Allergies

The hard winter was finally over. For so long the sun had been hidden from them, covered by the grey clouds and kept away from them; her children. The land had withered and died, and snow had overcome the vegetation across the islands. 

However, the Sons of the Son were smarter than that. Solstice had lead his small herd or himself, Hyperion, and Zephyr to the ashlands. Here was the place where the warmth of the son was strongest, allowing it to drive away the cold and snow with the dark grey ash that covered the stone instead. 

While it was still colder, at the very least they were not freezing up. Every day the herd would scrounge for roots and the chewy black plants that grew in the ash covered ground. But finally the sun had returned. So like the sunrise, they returned to the rest of the island.

Solstice lead the herd, head held high as he took in a deep breath. As much as he appreciated the ashlands and the warmth they had brought them, it was good to be back in greener parts of the land now that snow was gone. The air smelled pleasant, light and airy with the sweet smell of pollen and flowers.

Zephyr padded behind Solstice, a slight rumbling heard from his stomach as he eyed the fresh new plant life with hunger in his eyes. It had been a long winter, and all of the herd looked thinner than usual. But finally, plant life was back. Fruits were starting to grow, flowers were blooming, and leaves were back. Leaves! Zephyr hadnt seen a leaf for over two months. Eagerly he looked towards Solstice, ready for any sign that the yellow male had deemed the area safe enough to feed.

But Solstice eyes were on Hyperion. The large orange bull’s purple eyes were scanning the greenery around him, a grumpy expression on his already grumpy face. The big bull was not a fan of spring- oddly enough, he almost preferred the ashlands and the black vegetation to the pollen and overly sweet flowers that aggravated his nose. Already he was starting to feel a sneeze well up. Biting back a growl, Hyperion shook his head in aggravation. Too much pollen was in the air. Raising his head, he caught Solstice’s eyes. With a subtle motion he shook his head- he was fine. Solstice seemed to be not so sure of the truth in that, but turned back to Zephyr anyways. 

“The sun has gifted us with new life.” He spook haughtily, raising his horn so it was pointed towards the sky. “See how the plants have flourished under her light! We have been rewarded for our patience in waiting for her throughout the long winter. Now, Zephyr, what do you wish to partake in?”

The brown styracosaurus stared at the greenery around him in green. There were so many options! Pink flowering plants gave off a sweet scent, but the bees that buzzed around them were not a welcome sight- Zephyr knew from experience they tasted funny and made his mouth swell if he accidentally ate one. Grass was a decent snack, but offered little. However, a bundle of bright green plants caught his attention. On top of them were small white flowers, and they looked tasty. “Do you reckon that one is safe to eat, Solstice?” 

Solstice looked to Hyperion in question, who snorted in annoyance but walked forward to nose at the flowers. Thankfully these ones were near scentless, so no puffs of intense perfume battered his nose. After a moment of observation, Hyperion recognized his plant. Rearing his head up, he nodded. “Yes. These are safe to eat.” Scrapping at the ground, he just barely dodged out of the way as Zephyr took that as permission and barreled forward, snapping his beak down and grabbing a mouthful of the flowers. 

Solstice brushed against Hyperion, leaning up to whisper to him (although Hyperion doubted it was needed with how occupied Zephyr was in the food.) “There was a patch of ferns back that way.” The feathered styracosaurus nodded back the way they came, towards a shadowy patch of the nearby forest. 

Hyperion felt a rush of appreciation for his mate, lowering his head to bump against his horn in thanks. While Solstice had no issue himself with the smell of flowers, Hyperion tended to find pollen overwhelming and irritating. It was deeply embarrassing to the normally untouchable bull- what was he if his weakness was but a flower? Thankfully, Solstice did not seem to mind at all. “Im sure theres plenty of ferns if you would like to join me.” Solstice nodded with a soft smile on his face and together the two headed towards the very much not flowery patch of plants, leaving Zephyr with sole claim to the pollen. A win win.