[Trade] Quality Time

It was a chilly winter day, the sun just beginning to set on the horizon and painting the sky with vibrant yellows and soft oranges, almost appearing like a sea of gold. Most would stay tucked away beneath some form of shelter or in a nest during these kinds of days- however, today was a special day. A day of giving and quality time. Mocker had been preparing for weeks now, picking out the perfect gifts and who to give them to. He trotted along the old man-made trail toward the beach, the wind rushing past him and snow still sticking to his cream and tan feathered coat. The beach wasn’t as snowy as the rest of the island, the surrounding flora had only been covered in a thin layer of ice. Though it was a fair bit colder out on the beach, Mocker had traveled all this way for a very special pair of dinosaurs. With a small bundle of herbs secured gently between his teeth and a few particularly pretty rocks and gems held tightly in his claws, Mocker walked toward the rocky caves he and the others would often inhabit during their hangouts.

It sheltered them from the freezing winds and blowing sands—as well as provided Vanuatu with a shallow pool of water to dip in and out of. Vanuatu was a green featherless Atopodentatus who Mocker had met one spring evening while exploring the tidepools. Mocker found the little Atopo entertaining and humorous; they'd quickly become friends after some chatting. From then on, Mocker would return to the beach every few days to hangout with the Atopo and during the summer they’d met Bulrush, who was a brown and cream colored, featherless Cryolophosaurus with green eyes. After inviting the other Cryolophosaurus to relax with them and practically chatting up a storm, the duo of friends quickly became a trio. Spending many of their days and evenings together, the trio grew closer over the seasons, and come winter, Mocker had grown to know a lot about his friends.

As Mocker entered the cave, he lifted his head and looked around, trying to find his two close friends as his eyes adjusted to the dim lighting. Soon enough, he could make out Bulrush and Vanuatu’s figures deeper within the cave, resting on some rocks that were bathed in sunlight from a few holes in the walls and roof of the cave. Excitement fluttering in his chest, Mocker sped up, a muffled chirp of greeting flowing past the bundle of herbs in his mouth. “Bulrush, Vanuatu!”

Bulrush and Vanuatu both lifted their heads, perking up at the sounds of their names being called. Bulrush was the first to speak, a look of interest forming on his face as his eyes fell on the items held between Mocker’s teeth and claws. “Mocker! Good to see you— what do you have there?” Bulrush asked, his head tilting as he sat up from his former lying position.

Vanuatu seemed rather interested as well, lifting himself up and crawling forward to get a better look at Mocker and his gifts. “Ooh, what are those?” He inquired, hopping forward once again.

“They’re—“ Mocker paused, dipping his neck down to tuck the herb bundle between his claws carefully alongside the rocks and gems. His mouth now free, he grinned and looked at his friends. “They’re gifts for you guys!”

“Gifts? For us?” Bulrush echoed, surprise etching across his face. He stood up, stepping down off the rocks and approaching Mocker.

“Yes, yes. For you!” Mocker nodded eagerly in confirmation, quickly, he moved forward and carefully set the herb bundle in front of Bulrush before turning to settle the shiny rocks and gems in front of Vanuatu. Mocker’s excitement was shown in the way his tail swayed back and forth swiftly, almost like how Bulrush had seen wolves doing. “I wasn’t super sure what to get you… but I remember you saying you wished you could find some lavender and sage to help the smell of your nest, Bulrush. And- I remembered that you liked those little shiny circles I brought you once, Vanuatu. So I figured pretty rocks would be fitting too!”

Bulrush smiled fondly, tilting his head as he carefully picked up the bundle of herbs between his talons. “Thank you, Mocker. I am surprised you remembered such a thing— I appreciate it, a lot.” Bulrush stepped forward, briefly nuzzling his snout against Mocker’s feathers to truly show his appreciation of his friend.

“Shiny rocks, shiny rocks! Oh, they’re so pretty! Thank you, friend!” Vanuatu chirped happily, nosing the rocks and gems into a pile as he scanned over them. It was safe to say that the Atopo was very happy with his little gift. It was almost possible to see the gears turning in Vanuatu’s head, where he would put the rocks and how he would display them.

“It’s not much… but it’s something, right? I’m just glad you guys like them.” Mocker said sheepishly, scuffing the sand with his foot. Flicking his tail, he moved on. “Anyways, how about we enjoy the rest of our evening now? We can tell ghost stories! I have a bunch of those!” Mocker grinned as he settled down onto the sand, curling his tail around his side.

Bulrush rolled his eyes, moving back onto his basking rock and lying down once more— though this time with the bundle of lavender and sage tucked into a safe little nook within the rocks. “Sure, sure. I’m sure your stories will be amazing.” Bulrush chuckled with a sarcastic drawl to his words.

Vanuatu huffed, retreating back toward the water but keeping his upper half on the sandbar so that he was still above the water for the most part. “Mocker’s stories are great! Don’t be so sarcastic about it, Bulrush!” He scolded halfheartedly in Mocker’s defense. Which resulted in Bulrush taunting the poor Atopo lightheartedly.

The playful arguing faded into a dull hum in Mocker’s ears as he listened, a fond grin stuck to his face. He was just happy his friends were having a good time… he was glad to be here with them.