Word: Stellate

stellate

[ stel-it, -eyt ]

adjective

like the form of a conventionalized figure of a star; star-shaped.

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               “Becky, can you come here a moment?  I’ve got a special present for you.” Grandma Polly said.

               Becky looked at the old woman excitedly.  She had just turned 12, and was expecting something extra special from her grandma.  The woman was known for giving some of the best stuff.  And, since 12 was such an important birthday, she was expecting something really amazing.

               Grandma Polly held out a small jewelry box.  Becky already liked where things were going and she had yet to even take hold of the small container.

               “Now this is a special item that has been passed down in our family for generations.” The old woman said, handing the box to her granddaughter.

               Becky opened it and she eyed the necklace contained within.  The thin, delicate chain looked to be gold, but it was the pendant that really caught her attention.  Like the chain, it was gold in color, and even Becky could tell it was very well crafted.  It took the form of an ornate star, with three concentric rings coming out of it.  Each ring had a small gemstone on it:  A ruby on the outer ring, then a sapphire, and finally a diamond on the smallest inner ring.

               “Wow.” Becky said, in awe of the intricate accessory.  “It’s beautiful.”

               Becky’s mom , Carol came up to see what her daughter was holding.  She let out a sharp, exasperated sigh at the sight.

               “Really, Mom?  That’s what you give her?”

               “It’s her time.” Grandma Polly said.  “Really, it should be you giving it to her, but you turned it down.”

               “It’s ridiculous, is what it is.”

               “What’s wrong with it, Mom?” Becky asked.

               “Just some crazed story your grandma tells.”

               “It’s not ridiculous.” Grandma Polly said.  “It’s all real, I swear.  Becky, dear, hold the star in the middle and tell me what it feels like.”

               Becky did as her grandma asked.  It was warm, like a gentle flame.  She even swore she felt it pulse, like it had a heartbeat.  When the girl told her grandma this, the old woman smiled triumphantly.

               “I knew it.  I knew you would have the touch.”

               “Oh stop it, Mom.” Carol said.  “Don’t even try filling her head with that nonsense you told me.”

               “What is it, Grandma?  Come on, tell me.”

               “You see?  She wants to know.” Grandma Polly said.  Carol scowled, but before she could say anything in protest, the old woman continued.  “You see, dear, this necklace is special.  It was made long, long ago by people with knowledge we can’t even begin to comprehend.  For most, it is simply a pretty piece of jewelry.  But for others, those like you and me, it is so much more.  This necklace holds fantastic power.  The power of a star.  With it, you can do wonderous things.  Well, once you learn how, at any rate.”

               Becky’s eyes widened.  She had no reason to believe her grandma’s words.  They sounded crazy.  But as she held the pendant, she could not help but think the old woman was being honest.  Something about it just felt like it contained something great.  Her mother did not think so.

               “Mom, just…just stop it.  Stop trying to push those fairy tales on my daughter.  You already tried filling my head with it too much already.  Becky, give the necklace back to your grandma.  She’ll give you something actually useful later.  Won’t you Mom?”

               “No.” Becky said.  “I like it.  I want to keep it.  Even if it doesn’t have super powers, it’s still really, really nice.”

               “Becky…”

               “Oh, let the girl keep it.” Grandma Polly said.  “Look at it this way, if I’m right, you’ll never have to worry about her getting hurt ever again.  And if I’m wrong, well, she’ll still have the nicest necklace around, won’t she?”

               Carol groaned.  “Fine, fine.  She can keep it.  But you will not try getting to...to, I don’t know, throw fireballs or something.”

               Carol stormed off,  muttering to herself as she went.  Becky leaned in close to her grandma.

               “Hey, Grandma, will I actually be able to throw fireballs with this thing?”

               “Fireballs?  That’s minor league stuff.  Trust me, you’ll be able to do so, so much more once I’m done with you.”

               “Sweet.” Becky said with a wide grin.  “When can I start learning?”

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If you're going to give an item with the ability to channel a star's power through it to someone, maybe a 12 year old isn't the best idea for a candidate.  Just my opinion, take it or leave it.