Whatever disagreements they had with the way the adults ran the valley, whatever long and hard times that arose because the rock circle either over or underreacted to conflict, the people who had gathered here were Littlefoot's kin. Littlefoot wasn't born in the Great Valley, but in his heart he was a Valley dinosaur, and he imagined he always would be. That was because whatever flaws that were imbedded in the infrastructure of this community (and he knew there were more than the 'perfect' valley cared to advertise),he loved this place so dearly because he cared so much about these people.
That was why a smile a small and bright as a diamond grew on his face as soon as the arguments started to sway in their favor. True, it was a symbolic victory, but he truly felt their mission would be easier on them if they went with the valley's blessing, instead of just stealing away into the night unannounced.
"We'll make it back safely, and we'll have enough nightflowers for everyone," Littlefoot told his grandma and grandpa, nuzzling their legs. "I promise."
As he looked over to the others, he caught Ruby mouthing to him. He mouthed back: If we watch out for each other, then yes. They could do this. Now only one question remained: should they head out now, or risk waiting until the morning?
