Submission (#7515) Approved

Gloom wandered into the cozy nook of their home, a large book clutched in his tiny paws. His glowing blue markings pulsed softly in the dim light, matching the curious gleam in his eyes. “Mom, what’s this?” he asked, flipping the book open to a picture of a winding, glowing vine nestled among trees.

Shimmer glanced up from her seat, a warm smile spreading across her face. “Ah, that’s the Ecliptshade Vine, darling. It’s a very special plant that only grows in Silveil.” She set aside her writing tools and patted the cushion beside her. “Come here, and I’ll tell you about it.”

Gloom hopped onto the cushion, the book still open on the vine’s illustration.

“The Ecliptshade is like Silveil’s own living shadow,” Shimmer began. “Its vines are dark, almost black, and soft to the touch, like velvet. They twist and climb over trees and rocks, reaching out as if they’re exploring the world around them.” She traced the picture with her paw, as if bringing it to life.

“But look closer at the edges of the leaves,” she said, pointing to the glowing purple light drawn on the page. “They have this faint glow, like the edges of a dream. If you turn one over, you’d see tiny glowing specks underneath—like the stars in Silveil’s sky. Sometimes it feels like you’re standing between two starfields when you’re near one.”

Gloom’s ears perked up. “What about these flowers?” He tapped a cluster of blossoms in the illustration, his paw leaving a small smudge on the page.

“Those are the Ecliptshade Blossoms,” Shimmer explained, her tone soft. “They bloom along the vine, their petals shimmering like they can’t decide whether to be silver, violet, or green. They even release a little mist, sparkling like glitter in the air. It’s beautiful to see them sway in the night breeze.”

“Do they do anything?” Gloom asked, tilting his head.

“Oh, they do plenty,” Shimmer replied. “The flowers attract creatures like moths and bees that glow, helping the vine spread its pollen. And they grow these little berries called Moonberries—”

“Moonberries?” Gloom interrupted, his eyes growing wide with excitement. “Can you eat them?”

Shimmer chuckled. “Yes, but only if you’re lucky enough to find one. They’re small and glow a soft blue, filled with sweet nectar. But the Glintfoxes, absolutely love Moonberries. They’ll climb the vines to nibble on them, and in doing so, they help the plant spread its seeds across Silveil.”

Gloom’s eyes widened as he listened, completely enraptured. “And what about this?” He pointed to the faint shadows dancing in the background of the picture.

“Ah, that’s the most mysterious thing about the Ecliptshade,” Shimmer said, lowering her voice slightly. “The vine casts shadows, but not normal ones. These shadows flicker and shift, like they’re alive. Some say they look like animals or spirits. They don’t hurt anyone, but they’re always there, dancing around the vine.”

“Why do they do that?” Gloom asked, his voice a hushed whisper.

“No one really knows,” Shimmer said, leaning in closer. “Some say the shadows protect the vine. Others think they’re just Silveil’s magic at work. Either way, the shadows are part of what makes the Ecliptshade so special.”

Gloom stared at the picture for a long moment, then closed the book carefully. “I want to see one someday,” he said, his voice full of quiet wonder.

Shimmer smiled and pulled him into a gentle hug. “Maybe we'll take a visit and see Silveil together after we Help Olympia with her flower shop.”