DragonTribes #2: ForestTribe

Chapter 21: The Attack

Mars slightly awoke, and shuffled closer to the hay. His eyes slowly shut again, but then someone or something rustled outside. He opened his eyes quickly, rose to all fours, and crowed.

Carrie appeared in the doorway, "Calm down, weirdo."

Mars wagged his tail at the sight of his owner. He was even more excited by the smell of a passion fruit. He sniffed for the fruit around her legs and arms. Carrie kept her hands behind her.

"You've seem to become more fond of your hut. You used to hate sleeping in it before." Carrie stated as she glanced around Mars' small house.

Mars dared a glance at the stack of hay in his hut. He tilted his head, pretending what she stated was nonsense. Mars looked around his owner. The sun had not risen yet.

He flicked his ears and chirped, "What did you wake me up for?"

Carrie looked behind her into the night sky. Her body twisted, revealing the passion fruit behind her. Mars wagged his tail excitedly, hitting the side of his enclosure, and squawked. Carrie smiled, a wide grin.

"I got you this for letting me wake you up so early." Carrie held her palm out.

Early? Is it even morning yet? Mars sat and took it from her hand with his talon. He chirped and nodded. His owner leaned against the frame of the entrance and watched him. Mars took his time. He precisely punctured the fruit, then proceeded to slurp up the insides, edging his red beak towards it. The scent of the fruit filled the air, and teased his nostrils.

Carrie clapped her hands, "All done? Come on, we've got places to be."

Mars rose. Such a rush. He held the fruit in his beak, dipping his tongue into the hole to drink the insides. He followed Carrie out of the hut. As she took the bit with reins off of its hook on the wall, he stared at the stack of hay. Carrie was being especially careful in making sure not to make any noise. She took it down and turned towards him, bit in hand. Mars lifted his beak up and away from her. He glared at his owner, eyelids slightly closed. He continued licking the innards of the passion fruit, tangy, yet sweet in flavor.

She raised a hand to the air and groaned, "Fine, just follow me."

She wrapped the reins up into a circle which she could carry tightly in her hand. Mars arched his neck and spread his wings, showing off his victory. Carrie grinned, then turned and continued towards the center of the village. Mars followed her, content with his orange fruit. She scurried on, walking swiftly, but clumsily as she marched with her heels in the air. Mars snorted a laugh, and nearly dropped his fruit.

"Shh." She turned back to him, a finger over her smile.

His owner advanced throughout the tribe. Mars watched her swinging braids as she quietly walked. He finished with the passion fruit and tossed it aside into the grass. As they approached where ever they were going, a candlelight flickered ahead. She was leading him to Chieftain Taia's hut. Mars chirped and nibbled one of Carrie's brown braids. Carrie grabbed it and pulled it over her shoulder.

She glared at him from over her shoulder, "Listen, Mars, I'm not sure why she wanted to talk to us, or why so late, but just go with it, okay?"

Mars nodded. Strange. He let his owner lead him one towards the hut. Chieftain Taia appeared in the doorway. When she came forth, she looked worried, but her face lightened when she saw the two. The smiling chieftain waved at Carrie, who waved back. Taia turned back into her hut. Mars followed his owner into the candlelight. When they entered, Taia was sitting at her desk.

She turned towards the two, "What I'm telling you, you can't tell anyone else," she said seriously.

Mars chirped and tilted his head. Carrie nodded affirmatively.