Seven Shining Stones

The children stared as the old man eased himself into the chair in front of the fire. He leaned back and sighed. "Alright children, I've come a long way to tell you a story." His face was wizened but kind. "Be still and listen. This is your history so pay attention... Long, long ago, when the world was new, the Creator, Noél, came down from heaven down to Innor (earth). He told the people of Innor to get the most beautiful gemstones, seven of them, according to his specifications. The people soon returned, bringing with them the largest opal, amethyst, diamond, garnet, sapphire, ruby, and emerald ever seen, even to this day- "But, Storyteller, what about the other gems? There are more than those seven." A child interrupted. "Let me explain, I was getting there." The old man began again... No one knows why he chose these stones, but as Creator, he knows things that we will never be able to understand. After all the stones had been gathered, all the people assembled, waiting to see what Noél would do. When everyone was ready, Noél imbued the stones with his power. They glowed and sparkled, astonishing the people. A nimbus of light now glowed within each of them, showing Noél's power. Noél then called forth seven families. As the world was barely begun, these families were small. The families came before him and bowed. The Creator called out to the people. "I name these seven families the guardians of these stones. They and their descendants will guard the stones until I return. Each of these families will build a sanctuary and place their stone in it." "How did that families know where to build?" The girl in the back corner asked. The old man chuckled. "You children and your questions! Hush now, and let me continue." Noél told the families that they would find the materials they needed at the location where the sanctuary was supposed to be. He then gave each family specific instructions for what style the building was supposed to be. But a few things were to be the same in each sanctuary. Every building was to have the story of the beginning of the world engraved on the walls. And each stone was to be placed in the center of the building, facing the rising sun. After Noél had given these instructions he turned to the assembled people. "Hear me now!" He cried. "I give you these stones as protectors. Do not worship them, as you will lose your faith in me." A young boy from one of the guardian families spoke up. "Creator, what do we get for guarding the stones?" Noél squatted down and looked at the child's face. "I will reward every one of you for your actions when I return. Even if you die before then, you will come to live in my palace and I will reward you." The boy nodded, then rushed forward and hugged Noél around the neck. All the people gasped. But the Creator did not punish the child, rather he wrapped his arms around the boy and gave him a hug in return. After a moment, he opened his arms and let the boy return to his parents. Noél stood and surveyed the people. "Serve me and I will reward you on my return. Remember me and do not forget my gifts to you." A blaze of light blinded the people and when it receded, Noél was gone.

The people dispersed and went back to their duties. The guardians built the most beautiful buildings and placed all of the stones according to Noél's instructions. Generations were born and died. Some people remembered Noél and many forgot. But there are still the seven sanctuaries tucked away across the world. Many have tried to find the stones to destroy or worship them but never could find them. Those who needed help or shelter, however, always are able to find the stones.

The old man coughed and leaned forward. "Now children, this story serves to remind us of why we were created. We are to use our talents to remind others about him and draw ourselves closer to his spirit."

A child at the front raised his hand. "Storyteller, why do you travel and tell stories instead of farming or being a shopkeeper?"

"Because those are not my talents. I was given the gift of storytelling, rather than of growing plants, or keeping inventory. I use stories to remind me and others that we were created with a purpose." He looked each of the children in the eye. "Every one of you has talents that are unique. You may not know what they are yet but know this: Every one of you is special in Noél's sight." The Storyteller stood and looked out the window. "It is time for me to go and for all of you to go to bed." He went to the door of the orphanage and looked back at the children laying on their cots.

"Farewell children. Blessings and peace to each of you." And with that, he was gone, disappearing into the rain.

The fire soon lulled most of the children to sleep. But one child, the girl in the corner, looked out the window, through the rain, towards a small patch of sky between the clouds. The stars shone brightly on her face and took her imagination to the genesis of the world.