Tale 93- The Boat of Stardust

 The Traveler continued down the path, finding herself by a tavern and deciding to enter, wondering if she could find a tale inside. She sat at the bar, the bartender smiling at her and offering her a free drink on the house, the Traveler merely asking for water and, with a cheeky smile, a good story. The bartender laughed at her request and decided to tell her a story whilst he prepared her drink, a simple and short one that he nonetheless still found beautiful. As the Traveler opened her book, he took a peek at the gorgeous calligraphy and illustrations, and smiled at the way she depicted people and monsters alike throughout. Turning to a fresh page, the Traveler pulled out a quill, preparing to transcribe the tale of ‘the Boat of Stardust’

‘Long ago, in a land of magic and wonder, there was a young girl who owned a boat made of wood infused with dust made of the very essence of stars. Due to the magical property, the girl could sail for as long as she wished, as the wood would never break and always mend itself whenever it suffered any damage. Thus, the girl sailed and sailed down a river, exploring each and every turn the river took and becoming familiar with the waters. The people in her village did not understand her whatsoever, judging her strange habit and wondering why she didn’t just stay on land and do her jobs alongside everyone else, but the girl preferred to be a free spirit. One day, though, a huge storm hit and everyone had to evacuate, fallen trees and forest fires now an obstacle. Left with no other option, the girl led everyone to safety through the river’s path, showing them the way to safety with each and every turn, until they were finally clear of the storm and rowing peacefully through the waters, everyone having a newfound respect for her.’

The Traveler finished writing the story, illustrating the girl in a boat surrounded by stars, and was handed her water, as well as some cookies as a treat from the tavern. Grateful and feeling replenished, the Traveler thanked the man and continued onwards, to whatever tale she would next encounter.

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