration at not getting her way, this time she could do with the help anyway.
Looking up at Kyrien her smile widened, “Kyrien… Maybe you can stay a little more often then sometimes.” She said amending her original terms of this agreement. His face shone bright with excitement, joy and love. When the eggs did finally arrive the two took turns incubating them and hunting, the process of hatching them was far less lonely with her companion by her side and while a part of her longed for solitude the comfort she felt was undeniable. Kyrien remained with her diligently, after all He could never deprive her of what she wanted.
