The Awakening

Early the next morning, Sophie awoke to a startling sound, as if the little house were to be shaken apart. She was drawing immediately to the source, the glowing little crystal that she knew to be Stella. This crystal was vibrating violently, Sophie was glad she had nestled her in a basket of yarn for the night.

She looked on with fear and childlike wonder as the crystal disappeared, leaving in its place an infant. This creature was the most beautiful thing Sophie had ever seen, not unlike a human baby but at the same time, so much more. The baby looked at her with recognition on her beautiful face.

Gently Sophie wrapped Stella in a soft purple cloth she had woven the day before. Stella nuzzled appreciatively with the warm blanket as Sophie sat up, staring at the small child.
'Stella' she asked aloud, almost questioningly.
'Sophie' came the answer, although the child's lips never moved and Sophie's ears never heard the sound.

To say the least, Sophie was stunned and slightly fearful for her sanity. What was this creature? How in the world could it talk to her? Remembering what Sybil had said days ago, she knew those child-like creatures in the shop had never spoken... Well, neither did Stella, by any conventional means that is. Sophie decided another trip to the shop was in order.

Nestles snugly in a basket, Stella was a very observant baby. Sophie trudged through the mountain trail, sometimes speaking to her companion and occasionally getting a response. More often then not, the baby was silent in her mind. Sophie couldn't help but wonder what Sybil would think of her little Stella.