“Why are none of the trees green here? Is it fall?” Hallie asked with wonder. 

“The primary sun for this side of the planet emits a slightly different form of light to the one on Earth. The plants here have evolved in order to absorb the sunlight that they need to grow. Instead of the normal green color given off by chlorophyll, these plants possess a different chemical we have named Khorophyll. It is a pigment that causes plants to become some shade of red, orange or yellow. Which means they are this color year round, regardless of the season.” Luke seemed excited to get the opportunity to talk about something related to his studies. 

“Wow. Wait, you said primary sun? Are there others?”

“Yeah, we have 5 of them in total. 2 are primary suns that light up the majority of the planet. The others are secondary and they provide extra warmth during the summer months before they move to the other side of the planet. Here in Gladus, it rarely gets very cold because we are near the equator.”

“Wow, that is pretty cool. So are the leaves like this year round or is it only for a certain part of the year?”

“The leaves are like this pretty much all of the time. For our mild winters, only a very few species go dormant. The rest of them continue to live on. Occasionally leaves fall off and are replaced with new ones.”

Just as Luke finished his sentence, he heard a twig snap somewhere in the forest ahead of them. Before Hallie could ask another question, he quickly grabbed her hand and pulled her behind the nearest tree whispering  in her ear quietly, “I just heard something. Be very quiet and pull out the knife I bought you. Stay here. I am going to check it out.”

“Wait. Hold on. Let me go too.” Hallie whispered but Luke was already gone. She decided that the best thing to do would be to stay in place like Luke said. Besides, she didn’t really know how to fight. She had made an effort not to get away from a violent lifestyle a long time ago. 

Luke pulled out his bow and felt for the arrows he had in his quiver. He quickly notched one and then hid in a nearby bush, waiting for the creature to announce their presence. Normally, he would use magic, but the light from his fire would give him away, stripping him of any advantage he may be able to gain. Before long, he heard the same noise from before and some small rustling movements. It seems to be located in the same spot as before. Luke picked up a small stone and tossed it closer to the creature’s hiding spot but in the opposite direction from him. The only response from the creature was a persistent whine. At this point, it is obvious that the creature is either severely wounded or incredibly young. Either way, Luke didn’t want to be around whenever one of its family members showed up. 

“The creature presents no danger to us. We need to move before it’s family comes though.”

Hallie jumps at the sound of his voice. Deep in her own thoughts, she hadn’t even realized that he was standing right next to her. “Ahh! You scared me. Okay, let's go.”

They began walking deeper into the woods, however as they passed the bush that the creature was hiding behind, it let out a loud wail. “Hold on, we should go help it.” Hallie said. “It isn’t right leaving a baby out here all alone.”

“How do you know that it's a baby? For all you know, it could be an injured dragon or giant. And believe me, those things can be more dangerous when they are injured, versus when they are healthy. Besides, we can barely take care of ourselves. Can we really carry around some creatures?”

“I don’t know how I know, I just know. You saved me and I’m going to save this little baby.” Hallie said as she pushed aside the branches concealing the creature. “Awww!” she squealed upon seeing its little face. She immediately picks up the baby and holds it close to her body. After a quick cuddle, she reached back into the bush to retrieve the basket that the baby was in. 

“Wait, it is a baby dragon?!” Screamed Luke. “No dragon parent would leave their newborn exposed out here like this?” He said as he noticed the note tucked into the side of the basket. 

To whoever finds this note, 

    I hope that you have the strength and understanding to raise this dragonling as your own. Her mother was my dragon. I had raised her from an age not much older than her daughter here. We took care of each other and would do anything for one another. She died, trying to protect me. I can’t raise her with the knowledge that had I stepped in, she would still have a mother. The dragonling is the daughter of two powerful dragons, she is capable of incredible things. I only wish that I could have the opportunity to watch her grow up myself. 

I have left some things that may be of use. Clothing, food, and a little bit of money are included to help you get started. If you do not decide to keep her, I hope that you can at least see it in your heart to take her somewhere where she can be adopted. 

Thanks so much, from a desperate dragon handler

“Oh man.” Luke said quietly. 

“Her story is definitely a sad one. The baby is absolutely adorable though. I don’t see how anyone could willingly give her up.”

“Me either, but she deserves a real home and we are now fugitives. Dragon babies are a lot of work even if they are cute, Hallie.”

“I know, but we can’t just take her to the authorities. We’ll get caught.”

“I’ve got it. We’ll go into the next town over and send my aunt and cousin a message explaining everything. They need to be aware of what’s going on and my aunt might know what to do .”

“Yeah, that sounds like a good plan”, Hallie replied. 

“Okay, then. We have got a bit of a walk, but if we get going, we should make it before lunchtime.”