Random Short Stories

Trinket Of The Heart [🪽]

In the heart of the forest, nestled between the towering pines and whispering willows, lay the serene territory of the Tribe Of The Blooming Valley. Here, the warriors moved with purpose beneath the watchful gaze of the ancestors that glimmered through the canopy.

Among them were Leaping Flame and his younger sister, Petal Shine, a flamboyant tortoiseshell cat whose very essence seemed to shine brighter than the sun.

The scent of heather mingled with the sweet odor of summer as young Petal Shine sat outside the nursery, her wide green eyes dancing with anticipation. She was a miracle child, the sanguine spark in the drab daily lives of her parents, who had faced a wave of hardship before her birth.

Coddled from the moment she drew her first breath, she had grown up with a sense of entitlement, a belief that every trinket of beauty in the world was somehow meant for her.

Petal Shine had been dubbed a miracle child after her incredible entrance into the world—a chilling evening that had sent both the tribe and her parents into high spirits.

Her parents, proud and overjoyed that their little one had lived, showered her with affection from the moment she opened her eyes. She had always been the center of their world, their little sunbeam among the warriors that surrounded them.

As she grew, so too did her expectations. Every day, Petal Shine awaited the return of her parents from the bustling trade gatherings, her heart racing at the thought of the treasures they might bring.

A shimmering bauble, a new plaything, or an exotic treat—all were essentials in her mind. Her brother, Leaping Flame, adopted a more stoic demeanour, often watching his sister with a bemused expression.

He understood the weight of responsibility much better than she did. And yet, all he was viewed as in Petal Shine's eyes was just an obstacle blocking her from getting all the treasures for her own taking.

On this evening in particular, the cryptids that had went to the Gathering had just returned from a bazaar set up by two trinket traders named Francis and Dixie. One of these cryptids also just so happened to be their father, Puddle Flight.

Fresh from a visit to the dynamic trader duo, Puddle Flight had something special tucked carefully against his fur. Something that Petal Shine knew was for her.

The entire tribe buzzed with excitement as the Gathering attendees showcased their new wares, though none noticed Petal Shine's impatience as she waited for her father to arrive.

Finally, Puddle Flight appeared, the golden glow of sunset reflecting off his sleek, coppery fur. He walked proudly towards Leaping Flame, showcasing a magnificent necklace made of finely woven silver twine and adorned with a gleaming blue stone that caught the dying light like a star captured.

"Where did you find this?" he gasped, marveling at the intricate craftsmanship. Puddle Flight, his whiskers twitching with pride, replied, "A rare find from the Northeastern Islands. It's yours, Leaping Flame. I thought you deserved something special."

Leaping Flame's eyes widened in awe as he accepted the necklace. He seldom got gifts; he was satisfied with the appreciation and love his parents gave him. So this treasure was especially valuable to him.

Petal Shine, who had been twirling a small feather toy only moments before, felt the air thicken with disbelief. Her heart raced with indignation rather than joy.

Did Leaping Flame, the responsible one who knew how to keep his trinkets preserved, truly deserve it more than she did? A shrill voice broke through her confusion. "Why does Leaping Flame get a gift but not me?"