[PROMPT] Fishing for Starlight

Jolly took a deep breath, embracing the frigid winter morning air. She always loved this time of year. Almost the entire archipelago was covered in a thick blanket of snow and most of the lakes had frozen over, their icy surface like a window to the hidden wonders beneath. A perfect day for ice fishing.

Hoisting her backpack back over her shoulder, she set off onto the crescent-shaped lake. Her claws gently scraped against the ice as she sought out a good spot. Over here it was too crowded, over there the ice was too thin. Stamping at the ground again and again, never finding quite the right spot.

Yards and yards she traveled, the midday sun rising high into the sky, before she finally settled. It still wasn’t the perfect spot, but she’d have to make do. She set her bag down and laid out her equipment; an ice chisel, fishing pole, cushion for seating, thermos full of hot cocoa, extra winter garments, and a bucket for fish. Though, truth be told, it wasn't the fish Jolly was really after. She had heard legends of a fallen star hiding within this very lake, all the way in the northern Starfall Isle. Nobody knew the true nature of the star, some said it granted wishes,  others said it was made of pure gold. Others still dismissed it as a mere fae’s tale to explain the island’s namesake. Jolly, however, was determined to find the truth.

Chisel in hand, she slowly chipped away at the ice beneath her. It was an arduous process, her lack of experience not helping in the slightest. After long enough, a rough, jagged hole breached the surface of the frozen lake. She sat back onto the cushion, giving her hands and wrists a much needed rest. After a quick sip from her thermos, she readied her trusty fishing pole and cast the line. Now all she had to do was wait, and her questions would finally have answers.

So she waited. And waited. And waited…

Hours passed. A purple-red sky gave way to the oncoming dusk, a lovely yet disheartening sight. The air grew silent as the other Orkii of the isle retreated into their snowy homes. Soon there was nothing but the wind and the gentle lapping of the water to keep Jolly company. She sighed, still tightly clutching her rod. She hadn’t gotten a single tug, even from a normal fish. Was she doing something wrong?

More time trickled by and soon the sky was almost pitch black, faint stars spattering the darkness. Jolly hastily rubbed her nose, causing it to glow. The gentle red light was enough for her to see, but it did little in brightening her mood. Her thermos had run dry, and her scarves and blankets offered little protection against the harsh cold of night. She shivered, the bells on her antennae softly chiming from the movement. It was a pitiful sight, and any other Orki would have cut their losses and packed up long before now. Jolly, however, was still fiercely determined; she’d find that star, even if her fins froze.

The wind grew even harsher. Frost dusted her eyelashes and her breath hung limply in the air. Even in all her time on the island, Jolly had never felt this cold. It brought a dread that pierced her thick fur and seeped into her bones, chilling her very heart. It was almost… supernatural.

As the last of her warmth and hope left her body, she gave up. She finally began to reel in her line. Then, she felt a snag. She reeled harder and harder, but whatever the hook was caught on just wouldn’t let go. She jumped to her feet, digging her heels into the ice as she was nearly dragged into the watery hole. It was exhilarating. As she gritted her teeth and tried to hold steady, she felt something spark within her chest. That spark grew to a flame as she gave one last tug.

The force was enormous, enough to knock her back onto her rear and send her pole flying. Ignoring the painful impact, her vision shot upward as a shimmering spark soared from the water into the sky, leaving a sparkling trail in its wake. After a moment, the glimmer came crashing back to the lake, right into Jolly’s open palms.

The thing was smooth to the touch, shimmering like the world’s finest tinsel. Its soft orange glow warmed Jolly right to the core. This was it, a piece of the fallen star. Despite only being a tiny chunk, it was enough to reignite that fire of hope within her. The star was real! She bounced back onto her feet and packed up her supplies, readying for the trek back. Tucking the star piece within the thick, dense fur of her neck, she began her journey home.