[Trade] Center Stage

Rumors had been spreading far and wide across the islands for a while now. It was a cold winter, colder than usual despite the cloudless sky. No one was a stranger to frost nowadays, and the way it clung to your tail no matter where you hid. But the rumors spoke of a strange human building out of the city that was always bright no matter how dark the night was, and warm no matter how cold the winds blew. This was a place of fun and games, spoke the rumors, of feast and dance and small red tickets that could be traded for prizes. Many had already made their way to the building's gates, not knowing what to expect but hoping for the best.

One of the many that had made their way was a grey cryolophosaurus with a long blue stripe running along his side known as Paradise. A smug, easygoing grin was present on his face almost non stop, even as he made his way through heavy snow that clung to his feathers. At his side walked a slightly smaller male, his feathers a deep blue that mimicked the freezing midnight above. This was Paradise’s adopted son Hyld, still young but clever and swift. The two had heard rumors of this almost impossible place, but it was not the talk of feasts and prizes that caught their attention (well, not fully; Paradise was interested in finding some new shinies to take home, but that was for later), but the rumors of song and dance and the interest in performers. Paradise was quite adept at song and dance, and he had taught Hyld in turn. Now, they were here for their calling; to sing for a crowd, to put on a show, and to dance.

And indeed, it was real- Hyld had felt some doubt even on the way over, but now, he knew; the rumors were true. Merry song and laughter echoed around the halls, bouncing out into the frozen air. Paradise confidently led the way up the steps, Hyld lagging a bit behind him as he took everything in. This place was almost unreal to him- if it wasn’t for the sting of cold, he would think it a dream. Dinosaurs and reptiles of all shapes and sizes chatted as they passed through the halls, majestic even in their ruin. 

An oviraptor with moth-like feathers across his face in the form of a mask was quick to make his way over to them, a sparkle in his eyes. “Do I sense the performing spirit in you, strangers? Have you come to put on a show? If so, what do you do?”

Paradise grinned back, bowing his head down in a motion Hyld was quick to mimic. “Indeed! Me and my son Hyld are skilled dancers… and we have come to perform!” With a quick spin added for dramatic effect, of course. Hyld blushed a bit in slight embarrassment, doing a half-hearted little twirl. 

“Perfect!” The oviraptor clapped his claws together. “We have a singer due to go to stage soon who has no backup- oh Cynthia!”

“Yes, ringmaster?” A fluffy, pink styracosaurus made her way from a side hallway, fancy ribbons wrapped around her horn and a sparkly cape. Dark markings on her beak, back, legs, and frill gave her a bit of an intimidating look, but her gaze was kind when it fell on the two strangers. “Oh? Are these my partners?”

“Indeed we are, madam!” Paradise greeted, stepping forward. “I am Paradise, and this is my son, Hyld!”

Hyld mumbled something softly, clearing his throat. “We’re dancers.” The young male was clearly shy, but passion was clear in his stance. “We’d love to join you.”

“And we’re glad to have you!” Cynthia smiled, dipping her head ever so slightly. “Come with me, and I’ll get you dressed up and ready for the show.” She turned and pranced off, with Paradise and Hyld quick to join her.

“Dressed?” Hyld questioned as they made their way through the museum, dodging quests and making their way into what was seemingly a staff only room. Several articles of human clothing was scattered across the area, Cynthia moving around quickly.

“Yes! It's a masked themed party tonight where we’re performing.” Cynthia nudged several fabrics around with her horn. “Apparently its something humans did to stay anonymous- it doesn't really work for us, but it’s fun! If you find something, feel free to put it on. Ill check for masks.”

“Hmmm…” Paradise scanned the room, before gasping as he noticed… some fabric coated in rhinestones. “Perfect.” He purred, reaching out with his claws and draping it over his neck as a sort of scarf. Several shiny necklaces were next, dangled all over his scales in a chaotic mess. Hyld chose a much more simple garb, simply wrapping some red fabric with quiet bells around his tail.

A few bangs caught the carnivores attention as several boxes fell over, only for Cynthia to emerge, covered in various fabrics but proud. Two masks were hooked in her beak, and she was quick to pass them to the two cryolophosaurus. Paradise has an almost pure black one, while Hyld donned a white one. “Perfect!” Cynthia smiled at the two. “Before we make our way to the stage, let's go over the plan; I will be singing up on a stage while you two dance off to the side. No restrictions, just try and match my music. Seems good?”

“Seems easy enough.” Hyld responded, Paradise letting out a somewhat distracted sound of agreement as he twirled in place. The styracosaurus decided that was good enough, gesturing for them to follow her before making her way out towards the left wing of the museum- the one more based around more familiar things to the dinosaurs, such as earth and bone and nature. The room Cynthia was assigned to was a bit of an odd one; the walls were made of some kind of fake rock, and the room itself was spacious and echoing, glowing crystals lighting the outskirts and a large central rock underneath an especially bright gemstone in the center of the roof. Paradise almost screeched in glee- so many shiny things!

“You two, up here.” Cynthia pointed to the center rock, the best lit position in the room. There was plenty of space for Paradise and Hyld to clamber up onto the centerpiece, although Hyld looked back at Cynthia with some hesitation.

“Arent you going to join?”

Cynthia smiled, shaking her head. “Nah- you two are the dancers, you need center stage! I’ll be in the back, singing while yall charm any visitors! Now, get ready- as soon as I start singing, it's time.” The styracosaurus shot the cryolophosaurus pair a wink before heading towards the back of the room, where the cave was broadest and the roof round-  Cynthia had found out a few days ago it was the best place to sing from, and she was eager to try it out in front of a crowd. After a deep breath, the styracosaurus began to sing. It was wordless, merely a loud hum of noise, but it was packed to the brim with emotion. Already a few heads were starting to peak in, intrigued by the sounds coming from the once silent room. 

“Thats our queue!” Paradise grinned, before beginning a strange, elaborate dance- bobbing his head up and down, making deep noises, and flashing his bright blue crests towards the guests. The cryolophosaurus wove in swirls and swift turns in place, making the jewelry on his cape clatter softly. The small gems caught the light, making Paradise the center of attention.

Hyld didn’t mind his fathers behavior- in fact, he almost welcomed it- the flamboyant behavior helped him relax, as most attention was on the larger, flashier cryo instead of the meeker one. His motions were simpler, less dramatic, but no less passionate. The soft jingle of bells with every move Hyld made added a sweet background to Cynthias almost sad song, blending together perfectly. The three lost track of time as they swayed, sang, and danced, the hours blending together as they preformed. Eventually, the light of dawn began to shine through the festival- the night had come to an end- but what a night it had been. The three parted ways, sore but proud. And if Paradise took his scarf with him? Well… it would be perfect for his hoard.