Kel adjusted the strap that was holding the two baskets on his back. Next to him both Kya and Shasta were doing the same. The rain was coming down and the warm air was making everything feel muggy and miserable. This was probably his least favorite of all the seasons. But it also signaled that the winter was coming and they would need everyone to help gather food and supplies before the snow came. A young green Tark'ee ran up to the group.

"Jamaul, you go take Moon Stone and Susan with you to the upper field. Bunsen will go with you to make sure you are all safe. " Kel instructed. Jamaul nodded. His trusty basket already in his beak.

"See you later, " Shasta said. Jamaul nodded and ran off to his group of friends.

"Are you sure they will be alright?" asked Kya as she watched the group of welps ran pass Bunsen toward the safer upper hills.

"Bunsen won't let anyone harm them and the field is pretty close to home they will be fine. " Kel said.

"I hope you don't mind if I join you" Belleron shouted as she came up over the hill. It had been several weeks since the last time they had seen her. The limp she had was gone and despite the fact that she was sopping wet did not seem to faze her.

"I also need to gather for the winter. But I really do not want to do it by myself. " Belleron said with a grin.

Shasta bounced over. "Does this mean you want to come live with us?"

"I am still undecided. And believe it or not you're not the only village wanting me to come live with them. So I am seeing what village I will best fit. " Belleron answered with a chuckle.

"That does seem like a good idea. " Kya said thoughtfully.

"You are more than welcome to come with us." Kel said. "It would be much safer in a larger group. Shall we go. It's not going to get much drier but the faster we forage the faster we can get inside where it will be dry.

All four of them set out at a fast walk. The smell of wet pine was heavy in the air as they passed under the giant evergreen trees. The black mountains loomed over them and the sky was a dark purple as the clouds covered the bright suns.

"Alright, this is a good spot. " Kel said. Then he took out a small shovel and started looking under the trees for mushrooms. The wet warm weather was perfect for mushrooms and this was the time of year to harvest them. Kya followed Kel with her own small shovel and they were soon digging and cutting mushrooms and placing them in their baskets.

Shasta and Belleron had located a bush and were carefully plucking the iceberries from the light green bush. They had to go slow so as to not prick themselves on the long thorns that grew alongside the berries. The sky already dark with the rain was growing ever darker when Kel and Kya came over to help pick the last of the berries.

"If I recall, your cave is over a day's walk from here. I must insist that you at least come and spend the night in our village. It would be safer for you and you could have a chance to see more of the village. That way you can make a more informed decision. " Kya said as she placed the last berry into Shasta's basket.

With the night getting closer the air had cooled and it was no longer muggy. But everyone was soaking wet.

"I will take you up on that offer. It will be nice to sleep somewhere warm and dry." Belleron said as she adjusted her basket full of iceberries.

Shasta threw an iceberry in her mouth. " I am ready. " Shasta was the only one that seemed to not be miserable but being a reef Belemoid might have something to do with that.

Kya replaced a fallen mushroom back into her very full basket.

Kel got done checking his straps on his baskets. They were filled to the brim with mushrooms. They were going to eat well.

"Alright crew let's go. Kel said and he started back toward the village with the other three close on his heels. It would be nice to get home and dry.