Hey, everyone. This update is a little early, but this chapter is also really short. Not much happens, but it is important to read. I hope you guys enjoy, and I'll see you when I update next time, which should hopefully be very soon!
The glowing crimson crack in the earth acted like a small fire, providing a sense of warmth as the children listened to a nighttime story. Unlike most nights, Kenneth would not be the story teller for tonight, although he and his wife sat close by and listened to Amelia recite a story common in rainbow face herds.
"Long, long ago, the Great Valley was created. The creators made it so fertile by scattering water from the sky all over the land, at least a few times every year. This is why even though the valley has experienced it's times of famine, it always bounces back again."
"Who are the creators?" Asked Littlefoot.
"No one knows," answered Amelia. "No one's ever seen them in person before. They're actually just the forces that created our world, but we call them creators."
"Yeah, but—"
Cera shushed him before he could finish his sentence.
"At first," continued Amelia, "they made the first creatures, and they made them the same. As time went on, they developed and grew to adjust to their environment. And after a time, the first land walkers stumbled upon this wondrous place. And they weren't the dinosaurs. We came later on. And despite how much green food we have here, we weren't always safe from danger."
Tristan listened to her speak, more focused on her captivating manner of storytelling and the way her eyes seemed to glow warmly because of the light, rather than the actual story itself.
"Just like we have sharpteeth, those creatures had other predators that killed and ate them. For many days and nights, it seemed hopeless. It seemed that they would be doomed to their overlords for all time. But they found a tool. The heart of the Great Valley."
"What's the heart of the Great Valley?" Asked Chomper.
"I'm getting there," said Amelia. "The heart of the Great Valley helped them in difficult times, in times when it seemed there was no hope. And because of this, the valley prospered for years to come, and still prospers today."
As Amelia ended, she was met with curious stares that asked so many questions.
"So," began Cera, "what is the heart of the Great Valley?"
"That's up to you to decide."
"Does it exist?" Ruby inquired, tapping her chin. "Or does it not exist?"
"I think it does," Amelia said in response. "Although, I think there's more to it than meets the eye."
"What that mean?" Questioned Petrie.
Kenneth let out a chuckle, having witnessed it all. "That means it's not what it seems," he clarified for the young ones. "You'll have to look closely to understand it."
Littlefoot got up, staring into his grandfather's eyes. "Is the heart real, Grandpa?"
"Well, Littlefoot, I've never heard of it. But it does make quite the story, doesn't it?"
"I guess so."
"Besides," he continued, "Different herds have different stories, and different beliefs."
"And it is quite nice to think that perhaps, we have something here in the valley to help us through dark times," Linda added.
This seemed to make Littlefoot slightly more upbeat. He lifted his neck, swaying his tail from side to side. "Yeah, it is."
As the conversation simmered down, Tristan rose. The warm light from underneath the ground illuminated his face with a glow a color akin to that of his eyes.
"That's enough story time," he said with finality. "Amelia and I must be going home now to get some rest. Goodness knows we won't get any once the children are awake."
"Tristan, it's a bit early—"
"I know," whispered Tristan, his face inches away from hers. "The children won't be home until we call them. We have some down time."
Amelia immediately caught on. "Oh, alright."
The two rainbow faces set off, their snouts touching as they walked towards home.
"Bye, you two," said Linda. "Have a nice night!"
"You too," called Amelia. "Goodnight!"
The children watched them leave until they were out of their line of sight.
Cera raised a brow. "How do they not get sick of each other?"
"That's called love, children," said Linda. "I've been with Grandpa Longneck for as long as I can remember, and I can never have enough of him." She turned to nuzzle her mate, who rested his head on hers in return to the affectionate gesture.
After some time, Linda pulled away. "Anyway, you should all be in the nest by now. It's time for sleep."
"Come on, Littlefoot," urged Kenneth, slowly and steadily rising to his feet, towering above everyone.
"Bye guys," the young longneck said to his friends before following his grandparents.
His friends returned his goodbyes, dispersing and returning to their respective homes.
As Littlefoot walked home, he continued to mull over the story. He didn't know if the heart was real or not, but it was rather comforting to think that the residents had something to turn to in times of darkness, as his grandmother had said. Perhaps, one day, he and his friends could set out to find out if it was real. That would be a remarkable adventure.