The hidden city

Passing through the various sandstorms was a lot easier than Nazmi had thought it would be. It seemed that as soon as the twins came near each of the dust devils, the winds would rest and allow them save passage.

She wanted to ask more specific questions about the barrier, but her two companions didn't seem particularly keen on sharing in-depth information – so she didn't bother bringing anything up. Instead, she watched with wide gray eyes as they continued on through the barrier.

After ten minutes of passing through the docile storm, there was a huge drop off in the sand. Right before her eyes was a massive valley, and within it a bustling city. Despite the sweltering heat and perilous sandstorms they had witnessed outside the barrier, the winds were calm and the temperature was comfortable within the Mirage.

Beautiful buildings and houses made with white stone and colorful glass decorated the valley floor. Grass of an unnaturally bright green swelled throughout the open spaces between shops and streets. She could even see several parks with trees and healthy fountains throughout the city.

"We've arrived," Shea announced proudly. "Welcome to the humble city of Mirage."

"Ah… it really is lovely," Nazmi stated in a soft voice. "I'm excited to see more of it, if you'll let me."

Shea's blue eyes twinkled with delight. "Sure! First, let's take the horses home and put them up, then we can go find something to eat. Personally, I'm starving."

Aero nodded in agreement. "I could eat as well. I'm sure you're hungry too, Nazmi? You don't seem to have eaten in a while."

Nazmi had gotten distracted looking at the bustling city, so hearing her name snapped her back. "Uh, yeah! I'm hungry."

Realistically, she had no need to eat. Nazmi didn't really experience hunger unless she was away from the sun for more than a few days, or without water for too long. It didn't stop her from enjoying human food, though.

She also enjoyed cooking in spite of it being completely unnecessary. Her and her father spent many hours together in the kitchen, experimenting with tasty new dishes.

Thinking of her father made her heart swell a little. It hadn't even been a month, but she had already started to miss him dearly.

'I wonder if he misses me, too,' she thought to herself.

Shea led the way down the sandy slopes and into the great valley. Their pace was relatively quick, and it was obvious that both the horses and their owners were very familiar with the land here.

Nazmi was excited to see the inner city, but to her disappointment they were skirting along the outside.

As if able to sense her saddened mood, Aero spoke up. "We live in a larger house on the outskirts. Don't worry, we will take you downtown to see what it's really like."

"Ah, okay," Nazmi acknowledged, feeling relieved by the explanation. She was mostly concerned with going into the city so that she could interact with more people.

She was grasping onto the small hope that there would be someone that had helpful information about nymphs, even if it didn't directly help her with her magical abilities.

After a twenty minute ride, a medium-sized home with a large, grassy yard came into view. It was a lovely light red color, with wide windows and a seemingly open floor-plan. There was a stable in the yard outside, painted the same as the house.

"We're here!" Shea said. "I can take the horses in. You should make her some tea, Aero."

"Of course. I don't need to be told that, Shea," he complained. Despite the sharp words to his sister, he dismounted the horse and gave a smile to Nazmi. He walked over to Abu and stood beside the horse, ready to help the young nymph down.

Nazmi graciously took the hand, since the height had begun to make her nervous again as soon as they stopped. Thankfully, since they had spent a long time under the sun, her skin was warmer to the touch than before – so nothing seemed amiss.

She gave his hand a grateful squeeze once her feet were on the ground, then lifted his cloak off her shoulders. Nazmi handed the fabric to him, then glanced up to make eye contact.

His sweet icy blue eyes met hers, and he could only look for a moment before turning his head. Nazmi had never been very good at reading other people's emotions, which was one of the reasons she never had friends. She just assumed he wanted to get inside quickly.

Aero seemed to realize after turning his head away that Nazmi had yet to release his hand. He turned back to look at her, his cheeks warming up. His blond hair fell over his eyes slightly when he looked down at their joined hands.

"Oh, sorry," Nazmi said, pulling her hand away. "I didn't realize."

Aero chuckled awkwardly. "No, it's okay! I don't mind… it's just not something I'm used to."

Nazmi gave an affirmative "mm", then looked to the house. He understood her intention and followed her suggestion. Aero started toward the house, Nazmi in tow.

When they arrived at the door, he waved a glowing hand over the doorknob. It clicked open without him ever making contact with it.

"Ooh," Nazmi exclaimed, eyes wide with intrigue. "That's so cool."

Aero stepped into the house and gave her an unsure smile. "It's pretty basic magic. We all learn it when we are young, so that we know how to lock and secure the house."

"I've never really interacted or seen other wizards and sorcerers performing magic of any kind," she admitted sheepishly. "I've only ever heard of them and read about them in history books."

"Really? We are still pretty common even outside of the Mirage, so it would be difficult not to see one at work," he replied.

"Well, my hometown did have them… but I was a pretty introverted kid, so I hardly went out and befriended them."

Nazmi followed him into the threshold of the house, and her chest began to swell with excitement. There were books and alchemy tables all over, and a large kitchen. The smell of paper and potions filled her nose, making her smile.

"This is amazing!l"