Stars above. Beverages below.

The fire crackled softly, its flickering flames casting long shadows around the clearing where Badger and Yote sat. The night was peaceful, with only the sound of the wind whispering through the trees and the distant call of an owl. Above them, the stars gleamed brilliantly, scattered across the sky like diamonds on a black velvet canvas.

Yote took a sip of his bourbon, savoring the warmth that spread through him. "You know, Badger," he said, glancing up at the night sky, "there’s something calming about sitting out here, watching the stars."

Badger nodded, his eyes reflecting the flicker of the fire as he gazed upwards. "The stars always make me think of how small we are, but also how connected everything is in this big universe."

Yote smiled and leaned back against a log, stretching his legs out toward the fire. "Speaking of connections, I’ve got a riddle for you. Let’s see if you can figure this one out while we enjoy the night."

Badger raised an eyebrow. "Go on then. You know I can’t resist a good riddle."

Yote cleared his throat and began:

"Among the stars, I quietly go by,
A rocky companion to a celestial friend where we survive.
With my cratered surface, I reflect the sun's light,
Many love to enjoy me in the vast cosmic night.
Which celestial object am I?"

Badger chuckled, leaning forward to think, his mind drifting between the stars and the riddle’s clues. “Sounds like something I know well,” he murmured.

The fire crackled as they both sat in thoughtful silence, savoring the rich taste of bourbon and the peaceful night around them.

🧠 This riddle encourages us to reflect on the quiet but ever-present elements of our lives. Sometimes, the simplest, most familiar things are the hardest to notice or appreciate. Just like Badger and Yote, sitting under the stars reminds us that the universe is full of wonders, and the answers are often right in front of us. By thinking about the world around us, we become better at solving both life’s little puzzles and its big questions.