Chapter Five

Jorgen was starting to feel more comfortable around the two carnivorous theropods that now escorted his convoy through the treacherous Rainy Basin. It had taken a while, but his eyes were finally opened to the fact that these truly weren't mindless predators whose sole purpose in life was to satisfy their insatiable hunger; but were intelligent, honorable creatures who had their own set of morals and a Code all their own. Kiva had been gracious enough to teach him precisely what Code these theropods lived by, and it was truly fascinating. Jorgen reviewed it all in his mind.

Give thy thoughts no tongue.

Nor any unproportioned though his act.

Be thou familiar, but by no means vulgar.

Give everyone thine ear, but few thy voice.

Take each individual's censure, but reserve thy judgment.

Love all, trust a few.

Do wrong to none.

This above all: To thine own self be true;

Thou cans't not be false to anyone.

Though he couldn't understand the deeper meaning of those words, still, he was amazed at the fact that the Rainy Basin was just as civilized as the rest of the island. This was only solidified by the fact that, true to their word, Snaptrap and Thunderhead were respectful and even helpful. There had been a time when the two of them, and Kiva, had become wary and defensive. Skyhigh, the Brachiosaur Jorgen was riding, had also become a little edgy and came to a full stop. But soon, whatever had worried them had apparently moved on, but neither Kiva, nor her brothers, had offered any explanation as to what was wrong. Jorgen did not press the matter.

At one point, Kiva and her brothers held a cryptic conversation, which Turq had mysteriously decided not to translate. They called for a rest in a nearby clearing by a small stream, and when the convoy was settled, Kiva and her brothers disappeared. Jorgen became concerned and confronted Turq.

"Don't worry, Jorgen. They just have some business to attend to. They said they'll be back in an hour."
"But what about our mission? We're trying to reach Bonabba by nightfall. What could be more important than that right now?"

"Lunch," was all Turq needed to say.

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When Kiva and her brothers returned, they stepped up the pace and managed to reach Bonabba just as the sun began to set. Kiva had never seen anything like the Vertebral Drawbridge before. Thunderhead and Snaptrap were also astounded and a bit wary at first. They gingerly tested their weight on the seemingly flimsy structure, but at Skyhigh's urging and demonstration, they carefully spanned the bridge.

Glide had apparently made good time on her journey and had already spread the word about their arrival several hours before. There were some mixed emotions about the two Giganotosaurs who had been allowed to cross the bridge into their home. Some were amazed, others were fearful, and still others were curious. But all, and it came of no surprise, were polite and respectful. Several huge baskets of fish were presented to the two carnivores who rumbled their thanks. Kiva was offered a place to sleep by a gracious family, but she declined, wanting instead to sleep with her brothers in one of the smaller, specially modified Sauropod barns. She did not; however, refuse to eat dinner with Jorgen at his request.

He was a gracious host, and offered Kiva several specially prepared dishes of fish, for which she was most grateful. As the meal wore on, Kiva was amazed to discover that she was becoming more and more accustomed to speaking her Human dialect. As a result, Kiva and Jorgen had a lengthy discussion.

"I know that you've grown up with the Quickstrike Clan, Kiva, but I know nothing about you. What was your life like?"

Kiva took a deep breath. "Most of what I know has been told to me by Silvercloud and Goldeye. Perhaps it would be best if I started from the beginning." And so, Kiva began her life's story.

"One day, in early spring, Silvercloud was walking along a small stream when she espied a small basket floating down the stream. Curious, she walked over and ever so gently picked it up between her teeth. Upon opening it, she was astounded to discover a juvenile Human girl inside."

Kiva paused to take a bite of her fish. 'Lightly seasoned River Trout, I believe.' She then continued with her story.

"Silvercloud said I was fearless. I had apparently been the sole survivor of a shipwreck and had floated downstream into the Rainy Basin. I was about two summers old at the time. When Silvercloud returned with me, there was some tension between her and Goldeye about me. He wasn't too thrilled about raising a Human as his own, but Silvercloud defended me. And as I grew, I became a respected member of the clan."

Jorgen, who had been listening intently, was amazed at Kiva's life story. "You should consider telling that to Enit in Waterfall City. I'm sure he'd be quite interested in hearing your tale."

Kiva nodded, absently. "Perhaps. Right now I'm far more worried about Clapjaw. I wanted an adventure, but not like this."

Sensing that Kiva wanted to be alone for a moment, Jorgen walked into the living area and built a small fire in the fireplace. Kiva, meanwhile, had wandered out onto the small balcony area and gazed up at the stars, thinking about her brother. Jorgen, who by this time had finished building the fire, stood in the doorway and studied her. Her straight hair, the sides pulled back and secured with a simply wooden clip, was a stunning reddish-brown that glowed in the light of the setting sun. She wore a gray-blue leg-'o-mutton sleeved shirt and a purple vest with gold trim. She wore a matching pair of purple culottes with a red sash tied around her waist.

Unbeknownst to Jorgen though, Kiva was studying him as well out of the corner of her eye. At twenty years old, he was a head taller than her, with sandy-blonde hair and a clean-shaven, tanned face. He wore a green long-sleeved shirt and brown pants with mid-calf black boots.

Suddenly, the two realized that they'd been staring at each other, and both turned away, blushing furiously. After a moment of uncomfortable silence, Kiva spoke first.

"Well, I guess I'd better go. My brothers will be worried."

"I... I guess so. "

"We're leaving for Waterfall City tomorrow."

Jorgen's eyes lit up, happily. "I'm heading there myself! I have business to attend to there."

Kiva smiled. "Great! Then you'll accompany us?"

He bowed. "I would be honored to escort you," he said, attempting to be serious. "After all, you never know what dangers you may face in a city as large as Waterfall City. You will need all the protection you can get."

Kiva laughed, lightly. "Well, in that case, I'd better go and make sure my brothers prepare for the dangers that await them."

Jorgen escorted her to the door, and watched as she trotted off towards the Sauropod barn. When she got to the door, she turned and waved to Jorgen before disappearing inside. For a moment, he merely stared at the place where she had paused.

"Goodnight, Kiva," he whispered.

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Thank you so much for reviewing, Lord Destroyer. It's nice to know someone reads my work and appreciates it enough to write a review. Thanks again.

And as for the J/K pairing... well... you'll just have to wait and see.