The Tale of Shadow Star Bloom

In the heart of the sacred mines, beneath the earth's cradle, the Ta forged their existence. They were miners, seekers of precious gems and metals, and in their deepest dreams, they yearned for understanding – an understanding that extended beyond the veins of minerals and into the cosmic mysteries that lingered beyond their knowing.   Generations passed, and the desire for cosmic enlightenment grew among the Elder Ta. They spoke in hushed tones of a legend, whispered from elder to elder, about a being sent from the stars to unveil the answers that eluded them. This entity, known as the Shadow Star Bloom, was said to hold the key to unlocking the cosmic enigma.   The legend foretold that the Shadow Star Bloom was not a menace but a guide, a celestial emissary with petals woven from the fabric of the night sky. It waited patiently, dormant in the depths of the mines, until the time was ripe for its discovery. The elders believed that when found, the plant would reveal the sacred knowledge that would bridge the earthly realm with the cosmic unknown.   As the Elder Ta delved deeper into their spiritual pursuits, the anticipation for the Shadow Star Bloom intensified. They conducted rituals, communed with the earth, and sent echoes of their desires into the veins of the sacred mines, hoping to awaken the cosmic guide that slumbered beneath.   The night came when the stars aligned, casting a silvery glow over the mines. The Elder Ta gathered in a sacred chamber, adorned with gems and crystals that shimmered like distant galaxies. A chosen few, guided by the subtle vibrations of the earth, set forth on a quest to unearth the legendary Shadow Star Bloom.   In the labyrinthine tunnels, the seekers navigated the passages with an otherworldly intuition. The air became charged with anticipation as they approached the heart of the mines. And there, amidst the veins of precious minerals, they beheld a sight that transcended the mundane.   The Shadow Star Bloom, with petals like the cosmic expanse, awaited their presence. Its aura radiated a gentle luminescence, casting ethereal shadows that danced with ancient wisdom. The Elder Ta, overcome with awe, approached the plant with reverence, for they recognized that this moment marked the beginning of their cosmic journey.   As the seekers touched the petals of the Shadow Star Bloom, a profound connection unfolded. Visions cascaded through their minds, revealing glimpses of celestial realms and the vast tapestry of existence. The plant, now awakened, communicated in whispers that echoed the harmonies of the cosmos.   The Elder Ta, guided by the Shadow Star Bloom, embarked on a journey of enlightenment. They unraveled the mysteries of the universe, one cosmic thread at a time.

The visions the Shadow Star Bloom gives the Ta are a placation, more from them than from the plant. It is its way of biding time until it starts to feed on them and eventually the other races.



Cover image: by Lady Wynter

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Dec 31, 2023 21:02 by Jacqueline Yang

Excellent story. Very short and simple with beautiful descriptions!