The sun climbed ever higher into the sky, slowly and relentlessly following the pattern set out in ages long past. The universe was ordered and precise, however chaotic it appeared at times to the tiny beings experiencing such small slices of time.
This, at least, was what crossed through the mind of one of the tiny beings as the camel it rode plodded over the top of a dune to bring a much-sought oasis into sight. Clad in the loose-fitting robes and head-coverings favored by those living in the desert, one would almost assume he was native to the area... that is, until he came close enough to be seen clearly through the heat-produced haze lying perpetually above the sands of mid-day. His fair skin and the lock of red hair that had escaped his headband betrayed his ancestry, though not as much as his child-like height and slanted green eyes.
He was a lowland elf from the dense forests far to the north-east. His serene countenance barely concealed the mischievous streak that was so odd for his kind. Long ago he had learned to let wisdom show through quite thoroughly before revealing his jovial nature, lest his fellows think him daft.
Strange, he thought, I would not have expected to see so many travelers about these desolate parts. I quite fancied I would find myself alone in this oasis, apart from its usual inhabitants. All the oases in this desert have some sort of creature settled in them, seeing as they're the only places offering water and shelter from the sun and wind.
Looking down on the others gathered about or approaching the pool, he sighed mentally and continued downward.
Ah, well. Fate has brought more bizarre turns that this, I suppose.
