Migration

A biting cold chill swept across the expansive highlands of Isla Kela. What was usually lush green pastures was now a patchy mix of dying grass and drifts of snow. For Arugala, this was a sign. Time to move on.

His herd was small, consisting of only a handful of Parasaurolophus. Despite that these large hadrosaurs had voracious appetites, and the last bits of vegetation holding on for dear life as the winter chill set in wouldn’t sustain them much longer. It was time to migrate down to the forests for the winter, where there would be plenty of food and shelter to get them through the harsh cold months. Arugala reared up and took a deep breath, before letting out a deafening trumpet that echoed across the hills. The herd quickly gathered around him, Izara and Peep at the forefront as his most loyal followers.

 “You called?” Izara prompted. Arugula snorted, and swung his head to gesture around them.

 “I think it’s time. The snow grows thicker and the vegetation thinner. We can’t stay here much longer. We should migrate down to the forests while we have the opportunity. There’s still enough food to last us for the trip, and we’ve yet to be hit with a blizzard. We should take this opportunity while we still can.” He replied, giving each herd member a glance to ensure they were listening. There was a chorus of grumbles and groans at the news, the group growing agitated and voices calling out their objections.

 “Must we now? I had plans you know.”

 “A little warning would be nice next time.”

 “It’s barely even snowed, surely there’s no need to leave now?” They all called. Peep honked loudly in response, drowning out the squabbles.

 “Listen to your bull when he speaks. Arugula has yet to lead us astray, he knows what he’s doing.” She grumbled. Izara nodded, stepping over to Arugala’s side to show her allegiance.

 “Arugala is right. We should get moving for the winter before we get snowed in, no? If we wait until the blizzards hit you’ll all be regretting not moving on sooner. If we want to have a comfortable and productive winter, we should make the move now.” She called out. While the rest of the herd still grumbled to themselves, no one dared object. Arugula smiled and nodded thankfully at Izara and Peep. 

“Indeed. With that, it’s time to get moving. You know the drill, stay close.” He commanded. With that the herd began to move on, trudging through the cold onwards to the forested lowlands.

~

The herd had been travelling for a couple of days, winding their way across hills and taking the occasional break to nibble at shrubs and grass, even daring to take the occasional nap. Arugula took the lead, everyone else trailing behind him like ducklings. Peep and Izara walked side by side, chatting and gossiping as they travelled.

 “So, this is your first winter with us isn’t it? How does it compare to your birth herd?” Izara asked, looking at the younger Para curiously. Peep looked up at the sky and hummed.

 “Yeah, I guess I joined back in spring huh? It’s interesting, the herd I grew up in never visited the highlands so it’s a pretty different experience for sure. We never had to migrate, for example.” She replied, a look of concentration on her face as she recalled her memories. Izara cocked her head, a brief look of surprise flashing across her face.

 “Oh, really? That’s novel. My birth herd also lived here in the highlands, so it’s the only lifestyle I’ve known. How did you prepare for winter then?”

 “We grew up in the forests, so food wasn’t much of a concern. The bigger issue was how many predators are drawn to the forests during winter. Every year we would stake out this little glen, backed up against a cliff. A stream ran through that flowed even during winter, so there was plenty to drink. And thanks to the cliff there was very few opportunities for predators to ambush us. It was pretty cozy. What about you guys, is this how you’ve always prepared for winter?” Peep explained, shooting a question back at Izara. The grey Para nodded, gesturing at Arugala with her head.

 “Yup. I’ve been with the big guy for years now, he has this all pretty well worked out. We try to stick around the highlands for as long as possible thanks to how much safer it is up here, but around when the first snow falls we migrate down to the forests. We spend winter down there, then come back up to the highlands when the snow starts melting. If anything I’m surprised Arugala waited as long as he did to move the herd. I think he was nervous about how everyone would react…”

 “Too right. What am I to do with the lot of you.” Arugula interjected, looking back at his two friends. Izara and Peep blinked in surprise, not intending their conversation to be heard by him. Arugula smiled and beckoned them both to walk alongside him. “The herd has grown a lot. I know we’re still pretty small, but… it was easy when it was just me and you, Izara. Peaceful. That’s no way for a Parasaurolophus to live of course, we thrive with more company. But at least it was straightforward enough to manage our needs. I have to admit, part of the reason I’ve been so hesitant to move us for the winter is because I know the forest is more dangerous. More predators lurking, more places for them to hide and ambush us… and now I have more people to worry about protecting. It’s a lot more pressure for sure.” He sighed, the stress of the move clearly weighing on him. Izara bumped her shoulder against him supportively.

 “Hey big guy, you’ve got this. Who else singlehandedly protected me from an entire Cryo pack?” She said with a grin. Peep nodded, bumping him from the other side.

 “Oh man, yeah. Remember how you lead us all the safety when that Acro showed up?” She offered with a twinkle in her eye.

 “In other words, you’re a smart guy. You’ve always protected the herd, no matter the danger. This winter is gonna be a cinch, you just watch.” Izara added with finality. Arugula softened, and couldn’t help but smile with their support.

 “Yeah yeah, ok, I get it. Thanks you two, you always know how to lift my spirits.” He said. Suddenly they were interrupted by a loud honk from further back in the herd.

 “The forest, we’re here!” Someone yelled trumphiantly. Low and behold, the fruits of their effort appeared before them. As they crested one last hill, the edge of a forest sprawled out below. Everyone started celebrating, breaking into a run as they paraded down towards the forest. Arugula smiled, watching as the herd cheered and galloped towards their new home for the winter. Peep and Izara stopped to look back at him. Izara beckoned towards the forest with a sweep of her head.

 “What are you waiting for? Time to settle down for the winter, big guy.”