You have no idea what type of tree this could be, just that it is beautiful. The leaves are small and rounded, a light greenish colour. You feel yourself forgetting the terrible climb up the tree as you relax in its beauty.
Nearing the top, you see another treehouse-like dwelling, such as those in the other 'Feline Forest' trees. Rikale and Kalika wave you up, and you hurry to meet your two pixie guides in front of the strange building.
'This is the home of Stardust,' Kalika tells you. A bit mystified, you ask who or what Stardust is. She refuses to elaborate and instead tells you, 'Hurry up, you may miss him. And he is someone you do not want to miss!' You sigh and peer inside the hut, to be greeted by.... nothing. You groan in misery.
'Well, whatever is the matter?' Rikale asks. She peeks into the treehouse and harumphs indignantly. 'He must be on one of the higher branches. Come on, you may miss him!' You moan in distress; more climbing?? But you follow the two pixies further up the tree.
You see a peculiar sight on a thick branch on the northeastern side of the tree. Climbing out, you realize that you were right; it is a winged panther! Drawing back in alarm, you feel something small run into your back.
'Oof! Hey, what is the meaning of that, eh?' Kalika pokes you in the back, hard. You wince, wondering how such a small person could poke so hard! 'Oh, it's just Stardust. How are you?'
The big cat finishes batting at his toy. You notice in amazement that it is a star! The black panther glitters with stardust. Well now, you figure, you know where his name comes from. Muscles moving as smoothe as butter beneath his glistening black hide, Stardust approaches you, nodding his head.
'Greetings, human,' the panther purrs. 'It has been many long years since I have seen one of your kind. And the last I encountered had a bow. I find it interesting to meet one who has decided to join nature, rather than moulding it to his or her own needs. Too many do that, not appreciating the beauty found, but rather stealing the beauty in order to achieve their own wants and needs.' You nod in complete understanding.
Stardust purrs and rubs his large head against your leg. You smile and scratch him behind the ears, chuckling when he rolls onto his back. You obligingly stroke his soft belly. Stardust licks your hand playfully.
You sit with Stardust for an hour or so, gently stroking his fur, scratching his ears, rubbing his back. You finally give him a last pat and stand, stretching, ready to make your way back down the tree.
Stardust was adopted from Enchanted Waterfalls