The Whispering Sands
Once upon a time, in the far-off kingdom of Zurest, nestled between mountains and the stinging cold desert, lived a humble weaver named Rahim. He was renowned for his skills and honored for his humility and perseverance. Rahim was a brave and intelligent individual who chose to reside near the great Kharidian Desert, next to a small oasis that breathed life into the arid expanse.
One day, while Rahim was engrossed in his weaving chores, he noticed a drift of sand moving near the oasis. It was an unusual sight for he had never seen the sands moving in such a peculiar pattern before. The drifting sand seemed to have a life of its own as it danced in hypnotic forms before him. Rahim felt an unspoken invitation, an urging, from the mirthful sand to proceed into the desert. The intrigue was too strong, so he decided to pack his water and some food for a trek into the deep heart of the Kharidian.
As Rahim journeyed deeper into the desert, he was awed by the size and beauty of the golden dunes. They seemed to undulate in the dessert wind, shimmering and beckoning, whispering secrets of ancient times. Suddenly, from somewhere deep within the desert came a haunting, beautiful melody. It was as if the desert was singing a lullaby created by the wind playing with the sand. It continued and pulled him further into depths of the desert.
Rahim kept walking, guided by the melodic tune played by the desert, arriving in front of an enormous dune much taller and grander than the others. As he approached it, the dune opened like a portal revealing a magnificent buried city with resplendent structures glimmering in the desert sun. It was the mythical city of El-Dorado hidden within the sands, a tale he had heard countless times in his childhood. However, what Rahim saw was beyond his wildest expectations.
For the city was not deserted or ruined but alive and thriving with people busy in their everyday chores. They looked different, dressed in clothes of gold thread more vibrant than his own. Suddenly, a group of people surrounded Rahim. They were the city dwellers, surprised to see an outsider. They took him to their ruler, a kind but stern king, who was startled yet intrigued by Rahim's tale.
The king spent time with Rahim, learning about his journey and the world outside the desert. He explained that El-Dorado was protected by ancient magic that made it invisible to the outside world. However, Rahim's pure heart and brave soul were deemed to be worthy providing him the rare privilege of seeing their world.
They honored Rahim and asked him to stay but Rahim, while appreciative, longed for his home. The king understood and granted Rahim his wish, instructing the city sorcerer to aid Rahim's safe return. Before Rahim left, the king gifted him a small box, telling Rahim to open it once he reached his home.
Once back in the normal world, Rahim looked at his ordinary surroundings, feeling a warmth for the simplicity of his world. As days passed, one late evening, Rahim remembered the box given by the king. He opened it to reveal a small sprig of a plant. He planted it outside his house, and in just a week, it grew into a marvelous golden tree. The tree bore fruits that never ended, ensuring that no one around Rahim went hungry ever again.
Word spread about Rahim's kindness. His house and oasis became a place where weary travelers and villagers gathered, rejoicing in the shared prosperity and powerful stories of the whispering sands. The tree was a symbol of magic, hope, and endurance in the face of adversities while Rahim became not just a weaver but a Storyteller, weaving tales of his journey, stirring courage and fascination in the hearts of many, his legend living on forever