The Desert song

Memory And Tears

Why was Stella a magi? Why was I still so confused?

I sat in the middle of a large tent, surrounded by a circle of even more confused people than I was.

Aladdin sat at my side, holding onto my arm as Stella sat on my right. I could almost feel the tension in the air, everyone was staring directly at me.

Well, me and Aladdin.

"Well," Aria broke the silence.

"I guess I should start by, who in the world is he?"

She pointed at Aladdin and he looked at her with icy eyes. Everyone tensed and I looked around, everyone seemed frightened until Baba spoke.

"Be not afraid, my children," She stood and motioned to all the figures in the tent.

"We have a very special guest upon us." She looked to Aladdin as ice began at his feet.

And then, she bowed. "We have dishonored you by our behavior, and I am truly sorry, great one."

Everyone stopped breathing at her last words.

"How may we repent such a disgrace?" She finally rose from her bow, but only enough to look at him.

She waited, everyone waited for a painful minute while Aladdin looked resentful.

When he spoke it was as if a chill went through the room, and Saare in particular stiffened.

"Stay away from us," He breathed, looking at Stella. "Stay away from Morgiana."

He looked up, sighing. "However, I must express my gratitude for allowing her safety in you're village."

I thought I heard him say, 'somewhat' under his breath.

"Yes, O great one. Of course. As people of your great time, we will always protect one another."

I stared at her confused, until the air seemed to clear and warm. Aladdin stood, and everyone followed suit.

"May we serve you? Is there anything you need?" Baba asked with delicacy.

I looked intently to Aladdin's head as if trying my best to tell him discreetly that yes, there was, something. Saare.

But he seemed to not receive my message.

"No, we are fine." He shook his head and took my hand, steering me away from Stella who just leapt to grab onto my other hand.

"Ehe.. What about a place to stay the night? It's almost nightfall, and Stella doesn't seem that keen to saying goodbye to Miss Morgiana at the moment." She and several of the citizens laughed heartily.

Aladdin glared and I giggled, making Stella blush in a small smile.

"That's right!" A voice joined hers.

Aladdin's eyes widened. "Why not stay a while? At least another night! You haven't seen a very good morning yet, with the dehydration first, and the bandits later!"

Aladdin looked at me mortified, and I didn't get the feeling it was just about the dehydration.

"Ahaha.. yes indeed. Stay a night, will you?" Aria came over and nudged me in the side with her elbow.

She jabbed her head over in Saare's direction, meaningly.

"No-" Aladdin started, but I cut him off.

"Of course!" I smiled at him. "Thank you for your generosity!"

----

The white moon was high in the night sky as I sat with Aladdin alone on the edge of the village near the water whole, successfully escaping the doting women trying to pair me with their sons.