Random Short Stories

Circling Fins, Fluttering Hearts [🪽]

In the lush expanse of the great Northern Kingdoms, two tribes lived together in alliance; the Guild of Freedom and the Kin of the Restless Veil.

The Guild, marked by its multicoloured banners, vibrant prismatic feathers, fragrant herbs and the soft embrace of cloud formations and leafy trees, was home to Aloe, an endearingly shy and gentle Xylo.

His wings shimmered with soft hues of sunset and dawn, a calming presence against the vibrant chaos of the world. His fur was warm with the scent of vanilla and saffron, and there always seemed to be leaves tangled in his fur.

The Kin Of The Restless Veil, the spirited beachside tribe marked by their modern cultures and skill with fire, thrived in the sun-drenched sands and seas, and amongst their ranks lived Sturgeon, a radiant she-cat whose bright sandy-golden wings were splashed with white.

Aloe often had his head in the swirling, dream-filled clouds—dreaming of faraway places, inventing stories from the whispers of the wind, and crafting intricate thoughts hidden among the leaves along with beautiful masks for his Guild mates.

Though part of a tribe open to forging peace and friendships beyond its borders, his bashful nature often rendered him a solitary dreamer, observing life from the sidelines while his tribemates blazed along with the winds. Even the smallest breeze seemed to tease him, swirling around with a friendliness he struggled to reciprocate.

On the other hand, Sturgeon danced through life like a mischievous breeze, her laughter ringing like a gentle chime at dusk. She could wrap anyone around her claw with just a flick of her tail, her artistic touch painting the skies in bold strokes of creativity and adventure.

She never hesitated to approach those who caught her eye, be they roguish toms or serene she-cats. To her, each moment was a canvas awaiting splashes of colour to liven up every cryptid's life.

One radiant afternoon, as sunlight streamed through the leaves like golden ribbons, Aloe found himself perched on a tranquil ledge near the boundary between the two tribes. He loved this spot; it was a sanctuary, a sweet breath away from the hustle and bustle of the world.

His heart danced, and he let the gentle wind ruffle his feathers as he closed his eyes, surrendering to the siren call of his usual daydreams of flight.

However, his attention was soon drawn to a sound near him, and he watched with a mix of awe and surprise as Sturgeon appeared, gossamer wings fully spread, illuminating the grove with a cascade of colours. A shake of her golden pelt sent sand scattering everywhere; she must've been lying on the beach prior.

She was on a personal quest for inspiration; the sun gleamed off her vibrant coat, and a playful gust of wind trailed behind her, carrying snippets of songs and the brash, loud peals of laughter from her tribe.

"Oh, what a beautiful day!" she called out, her tone as bright as her appearance. She paused mid-flight, eyes alight with curiosity when she spotted Aloe, who, rather startled, nearly tumbled down face-first from his perch.

In an instant, he straightened, wings flaring in surprise. "Uh, hello," he stammered, immediately regretting his abruptness as he nervously shuffled his paws. "I should've groomed myself earlier," he fretted, remembering the dried leaves still tangled in his fur.

Sturgeon, bless her cheerful heart, didn't seem to notice. She alighted gracefully beside him, her curiosity piqued by the gentle nature of the Guild tom. "I'm Sturgeon! I'm out here hunting for inspiration to paint a new mural. What's your name?"

"I'm Aloe," he mumbled awkwardly, glancing at her but letting his gaze slip away—something about her bright disposition made his heart race in a way that was both thrilling and intimidating.