Parthia (Epilogue) - Intraspecies Opinion

Jazzy tunes filled the air as a convertible vehicle cruised down the highway, its green paint sparkling in the sunshine. It was a great day for a drive, which was commonplace in the beachside town River Broussard called home. The human drove with one hand on the wheel and the other dangling lazily out the window, fingers tapping against the door to the beat of the music. Their Paralogos, a visual oddity named Parthia with two heads and multi-textured wings, rested one head on the passenger side window, icy blue eyes gazing at the passing scenery while the other head was busy fiddling with his seatbelt strap. The bonded pair were headed beyond the boundary of their sleepy town, crossing into the border of a larger nearby city for purchases not found at home.

“So,” River spoke up between songs. “I’ve got three different furniture stores in mind we can hit up for your new writer’s desk. If you don’t like any of them, though, we’ll have to drive closer to Sermos for a larger selection.”

< As long as we’re not gone all day, > Parthia’s head resting on the window frame harrumphed, her gaze remained fixed on the horizon. She’d been begging for a new desk for weeks and was too picky to select one online. He had to scrutinize them in person, but she absolutely hated car rides.

“We’re leaving the scroll in the car, though,” River announced.

<WHAT?!> Both heads snapped to its bonded human with incredulous expressions.

“Relax, you can live without it for a few minutes. I don’t want a repeat of what happened last time we drove out here.”

< This is SO unfair! > Parthia’s yellow-eyed head complained, crossing his arms.

< Whatever, > Parthia’s blue-eyed head grumbled. She turned back to lean against the car’s window frame again.

“Aw, come on,” River nudged Parthia’s shoulder good-naturedly. “I just want to keep the list of stores we - you - are banned from at a minimum.”

< I don’t limit your literary creativity, > he hissed, batting away River’s hand. < Must you be so cruel?! >

“Can I make it up to you by visiting the cemetery for new muses?”

Whistling winds and soft jazz filled the car cabin as the wicked Paralogos considered the offer.

River added, “How about we drive past the retirement community with your scroll in hand?”

< ... fine. >

Parthia’s blue-eyed head then piped up. < What’s that up ahead? > She pointed at something on the side of the road. The two-lane highway between the beachside town and the larger inland city was sparsely-populated; most of the view for the last ten minutes were road signs and shrubbery. As the car rolled closer, the mysterious figure became more discernible.

“I think it’s a Paralogos,” River said slowly. “I’m going to pull over.”

Parthia lolled her head back against the seat. All this stop was going to do was make the car ride even longer. < You’re such a bleeding heart, > she muttered.

Ignoring her comment, River applied the brakes and pulled over a few yards away from the roadside creature. They set the gear to park and cautiously approached on foot.

Hunched over on the road’s shoulder indeed sat a Paralogos, trembling despite the warm breeze that wafted through the area. He was large - far taller than any Paralogos River had ever seen. Though the human was shorter than average, they’ve always been at least a foot taller than the Linguan dinosaur species, but this creature nearly met their eye level. He was mostly covered in fur of varying brown-ish tones, save for his tail. His lights mimicked scar markings and glowing string encircled his muzzle and neck. He had one yellow eye while the other was gray.

Such a creature, all furred, scarred, and sharp claws, should have been a menacing sight, but he looked up at River with a pitiful expression.

The human squatted down next to the Paralogos and gave him a reassuring smile. “Hey friend, are you lost?”

The furred dinosaur gazed into River’s eyes like a kicked puppy. There was no bond between them and he didn’t seem comfortable communicating telepathically with a human stranger.

< He says he’s waiting for his caretaker, > Parthia translated. He too stepped out of the vehicle and walked up beside her bonded human. His arms were crossed and she looked bored. < See, he’s fine. Let’s go get my desk. >

“When is your caretaker coming back? How long have you been here?” River pressed.

The furred Paralogos turned away to look down the road. A car passed by them every minute or so, but none slowed down for a lost companion.

Parthia sighed. She really didn’t want to get caught up in this. He never got along with others of her kind and was perfectly happy being an ‘only child’. Inviting this already-bonded dinosaur along would make things complicated.

But she’d never seen such a forlorn creature before. Whatever happened to him seemed to have broken his heart. Parthia again translated, < He says it’s been… three days. >

“We’re heading in that direction,” River nodded towards the direction the Paralogos was searching. “How about you hop in the back seat and come into town with us? We can help you find your caretaker.”

The furred Paralogos perked up and wagged his tail.

River laughed. “It’s settled then. Jump in and let’s hit the road!” They jogged back to the car, their new Paralogos friend bounding behind them.

< Bleeding heart, > Parthia shook her head with a huff.