Snow Shelter

The storm had come overnight, shaking the island to its core as harsh winds blew across the sky, carrying heavy grey storm clouds that unleashed frozen rain that formed into an intense blizzard. Animals all across the islands buried into their dens- mammals and reptiles alike, modern creatures and those brought back. The whirling winds and freezing snow lashed against any who did not take shelter, forcing creatures to take shelter in their dens, their burrows, their nests. Those who were unlucky enough to not have a properly sheltered den were sent scattering, forced to find new shelter anywhere they could squeeze into. 

Thor groaned lowly as he shoved his way into the cave, ducking his head down and bardging his shoulders forward in order to fit in. Already snow was clinging to his scruffy feathers, and he could not feel his tail. Behind him trailed Shadestealer, the pale acrocanthosaurus slightly better off due to his thicker feathers. He scented the air, letting out a soft huff. “Cave seems clear. No recent scent of anything, so it doesn't seem like anything is here.” A shame. They could have used a meal. 

The third member of their little pack, Iodine, made her way into the cave with much less difficulty but much more hesitancy. The glowing cryolophosaurus was hesitant, carefully following in the footsteps of the other two. Even now she was still silent, the only sound the soft wet thud of snow falling off of her feathers. 

“Lets try and get some rest.” Thor yawned, returning from his quick tour of the cave. It wasn’t much- just a decently large cave that had just enough room for them to all fit in. The back of the cave narrowed too much for the dinosaurs to fit in, and a small hole seemingly lead deeper into the cave. Thor quickly claimed a spot in the back of the cave, lowering himself down with a loud sight. 

Shadestealer quickly tucked himself into the opposite side of the cave, blocking the entrance with his large body and greatly reducing the chill. Iodine felt a wave of gratitude, nudging against the large carnivore's crest in a grateful gesture. A hot wave of breath hit her face, causing her to scatter backwards and tuck herself against Thor instead. The golden acrocanthosaurus was already asleep, barely shifting as Iodine tucked herself against him. The bioluminescent cryolophosaurus sighed, glad that at least the cave was getting warmer. It did not take her long to fall asleep either, huddled against what had once been one of her biggest fears.

Iodine was the first to wake in the morning, frowning to herself as she lifted her head. The cave was much warmer than it had been last night, warmed by the heat of the two titans in the room. However, a stray gust of wind would occasionally whirl past Shadestealer into the den, causing her to shiver. Quickly making her way over to the still sleeping theropod, she craned her neck to look over his sleeping back. The snow was still going; granted, it seemed less vicious than last night, however the snow was still piling up. Iodine shivered. Seems they were snowed in for a bit. Thankfully, the trio had recently eaten, otherwise Iodine didn't know what would have happened. 

“Iodine…” a low voice hissed, Shadestealer craning his large head up and looking at the smaller carnivore. His eyes narrowed as he looked back towards the entrance, letting out a loud huff.

“We’re snowed in.” Iodine murmured, poking her nose out of the entrance for a moment before returning it back in, shaking the bit of ice that had landed on it off with a hiss.

“Great.” Shadestealer groaned, turning and heaving himself to his feet. Trudging to the other side of the cave, he harshly nosed at Thor. The yellow carnivore huffed, turning his head away from the other. Shadestealer hissed, biting down on the others blue crest with a harsh nip.

Thor yelped, lifting his head and shaking Shadestealer off. “Was that really necessary? You always do that.” He grumbled, pushing himself onto his feet. Iodine huffed, Shadestealer always did this. In his defense, Thor was not easy to wake up.

“We’re stuck in the cave.” Shadestealer put it bluntly, raising his head until it almost bumped against the cave roof. “It’s too snowy to leave.”

Thor seemed to be unaffected by the news, simply hissing out a reply. “Why did you wake me up, then? Not like there’s much room to do anything else here, and the cave is growing cold again.” Indeed, now that Shadestealer had moved, much more cold air was able to enter the cave. “I'm going back to sleep.” The acrocathosaurus thudded himself back to the ground, curling his tail around his body. “We may need to huddle to conserve body heat.”

Iodine shivered, already feeling the chill. Taking the open offer, she quickly moved in, finding a place on the stone floor close enough to feel the warmth from Thor and curling up. “Stay close, Shadestealer.” 

The mist colored acrocathosaurus huffed, but caved quickly, finding his own spot on the floor. Still, he stayed awake, carefully keeping an eye on the entrance. Iodine breathed softly, letting herself fall asleep in the company of two of the strongest creatures in the island, and safe from the snow.