"There was another attack from the Bare-Skins today. Too bad you weren't here, Andre," Venus, the raven that lived with the tree, said.

"Ugh, I wish I didn't go out on that hunting party with my brother. It took way longer than it should have," the green raptor Andre replied. "I would have shredded those rotten mushrooms."

The willow tree gave a throaty laugh, causing its many branches to shake as Venus shook her head and said, "No insults, Andre!"

"He has the right, Venus. No animal in the forest would think about touching this tree. The Bare-Skins could care less," Ghostie, the gray red, and white wolf intruded.

"I have to admit it's true," the sacred tree agreed.

Venus said nothing, just scoffed in disgust.

"Come on, Venus, don't be so stubborn! You know it's true!" Andre exclaimed. 

"Just because it's obviously true does not mean it must be obviously pointed out," Venus said, but a small chuckle escaped her beak.

"Don't be such a strict security, Venus," Andre said, then laughed at the inside joke shared between the small raptor and the raven.

"Well, I have to go now," Ghostie said, turning away.

"Aw man. See you tomorrow, Ghostie!" Andre called after her.

"You should be going as well, shouldn't you?" Venus said in disappointment.

"Yeah," he sighed. "See you, Venus." Andre turned and bolted back into the forest.