Here's my second one-shot fanfic.  Hope y'all enjoy it !
Disclaimer:  I do not own The Land Before Time franchise or any of its characters, and do not intend to profit from this fanfiction.

                                      A Day of Remembrance

   It was just another ordinary morning in the Great Valley.  Faster than the Bright Circle could rise, Cera munched down her breakfast.  Tricia, her little sister, did her best to keep up.  Tria happened to notice the speed Cera was eating at.  
“Sweetie, what’s the rush?  You’re just gonna get another belly pain again.”  
Cera gulped down her last bite.  
“I know, I know.  Can I go play with my friends now?”
“Sure.  Take Tricia with you.”
However, when the two looked down at Tricia, she was curled up in a ball while fast asleep.  Cera looked back up at Tria.
“Well, there’s your answer.  Babies need sleep, after all.”
“Yes, they do.  Have fun, sweetie, and don’t run until your tummy calms down.”
However, Cera was already dashing toward her friends’ meeting place.  She knew Tria meant well, and in turn Cera loved her.  It’s just, she could never have her mother back…  Cera shook her head of that thought as she met up with Ducky, Spike and Petrie.  
“Hey, guys!”
“Good morning, Cera.  I am glad to see you, yep yep yep,” chimed Ducky.
“Morning, Cera!  Me glad you come!” squawked Petrie.
Spike just did his usual “Uh-huh” with a smile.
When Cera looked around, she noticed there was one person missing.
“Guys, have you seen Littlefoot this morning?  He’s usually the first one here.”
The threesome shook their heads in unison.  
“Hmmm…wait right here.  I’ll go find him,” sighed Cera as she shot off toward Littlefoot’s nest.  As she approached the Longneck nest, she could see Littlefoot’s grandparents but no sign of Littlefoot.  The elderly couple noticed Cera right away.
“Hello there, Cera.  What brings you here this early?” greeted Grandma Longneck in a warm fashion.
“Well, I was just looking for Littlefoot.”
“We have not seen him yet, either,” added Grandpa Longneck.  “I wonder where he could be.”
Grandma Longneck thought hard for a few moments.
“Oh, no,” she whispered.
“What is it, dear?” asked Grandpa Longneck in a concerned tone.
“It’s…this is…today’s the day,” Grandma Longneck choked.
“Today’s the day what?” Cera asked calmly.
“See, Littlefoot’s mother died three years ago today.”
Cera swallowed hard and stumbled back a couple of steps.  Vivid flashbacks of Littlefoot’s mother’s death invaded her conscious.  It did not help that she had just eaten her breakfast.  Cera dashed over to some nearby bushes and lost her breakfast there.  The two longnecks lowered their heads down to her level.
“Are you okay, Cera?” soothed Grandpa Longneck.
“I’m not sure.  Tria told me not to run after eating.  I should’ve listened to her,” Cera whimpered.
Grandma Longneck gently nuzzled Cera’s side.
“Take it easy, dear.  Maybe something did not sit well in your belly.”
However, Cera knew it was more than just an uneasy stomach.  She had to find Littlefoot quickly.
“Thanks, you two.  I’ll be fine,” she stated confidently before taking off.  
Cera had to first stop at the Thundering Falls to get a drink and did just that.  As she was lapping up fresh cool water, she glanced up.  She saw none other than Littlefoot lying on a ledge while looking out at the Bright Circle.  He appeared to be in deep thought, and had a sad expression on his face.  Cera looked around and quickly found where Littlefoot had climbed to get to the ledge.  Even though she had shorter legs than him and had a considerably difficult time climbing, Cera managed to finally get to the ledge.  Strangely, Littlefoot had not even noticed her approaching.
“Uh, Littlefoot,” she panted.
“Yikes!” yelped Littlefoot as he jumped up.  “Oh, it’s you, Cera.  Sheesh, you frightened me.”
Cera wanted to make a sarcastic remark but felt this was not the time to do so.
“How did you find me?” Littlefoot asked as he laid back down.  
“I was getting a drink and I noticed you were up here,” Cera remarked as she nestled down next to Littlefoot.  “Littlefoot, I spoke to your grandparents.  I know what’s going on.”
“You did?  I’m sorry if I caused anyone to worry about me.”
“Littlefoot, I know this is not easy for you.  I lost my mother, too.”
“Yeah, but you weren’t responsible for her death!  That does not mean you know what I’m going through!”
Cera hung her head in shame.  “I’m sorry,” she whispered as a stray tear escaped her.
Littlefoot noticed, and wiped the tear away with his snout.
“No, I’m sorry.  You did not deserve that.  I can’t discount your feelings about your loss.  Besides, you never really told me about her.”
Cera thought hard as she recomposed herself.
“All I remember about my mother was that she was very sweet and loving.  She would shield me from any storms and scold my sisters for teasing me about it.  When I would have bad sleep stories, she would sing me to sleep while nuzzling me.  Whenever I had belly aches, she would stay with me until I felt better and nuzzle my belly.  She would also tickle me when she woke me up in the mornings.  That’s about all I remember of her.”
“How did…it happen?” asked Littlefoot in a cautious manner, as he noticed his “tough as nails” best friend was unusually sensitive that morning.
“My father told me she died in another earthshake just after the one we had survived.  Unfortunately, my sisters died in the one we survived.  Sometimes, I wish it was me who had been in her place.”
“Don’t say that, Cera.  Things happen, and we may never know why.  Sometimes, I feel the same way about my mother.”
Cera shuddered at the flashbacks.
“I’m sorry you witnessed her death, Littlefoot.”
“You were there too, Cera.  Do…you ever have scary sleep stories of it?”
“I did, for a while.  I have a lot of sleep stories about my family and friends now.”
“I don’t have as many sleep stories about it anymore, either.”
“Littlefoot, there’s something I should’ve told you long ago,” whispered Cera, looking Littlefoot in the eyes.
“What is it, Cera?  You can tell me anything.”
“Littlefoot, I…I’m sorry…about what I said about her.  I take it back.”
“Is that all, Cera?  I forgave you long ago.  But, it’s still nice to hear those words.  Thanks.”
Cera looked at Littlefoot again.  How one dinosaur could be so compassionate, forgiving and loving was beyond her.  Above all, he was her best friend.
“Well, it was only right that I tell you.”
“Thanks, Cera.  There’s something I want to tell you.”
Cera looked at him in a confused fashion.
“Whether or not you realize it, you’re my best friend.  Even when we grow up, you’ll still be my best friend.”
Cera blinked back tears of happiness.  She knew she had a gruff exterior, but to see how someone dared to be her best friend made her warm inside.
“Littlefoot, you’re my best friend too.  Even though I’ve made bad remarks about longnecks in the past, that’s the old Cera.  You’ll always be my best friend.  Now, should we go meet the others?”
“Nah, I’ll just stay up here a while longer.  It’s beautiful how the Bright Circle is rising this morning.  You can go on if you want.”
However, instead of leaving, Cera moved in closer to Littlefoot.
“I’ll stay here as long as you’re here, Littlefoot.  You’re my best friend, after all.  I’m gonna make sure this day goes well for you.”
“That’s awfully kind of you, Cera.  Very well then, we’ll stay up here.”
The two best friends then rested their heads as they gazed out at the landscape ahead of them.  Without even thinking about it, they fell asleep on the ledge.  All that ran through their sleeping minds were happy memories of their mothers.
 

I'm so thrilled!  On May 22, I will be leaving for London to go on a two-week packpacking trip with other peers through much of Europe.  Here are the countries, cities and excursions we'll be experiencing:

England-London-Shop and explore the city, White Cliffs of Dover
Belguim-No stops, passing through to the Netherlands
Netherlands-Amsterdam-Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank's house
Germany-Rhine Valley-Drive along Rhine River, visit St. Goar
Germany-Munich-Glockenspiel, Marienplatz, learn how beersteins are crafted, Bavarian Beerhall dinner
Austria-Austrian Tyrol-Alpine scenery, white-water rafting, overnight stop
Italy-Venice-Motorboat to historic islands, Piazza de San Marco, Bridge of Sighs, Doges' Palace, St. Mark's Square, glass-blowing demonstration, gondola ride
Switzerland-Lucerne and Swiss Alps-excursion to top of Jungfrau Mountain, Wooden Chapel Bridge, overnight stop
France-Burgundy, Dijon's Vineyards, then Paris-Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, Champs Elysees, Notre Dame Cathedral, visit a perfumery, cabaret show

Then I return home :.  This is my first time going overseas without any family members, so I'm a little anxious but far more thrilled.  Fellow European members, if any of ya have advice on additional things to see, please feel free to post them .  It is greatly appreciated.  Just don't send me to a red-light district :.

I came up with this while at work tonight and kept it in my noggin until I got in front of the keyboard .  Anyhoo, this is my first fanfic and it is a one-shot.  It is also rare, 'cuz I usually write dark stories.  Hope y'all enjoy it :^.^:!

*Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters or settings associated with The Land Before Time franchise or Universal, nor do I intend to profit off the following fanfic.*

The Big Surprise

The bright circle began to rise over the Great Valley; the dawn of a new day.  The roaring Thundering Falls could faintly be heard as the screeching grasshoppers faded into silence.  All was tranquil, until a cute young threehorn by the name of Cera jumped out of her sleep.  “Huh?  What?” she cried out as she glanced around her.  She had been having a scary sleepstory, though it was not her first.  “What’s wrong with me?  Threehorns don’t have scary sleepstories,” she gruffly mumbled to herself.  On the contrary, Cera was rather nervous.  In her sleepstory, Cera could not locate any of the Great Valley residents, and it happened to be her starday!  “Oh, dear!  What a night I had, Daddy,” Cera groaned as she stretched her front legs out.  “Daddy?”  Cera turned toward Topsy and Tria’s nest, only to find the nest empty.  “Daddy?  Tria?  Tricia?  Where are you guys?”  Cera, now restless and upset, tried to think of where her family could be.  The Thundering Falls, she thought to herself.  Surely, the Threehorn family would be there with the other dinosaurs to bathe and converse.  
Cera walked swiftly toward the Thundering Falls.  The Great Valley was quiet that morning; too quiet for comfort.  Something told the little threehorn it was not an ordinary morning, and she had a feeling her instinct was correct.  How could her own family forget it was her starday, her one day to be a shining star?  It was when Cera reached the Thundering Falls that her suspicion was confirmed.  Not a soul had arrived at the usual morning hotspot.  Cera blinked back tears of sadness.  “Daddy? Guys?  Is this a joke, ëcuz it’s not funny,” Cera whimpered.  Perhaps they’re at Two-Boulder Pass, she thought to herself again.  This time, she cantered over to her destination, only to find no one again.  
Cera felt as though she would panic.  Had something happened and I slept through it?  Was there a sharptooth invasion?  Cera felt herself trembling, and quickly shook it off.  “Enough of that,” she grumbled.  “I’m not afraid of anything!”  Just then, a quiet sound made Cera’s heart pound as she stopped dead in her tracks.  She knew what it was and didn’t like it by any means.  It was a growl; a low-pitched, relatively quiet growl like that of a fastbiter’s.  No.  This can’t be happening, she thought as her tremors returned.  Cera’s eyes became watery as she glanced to her right at some dense bushes.  Somehow, she had ended up on the outskirts of the Dark Forest without realizing it.  Her father had told her many stories of Great Valley residents who had ventured in those woods and were never heard from again.  Cera felt as though her heart was up in her throat.  Okay, girl.  Step away slowly, and don’t turn your back, Cera thought as she cautiously took three steps away from the bushes.  Suddenly, a deafening roar rang out as the bushes shivered violently.  “Aiiiiiii!” Cera shrieked as her mind flashed white and she lost all sense and reason.  “Daddy!  Anyone! Help me!”  She was not even thinking as she bolted for the Tall Trees.  While she wanted to glance back, Cera was too freaked out to do such.  “Somebody help me!  He-!”  SMACK!  Next thing she knew, Cera was seeing stars and her head spun relentlessly.  “Ow!  I’m so stupid!” she screamed as she took off again, not even looking at the tree she had run into.  “Help me!” she continued to shriek until she came to a screeching halt in front of a massive fallen log.  “Aw, sharptooth crap!” she cried out as she began to turn to face her killer.  However, before she could fully turn around, she was abruptly snatched up in a grasp.  
“Aiiiii!  Have mercy!”  “You’re beautiful!” Cera heard a familiar voice ring out.  She then looked down, and realized she was not in a death grip but instead a loving embrace.  “Doofah?” she questioned, glancing up to see the eccentric yellowbelly’s simpleton expression.  “Aww,” soothed Doofah as she embraced Cera tighter.  “Ow!  I’m okay, Doofah.  I really am.  Please set me down.”  Doofah did as told, and Cera sat down while rubbing her side with her left front paw.  “You really need to ease up on those hugs.  By the way, where did you come from?  Where is everyone else?”  Doofah, however, could only mumble incoherently.  Cera cocked an eyebrow at her, but then cringed when Doofah let out a long howl.  “What the-?”  Cera was suddenly interrupted and jumped out of startlement to a loud “HAPPY STARDAY, CERA!”  Cera turned around, only to find the Great Valley residents and her family were standing right behind her.  “What?!  How?!” she cried out.  “Cera, my dear.  Even us grown-up longnecks know how to hide when the time is right,” chuckled Grandma Longneck.  “You mean you guys didn’t forget about my starday?”  “Now, Cera.  I would NEVER do such a thing.  I love you so much, my brave little princess,” chuckled Topsy as he came up to Cera and warmly nuzzled her.  “Your father’s right, sweetie,” added Tria as she joined the three.  Tricia dashed up to Cera and rubbed against her right foreleg.  “Cera,” she babbled in delight.  Cera giggled and nuzzled her little sister.  “Wait.  Where are my friends?”  “Do you really think we would really be anywhere else, Cera?” asked Littlefoot as he, Spike, Ducky, Petrie, Chomper and Ruby all came up to Cera.  “Oh, no no no, Cera.  We are happy to be here with you, yep yep yep,” chimed Ducky as she came up and embraced Cera.  “Ducky right, Cera.  You friend, and friends never forget friends,” blurted Petrie as the rest of the gang embraced Cera at once.  “You guys, I don’t know what to say.  Thanks.”  Cera was crying again, but this time the tears were tears of joy, not fear or sadness.  “You’re quite welcome, Cera.  You’re a special friend to us,” replied Littlefoot.  “Well, c’mon back Cera.  The party’s only begun,” said Topsy as he and Tria guided the children further into the Tall Trees.  
Cera gasped in disbelief.  Before the dinosaurs stood the tallest pile of tree sweets and sweet bubbles.  A section of yellow flowers designated just for the starday girl was included in the display.  “Let’s dance!” hollered Doofah.  All of a sudden, an army of yellowbellies leaped out from behind the trees and began to dance, hoot and holler.  The Great Valley residents, knowing the yellowbellies would leave the next day, were able to tolerate the screwball guests.  “How did they keep away from the stash?” asked Cera, munching on a mouthful of yellow flowers.  “Well, you can thank Hyp and his posse,” said Chomper.  “I will, and as for that bush stunt back there, I’ll get you back for that one, buster.”  Chomper blushed and giggled in delight over his ability to scare the Great Valley’s toughest little girl.  As Cera enjoyed every moment of her starday, she couldn’t help but glance at all her friends, family and neighbors.  Cera knew she was one lucky threehorn to be receiving such a starday celebration.  What had started out as a rotten day turned out to be the best day of her life yet.

Well, I did not see a thread for Tria in here, so I'll start one .

Tria does not get much screen time, but she's definitely my fourth favorite LBT character.  I was immediately drawn to her sweet temperament and compassionate personality.  I've read in a couple of other posts regarding the Threehorn family that she does not seem to have been a good addition to LBT.  I beg to differ.  To start off, it's about time someone started getting Mr. Threehorn to tame his temper  .  It just seems as though his character has softened since Tria came into the picture (no pun intended ).  What really got me was how she and Cera finally managed to bond.  I'm certain many of y'all know what it's like living in a broken family .  While Cera most likely remembers her mother and misses her, Tria seems to have come in at a crucial time.  Tria loves Cera enough that she was willing to put herself in harm's way (the sharpteeth in LBT 11) so that Cera would be saved.  That's a sure way to earn trust .  And pretty soon, Cera and the Gang will need to hear about the birds and the bees.  I can't fathom Mr. Threehorn giving his daughter that lecture :.  Also, for Cera and Tricia to know she'll always be there for them is invaluable.  Again, since Tria is but a minor character, that's about all I know about her aside from the fact that I really like her as a addition to the LBT series.  I'll post more as I further learn her character.

Hey y'all, we've got a starday in the GOF house today !  Let's give Akida not only a warm return but also happy starday wishes.  BTW Akida, I'm Cancerian Tiger, you're friendly Christian Spiritualist and general goofball .

Here's your horoscope, fellow Pisces:
Work responsibilities will come first today and may find you working a bit of overtime this afternoon. Difficulties, blocks and all manner of hot spots may be discovered. This could mean playing a go-between for a couple of people at work that cannot see eye-to-eye. You will be smart in allowing a higher up to feel they solved the problem. Although this time can be intense at work, you will actually be able to look back on this juncture and see that there was much progress. Many people you come into contact with now, unlike the past, will be in your life for some time to come. Be wise and listen to your inner voice when it comes to spending large amounts of money. A love affair or love relationship may be able to grow more meaningful now.

But most importantly, have a happy starday!
             B)  :    :^.^:  

Hiya This is my first time ever joining an online forum.  I've been a regular guest to the GOF site for some odd months and have finally racked up the nerve to join y'all.  I originally found the GOF site from a reference on the Fanfiction site, of which I'm also a regular.  Anyhoo, I've been crazy about LBT since the second grade, when I first learned about dinosaurs  As y'all will discover, I'm an absolute diehard threehorn fan and have always considered Cera to be my most favorite character.  Not to mention our personalities are similar.  Anyhoo, before I "talk" y'all's ears off, I'll get outta this topic.  Glad to be here  :^.^: