[Trade] Good things to those who wait

                The Alpha labs had been hell on earth for all that lived there. Some had it slightly easier for one reason or another, or they told themselves they had it easier, but most just made do with the situation. And still others learned from it.

                Phronesis had learned from it.

                Many battles could be fought and won in a single day, but those never made for good outcomes. What was a quick squabble for food left the victor only full for the next few hours before they needed to hunt or steal again. But those that waited, that laid out careful plans that took time, were the ones that were rewarded the greatest.

                Be it food or anything at all. Patience and forethought were the greatest tools she had forged and honed in the labs.

                So, here she sat. On the other side of a river, atop a giant flat-topped stone to soak in sun, from another Acrocanthosaur. The other female eyeing her warily as she lay on the bank of the river.

                It had taken Phronesis days to get to this point with the other Acro. She had spotted her brightly colored plumage three days ago while walking through the area, just in time for the other female to notice her as well and come charging. Phronesis had lost that battle that day. No claw ever met flesh, but she had retreated from the area calmly, at a brisk jog to show that she was not afraid of the other female. She simply did not want to upset the crested Acro.

                The following day Phronesis had returned, walking loudly through the forest to ensure she didn’t accidentally sneak up on the Acro again. Something about the yellow and brown Acrocanthosaur had called to Phro, making her want to come back and actually get to know the other woman. Or at least know her name. Anyone that lashed out so quickly was someone that had been wronged in their past. They were someone that expected the worst out of people.

                Phronesis wanted to try and change that.

                She returned daily, making sure the other female saw her and would gradually get closer until she could see the feather crests start to raise in aggression and then she would leave. And when the day rolled around that they lay on opposite sides of the river, Phronesis knew. That day would be the day she came out victorious in her task.

                For a solid hour both females laid in the sun, soaking up the heat. Gradually, Phro watched as the feathers settled a little more on her unnamed friend, the female finally rolling gently onto her side and rested her head on her side so she could still keep a barely open eye on Phronesis.

                “I’ve walked the isles for a while now. Seen a great many dinosaur with beautiful patterns and hides. But yours has stuck out to me. Your tail feathers, especially.” Phronesis called, her voice soft and calm.

                The feathered female’s eyes darted to her own tail, fanning the feathers out as if looking over the patterning herself for a moment, “Thank you.”

                “You are very welcome. This territory, it’s yours? It’s quiet, peaceful. I have not seen any other Acros around here in the few days that I’ve been here, only you.”

                The other female was silent for a moment, her tailfeathers folding back against her tail as she flicked the tip of it. Contemplating.

                “No. This is not my territory. I come here occasionally though because of how peaceful it is. Not a lot of larger carnivores come through here because of the lack of food. It’s only small game here. A place to pass through, but not stay. On the topic of hides, I would like to return your compliment. Your hide is unmarked by any major scars. What do you do to care for it with no feathers?” The other female asked.

                Phronesis smiled as she stretched out along her rock. Small talk could be unbearable at times, but in this situation it was the best outcome. She was making a breakthrough with her new friend.

                “I don’t like to get into fights. A lot of fighting can actually be avoided. But I do also enjoy rolling in the mud from time to time. It makes for good sun protection but also does wonders to stick to whatever might also be stuck to my hide. When the mud comes off, so too does everything else that I might not be able to reach. You should try it for your feathers, I think it would make your colors stand out even more.” Phronesis replied, amused when she heard the small chuckle from the other woman.

                “What’s your name?”

                “Phronesis. What about you?”

                “Snapjaw.”

                Phronesis snorted softly in amusement, making Snapjaw lift her head from her side and tilt her head slightly in confusion, “Is my name funny to you?”

                “On the contrary, I think it suits you. The situation in general is amusing to me. Something about how calm this place is makes everyone here calm as well. You were so quick to try and run me off the other day, but now here we are.” Phro replied.

                “I fail to see the amusement.” Snap snorted, but watched as Phronesis shook her head gently and got to her feet.

                “That’s okay, it’s just because of where I’m from. The islands never cease to amuse me themselves. You were born up here, weren’t you? Not in the labs below the islands?” The volcanic colored acro asked, slowly going to sit back down. She had originally considered walking over to the other female, but she wasn’t quite ready. Not yet. Phronesis needed just a little bit more patience.

                “Correct. I take it you’re from the labs. You’re unlike most I see from down there. The ones I have met have been aggressive, quick to attack,” Snapjaw replied and narrowed her eyes again, seeing how the other female was simply sitting. Waiting. She didn’t come and do whatever she wanted, she didn’t act like she owned the area. Snapjaw enjoyed that and respected it. An Acro that was comfortable being herself without attempting to assert some sort of dominance over everything, “You can come over if you would like.”

                Phronesis smiled, giving a soft nod as she got up and stepped off her basking stone to wade across the river to the other female. “Thank you. And I think maybe you haven’t met the right ones. There are some good Acros that come from the Labs. My brothers and sister are not like that.” She replied as she lowered herself to lay beside Snapjaw.

                 “How many brothers do you have? Did your family leave Alpha with you when the doors opened?” Snapjaw asked.

                Over the next hour, Phronesis spoke with the younger female. She told her all about the labs and her family. The sight of the yellow crested acro slowly opening up herself was beautiful in its own right and Phronesis found herself not entirely able to leave the company of the other female. And Snap didn’t seem all that willing to leave either.

                The result was as the sun had started to set, Snap had gotten up and looked down at Phronesis, her crest of feathers on her head splaying out but not in aggression. Instead they signaled curiosity.

                “I have a makeshift den nearby. You’re welcome to join me if you would like. Sometimes it gets a little cold out here for me at night. But you? You have no feathers, I can’t even imagine what that must be like.” Snapjaw questioned and motioned towards the rest of Phronesis.

                Phro got to her feet slowly as well, shaking of the sand from the beach and chuckled a bit, “I can confirm to you that it’s much colder at night. I wouldn’t mind the extra warmth and company. Lead the way, and I’ll be right behind you.”

                Snapjaw smiled before she turned and started off, her tail gently brushing up against Phronesis’s neck and cheek to invite her along.