Submission (#7664) Approved

Shimmer stood before the stall, her eyes locked on the crown that had caught her attention earlier. But as beautiful as it was, something inside her whispered that it wasn’t quite right. Olympia deserved something unique, something that would not only capture and show off the absolute beauty of Silveil but also really show the depth of Shimmer’s feelings for her. She needed a crown that was crafted with intention, one that would hold meaning beyond just its appearance.

The Stall Master, an elderly Elnin with a coat of silvery fur, watched Shimmer with a knowing smile. His eyes, a deep shade of blue, sparkled with the wisdom of countless years spent crafting such beautiful wonders.

“You seem troubled, young one,” the Stall Master said, his voice smooth and gentle like the night breeze. “Is there something on your mind?”

Shimmer hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath. “I’m looking for something special. A crown for someone who means a great deal to me. The ones you have here are beautiful, but… I was hoping for something more personalized.”

The Stall Master nodded, his gaze thoughtful as he stroked the tuft of fur under his chin. “A custom crown, then? You have a specific design in mind?”

Shimmer nodded, her tail flicking slightly as she gathered her thoughts. “Yes. I was thinking of a crown that blends both silver and gold, like this one here,” she said, gesturing to the piece she had admired earlier. “But I want it to incorporate specific gems…ones that reflect the light in a way that would complement Olympia’s… well, her essence. Something that holds a soft, steady glow, like the moonlight in Silveil.”

The Stall Master’s eyes twinkled with interest as he listened. “Ah, I see. You want a crown that carries the light of the night, but with a warmth that matches the one you wish to gift it to. Such a task would require particular stones, ones that can capture and reflect light with a softness yet a clarity unlike any other.”

He paused, looking deep into Shimmer’s eyes as if measuring her resolve. “The gems you seek are not easily found. They are known as Lunaris Crystals, and they possess a unique ability to absorb and radiate light. However, these crystals can only be gathered from the caves of Zevija.”

Shimmer’s ears perked up at the mention of Zevija, a distant and rugged region known for its dangerous terrain and hidden wonders and caves. “Zevija? I’ve heard of it, but I’ve never been there. The caves… are they difficult to reach?”

The Stall Master nodded solemnly. “Indeed, they are. The caves of Zevija are deep within the mountains, and the path is not without its dangers. The crystals lie in darkness, absorbing the faintest traces of light that reach them. They are rare and precious, but they would make your crown truly one of a kind.”

Shimmer felt a spark of absolute and unwavering determination flare within her. The idea of venturing into the unknown, of seeking out these rare crystals for Olympia,,,it stirred something deep inside her. “I’m willing to go,” she said firmly, her voice steady. “If that’s what it takes to create the perfect crown, then I’ll find these Lunaris Crystals.”

The Stall Master smiled, his expression one of approval and respect. “Very well, young one. I will craft the crown for you, but the crystals must be brought back by your own hand. When you return from Zevija with the Lunaris Crystals, we will create something truly extraordinary together.”

Shimmer’s heart beat with a mix of excitement and anticipation. The journey ahead would be challenging, but she was ready. She would face whatever trials awaited for her in Zevija, knowing that each step would bring her closer to the perfect gift for Olympia.

With a determined nod, Shimmer turned to leave the market, her thoughts already drifting to the distant mountains of Zevija. The night of Silveil was her guide, and the light of Olympia’s smile would be her reward.

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Shimmer crouched low in the dimly lit cave, her senses heightened by the quiet tension that filled the air. The cave was deep within the mountains of Zevija, a place where light rarely touched and shadows danced like they had a life of their own. The path to this place had been difficult, but she had made it, driven by her determination to find the rare gem that would complete the crown for Olympia.

Her mining kit lay open beside her, tools neatly arranged and ready for use. The air was cool and slightly damp, carrying with it the scent of earth and minerals. Shimmer's breath fogged slightly in the cold air as she carefully selected a pick from her kit. 

With steady hands, Shimmer began to chip away at the rock, her ears twitching at the sound of metal on stone. The cave was silent save for the rhythmic tapping of her pick, each strike deliberate and precise. She knew that the Lunaris Crystal would be buried deep, hidden away in the heart of the mountain where only the most determined could reach it.

Time passed, and the darkness of the cave seemed to press in on her, but Shimmer's resolve never wavered. Her thoughts were fixed on Olympia, on the way her eyes would light up when she saw the crown, on how the gem would glow with the warmth of the Sun and Moon against her fur. It was this vision that kept her going, each strike of the pick bringing her closer to that perfect moment.

Finally, after what felt like hours, Shimmer's pick struck something different. The sound was softer, and a thrill of anticipation surged through her. She carefully cleared away the surrounding rock, her heart pounding in her chest. As she brushed away the last bits of debris, a soft glow began to emanate from the stone she had uncovered.

There, nestled in the rock, was the Lunaris Crystal. The gem was breathtaking, even in its rough, uncut state. It seemed to capture the very essence of light within its depths, the pink, white and orange hues swirling together. The light it gave off was soft and warm, casting a gentle glow that illuminated Shimmer’s face as she gazed at it in awe.

Shimmer’s eyes widened with excitement as she carefully pried the gem from its rocky cradle. It was larger than she had expected, with a shape that would lend itself beautifully to the crown she had envisioned. The stone was smooth to the touch, its surface catching and refracting the light in a way that made it seem as though it was alive.

She held the Lunaris Crystal up to the faint light of her lantern, marveling at its beauty. It was perfect, more perfect than she could have ever imagined. The colours were vibrant yet soft, a perfect representation of the warmth and light that Olympia brought into her life. Shimmer could already see it set into the crown, the gem’s glow enhancing the elegance of the silver and gold.

With a heart full of joy, Shimmer carefully wrapped the gem in a soft cloth, placing it securely in her kit. The journey to Zevija had been challenging, but the reward was worth every moment of struggle. She had found the perfect gem, one that would make Olympia’s crown truly extraordinary.

As she began her trek back through the cave, the Lunaris Crystal safely in her possession, Shimmer’s thoughts were filled with anticipation. Soon, she would return to Silveil, where the Stall Master would craft the crown with this precious stone at its heart. And when she finally presented it to Olympia, she knew that the look in her eyes would be more radiant than any sunset.