Clean Slate

[o8jedi]

Hazen set his backpack in among the pile of supplies as well as his guitar, but keeping it within reach. He gave the case one last little rub before looking out at the road ahead. He shrugged. "I'm sure I'll find out a few things as we go along," he mused. "Besides, I'm sure you have questions about me as well."

During the ride, he couldn't help but notice how Patel would respond to Oxidia's braying. At first he thought nothing of it, but there were a few moments as if he was having a conversation. "Pardon me for interrupting," Hazen said, "but are you actually talking to her?" He glanced up at the canopy above, noting how the light fell through the trees. "And how many days will it take us to get to Irenic?"

[Thundertail]

~ The Coastal Road. Patel Lewis and Oxidia. ~

As Patel quietly conversed with Oxidia, mostly about the terrain the road was taking up ahead and her estimated time to the next town; he thought back the few moments when he tried to help Hazan with his instrument case, where he nearly snapped at him for touching it! Was that guitar that important to him? Was he a musician in the outside world? He'd chat with him about that later, but for right now his concern was on how rocky the road was becoming, evident by all the jostling the cart was taking.

He nodded at Oxidia and thanked her in kind, then turned to Hazan as he began to speak. "Well sir, as you are only recently here, I figured you have a thousand questions to ask.", he chuckled. "But as for I, us Dinotopians have heard of the tales Dolphinbacks in the past have told; and those tales disturb us so as we are a people of peace, but I relish new tales told!"

"Oh, our conversation?...", Patel replied a moment later when Hazan commented about it. "We talk all the time. See, the dinosaurs on Dinotopia are intellegent - most are even wiser than I!", he steered Oxidia around a root with a light flick left.

"We have a common language called 'Standard Saurian', and everyone knows that.", Patel went on. "There are also the dialects of the many dinosaur tribes, and few humans know them all. Some saurian tribes know English, French and other human dialects; and only a few can speak them in ways humans can understand."

A series of sharp chirrupings wafted out of the jungle to thier right, followed by like noises in lower tones a little way ahead. Leafy rustlings were heard all around, and soon two small pipedal dinosaurs became aparent just inside the treeline heads bobbing and mutual chatter as they studied the cart. These were a pair of juvenile Strutheomimus, and Patel wondered where thier parents were; so he chirruped in a human way, and received like noises in kind. Moments later a pair of larger Struthies came from the left of the road, another even smaller sibling in tow; and with mutual chatterings between the three parties, the whole family was reunited again before scurrying back into the forest.

"They were forasging for Bochu berries when they became split up...", Patel said absently, then turned his attention back to his passenger.

"Now, we should be nearing Niphridium in a twoday.", Patel replied. "That is only a fortnight away from Irenic. I usually avoid the town on this run; but as I find myself with a new passenger, my supplies may dwindle faster... Do you posess anything to trade? That may be helpful there."

"As for you, my friend...", he continued again. "I am curious. That case you seem fond of. Were you some sort of a musician in the outside world?"

(Sorry for posting this way. I got a broken link!)

_____

[o8jedi]

Hazen was a bit surprised that the dinosaurs here were intelligent, let alone sentient. But if they had language, then it wouldn't be out of the question for culture to exist. "Are there just villages on this island or are there large cities and metropolises? Is one of them on the way? What's their art like? Their history?" He then realized that he was starting to ramble a bit. "Sorry, about that. I guess I got excited a bit." He chuckled uneasily.

His smile lessened a bit as he thought about the items he picked up from the beach. "I'm not sure I may be able to help you get supplies," he said. "Unless there's a market for trinkets from the outside world."

He glanced back at his guitar case. "As for my guitar," he said, "I play mostly as a hobby. I haven't performed for more than 100 people ever." He looked back at Patel. "I guess it's one of the few things that I have from back home that reminds me of home. That and it's one of my favorite guitars."

[Thundertail]

~ The Coastal road. Patel Lewis and Oxidia. ~

Less than a mile later the cart was headed upslope, jungle noises varying for the changing wildlife and other creatures hidden in the foliage. The road was becoming increasingly rocky as the cliffside began to rear its' head from the land once again. Soon they would be atop it, and witness to a commanding view of the sea; as well as the vast coastal plain where wheat and barley was intermittently grown. Both Patel and Oxidia would have been looking forward to the scenery ahead if it weren't for the way thier nerw passenger was carrying on like he was!

Patel chuckled at Hazan's enthusiasm. "There are many cities all over Dinotopia, my friend. Though in the outskirts like here, there are only villages and towns.", he took a breath. "On the Polongo River there is Waterfall City, center of culture and the seat of the Dinotopian government... In the east there is Canyon City and Pteros, where the Skybax are trained... There is Prosperine, Sauropolis, Culebra and many other smaller cities throughout the land... The city closest to here is Volcaneum, where most of our metallic items are forged."

Oxidia gave off a string of vocalizations, and Patel nodded. "Of course, the backbone of any great realm is the places where thier goods are produced. All of us are most proud of the work we do!", said he. "We have many fishing villages, mining towns, farming communities and grove regions. We have many places where goods are traded and shipped.", he smiled. "And there is always a market for items from the outside world!"

When Patel heard about his guitar, he smiled as Oxidia brayed delightedly. "That is just wonderful!", he looked into the trees for joy. "We would just love it if you grace us with a song!... You know, one of our mottos is 'Sing every day'!"

_____

[o8jedi]

Hazen smiled and shook his head. "Well, it's not exactly music I think you'd be familiar with. But if you insist . . ." He carefully grabbed the case, undid the latches and opened it up. He pulled out the guitar and grabbed both the strap and a pick. As he fixed the strap, which was decorated with Union Jacks all over it, he took a little bit of time to really examine the guitar for any damage that might have occurred, which it lacked any. The guitar, on first glance, did not look anything like a standard jumbo or dreadnought acoustic guitar. Firstly, the body was about half as thick as an acoustic guitar. In addition to its red, cherry-like finish, which emphasized the grain of the maple it was constructed from, it sported two silver bars underneath the strings, bracketed by triangular tabs. The f-holes on the body of the guitar as well as the silver tailpiece to which the strings were attached to made it seem like it belonged with the viol family than the true Spanish guitars. Furthermore, there were a series of four knobs, a switch, and even a small little hole on the lower side.

As Hazen set it down on his knee and began tuning, he twisted a metal piece from the tail piece so it was pointing to the ground. The reason why he preferred taking his Casino along with him on trips was, unlike other electric guitars like a Stratocaster or a Les Paul, it follows a true-hollowbody construction, which allows him to have excellent tone and volume unplugged as well as plugged. Plus, the two cutaways near the point where the neck met the body allowed him easier access to the higher frets.

Once he was satisfied with the tuning, he began to warm up a little, playing a little "Bouree in Em" by Bach to get his fingers flowing. In the meantime, he thought of a little tune that he could play for them. With his picking hand, he drummed on the black pickguard as he thought of a suitable tune. Then, one came to mind. He played a little bluesy lick before hitting an A chord and starting off on his version of "The Weight" by The Band.

"I pulled into Nazareth; I was feelin' 'bout half past dead
I just need some place where I can lay my head
Hey, mister, can you tell me where a man might find a bed
He just grinned, shook my hand, 'No,' was all he said.

"Take a load off Fannie
Take a load for free
Take a load off Fannie
Aaaand you put the load right on me."

[Thundertail]

~ The Coastal Road. Oxidia and patel Lewis. ~

Hazan hefted the case with his guitar, and opened it to reveal the strangest instrument Patel ever laid eyes on. It looked like a cross between a Zithar and the ancient machinery that was brought back from the World Beneath! For one thing, it seemed too thin to contain enough resonence to be very loud; and the strange knobs and levers on it made it seem more mechanical than human operated. The metal strings seemed a mystery to him too, and he thought it might make some strange sounds indeed!

Oxidia turned her huge crested head to view the instrument as well, and hooted softly in both wonder and bewilderment; but Patel told her with his eyes to watch the road ahead, then turned his attention to Hazan and his instrument as he began to tune the thing. As predicted, the instrument sounded a little tinny in the undertone; but the pitches were well within a human's enjoyability range, and soon an unfamiliar tune began wafting out through the jungle and into the clearing uphill and ahead. Neither of the two were disappointed nor offended by the song or the lyrics, even though the references of the words were a mystery to them.

Oxidia harumphed happily to herself, placing her footfalls to the beat; and Patel watched him fret the chords as he sang, enjoying hamself just as much as his puller. Hazan seemed to enjoy himself too, and smiled as the song ended; which ended just as the cart reached the crest of the rocky hill, revealing the vast plain above. All three got a commanding view of the sea to thier left, as well as a humbling sight of the miles and acres of rolling meadow to thier right; which had lain sallow for a season and was dominated by wildness.

"A command performance!", Patel said as Oxidia took a short rest. "You are a true artist!... I am no expert on this, mind you; but your with your talent, you could go far here.", he winked. "We should have you learn our songs before long, eh?...", he suddenly looked to the sky, and grunted that Oxidia should look too.

"It is only mid day, but we should seek shelter soon.", Patel said, suddenly serious. "If I am not mistaken, the tsunamis return!"

Oxidia rumbled and burbled and pointed for many moments, and patel nodded. "I know that!...", he turned to Hazan and explained. "The season of tsunamis bring many storms. We must seek shelter, and there is a hospice cave a few furlongs down the road; where food and supplies are set aside for travelers...", he returned his attention to Oxidia. "We should go, dear...", she complied in a few moments.

_____

[o8jedi]

Hazen smiled as he received his congratulations from his new companions. "Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it."

He looked out at the vista before him. He set an arm down on his guitar and his jaw went slack. "Wow," he said simply. "Who needs the Grand Canyon now?" He smiled again, taking in the natural beauty. As Patel talked about the tsunami season, Hazen glanced toward the sea and noted the relative topography of the land. "Well, then," he said, "I guess higher ground is what we need then." He looked along the road to see where this cave was, but the curves prevented him from seeing the entrance.

As Oxidia started moving again, he began to play again, choosing to do a more relaxed song entitled "Fearless." As he played the Pink Floyd cover to the best of his ability, he glanced at the dinosaur and her partner. All he heard back home was that he should have written songs of his own. He had neither the talent nor the desire to be a songwriter and he was perfectly happy with that. Now that he was on an island with a wholly receptive audience, perhaps they'd sing a different tune, so to speak.

[Thundertail]

~ The Coastal Road. Patel lewis and Oxidia. ~

Oxidia went into a trot as they began to cross the rolling plain on the escarpment above the sea, just as gunmetal clouds began to encircle the island once more. The season of storms was all but over, but the planet always provided surprises for those unprepared for it! Patel and Oxidia were far from unprepared for this, for they knew there was no hope of stopping the deluge that was likely to come; and had brought along many items useful in case of emergency. The only thing they could not bring was sufficiently strong shelter to shield them against the worst storms; but the people of Dinotopia had thoughtfully constructed shelters all along many of the routes that were in Nature's danger zones. Houses and other buildings were erected along the way, or they would modify natural shelters for such use; as was the shelter directly up ahead, past the meadow in a rocky knoll nestled a short distance just inside the forest up ahead.

Atop the crest in the meadow the forest began once more in the distance, this time it was dotted with tropical pine and exotic vines laced with conifer shrub and other hardwoods; and Oxidia lost no speed as she trundled the cart down the smooth hard packed slope. The first gentile raindrops hit the cart as the canopy spread out over them, and the first rumbles of thunder echoed in the distance as its' light illuminated their way for split second. The path wove its' way around the boles of trees yards thick, trying to keep to the uneven topography of the forest floor; and within a short time they paused at a stone obelisk set off the road at a crossroads. On it were the towns that were at the end of each, chiseled in both human and saurian Footprint language; and Patel pointed at it for Hazan to see.

"Here is an example of saurian Footprint writing, in case you're curious.", he told his passenger. "This signpost shows the way to the near by towns.", he saw him staring at it. "This face says there is shelter up ahead. The left face tells that Irenic is four leagues to the north. The right face says that Pumice Town is twelve leagues to the south east.", he smiled. "Of course, the opposite face says that Spiker is eighteen leagues to the south."

Hazan nodded, seeming to understand, yet his look said different. Eventually shrugging, Patel had Oxidia travel on; now at a more sedate pace through the forest as there was little chance of them getting very wet. Less than an hour later, and as the topography under the trees began to get more and more rocky while the path remained relatively smooth and straight. as they same out onto a small clearing under the trees, they encountered a large area worn smooth from many visitors' carts; and there was already one small rickshaw there, tarp draped over the cab and tied down onto the neighboring trees. A signpost there said that this was a hospice for any traveling wayfarer to use. Oxidia looked around and found the opening of a saurian sized cave was at the end of the path they were on. She brayed as she stopped, hoping to rouse the attention of those inside.

"It looks like we will be having company!", Patel said as he expertly hopped off the cart. "Hazan, would you lend a hand to secure the cart?", Patel went to the tailgate and undid it to climb up.

He stepped over the ships' figurehead he was hauling. It was in the shape of a winged serpent, coiled around a staff and poised to strike. The style of carving would be described as something akin to an Eskimo totem pole or early Phillipino style totem pole, But Softclaw the Gifted carved in many styles, he smiled. He drew out a bundle of tarps and coils of ropes from under the driver seat and placed them at the foot of the back of the cart, then climbed over the driver seat to scramble down to unhitch Oxidia. She had managed to perform most of the procedure herself, articulate hoof like fingers working her rigging almost as good as a human could.

Both got to the back of the cart to assist Hazan as he struggled pulling the tarp off the back; and within a handful of moments the cart was covered with a dull tan protection from the rain. Patel then went to tie ends of rope to secure places on the underside of the cart, playing out lines to the near by trees. As each line was set, Oxidia came by and pulled each line taut as Patel showed Hazan how to tie the ropes securely. Now that this procedure was taken care of, the cart and contents would be safe from any fury the upcoming storm might throw their way!

As a unit they walked slowly to the entrance of the cave, almost wary of the persons who owned the rickshaw; yet they could not be too large or fierce as to the size of their contrivance. Patel worked up his own resolve and shouted their approach.

"Hello, the cave!...", said he. "May we share your hearth?..."

_____

[o8jedi]

"Fearlessly, the idiot faced the crowd
Smiiiling
Merciless, the magi-"

Hazen felt the first drops of rain and looked up. A fat raindrop fell right on the right lens of his glasses. "Guess the music will have to wait until later." He quickly packed up his guitar and grabbed the rain slicker he had in his backpack, quickly putting it on.

After throwing up the hood, he listened as Patel explained the footprint language. He had to admit that it was difficult to decipher, though. He figured that the combinations of the theropod footprints were analogous to letters, but having no phrasebook or any means of translating it left his mind reeling. At least their English analogues were included as well.

When they arrived at the cave, he tried desperately to remember his knots from back during Boy Scouts, but the ever increasing dreariness of the weather made his concentration slip a bit. He hated storms. Hated them with a passion. Not necessarily out of fear, but it just seemed to drag everyone and everything down. He climbed back down the cart carrying his guitar, not trusting the elements to be kind to the cart or its contents.

He treaded a bit lightly as he walked inside, apprehensive of to what may be in this cave. He was a bit surprised, however, when a voice responded to Patel's call. "Not a' all, mate. Breathe deep, fello' travelers." Hazen took off his hood, glad that there was at least another human to talk to. When they rounded a corner, he saw that the interior was lit by a bright fire. A Protoceratops was lying down near the fire as what appeared to be a Troodon stoked it. Hazen stopped in his tracks after seeing the Troodon. While he was built to be more of a scavenger, the fact that he was a carnivore made him uneasy.

After the initial shock wore off, Hazen started back up and walked deeper into the cave. He looked around the inky darkness trying to see where the human was that replied to Patel. "I thought someone else was in here," he remarked softly.

"Oi!" called the voice. Hazen turned and his eyes grew wide. The Troodon was talking in plain English, albeit with a gruff, English accent. "Best not to go too deep into the cave. Could get lost faster'n a Tyrannosaur can take yer 'ead off."

Hazen, still surprised, walked back to the fire. "It's talking. I mean . . . 'talking' talking," he said as he returned to Patel and Oxidia. "I know you said some could but I didn't expect this!"

[Thundertail]

~ The hospice cave. Patel, Oxidia and Digger. ~

"Hello everyone!", Patel waved into the darkness that was slightly illuminated by a smallish campfire in the center of a rather large natural chamber. "Breathe deep, Seek peace!", this was returned by all in the cave.

As his eyes adjusted to the gloom, Patel saw Oxidia having a bit of trouble ducking through the entrance; then saw she was all right as she came through the narrow opening, standing her full twenty feet height as she walked into the chamber proper. Already Hazan was looking around, seeing the only two other occupants there were dinosaurs. Then he looked all the harder as he heard the Stenoychosaur speak, not realising that both they and the Protoceratops could speak English in thier own way. As Oxidia huffed a chuckle at the misunderstanding, Patel's eyes became perfectly adjusted.

"Please excuse my friend's surprise.", Patel said after a long chuckle. "He was recently washed ashore..."

"A Dolphinback?", the Protoceratops squawked English as he sat by the fire and looked over. "We do not get many of those!", that comment brought even more bewilderment from Hazan!

Oxidia burbled a string of her own language, giving her account of how they found Hazan. She told them how he disbelieved where he was and the fact that everything was not real - especially her - until she helped him with that log! She went on that they didn't know what to do to convince him of his situation, and didn't want to end up biting him to that end! After hearing that, all three laughed as Patel stepped into the conversation.

"Oxidia!... It is not nice to make comments like that!", Patel laughingly scolded.

"No worries. He will learn soon enough;... And so will she!", the hog sized Protoceratops said, smiling around his massive beak. "And who graces our fire this day?..."

"Oh!... My manners!...", Patel blurted. "Um,... My name is Patel Lewis, from the Polongo Trading Company. This is my Partner's mate, Oxidia.", he indicated the giant dinosaur. "And this is Hazan...? I did not get your last name..."

He smiled as Hazan told them.

"And my name is Digger, from Volcaneum.", Digger said. "And this is Cassini, from the Volcaneum livery service."

"I see that the extra mouths to feed would deplete your larder...", Patel bowed after the introduction.

"I think we would have enough...", Digger said, but Patel continued.

"Perhaps we could add ours to yours and have plenty for all!...", he presently rushed out of the cave...

_____

Note: Anyone may join in the fun!... Pls. notify o8jedi for details...

[o8jedi]

When the Protoceratops began speaking, Hazen was stunned again. While he heard that Troodon was one of the most intelligent genera of dinosaur, he didn't expect Protoceratops to speak.

As Oxidia began telling her story, Hazen sat down by the fire, setting his guitar behind him. When the three dinosaurs began laughing, Hazen let out a nervous laugh. He could tell jokes were being made at his expense and he didn't like not being in on it. He tried his best not to let this show through, though.

"My name is Hazen Baker," he said, reminding Patel and introducing himself to the two others. When Patel got up to grab a few things, Hazen looked back at the man, wondering why, if he was tight on supplies as is, he would expend even more.

"So," said Cassini, "Whaddya got in that case there?"

Hazen turned to face the Troodon. "This?" he said, "It's just my guitar," he said.

"Dunno why you brought it in 'ere," Cassini responded, "There ain't nobody's gonna steal it or nothin'." Cassini chuckled a bit.

Hazen smiled slightly. "I'd rather take my chances in here than leave this thing out in the weather."

"I'm just razzin' ya a bit," said Cassini, "I know yer a Dolphinback 'n' all, but just sing and it'll go away."

Hazen was a bit perplexed by this idiom. "I'm sorry?" he said.

"Err, whaddya call it . . . 'chill out?'"

"Oh," Hazen said as he put that saying together with the motto that Patel told him about.

[Thundertail]

~ The Hospice cave. Patel Lewis, Oxidia and company. ~

Patel Lewis left thier presence and ducked out of the cave, immediately assaulted by a driving rain; and even though the area around the cave was surrounded by century old trees, it did little to provide shelter for the area. He ducked into the wind and made his way toward the tarped over cart, then he crawled under and pawed through the supplied in the dark until he came to first the waterskins and then thier food baskets. As he crawled back out he saw the wind worrying the near by rickshaw, and hoped Cassini had tied it down properly; then checked the ropes holding his own cart down.

He was totally soaked as he ducked back into the cave with his prizes, and made his way to the welcoming fire after placing the supplies by Digger's and Cassini's supply. He sat, wringing the arms of his tunic as he smiled at the rest in turn; silently acknowledging what he thought was on everyone's mind, and then he began to say what was on his mind.

"Well, Hazan. How are you holding up?", said he. "I see you are getting acquainted with our hosts."

"I must ask...", squawked Digger in Saurian. "Does he play that instrument?"

"That he does, fine saurian!", chuckled Patel in kind. "But he plays the strangest tunes!... Soon he should be taught proper Dinotopian tunes!...", Oxidia chortled.

"But who will teach him?", Digger said. "We are no instructors."

"We shall then have to endure his tunes until then!...", then Patel switched to English. "I have brought plenty of supplies for all. We shall endure this storm without hardship after all!", Oxidia made a request.

"A fine idea!", said Digger in English. "Sir, would you grace us with a song?... And while we listen, dinner may be prepared."

_____

[o8jedi]

"Actually," said Cassini, "I moight be able to 'elp 'im learn a tune or two." He walked over to a satchel and hunted around for something. He pulled out a small octagonal concertina.

As the dinosaur undid the retaining clasp and gave it a few simple squeezes, Hazen smiled. "Well, I guess there's no harm in playing something as well." He opened the case and got out his guitar again.

Cassini, much like Patel and Oxidia earlier, gave it a wary eye. "What strange music they 'ave in the outside world if you need all them knobs and levers and things!"

Hazen chuckled a bit. "It still plays fine acoustically, but it's designed as an electric instrument," he explained. "Could you give me an E?"

Cassini pressed a button on the concertina and played a long note for the Dolphinback to tune to. "We've 'eard tales of electric things before, but I shudder to think of electric music."

"It's not as bad as you think," Hazen said as he went through the rest of the strings. "There's actually a lot of things that can be done with it in the right hands." He strummed a few chords. "I think we're going to be good to go," he said.

Both musicians fiddled around a bit. "Well," said Cassini, "pick somethin'!"

Hazen shrugged. "To tell you the truth, I don't know exactly what to play for all of you. My repertoire is not exactly . . . familiar."

"Don't worry 'bout it," said Cassini. "So long as you give me a rough idear as to 'ow it goes, I'll follow along just fine."

Hazen nodded. "Just follow the KISS rule," he told himself. "Keep it simple, stupid." Then it dawned on him. Songs don't get much simpler than that. He hiked up his guitar a bit and warmed his fingers up by playing a few scales. "Alright," he said, "this is a blues riff in B. Watch me for the changes and try to keep up."

Hazen played a few notes and Cassini interrupted him. "'Blues riff in B?'"

Hazen sighed. "It's a twelve-bar blues progression. The only chords you need to worry about are B, E, and F#. Just watch me to get a sense of how it'll go and feel free to join in." The dinosaur nodded hesitantly. Hazen then began playing again, playing a lick that was very familiar to people back home. As he did a series of bends, he looked up at Cassini, who cast him a look of surprise as if Hazen was playing like a man possessed. Hazen smiled as he got into the song proper.

"Way down in Louisiana, cross from New Orleans
Way back up in the woods among the evergreens
There stood a log cabin made of earth and wood
Where lived a country boy named Johnny B. Goode
Who never learned to read or right so well
But he could play a guitar just like a ringing a bell

Go! Go!
Go, Johnny! Go! Go!
Go, Johnny! Go! Go!
Go, Johnny! Go! Go!
Go, Johnny! Go! Go!
Johnny B. Goode"

After finishing the chorus, he kept playing the progression. "Feel it?" he asked the dinosaur, who was now bobbing his head slightly to the rhythm. "I'll take that as a 'yes,'" Hazen said. "Think you can handle it?"

"I'll give 'er a troy," replied Cassini as he started to play along, making up a little melody.

"Not bad," Hazen said, "it's a start." After Cassini's little solo, Hazen returned to the song proper.

[Thundertail]

~The hostel cave. Patel Lewis,Oxidia and Digger. ~

As patel sat near the fire to dry off, Cassini took a Concertina out of his bag as Hazan did the same with his guitar. All three looked at the two musicians warm up and make suggestions on just what to play, and once that decision was made Hazan began to pick out yet another strange tune from the outside world! Even Cassini was a bit confused by the sounds being produced, but he made attempts to follow along on his concertina. As the music began in ernest, Patel rolled his eyes at Oxidia, who chortled a bit; and Digger looked over to the pair like they did the most offensive thing, then looked at patel questioningly.

"Does he always play so?", the Protoceratops asked in saurian.

"Music of the outside world IS different...", Patel said lamely in kind. "But it is not our place to criticise."

"What did you bring in your larder?", asked Digger in English. "Cassini provided mere fruit and fodder."

"We have breads and beans and nuts.", patel replied, opening the sacks he brought in. "Fruits too; but unfortunately, no pasta."

Seeing that as his cue, Patel got down to preparing thier communal meal. He borrowed some ingredients from thier larder and used mostly his own, and cooked in pots and pans that were a combination of both parties. He chopped and propped up poles for pots over the fire, stirring occasionally as some dish was brought to boil. As he was busy with that, he noticed the music had paused for the moment, and took the opportunity to speak while he cooked.

"So, fine saurians. From where did you come?", said he. "We are on our way to Irenic, to deliver a ship's figurehead to thier shipyard."

"We were at Irenic a twoday ago.", Digger replied. "I was off negotiating a load of fish for my client, who is crossing the Rainy Basin soon.", he shook his frilled head. "Alas, that town is all but deserted for the tsunamis! The only ones there are the hatchery staff as the eggs can not be moved and the more hearty souls."

"This is not good!", Patel paused his cooking. "There may be nobody there to receive the figurehead!"

"Maybe so.", digger said. "The dockmaster said to return in two fortnights, and maybe they would be back to fulfill my order.", he sniffed the food as he paused. "Then he took the last ship and sailed down the coast!"

Patel concentrated on preparing thier meal, shaking his head in worry about being reimbersed after all for his delivery service, when the music started up once again. This caused his head to shake all the more vigorousely!...

_____

[o8jedi]

Hazen lifted the neck of the guitar to signal the end of the song. In a bit of a cacophonous flourish, the both of them ended. Hazen smiled, seeing some hope for these Dinotopians after all. He looked over at Cassini who was still a bit puzzled at the music they played.

"Can't say I've ever played that style before," Cassini said. "What do they call it?"

"Rock and roll," Hazen said simply. "And that song's well over fifty years old. A lot has changed since then."

"Blimey," said Cassini, "such an odd name for a style. It's . . . different."

Hazen shrugged. "Just a cultural thing, I guess. On the bright side, you now know how to play a thousand different songs."

The corners of Cassini's mouth curled. "'Appy day."

Hazen chuckled. "Don't worry, though, not all rock songs are as raucous as that was." He fiddled around with a nice little arpeggiated chord progression when Patel spoke up. Hazen stopped playing as he heard a few things from Digger. Especially about this new region.

"What's the Rainy Basin?" he asked.

"It's a large wilderness," said Cassini, "full o' Tyrannosaurs and other large predators. Very dangerous there. Don't follow the Code, the lot o' them."

"Code?" Hazen asked.

"The Code o' Dinotopia," explained Cassini. "Maybe you'll wanna 'ang around Irenic when you get there. Catch Digger's expedition 'n' 'ead over to Waterfall City."

"Where's Water-" Hazen cut himself off. "I think I should ease off the questions for now. To be fair, though, I think it's time for me to learn one of your songs."

Cassini's head dipped in a bow. "Much abliged." He began to teach Hazen a simple song.

[Thundertail]

~ The hospice cave. Patel Lewis, Oxidia and Digger. ~

As the sun set over that part of Dinotopia, nobody inside the cave noticed for the eternal gloom of the cave and the sheets of driving rain pouring down just outside the entrance. Patel rose from his cooking and drew several wooden bowls, plates and eating implements toward him. He prepared each plate with the food most suited for the species they were for. Oxidia and Digger got larger portions of a bean and vegetable medely with fodder and bread on the side, Cassini got a lesser portion and both humans got the same amount as he minus the fodder. Once all the plates were prepared, Patel turned to the group.

"Eveningmeal is served, everyone.", he began to dole out the plates. "I hope you like pot luck!"

"Oh!... We do not mind at all!", Digger commented, eyeing the plate before him. "If you people did not show up, our pot wouldn't be so lucky after all!"

Oxidia hunkered down to Patel as he slid her meal toward her, she grumbling in pleasure and hunger as she began to take dainty bites. Hazan and Cassini set down thier instruments and began to come near the fire. For many moments nobody spoke as they all tasted and chewed, but Hazan cautiousely inspected his food before testing the concoction. Soon mild conversation wafted around the campfire, mostly concerning how everythiung tasted or opinions on how long the tsunami was going to last, and mostly whether or not they would be able to continue thier journeys in the morning.

"It will no doubt be an eventful day ahead of us tomorrow.", Digger announced after a while. "I suggest we all go to sleep early."

_____

[o8jedi]

The meal didn't necessarily look appetizing to Hazen. He lifted the bean and veggie mix with his spoon and eyed it. "Beggars can't be choosers," he observed as he took a bit. To his surprise, it wasn't that bad. "I'm not necessarily one for vegan food, but this is pretty good. What it could use, though, is a little beef or chicken stock to make it a bit more round in flavor." He got a few odd looks before looking at his new herbivorous friends. "No offense," he said. He got the sense that it did little to allay their concerns. He turned back to his meal, eating quietly.

Once it was done, Hazen returned to his guitar, playing some of his songs softly as background music. He didn't mind. He just wanted a little bit of time to relax after this incredibly hectic day.

"I agree," said Cassini as he went to get a few dinosaur-sized bedrolls. "Just stay close to the fire and no 'arm'll come."

Hazen nodded, but kept on playing. He sighed to himself as he was coming more and more to grips with his predicament. Already he missed the TV in his room and his little alarm clock to which he would plug in his iPhone and go to sleep to. He looked at his guitar and smiled slightly. He resumed his soft fingerpicking.

[Thundertail]

~ The hostel cave. Patel Lewis, Oxidia and Digger. ~

Soon thier meal was over, though Hazan's comment about meat did nothing to enhance everyone's apetite. Presently Patel began gathering the dishes and tried to seperate those that belonged to him and Oxidia and those that belonged to Cassini and his passenger, but the dim light from the fire made seperation difficult at best; and he decided to divide them up in the morning, taking a torch from the fire to the subterranean stream near the back of the cave to wash them off.

Once this chore was done, he placed them in a pile next to the remainder of thier larder and ramped up thier fire with dried wood provided in all hostels. Once all these chores were done, Patel picked out a place to set up his bedroll; and took the extra bedding out so Hazan could use them. As he lay out on his bedroll, Oxidia huddled close to have as much benefit from the fire as possible; which was fairly close to where Digger planned to sleep for the night. As all three relaxed before sleep, they listened to the soft music this Dolphinback was playing absently as they prepared to talk in saurian, keeping thier voices down so the music would obscure it.

"Well human...", Digger said at last. "What of this newcomer?", he looked to make sure they weren't overheard. "You know your duty to Dinotopia concerning this."

"That I do, fine saurian.", Patel told him in kind. "But what of my duty to my customers?", Oxidia huffed agreement. "I have committed to them long before I have committed to him."

"He must be taught the ways of Dinotopia as soon as possible.", Digger said. "To that is your first priority."

"I have a consideration.", Patel told him. "What if this is what he needs to instruct him on what being a true Dinotopian is really like? He would learn a lot more by being among us than what can be learned in a classroom."

"But he speaks no saurian, and can read nothing!", Digger said. "He must learn these things if he is to get by on his own."

"Too true, my friend.", Patel said. "But with the situation I propose, he will learn the reasons why we live as we do; and may truely wish to learn what he really needs to learn, and this may make him a better Dinotopian."

"I see you are going to do what you wish to do with him anyway...", Digger conceeded. "But please see to it that he gets to Waterfall City as soon as you can."

"Have no fear, fine saurian.", Patel replied. "I understand the situation perfectly.", he rolled to his side. "Good nght, sir Digger...", he turned to his friend. "Sweet dreams, Oxidia...", she burbled softly and curled up as patel turned to the other two. "Good night, Hazan Baker, sir Cassini..."

_____

[o8jedi]

"Right," said Cassini, "See ya tomorrow."

Hazen took this cue to stop his music. "Good night," he said simply. He packed his guitar up and he laid down on the bedroll. He found a nice little rut where other travelers have slept before. He leaned to his side, watching the embers from the fire and listening to the storm outside. He closed his eyes. He felt the friendship between these new faces he met, but he still didn't feel truly welcome. And it was with that thought he fell asleep.

[Thundertail]

~ The hospice cave. Patel Lewis, Oxidia and Digger. ~

The stormy noises outside the hospice cave did not wake Patel Lewis the following morning, for they were gone. What did wake him up was the loud sussurusses that eminated next to his ear a few feet away. He lifted his head to see the gargantuan head of Oxidia sleeping away soundly, deaming saurian dreams in utter peace. He reached over and placed a hand on her jaw, which roused her from her sleep enough for him to smile at her. She rose slowly and let off a yawn, which boomed in the somewhat cramped confines of the cave; and eventually brought the rest there to full wakefullness. This was true for everyone but Hazan Baker, who sprung to a sudden sitting position at the sound!

Patel got up at last, chuckling to himself as he surveyed the now dead fire, and the brightened gloom coming from the outside of the cave. He remembered the tsunami, and went to look outside at any possible damage to the surrounding terrain and thier carts. The clouds overhead were thinning and scutting north, back out to sea where they belonged; and the area in front of the cave was strewn with puddles and leaf litter, and even thier carts suffered little damage. The rickshaw, tarp blown half off, had a small branch over it, and several bushes pushed against it; but the canopy that sheltered the passenger was mangled and in need of repair. One of the rope tethers securing his cart had broken free, and it had skidded into a rut so it leaned slightly; but otherwise the tarp protecting the figurehead was undisturbed, and other than several bales' worth of foliage atop the tarp, could see no other damage.

Patel went back inside to see if the rest were roused, and found the rest just beginning to perform the morning rituals so common when on the road. Cassini had just finished stowing his bedroll for travel, along with Digger; who was now trying to sort out thier supplies and pack them away with his strong beak. Oxidia was helping out too, making a pile of thier things while assisting Hazan by miming how to roll a bedroll. Patel came in and began doing the same to his own roll, and completed this task before speaking.

"Cassini, your richshaw may be a little bit damaged.", he told him. "The canopy is nearly torn off.", the beast was terribly distraught, and displayed it by saying many colorful retorts!

"Awfully muddy road ahead, too...", he continued after mild talk about other matters of packing resumed. "I suggest using extra caution."

"Have you considered what we discussed last night?", Digger asked in saurian as they were ready to carry thier gear out to the carts.

"He will get there in time.", Patel told him in kind. "Life is more enriched by personal experience than education.", Digger nodded his frilled head.

Everything being all packed up, they all formed a line top relay thier things out to the waiting carts; Cassini cursing at the condition of his rickshaw the whole time!...

_____