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Native American traditions and lore have always been a popular and inspirational part of human life. Even today stories of old are passed from generation to generation and teach life long lessons. Being a fan of these stories you've decided to take a vacation to a Native American reserve and spend some time living among the people who have inspired you your whole life. As you journey towards the reservation you notice a small shop off to the side of the road. As you get closer to the shop you see all sorts of Native American clothing and trinkets in the window. Thinking it would be nifty to get a souvenir of your trip you turn into the dusty parking lot and park up front. The shop seems abnormally vacant even though the place is extremely well kept up and clean.

Heading into the store you notice there is no one at the register, shrugging, you continue into the small shop examining everything on display. As you head down an isle you notice a door in the back that has been left open. Thinking nothing of it you continue your search for the perfect souvenir until you catch a small glimmer out of the darkness of the room. Your curiosity gets the best of you and you slowly move towards the back room. Peeking inside you see rows of shelves on the wall, each lined with small jewelry boxes. On a lower counter you notice a jewelry box that has been left open and the glimmer you saw before was coming from within. The box begins to glow as you move closer to it, confused and almost as in a trace, you reach to touch the object, noticing that it is in the shape of a star, with small feathers attached to it.

Just as you're about to touch the star, you hear footsteps from behind and whirl around to find yourself face to face with the shop keeper. He's a tall Native American man but instead of their traditional long black hair, his hair is a vibrant blue color. Thinking you're in trouble you begin to apologize for intruding but before you can get anything out the man speaks.

"I see you've found my starlings," he says in a deep voice, "do not worry, you are not in trouble. These stars only glow like that when they find the person they are destined to protect and guide. And I am their guardian, given the task of helping them find their human counterpart. My name is Sinthalas"

Still somewhat nervous you glance back at the star on the counter behind you. Sinthalas moves around to the opposite side of the counter, picks up the small box and says, "This little one seems to have chosen you, if you'll take the task." He hands you the small glowing box, the little star almost jumping with joy as you take it from him.

"but....what am I suppose to do with it?" you ask him without looking up from the star.

"Love it, protect it, and it will grow into a great spirit creature, capable of protecting and loving you in return."

Even though you still feel unsure of the situation, you somehow know, just from looking at the little star, that this was meant to be. Looking back up at the shop keeper you nod, "I will, I will love and protect this little one."

Sinthalas smiles and lets out a hearty chuckle, "Good to hear, young one, if you ever need assistance with your starling, or want to become guardian to more, please come back at any time to see me."

You smile and nod and make your way back out to the front of the store. You wave goodbye to Sinthalas as you pull out of the parking lot. Continuing on your route to the original vacation you had planned, you look down at the small glowing box on your passenger seat, wondering just what adventures that little star would bring, and even more so, just what sort of creature it would grow into.