Pomegranate

The birds took flight in terror when a juvenile Styracosaurus emerged from among some fallen trunks and went in pursuit. As usual, it was followed and closely watched by a much larger one. The small one continued to search for the birds without paying attention to its surroundings, and when it reached a clearing, they disappeared into the trees and she watched as the leaves swayed in its wake, dropping some.

The adult came to the clearing of vegetation as well, caring and keeping a watchful eye on the young. He couldn't help but think that she was exactly like him and an old friend in terms of hyperactive behavior when they were juveniles. Especially chasing birds and curiosity about the surroundings, which was something special and unique to her. He hadn't seen her for years, she was not so welcome among her herd because over time an unusual keratin armor was developing and becoming more visible along her back. He shook his head returning to the present. He had once again sunk into thoughts of the past, he definitely had to stop letting that affect him. He focused his sight again on the surroundings, seeing that Grace was still exploring the area. Grace's presence near a particular tree caused the leaves to sway again, this time without any birds in between.

From among the various leaves and branches a crimson fruit falls, breaking when it hits the ground. The fruit opens wide and reveals its contents, a pile of red spheres grouped in the center. The opportunistic birds quickly descend to collect some of the spheres that have separated from the core and quickly take flight again when from among the trees a gigantic figure returns to the ground on its four legs.

—I'm sorry if I scared you. Hasn't it fallen on you? Do you need my help?— The Parasaurolophus worriedly approaches both Styracosaurus, keeping a safe distance so as not to scare them without leaving the barrier of vegetation that separated her from them. Making sure to show that she was not a threat by keeping her head down.

A silence formed as the large herbivore continued to assess the state of both, noticing the juvenile staring at the fruit that had broken after the fall, which he found amusing. He didn't seem to pay any attention to her, much less be intimidated by her size.

—Doesn't it bother you that we're in your territory?— the other adult asked, still remaining cautious and careful with his words. Recently many individuals of her species were showing themselves to be somewhat aggressive and competitive due to the scarcity of vegetation. A pomegranate tree was too valuable to let others even know of its existence. His gaze shifted from her to the young.

—What? No. Not at all.— She looked relaxed. She almost seemed to want to laugh and her crest made a low, vibrant sound. The muffled sound attracted the attention of the juvenile who was nearby looking at the broken fruit and tried to imitate her. The Parasaurolophus finally emerged from the vegetation and, lowering her head a little more, pushed the fruit towards the other dinosaur and then walked away.

The Styracosaurus could see her well now. She didn't seem to have any battle scars or anything, and her stay was generally quite peaceful. Around her neck hung some kind of light-colored bark, there were several pieces of said bark rolled up along with some mistletoe and various other leaves with a sphere adorning the center of the accessory. The whole thing was held up by two ropes around her neck. He had seen some similar adornment around the neck of the horned mammal beasts that were always found grazing near a large red and white unnatural structure, in which the herd took shelter during the night. The times when he got close enough, the beasts would get restless and start bellowing, alerting them of their presence. If his herd was around the place, he and his friend would always sneak up and get closer to listen and watch how the creatures reacted to them.

The young juvenile excitedly approached the fruit, the saturated colors and aroma were quite new to it so it didn't hesitate to take a bite.

—I'm more than willing to give you whatever you need, there are a few more trees around this area, so I have no problem sharing. What do you think?— She moved some trees using her side to reveal the rest of the fruit trees that were spread out beyond. Some trunks creaked and several branches broke from her force.

—Are you sure?— The other approached the baby and raised his head to look at the tree. He no longer felt so distrustful of her presence.

—Of course. I can make all the fruits fall that you want.— She answered cheerfully, the hooves of her front legs kicking the snow a little. —It's no use to me to keep it for long, nor can I eat it all. Take this as a gift from me.— She assures.

Once the young Styracosaurus finished eating, she looked at the tree and then ran between them, paying attention to how the largest dinosaur approached the tree, leaning its side against it and then leaned over the trunk, exerting force so that the fruits fell. The little one came even closer to the base of the tree when she saw how the pomegranates fell one after another, remaining on the snow. They were immediately bitten by the juvenile.

—I don't know how to thank you…— He briefly fell silent. He didn't know her name.

—Canela. You can call me Canela— She answers, looking at him once she stops shaking the tree. —Who am I lucky enough to know?— Canela lowered her head and began to gather the pomegranates that fell, pushing them with her snout and gathering the fruits to leave them at the disposal of the ceratopsians.

—Hershel. This is Grace. Nice to meet you.— Hershel inspects the apples, looking at the pomegranates and then at Canela.

—Likewise, the pleasure is mine. You both have nice names. — She lies down on the snow, next to the tree.—Is it just you two? It's not very safe to be without the protection of a herd. I say this mostly for Grace.— She says as she sees that Grace is minding her own business, eating without paying attention to them.

—Yeah… I know that. So far there haven't been any problems but I still make sure to be by her side at all times.— He looks at Grace with some uncertainty. —And what about your pack?— Hershel takes advantage of the silence to listen if he could pick up the characteristic dull sound that her species emit.

—My herd? Well, I had one but not… exactly a herd. They moved to warmer areas. I've always lived mainly in this territory so I haven't had to worry much about the amount of food. I've tried to tell them to stay but they had to continue…— She moves some snow with her tail, looking stressed for a moment. —I guess I've been lucky so far, no one usually comes to the coast during the winter.— She put the snow aside and then settled herself better on the ground.

—How about we work together until this is all over? — He asks. —That would be our gift.— He sits down next to Grace while she continues to eat distractedly.

—I'd love to.— Canela head rises a little, showing that her mood has improved a little.

—Well, until then we'll form this alliance.— Hershel ended up lying down on the snow and they both waited patiently for Grace to finish eating while they talked. It's a relief to have the other to watch your back. Although the temporary alliance may last long beyond winter.