Welcome to Gaia! ::

The sun hangs above in a cloudless sky, blazing down with relentless intensity. The rays making the air shimmer with dry, vaporous heat. The sun deadlier than any weapon to those unprepared for the sharp edge of its rays. The course sand, fine and gritty, molten under the feet of those who dare tread it bare. The combination of the desert environment, a way to cook those it catches unawares. To survive, you couldn't rely on the sparse vegetation, or brittle shrubs. Hot gusts travel unfettered with no trees to break up their path. Only those accustomed to the harsh unforgiving lands, knew never to underestimate her. The biggest key to survival hinging on every drop of water, and thin gossamered shade. Without trees, you had to create your own shelter. One such soquili traveled with thin dust colored rag covering every inch of his body. Around his feet, cloth wrapped to keep his hooves from burning in the golden grains underhoof. Several packs of water slung around his back. He is no stranger to this inferno.

On the horizon, a canopy of palm trees sway in the breeze, wavering to those that travel. It is no mirage, though some might mistake it as such. It's a place where time slows, and offers retribution to those that would find it.

Zahid's favorite place to be on a hot summer day in the hottest place in the land.

As he crests a hill, he increases his gait. Happy to finally have arrived. He slides down the sand, and breaks beneath the palms. Tossing his sword into the sand, and unclasping his hood, he heads for the shaded waters. Articles of cloth, and packs of various shapes are shed. He fails to notice that he is not alone.