HILDA AND THE JURASSIC FOREST
(A fan-fiction by Slogokonnor99)
Chapter 3: The new normal
The next morning, Hilda's mom drove around the city, looking for a house on sale or for rent to settle themselves in, and after a couple of hours, the car stopped in front of a building, and both got out of the car to try and see if there was an available spot.
-Ok, this place apparently has an apartment with almost 5 rooms- Hilda's mom stated -it should be enough to accommodate us both-, -I guess that… works?- Hilda replied, she wasn't at all comfortable with the idea of living in the city, but given that there was nowhere else to go, she had no other choice. -I promise this is going to be a nice experience- her mom reassured her -trust me-, -Ok- she replied with a shy voice.
The two of them then left the car with Twig on their toes; Hilda's mom then knocked on the door and waited for someone to answer. -Oh! Good morning, ma'am!- an old person greeted her as he opened the door, -Good morning sir- she replied -I saw on a newspaper that there was a space available; is it by any chance still for sale?-, -Oh it sure is!- the old man replied -come along, I'll show you around-.
The old man guided both Hilda and her mom to the second floor of the building, and soon stopped in front of a door; -Here's the apartment- he stated as he opened the door -have a look around to see if you like it-. Hilda's mom entered the living room and explored around; the furniture seemed clean and in good state, and the colors were nearly identical to their old home.
-This place does feel a bit cozy- Hilda stated as she entered the room, Twig followed close behind and accidentally startled the old person. -Is this a deerfox by any chance?- he asked Hilda, -Oh, yes- she replied with nervousness -his name is Twig-, -Oh wow, my wife told me about these animals before- he complemented -she usually says it's related with bad luck, but I don't really believe in such a thing, especially with such an adorable fluffball-, -That's a bit unnerving- Hilda nervously replied.
As Hilda and her mom explored the apartment, Alfur decided to hop off Hilda's ear and onto the window to admire the view. -Wow, I'm not very impressed with the view outside- Alfur said to himself -but on the bright side, the window is made of good material-. Alfur then proceeded to make a temporary camp and also to take some notes of his surroundings; -It's gonna be a lot of work for me today- he said to himself as he took out a large piece of paper and placed it on a table -I may as well make myself comfortable-.
While the little elf began to map the environment, Hilda's mom and the old man discussed the pricing of the flat. -So how much is the place worth for?- Hilda's mom asked the old man, -I initially planned to sell it for 1220 pounds- the old man replied -but I feel like 990 should be more reasonable-, -We'll take it- Hilda's mom agreed.
Soon enough, her mom made the payment, and the two began to move their things inside. -You want to go out and explore later, Hilda?- her mom asked her, but her daughter still seemed like she didn't want to talk; -You're still hurt over our old house?- she asked her daughter as the two sat down on the building's staircase, and she only nodded in return, -I know the change was sudden, but we'll just be here until the danger is gone. I promise you that once those creatures are gone, we'll move back to the woods; we'll just have to wait-, -But what if they never go away?- Hilda asked while sobbing, -Well, the trolls stopped attacking the city as well, and we're both at peace; remember?- her mom tried to lift her up -I'm sure there will be a way to coexist with those animals-.
Her mom then gave her a hug as she started to shed her tears; Twig also joined in the hug and there was some silence as the three shared a warm embrace. -Well, let's finish getting our stuff up to our home- her mom stated as she let go of the hug and stood up, Hilda soon followed along with Twig behind her.
Meanwhile, in the house, Alfur had already started making a map from the limited view the windows gave him. -Alright, so there is a bakery across the street, some sort of restaurant on the left corner, and some unidentified shop on the other corner- he stated as he gave another check to his map -there's no sign of a green area on the perimeter, but there are a lot of lamp posts and other houses. I doubt this may be a neighborhood-. Hilda and her mom soon entered the room, startling Alfur.
-You've been doing some work, haven't you Alfur?- Hilda asked him, -Oh yes, and it's quite the work- Alfur replied as he showed his map to Hilda; -I can't see anything- Hilda complained, -How though? The map is pretty clear to me- Alfur argued -there's a bakery here, a restaurant on the other corner, and lots of homes in between!-, -Hilda, who are you talking to?- her mom asked as she saw her daughter talking alone to the window, -Oh, uh…- Hilda tried to think of a lie -It's… uh… an imaginary friend!-, -Oh- her mother replied -you're feeling a bit lonely?-.
-I think you just made it worse- Alfur stated, -It's OK, Hilda- her mom stated -When I first moved out, I thought I'd be lonely for how long I stayed here; but I know you'll eventually make friends-, -Yeah- she nervously stated, and then thought of how to change topics. -Do you need help with that box?- she asked, -If you can withstand the weight- her mom joked.
The morning passed quickly; Hilda and her mom were almost done unpacking what was left in the car, and Hilda's now "imaginary friend" had now made a house inside a cuckoo clock that Hilda had managed to recover from the rubble.
-Well, that should be the last of the kitchen dishes- Hilda's mom stated as she admired the new kitchen fully assembled, -I do feel like we may need more stuff- Hilda suggested, -Yeah, I can see what you mean -I'll probably go out and buy more kitchenware tomorrow-.
Tired from the unboxing, Hilda and her mom sat on the couch and watched TV together. At this time of the day, both would be watching documentaries about the Trolberg wildlife or cooking shows, but their usual TV schedule got interrupted by a "special" announcement.
-We interrupt our regular programming to give you an urgent announcement- a voice on the TV stated as it cut to a news report, -THIS JUST IN! The Trolberg department of wildlife has announced open slots for volunteers to help drive the dinosaurs away from the area- the news reporter stated -after the earlier report of a cottage being destroyed by an Apatosaurus, the TDF has also confirmed a partnership with global giant Biosyn to secure the animals into a currently in-development sanctuary. More details on this collaboration later at 4pm-
-Well, I think we may not need to stay here for that long- Hilda cheerfully stated, -I'm not so sure about this, Hilda- her mom replied -that organization has been promising to get rid of the dinosaurs ever since they were first seen here, but nothing has really been achieved so far-. -Maybe this time it could be different?- she asked her mom, -You could be right- her mom "agreed" with her -but we probably should be getting accustomed to city life, just in case-.
Hilda quickly got upset by that statement, but having witnessed the power and strength of one in person, maybe her mom was right on this decision.
-So… what do we do for now?- Hilda asked, -Well, I could take you around the city to know around- her mom suggested -I know a place where we could get sandwiches…-, -WHERE?!- Hilda instantly jumped, making her mom giggle, -Well, we could go so you can learn where it is, but I heard that you don't like this environment…-, -I didn't say that!- Hilda refuted, -Are you sure?- her mom asked before she started tickling Hilda, -OK! OK! I DID!- Hilda replied in between laughs.
While Hilda and her mom were "arguing", Alfur was still revising his map to find his way around this new area. -I'm going to need a much bigger view of the city if I want to make a map of this place- he said to himself as he wrote down some notes of what he had seen so far -I could contact a pigeon carrier for some help, but I doubt I'd be helped given I don't have a passport for the city-.
As Alfur was processing his notes, Hilda got into the room to put in her boots and bouquet. -Hey, Alfur!- Hilda alerted him -do you want to go out and get a cucumber sandwich with me and my mom?-, -I'd like to go, Hilda, but I'm a bit busy with something- Alfur stated, -OK, I'll see you later!- Hilda replied and left the room with Twig; Alfur, however, having just realized what she had asked him, quickly changed his opinion, but she had already left.
-Dang, how do I catch up to her?- Alfur asked himself, and then saw the open window of the room; -Oh, don't be silly, Alfur!- he said to himself -You won't be able to get to her, even on foot-. Suddenly, a bird flew into the room and started to flap around in confusion, -Well, thank lord I didn't try to go out that way- Alfur said to himself in relief.
The bird then landed, not on the floor, but rather on the wall; Alfur was left confused, as he's seen plenty of birds perching in branches, and on the floor, but never in a flat, vertical surface. -Oh my! This is definitely worth of a report!- he said to himself out loud as he went to grab a notebook and a pen, but when he came back to document the animal, it had disappeared.
-Dang! I was a bit slow on that one- he said to himself -never mind though, at least I know it lives around here-. Alfur then focused once again to try to find a way to try and get a better knowledge of the city, and so he decided to try and go into the roof of the building; but as soon as he left the cuckoo clock, the bird grabbed him from his bag with its teeth and flew out of the window.
-LET GO OF ME YOU NASTY BIRD!- Alfur yelled out loud as the bird took him away of the house, but the animal obviously ignored him, and continued to fly away; Alfur could do nothing but yell for help and wait for the inevitable to happen.
After walking a couple of blocks away from their home, Hilda and her mom reached a small kiosk just across a park. -I thought I'd be like a large store- Hilda claimed-, -Not all shops are indoors- her mom replied -there's some that are located outside and next to places like schools, parks, or stadiums-.
As the two approached to order some sandwiches, Hilda saw a group of kids across the street playing with balls and reading books. -Hilda, what sandwich would you like?- her mom asked her, snapping her out of her trance; -Oh uh…- Hilda tried to think of a choice, but having just seen the menu, she wasn't so sure of what to pick.
-Uhh.. Can I get a ham and lettuce sandwich?- Hilda asked, -Sure; anything else, ma'am?- the kiosk owner asked Hilda's mom-, -No, that'll be everything- she replied; the owner then began to make the sandwiches, and Hilda, once again, went to watch the kids play.
-You'd like to join them?- her mom asked, -I… I'm not sure- Hilda nervously replied, -It's OK if you feel nervous, Hilda- her mom stated -I'm not going to pressure you-. Hilda felt conflicted: she wanted to try and take part in what those kids were doing, but she felt too anxious to try and join them, even if her mother pressured her.
After some minutes, the kiosk owner finished the sandwiches for both Hilda and her mother. -Thanks for the sandwich, mom!- Hilda thanked her mom as the two enjoyed their meals, -Now you know where to go at least when you want to move quickly around- Hilda's mom stated -which reminds me, now I want to show you around somewhere I used to like to go as a kid-.
As the two headed for said location, Hilda heard Alfur's cries of help, but when she looked around to try and spot him, she couldn't find him at all; the only thing she could see was a small bird fluttering around her.
-Is everything alright?- Hilda's mom asked, startling Hilda; -Oh, I'm OK- she replied -I just thought I heard something-.
Hilda and her mom moved on, and the bird flew away too; but Alfur, tired of being dragged for so long, tried to poke the bird's eye, and the animal let him go. -I DIDN'T THINK ABOUT THIS PART!- he yelled out loud as he fell down from the sky; he thought he was doomed, but luckily for him, he landed on a store awning, then in a balloon, and finally, on top of another elf.
-AAAHHH- Alfur screamed as he landed on the elf, and to make matters worse, that elf wasn't alone. -OI! Who's that guy?- an elf asked as Alfur stood up and tried to help the one he landed on top of, -Oh, I… I'm deeply sorry- he apologized as the other elves surrounded him, -Hey, he looks like a country elf- another elf pointed out, -Oh… uh… yes I am?- Alfur nervously replied, -Well then, come with us- another elf replied -I think our commander may like a talk with a victim-, -Victim of what?- Alfur asked, but before he could say anything, everything went black.
While Alfur was being abducted, Hilda and her mom were heading towards a bigger building; before they arrived there, however, Twig caught the scent of something. -What is it, boy?- Hilda asked Twig as he pointed his face at an open area; Twig then moved towards the open area with Hilda behind him; only now did her mother notice them both trailing off the way.
Twig led Hilda towards the road, for the area he had caught the smell from was across a road; -HILDA!- her mom called out as she caught up with her -don't trail off like that! It's dangerous to go alone to an unknown place!-, -Sorry, mum- Hilda apologized -it's just that Twig went somewhere else-.
Seeing that the street was clear, Twig crossed the road with Hilda and her mother close behind; Twig then tried to cross, but there was a fence in the way. -What's this place?- Hilda asked, but before her mom could answer, a bell began to ring, causing a large group of children to run away from a big building in the middle of the open area.
-What's happening?!- Hilda nervously asked as she hid behind her mom in a hurry, -Don't worry, Hilda- her mom replied -it's just the break bell-, -Break bell?- Hilda asked in confusion, -Well, I should first explain to you what this place is- Hilda's mom replied -this is a school, and that bell usually tells the time for everyone, whether it is to go into that building, or to go out and play-, -So it's like a prison?- Hilda asked, -No…?- her mom replied -school is a place to learn new things, who told you that?-, -You joked about it last week- Hilda replied.
Suddenly, a ball flew over Hilda and onto the road behind her; Twig, by instinct, went after it and brought it back to Hilda. -Hey! Can you give us the ball back?- a boy yelled, seeing that Hilda had it, -Here!- Hilda yelled back as she threw the ball over the fence; the kid tried to catch it, but he got too nervous at the last second. Fortunately for him, a girl caught the ball for him. -David, don't hesitate when the ball comes at you- the girl advised him, -Sorry, Frida- David replied -Oh, and, thank you, blue-haired girl!-, -You're welcome!- Hilda replied.
Hilda and her mom left to go where the latter had planned earlier, leaving the two kids playing in the playground. -Isn't that the girl who heard us in the supermarket?- David suddenly asked, -It could've been anyone- Frida replied as she threw the ball at David for him to catch, -I swear, her voice is literally the one of the person who heard us there- David replied as he threw the ball back at Frida, -You're probably being a bit paranoid with this one, David- Frida stated -besides, it's not like we would randomly share personal information anywhere-, -Yeah, maybe you're right- David replied.
A flash of bright light started Alfur as he was finally let go; around him, he noticed he was in an office room, with plenty of documents and archives on the shelves around him.
-You may be wondering why we brought you in here in such a brutish manner- an elf stated as he entered the room -for that I do apologize, my men usually do their job a little bit too… "exaggerating"-, -Oh… It.. It's fine- Alfur nervously stated -I… I noticed-, -Now… I must ask you something- the elf calmly stated as he approached Alfur -how did you manage to ride an Anurognathus?-, -A… A what?- Alfur asked nervously, -The elves that brought you here told me that you fell off an Anurognathus- he replied -how did you manage to ride it?-, -Well… uh…- Alfur tried to reply -I jumped on top of it, but accidentally fell off-.
The elf then moved towards his counter and opened the curtains, revealing a view towards the coast. -You're a country elf, right?- the elf asked, -Y… Yeah- Alfur replied, -Then you must have witnessed firsthand the destructive power of the Dinosaurs- the elf replied; Alfur definitely didn't like where this was going.
-Well… I… I did- Alfur replied, trying to calm down, -And… Tell me- the elf then asked as he approached him once again -how many victims did their wrath leave behind?-, -I… I'd say… Uh- Alfur tried to reply, but he was now at the point of trying to escape through the door; -Was it a lot?- the elf asked, -Well… yeah?- Alfur finally replied, -Oh my, that is alarming news, then- he replied -I appreciate the information you've given me-.
Alfur let out a puff of relief, as at least it didn't seem like the elf wanted to kill him; -Pardon if I scared you like that- the elf replied -I've been suggested that inducing fear in suspects works well… at least, most of the time-, -Oh… Well, it did certainly work on me!- Alfur nervously giggled, -Pardon if I haven't introduced myself as well- the elf replied -My name is Aloysius; I'm head of the biological and geological officers, and our job is to assess the dangers to elf society, whether they're inert or alive-.
-Oh, I've heard of you in some reports before!- Alfur remembered out loud -you're a very important person from what I've read!-, -Indeed, young elf!- Aloysius replied -and I'm afraid my work is getting complicated as we speak-, -Wait, how?- Alfur asked -you and your team members always manage to get stuff under control, both here and in the countryside!-.
Aloysius took Alfur outside the room and down a corridor. He then opened a door and revealed a mural of medals and uniforms. -These are all the uniforms from all our fallen comrades- Aloysius stated with a depressing tone -we'd usually have them in a special room, but unfortunately, the amount of lost members we've had in the last few months surpasses our usual year's expectation-, -Oh yikes- Alfur replied, -They served well to our community, and fought with bravery and honor- Aloysius stated -but in the end… those dinosaurs proved to be invincible-.
Aloysius then took Alfur to another room, where some injured elves were being treated. -These are survivors from recent and previous encounters- he stated -most were victims of accidental stomping by humans, but now, we've noticed peck wounds and bite marks have become more common-.
A medic elf then approached Aloysius and informed him of a new batch of officers being injured by a creature. -Sir, our recent patients were attacked by an Ikrandraco- the medic stated -two are still missing, but the rest are here and in critical condition-, -Thanks for the report- Aloysius replied, -What's an Ikrandraco?- Alfur nervously replied.
Aloysius then took Alfur into another room, this one full of elves documenting papers of creatures spotted and encountered with in the wild. -Ulrik, give me creature report #236- Aloysius stated, and the officer quickly brought him in the report, -Ikrandraco is a winged beast, or as humans call it, a "Pterosaur"- he read -they're identified by a blue head and spotted wings, and can swoop in to snatch you with their jaws-. -Oh… that is… terrifying- Alfur nervously replied, -It is indeed- Aloysius agreed -but if our brave elves hadn't managed to study this creature, we wouldn't know how to avoid it-.
Aloysius then took Alfur back to his office; -Now that you know some of our work, I must ask you a favor- he stated -this may sound a bit rushed on my behalf, but… would you like to work for us?-, -WHAT?!- Alfur replied, -I know, it's a risky job, but you've survived an experience barely any elf would come out alive from, twice even!-, -Well… uh…- Alfur tried to reply, but before he could, another elf entered Aloysius' office in a hurry.
-Sir! We have a situation!- the elf replied, -Adeline, this is a personal meeting- Aloysius replied -if it's about the food again…-, -No! I got special info from an elf community!- Adeline replied -they've spotted a flock of Ornithocheirus flocking in from the north!-, -Well then, send some scouts to warn those on the northern edge of the city!- he replied -that's your job after all-, -On it, sir!- Adeline replied and left the room.
-Well, now that that's over, what was going to be your reply?- Aloysius asked Alfur, -Yes?- he asked back, but the commander assumed he was accepting the offer. -Well said, Alfur!- Aloysius replied -I expect you to come here tomorrow early afternoon!-, -Wait but…- Alfur tried to reply, but he only got a handshake from Aloysius. -Adeline, come into my office immediately- he stated -take Alfur to the registration room and give him some instructions along the way-, -Yes sir!- she replied, -Oh man, what have I done- Alfur said to himself.
While Alfur's day had become more confusing, Hilda's city experience was getting better and better. She and her mom had gone to different places in the city, from a huge mall to the only public library, and with every new location, Hilda's interest in the city had begun to grow.
-Where are we going next?!- Hilda asked in excitement, -Calm down, Hilda!- her mom giggled -there's plenty of other places to go, but I want to show you one more special place before the day ends-, -is it a theater? A museum? Another food stand?!- Hilda kept on asking, -You'll see soon enough- her mom replied – and I bet you it'll take your breath away-.
Hilda's mom took Hilda to a small alley that led to a staircase, she questioned what the place would look like, but when she and her mom got there, Hilda could not believe the view. -This looks beautiful!- Hilda replied -you can see the coast from here!-, -This was the place I used to go when I was studying- her mom stated -the view usually relieved my stress and let me focus-, -Are you sure this helped you focus?- Hilda asked -it seems more distracting to me-.
Twig spotted a bench to sit on and encouraged Hilda to sit down and admire the view, -I feel like this view would rival the many places I've seen around our old cabin- she stated, -It would indeed- her mom replied -but at least here you could have a snack without worrying that a bird would steal it-.
Her mom then joined Hilda on the bench, with the latter resting her head on her arm as the mom sat down. -I'm starting to feel like this place could be called home too- Hilda confessed to her mom -it feels like it has everything one needs-, -Well, that's the thing about cities- her mom replied -everything that anyone needs is much closer than you expect-.
The rays of the sun, as they now began to drop, shone the roofs of the buildings, making the ambient much more relaxing and admiring for Hilda. -I still don't understand how such a view isn't distracting for you- Hilda stated, -Well, you have to get used to it in order to avoid getting distracted by it- her mom admitted -there was only one time that I actually got distracted by the view, but it wasn't the environment itself-, -Then what was it?- Hilda asked, -Well, one day, as I finished a project and was about to leave, someone sat down next to me. I didn't mind him at first, but then he talked to me-.
Hilda seemed confused about it; her mom never told her she had friends, so hearing her say she once talked to someone was weird. -He… well… was a nice person, and I, while not being a talkative person back when I was young, was nervous to reply- she stated -but… that was the first person I ended up being open to-. -That sounds nice- Hilda replied -and, what happened after?-, -Well…- her mom stated, but Hilda noticed her eyes were getting watery, -he and I ended up being close friends- she continued -and, after a few more years, he became your father-.
Hilda then noticed her mother was beginning to sob after that statement and hugged her. -He was a nice person, you know?- her mom replied as she calmed down -if he were to see you now… he'd be hugging you with the warmest of hugs-, -I know he would, mom- Hilda replied. With her mom slowly stopping crying, the two of them continued to admire the view; suddenly, Twig spotted a group of flying animals coming right towards them, and started to bark at them. -Woah! Mom! Look at those birds!- Hilda pointed them out, her mom observed them as well, but her face soon changed from awe to worry. -Those… don't seem like birds to me- her mom replied, and she was right.
As the flock flew over their heads, one individual landed next to them; the animal folded its wings upwards, and after spotting them, it directed its view towards Twig. -We… should probably move- her mom insisted as the animal began to approach them, but Twig, by instinct, stood his ground. -Twig! Come here!- Hilda tried to encourage him, but Twig was now snorting as a warning, something that the creature took as a challenge.
Meanwhile, on the street, the two kids Hilda met in the schoolyard were walking down near the alley when they saw the winged creatures fly above. -Look Frida! There's some pterosaurs above!- David stated, but Frida quickly pulled him towards the alley, -Have you forgotten about what the TDW stated?- she reminded him -those things can be aggressive if they're hungry!-, -but they're flying inland- David argued -doesn't that mean they're trying to find somewhere to rest?-.
Before Frida could answer back, the two of them heard growling atop the staircase. -I think whatever is atop could be more dangerous- David nervously stated. Frida was about to suggest that they leave the alley, but the voice of a young girl alerted them; -I think someone's already being attacked- Frida stated -we've got to help them!-, -I'm not sure about this- David nervously replied, but Frida had already started climbing up the staircase.
Atop, Hilda was trying to make Twig fall back, but the deerfox was well fixed on the pterosaur; it lunged at it, trying to bite its wings, but the animal dodged and nearly bit its antlers. -Hilda! Don't approach it!- her mom warned her, but she was only trying to get Twig back; her movements, however, had now put the pterosaur on a "fight or flight" response, its muscles showing tension on what to do.
-Hey!, is everyone alright?- Frida asked as she entered the scene, causing the pterosaur to panic and flee by lunging upwards and flying away; -Well… we are now- Hilda's mom awkwardly replied, -I told you… We shouldn't… have bothered- David stated as he finally caught up, -Aren't you the boy I threw the ball back to?- Hilda asked as she recognized the boy, -Oh… Uh- David grew nervous, as he wasn't used to being recognized, -Oh, yeah- Frida replied -I saw you at the edge of the schoolyard, are you like… new around here?, -Well… I am- Hilda answered nervously.
Twig approached the two kids with curiosity as Hilda was talking to them, -Oh, is this a deerfox?!- Frida asked in surprise, -Yep, his name is Twig- Hilda replied, -I've heard these creatures are rare- Frida stated -they only appear in a few special nights on winter-, -I don't want to be rude, but do you all think we should head inside somewhere in case the Pterosaur comes back?- David asked, -We could go to my house if you want- Hilda suggested -would that be alright, mom?-, -I don't see why not- her mom replied -Also it's getting a little late anyway-.
While Hilda's group began their way home, things were getting more confusing for Alfur at his location. -Remember, once you register yourself in the system, you'll receive a code with which you must go to the office on the left and claim your ID, uniform, and file case- Adeline stated -you got that?-. Alfur was left speechless; he was entirely confused about the instructions that he felt his brain suffer a cramp. -Can you repeat all of it again?- Alfur asked nervously, -Well, I can make it much simpler if you want- Adeline replied -but you're probably going to have a couple of doubts-.
Adeline told Alfur the steps of registration for the third time, and for him, it was a surprise she hadn't gotten angry after that request. -You got it this time, right?- Adeline asked, -I… I think so- Alfur replied -do I go to the office to the right now?-, -Not necessarily, registration procedures usually end by these hours- Adeline replied -I'd suggest coming back early and being punctual, so you get the process done quicker-.
As Adeline stated, a bell rang, marking the end of the afternoon shift. -Well, my shift is over- she stated as she prepared her bag and cleaned her desk -I'll be back here in the afternoon if you need any help-, -Well… I actually have a problem at the moment as well- Alfur claimed, -What's it about?- Adeline asked, -Well… I was brought here… somehow, but… I don't know how to get back home- Alfur replied -is it alright if I could get a lift?-, -Sure- Adeline replied -and just in case, ask if you can be authorized to ride a sparrow tomorrow as well-.
Alfur and Adeline left through the front door of the building, and Alfur finally got to see the exterior of the building: It seemed like it had the structure of a museum, with everything but the walls made out of marble. -It's impressive, isn't it?- Adeline stated as Alfur was left with his mouth open -you should consider yourself lucky to have the chance to work here-. Alfur wasn't sure about that statement, but the building on its own was an impressive sight.
-C'mon, Alfur!- Adeline called him as she brought out her sparrow -just remember to hold on tight to the seat-. Alfur was a bit nervous about riding the bird, his earlier experience with that Anurognathus had shown that he wasn't a good handler, but at least he had company to ride one… this time; -It's not going to go that fast, won't it?- Alfur nervously asked, -Relax, Alfur- Adeline replied -I know how to ride these since I was a teen-.
Still nervous, Alfur climbed onto the back of the sparrow, and Adeline ordered it to take off. -Hold tight, Alfur!- Adeline told him as the sparrow flew upward. Fearing he was going to fall off, Alfur hugged Adeline tightly in a panic as the sparrow was flying faster than he had imagined.
As they flew higher, the sparrow's speed began to decrease, signaling it has reached a stable altitude; Alfur, however, wasn't convinced about it, and kept on hugging tight to Adeline. -You really don't like heights, don't you?- Adeline joked, -Not really!- Alfur replied -specially after what happened in the morning!-, -It's OK, Alfur. Not everyone likes it at first- Adeline replied in an attempt to calm Alfur down -just relax, and slowly open your eyes-.
Alfur obeyed, and as he opened his eyes, his first sight was toward the ground. -IDON'TWANTTOLOOK! IDON'TWANTTOLOOK! IDON'TWANTTOLOOK!- Alfur stated in panic as he saw how high they were, -I kind of forgot to say that you shouldn't look down- Adeline stated -just try again, but this time, breathe calmly before doing so-. Alfur tried what Adeline suggested; he took deep breaths and then opened his eyes. -Don't look at the ground: look at me- Adeline stated, -O… OK- Alfur nervously replied; he gave Adeline a nervous stare, but her smile slowly calmed him down, and he slowly let go of her. -See! It's easy- Adeline replied before turning back towards the sparrow's head to guide it.
The two were now gliding across the city, Alfur was still fixed on Adeline like she told her to do, but his curiosity soon took over, and he looked to his side; the sun was now setting, and the view from that altitude was majestic. -You're OK, Alfur?- Adeline asked as she noticed he was looking at something else, -Well… I definitely am now- he replied. Adeline soon noticed they were beginning to fly out of the city, so she made a turn to try and get back into the safe flight zone.
-So where is your house?- Adeline asked. -It's in a building that had red and white walls- Alfur replied -that's what I mostly remember-, -Is it near a park?- Adeline asked –because I've seen a building like that near that place-, -I think it was- Alfur replied; -I'll head over there so you can check it out- she stated -hold on tight!-. With that stated, Adeline commanded the sparrow to dive down towards the east; Alfur once again held Adeline in a hurry as he sensed they were dropping, but this time, he felt like it was fun.
-We're close to the park- Adeline warned -I'm going to quickly swoop over it, so hold on!-; with that stated, the sparrow turned and flew over a small block before reaching the park. -You see your house?- Adeline asked, Alfur tried to seek the building, but there was none that matched the colors; -Unfortunately no…- he replied, but then he saw Hilda crossing the park with her mom -but that girl is from the same building I live in-, -Do I follow her?- Adeline asked, -Yes, please!- Alfur replied.
While Adeline and Alfur were swooping over Hilda and her mom, she was getting to know Frida and David. -So that's why you always get bugs over you?- Hilda asked in amazement after David's reply, -Well, that's my theory- he replied -but I can't say for certain-, -I still stick to my theory of the clothing material- Frida insisted -although I can see that makes a lot of sense-.
-Frida, you say that about every theory you and I have- David stated, -Well, I have optimism, my old friend- she replied with a smirky smile -until it's proven wrong, that is-, -You two always discuss theories?- Hilda asked, -Well, it is something we often do to keep a chat going- David replied, -And… don't arguments sometimes go too far?- Hilda asked, -Sometimes- Frida admitted -but we never throw punches at each other-, -That's… reassuring- Hilda replied.
Soon, the group reached the house as night fell, and once in the living room, the three children sat down to keep on chatting while Hilda's mom prepared some tea. -I'm sorry for what happened to your old house- Frida sympathized -dinosaurs seem to be everywhere these days-, -People even say that small dinosaurs are making it over the walls now- David stated -that's why it's very rare to see people up that late-, -Well, part of that is true- Frida argued -but there are now dinosaurs that are managing to burrow or climb the walls of the city-.
Having heard that statement, Hilda's mom became nervous. The whole point of her trying to move to the city was to get away from those animals, but it seems like they are everywhere. -How… big are those dinosaurs?- she asked nervously, -Well… the largest so far has been the size of your deerfox- Frida replied -so I wouldn't worry unless you leave Twig on its own-; Hilda's mom let out a breath of relief as she continued to make tea, and Frida then turned to ask Hilda about why did she got a bit paranoid.
-Well… we had to move here because… an Apatosaurus destroyed our cabin by accident- Hilda stated, -Oh… That's… I don't know how to reply to that- David admitted, -Why was it an accident, though?- Frida asked, -Well… I saw it trying to stop a large, two-legged beast- she replied -it tried to attack one smaller Apatosaurus-, -It must've been a parent then- David concluded -Apatosaurs are known to move in family herds-, -You mean they were "designed" to do so- Frida argued, -You don't have to ruin someone's imagination like that, Frida- David replied.
While Hilda and her new friends were discussing in the living room, the sparrow landed on the open window of Hilda's room. Alfur then got off the sparrow and took a bag with him; -Well, thanks for the ride home, Adeline- Alfur thanked Adeline, -You can ask me to give you a lift anytime!- she cheerfully replied -it's nice to talk with someone on the way home-, -Can I ask you one question before you leave?- Alfur asked before Adeline took off, -Sure, what is it?- she asked back, -Can you give me one more lift tomorrow?- he asked -I… well… I don't have a way to get back there too-, -Sure thing- she replied -but you must remember that work starts early, around… 10am I'd say-, -Oh, no need to worry!- Alfur stated -I am punctual as a file that's due the same day!-; Adeline giggled at his statement and then said goodbye before flying away from the window perch, -Well… today's been a not-so-bad day after all- Alfur said to himself.
Back in the living room, Hilda's mom had finished and served up the tea for everyone, and the four were discussing more about the dinosaurs in the area. -I know being close to a dinosaur could be traumatizing, but I am amazed, and a bit jealous, that you got to see one just moving about- David stated, -Well, it wasn't the only one I saw before moving here- Hilda replied -I got to see one with a crest pointing backwards, and then there's that big one that attacked the Apatosaurus-, -You saw a Parasaurolophus?!- Frida asked -oh, those are beautiful! Their calls are like songs that are dedicated to someone special!-, -It is considering they do move in herds too- David added -and about the thing that attacked the Apatosaurus… I'm not so sure, but I can say for sure it was a carnivore-.
-What other animals do you kids know off?- Hilda's mom asked, -Well… there's plenty- David answered -but I'd say the ones that usually get into the city are Compsognathus, Moros, and Atrociraptors-, -And… are they… that dangerous?- she asked nervously, -Well, they are small- Frida answered -but I wouldn't say they're out to kill anything, they're cloned animals, not monsters-. -I agree- David replied -people say that these animals don't think, but they are pretty much trying to survive in a place that isn't their home-, -If you say that they're not from here… where is their home then?- Hilda asked.
David was about to reply when he noticed the time, and he saw it was way past 7pm; -Oh cruddlesticks!- David stated -Frida, we need to go before both our parents get worried-, -Oh true!- she agreed -I'm sorry, but we missed the time; we really need to go!-, -It's OK- Hilda's mom replied -maybe we can chat another time-, -I'm looking forward to it!- David replied as he opened the door for both Frida and himself to leave -Oh, pardon for the late question, but… what were your names again?-, -I'm Hilda- Hilda replied -and my mom's name is Johanna!-, -Well, bye Hilda!- said David as he left -see you again soon!-.
As the two children left the flat, Hilda and her mom began to clean up. -I'm pretty certain you can say that you've made friends today- Johanna stated as she picked up the empty tea cups, -Well… I think I have- Hilda replied -but… maybe if I talk to them more often, I could assure it-, -I'm sure it'll happen- her mom reassured her and gave her a hug -you're a very nice and friendly person after all-, -Thanks, mom- Hilda replied.
The rest of the night was just a breeze for the two as they played Dragon panic and watched a documentary on the couch, and eventually, it was time to go to sleep. -Tomorrow I'll take you out to visit more exciting places- Johanna stated to Hilda as she tucked herself and Twig in her bed -what do you say?-, -I sure want to!- she replied in excitement; her mom then hugged her one last time and kissed her goodnight. -Sleep well, Hilda!- her mother told her, -Goodnight, mom!- Hilda replied, and her mom closed the door to her bedroom.
As soon as she did so, Alfur opened the clock of the cuckoo to turn off a candle and also to take some air before going to sleep as well; -It surely was an interesting day for both of us, wasn't it?- Alfur asked Hilda, -It sure was- she replied with a tired voice -and hopefully tomorrow will be even better-, -Yeah…- Alfur nervously agreed -I sure hope so-. Alfur then stretched one last time and headed inside the clock to sleep; Hilda, on the other hand, hugged Twig and looked outside the window. -Y'know, I don't like the city for how it lacks the greenery of the forest- she told Twig -but… after today… I think I'm starting to have second thoughts-.
Hilda then kept looking outside the window until she fell asleep, unaware that a gigantic, long-necked beast was now roosting atop her building.