Chapter 1

A Secret Longing

The desert sun shone brightly over the blistering world. The sand dunes rose high, appearing over the ocean of sand. Wind whistled picking up loose sand, swirling it along its own path. If a ship could travel on sand, then its ocean lay in this sweltering place. The temperature rose as the sun took its place above the world.

Its scenery bare, few desolate plants, snakes slithering here and there made it almost inhabitable. At first sight you would think that no one could inhabit this barren waste land. Yet, it was inhabited, by people of all sorts. The closest neighbor one might have would be at least several miles away.

A loud shriek broke through the silence of the desert. Laughter rang loudly over the sand dunes. Cat calls and other shrill voices could be heard for miles around. The gasp of a girl was heard, as people began to laugh harder.

“Don’t you dare,” the girl gasped, backing away from a group of children advancing on her.

“And why shouldn’t I,” asked a younger boy holding a bucket of water in his hands. His eyes were bright with excitement.

“Well,” the girl continued, “Mom would whip you alive, that’s why and…”

“Yeah right, don’t make me laugh,” sniggered the boy.

The girl pushed back a couple of loose strands of her hair behind her pointed ears. Her features were soft and gentle. Each angle of her face was rounded perfection. She shone with a bright light, compromising her features even more. Her body was angular, very skinny and slim. The body curves were easily seen through her clothing. She smiled at the boy across from her holding the water. If he wanted tough he’d get tough.

“All right then, Lundalan, you can have it your way,” the elf smiled wider.

“Now wait a minute, you’re actually surrendering to me, Endria?” Asked Lundalan a bit confused.

“Hm, I don’t recall saying that,” Endria replied coolly.

“Then do explain your reckoning of my way.”

“Now why would I do that when I could imply it instead?”

“Say what now---”

Endria took her chance using her speed she closed the gap between the two of them. Carefully she swiped away the bucket, balancing it in one hand. She then grabbed Lundalan by the shoulder, turning him around so his back was to her. As gingerly as it was possible, Endria held the bucket above his head. Lundalan stood there limp and stunned, amazed at what had just happened to him.

“That,” Endria whispered into his ear, “is your way of loosing.”

With that she tipped the bucket of water to the side of Lundalan where it seeped into the sand. She let go of Lundalan, who took several steps away from her. Endria smiled, putting down the bucket. Lundalan looked up at Endria and locked eyes carefully. Then both elves burst out laughing, smiling yet bent over double from laughing so hard.

“That was the worst I’ve ever gotten beaten, you dirty sneak Endria.”

“Hey, you’re the little brother… I’m obligated to win,” laughed Endria winking.

Lundalan smiled cheerfully, brushing back his light brown hair. He was six years old in human years. His eyes were a mixture of green and gold. Lundalan was not all the way as angled and well featured as Endria. He was still growing and would get more angled in his teens.

“Hey, Lundalan, can I talk to you?” Endria asked sweetly.

“It’s not your lecture of beating me, is it?” Asked Lundalan, in a tone that contained suspicion

“No, I just need to talk…”

“All right, all right, I’m coming.” Lundalan replied following her away from the other children.

The two walked for a little while, finally Endria turned to face Lundalan. She smiled, but looked down at the ground. What she wanted to say would be hard for her to tell. Tears fell gently down her cheeks. Lundalan watched shocked, for in all of his life he had never seen her cry.

“What’s up?” He asked, his eyes containing concern.

“Um, let’s see,” Endria said, wiping her tears, “okay, I’ve been planning to leave the desert, to move out if you will…”

Lundalan stood stock still for a few seconds, finally he stammered, “Why?”

“That’s kind of hard to explain…”

“Do Mom and Dad know?”

“Yes, but you’re missing the point---”

“When did you decide? How, where, when, why would you want to leave, I don’t under---”

“Lundalan, please stop! Just relax I’ll explain in just a minute.”

Lundalan closed his mouth quickly, before he made another sound. He silently folded his arms, looking eager to find answers. Endria laughed at her brother’s eager enthusiasm. She slowly shook her head, and smiled at Lundalan. Endria tussled Lundalan’s hair, slowly sitting down on the sand. She slipped off her shoes, allowing her feet to be enveloped with soft, smooth sand. Lundalan soon joined her on the ground, looking at his sister in awe.

“I suppose I should just tell you when I wanted to go out on my own… I don’t think you were old enough to remember yet, but around three years ago some men came through here. Mom was holding you while I was playing with some of my friends. If only you could remember.

“They wore long robes with dress like clothing underneath. Many of the men wore turbans of bright colors… Their clothing must have had golden thread woven into it. When they moved, any eye would be caught. They rode on top of camels. There was one that was different, riding upon a white horse. He wore a blue cloak that covered his face.

“As they rode in, our mother came out of our home. She asked the men what they were here for. They answered with that they were traveling far and wide to regain their power and their army. All they wanted was a place for shelter and food for a few nights. Mother gladly accepted and allowed them to set up camp.

“For the next several days they remained keeping to themselves most of the time. I was seventeen at that time, young, willful, and curious. People were interested especially in the man with the cloak. He was the only one that never showed his face. I began to wonder where this group had traveled, where they had been, what battles they had gone through to get this far.

“Their last night with us, many of the older ones wished to go with them. Several left with out permission, leaving us forever. The last night, my friend and I started a small bon fire. The men came over, starting up a tune on their instruments of fine silver. Each girl began dancing, sashes waving lazily through the air. I remained where I was, silently thinking of the world.

“As I watched, I heard a voice from behind me. ‘Why do you not dance with the others?’ I turned to find the man with the cloak watching me. I calmly answered, ‘just wondering about the world outside these boundaries.’ He motioned for me to follow him, and I silently did.

“He took me away from the noise and laughter. He walked away from me and stood frozen as a statue. ‘So you think you would like to out into the world?’ I watched, a bit confused by his question, ‘I guess so…’ He laughed, and went behind me. He put a hand on my shoulder while the other moved up and down my other arm. ‘You say you want out into the world, but have you thought that you might get unwanted attention? Beautiful, graceful, and your skin smooth. Your voice's as soft as angels breathe… I could use you like a toy and leave you hurt, abused, and perhaps even a child if you’re luck---’

“I moved away, turning to face him. ‘I’m sorry, but I will not be abused in that way.’ He came closer, ‘who’s stopping me?’ I glared, ‘me.’ With that I did a back flip, hitting him in the chest, knocking him onto the ground. ‘You’re tougher then you look. One day, perhaps, you will see my face.’ With that he bowed to me. Before he was out of sight, he added, ‘you’d do well out on your own.’ I remained frozen, watching him walk away.”

“How,” Lundalan stammered, “on earth did that get you to want to leave? I don’t understand…”

“Don’t you see, ever since they came to town I’ve wanted to see things, go places, gain, a part in an adventure. I want to soar, be free, have fun! Lundalan, there’s so much more out there. Mountains, freedom, love, life, adventure. I want to meet new people, find new strengths… If I hang around here, that might never happen.”

“I understand Endria, I understand.” Lundalan replied, putting his hand on her shoulder.

Endria looked over at Lundalan, their eyes locking painfully. She through her arms around her brother, as he broke down and cried. Endria joined him, tears falling down her cheeks into his soft hair. Lundalan cuddled as close as he could get to Endria, smelling in her scent, allowing her aroma sweep over him. Their hug turned more passionate, their tears turning into one cry of longing and hoping. Lundalan released her, putting his head on her chest. Endria ran her fingers through his hair, comforting her sadness as well as his. Slowly they moved away from each other and stood up in unison.

“When are you leaving?”

“I’ll be leaving tomorrow it gives me time to pack…”

“Well then, come on, let us enjoy today and worry about tomorrow when it comes!”

He tagged her playfully, and ran off down the sand dune they had been sitting on. Endria laughed, and ran after her brother. Their shrill laughter rang over the distant hills, not a care in the world was in their play, which was how it was suppose to be.