Wraiththorn: The Shadow's Secret

After the mysterious appearance of the Peachbloom at the Great Berry Tree, Silvershade found themselves deep in thought. If a new bloom could appear in such a well-known place, then what secrets might the other trees be hiding? Seeking answers, Silvershade decided to call upon their dear friend, Flora Greenleaf, for assistance. Together, they set out to inspect the Shadow Berry Tree.

The day was dark and misty, with shadows dancing beneath the tree's branches. The Shadow Berry Tree, known for its dark and mysterious fruit, stood ominously, its limbs stretching towards the sky. Silvershade and Flora moved carefully, their eyes scanning the roots and branches for any sign of something unusual.

Just as they were about to leave, Silvershade spotted something peculiar near the base of the tree—a strange, thorny shape that seemed to pulse with an eerie, ghostly light. It had the deep purple hue of a shadow berry, but its form was unlike anything either of them had ever seen. Silvershade leaned in closer, thinking it might be a rare berry. But as they reached out, the thorny shape moved, curling slightly as if it were alive.

"Oh my stars, Silvershade!" Flora exclaimed, her eyes widening. "That’s no berry!"

Silvershade carefully knelt down, a mix of awe and caution filling their expression. "You’re right, Flora... this must be something new. It’s beautiful, but there’s a darkness to it, like the shadows themselves took form."

They had discovered the Wraiththorn—a strange, mysterious minimal with a spectral glow. It was as if the shadows of the tree had come to life, taking the form of this unique creature. Its spiny exterior gave it an almost otherworldly quality, and both Silvershade and Flora were captivated by its mysterious aura.

But that wasn’t all. As they continued their inspection of the Shadow Berry Tree, they found four new types of berries hidden among the branches. Each one was darker and more vibrant than the last, their colors ranging from deep crimson to midnight blue, and each seemed to hum with a faint, magical energy.

"These berries are unlike any we’ve ever seen," Flora said, her voice filled with excitement. "I wonder what kind of magic they hold."

Silvershade nodded, a smile spreading across their face. "The Shadow Berry Tree still has its secrets, it seems. I think these discoveries will lead to something incredible."

 The Wraiththorn is now available for herding as well as from the Shadow Berry Tree, and four new mysterious berries have also been added to the Shadow Berry Tree. Who knows what wonders await those who dare to uncover the secrets of the shadows?

Trading With The Mysterious Traveler

Evening had fallen upon Shadow Veil Pass, and cool blue moonlight was pouring through the windows of Vespera’s shop as she prepared to close up for the night. Aside from the usual tidying, there was extra restocking and decorating to do. The Ancient Echoes Festival was soon to begin – so everything needed to be perfect!

She had just finished rearranging the final display of items when the creak of the shop’s door opening caught her attention. A customer? Unusual for so late in the day…

“Hello, and welcome!” Vespera looked up with a smile. Through the door stepped an elven man she had never seen before. He wore a cloak of fine violet material – although the fabric was dusty, and he looked weary from travel.

“Good evening,” the stranger greeted Vespera politely. “Are you still open for business? I imagine Festival preparations are keeping you busy.”

“Of course,” Vespera replied, walking over to the counter. “What can I do for you this evening?” She watched curiously as the traveler reached into his bag and withdrew something from within.

The stranger approached and placed the item on the counter between them. It was a strange, rugged stone, unremarkable upon first glance. But upon looking closer, its true nature was unmistakable: The outlines of ancient bones were embedded in the rock. It was a fossil!

“I’d like to know if you’d be interested in this,” the stranger said, gesturing at the fossil. “Would you be willing to make a trade for it?”

“What is it?” Vespera asked.

“I discovered it in the depths of the nearby Eerie Caves. It was formed from the remains of an ancient creature,” the stranger explained. “Perhaps a spark of the creature’s essence still remains within, even today…” he mused.

Vespera’s mind was already spinning with the possibilities. It wasn’t every day that somebody walked through her door with something so ancient and magical on offer. If what the traveler suspected was true, maybe there was even a chance that the ancient creature could be revived!

“Let’s make a trade,” she agreed eagerly.

Vespera and the stranger haggled for a short while, then agreed on a deal – both pleased with their ends of the bargain. “Thank you very much,” the stranger said with a polite bow as he prepared to take his leave.

“I should be thanking you,” Vespera said, picking up the fossil to examine the imprint of the bones within. “Enjoy the Festival!”

The traveler smiled in return, and departed without another word.

Night had truly fallen by now, but Vespera felt full of energy. This new fossil was just one of the many exciting things going on: First, the imminent Ancient Echoes Festival; then Silvershade’s note about an incursion of dragon Minimals; now this!

Were they all related? Vespera was eager to set out on an adventure to learn more.

When it came to magical creatures, ancient or otherwise, there was one person Vespera trusted above all. Before anything else, she needed to write a letter to Rose Clearwater. Vespera penned a hasty note to Rose, asking if she had any insights about ancient dinosaurs – or if she knew anybody else who would.

Vespera dispatched the note with Dew, the helpful Iricampus, who had delivered mail to the Pinnacles before and would be comfortable with the flight. She sent the Minimal off with the letter and a couple of its favorite berries to snack on along the way. Dew gulped a berry down and zipped to the window, flashing in the moonlight as it fluttered out into the cool night air.

“Good luck, Dew!” Vespera called. “See you soon!”

When the Iricampus had safely gone, Vespera called for River.

“Get ready,” she grinned at the Raylen. “We’re heading to Silvershade’s Ranch!” It was time to learn more about the mysterious dragon Minimals appearing in the skies over Santae.