The Lost City of Sands
Once upon a time, in a world parallel to ours, there was an isolated desert kingdom named 'Saga'. It had been isolated for many centuries, not because of its lack of resources, but due to its mysteriously harsh sandstorms which concealed it from the rest of the world. No one dared to cross the desert's treacherous landscape and venture into the heart where Saga resided. Surprisingly, despite its formidable exterior, Saga was a city filled with legends of grandeur, thriving life, culture, music, and most significantly, ancient magic.
The kingdom was governed by a benevolent King, Murad, who was known for his wisdom. He was fair and treated everyone equally, and as a result, Saga was a city teeming with happiness and prosperity. King Murad had a beautiful daughter, Princess Leyla. Possessing unparalleled beauty, she also had a thirst for knowledge and was intrigued by the mysteries of the mysterious sandstorms that protected their kingdom.
Unknown to anyone, the sandstorms were not natural; they were the creation of a potent wizard named Zephyr, who resided deep within Saga's vast desert. He had control over all the elements, but his favorite was the wind; he loved to manipulate it to create formidable storms. Zephyr was not evil; he designed the sandstorm barrier around Saga to protect it from intruders and maintain its peace.
One day, Princess Leyla, longing to unravel the secret behind the sandstorms, ventured alone into the desert. Zephyr felt her presence and admired her bravery, becoming infatuated with her beauty. Zephyr revealed himself, confessing his feelings for her, but Leyla politely refused, explaining she was set out to uncover the truth behind the sandstorms, not to find love.
Heartbroken, Zephyr did something unthinkable; he allowed her into his sanctum and revealed the truth about the sandstorms. He wished to gain her affection with his truthfulness, but it was received with horror instead of admiration. Leyla felt a deep empathy for the world outside Saga and pleaded with Zephyr to stop the sandstorm. Zephyr, in his blinding love, complied; he weakened the storm, and for the first time in hundreds of years, Saga was no longer hidden.
Like moths to a flame, explorers, treasure hunters, and armies soon discovered the lost city of Saga and plotted to take it over. News of the incoming threat reached King Murad, who was initially left helpless until Leyla revealed the truth about Zephyr. Heartbroken with the impending doom, King Murad pleaded with Zephyr to save their Kingdom.
Despite his heartache from Leyla's rejection, Zephyr couldn't bear to see Saga ruined by greed. He conjured up a sandstorm fiercer than anyone had seen before. The storm raged, swallowing whole armies, and pushing out the invaders. He then once again concealed Saga underneath his protective layer of swirling sands.
Although Zephyr saved the kingdom, he decided to isolate himself even more. When Leyla went to thank him, he was nowhere to be found. In his place, there was just a single note, 'To keep Saga safe, I must keep my heart safer'.
The lost city of Saga returned to its peaceful existence, still flourishing and full of life, concealed from the world. However, it remained as a poignant reminder for Princess Leyla about the unintended consequences of her curiosity and Zephyr's sacrificial love.
Even today, adventurous souls and ambitious hearts hear whispers about a lost city in the heart of the desert and set out to find it, not knowing the melancholic love tale written in the Sands of Saga.