The land in which Weldox is situated is linked to many other lands by portals and spacial rifts. If one so desired, he could, theoretically, locate a rift to every single planet and dimension in the multiple universes. Many sailors brought their wares to the famed docks from ports in other worlds by slipping their ships through the spacial rifts. Such travel can be dangerous, however, because there are never guarantees that the rift will travel both directions.
In early days, scholars argued that the rifts were doors that swung open on both manners. This was why there were so many different races and species on the continents of the planet. Their opposition, however, argued that if the rifts were two-way, there would be far more races inhabiting the lands of the world.
To this day, the scholars and philosophers are at odds. No one knows what to say in opposition any longer, for many theories are so easilly blasted. In truth, however, the rifts are both one-way and two-way. In some cases, they allow objects to slip from one area to any number of areas (on- or off-world), not just two. Some rifts go only one direction to one world. Others are not in the same place for entrance and exit. In truth, rift-slipping (as the means of travel is called) is complicated and dangerous. However, it is also the means of income for many.
Sandry sits in silence, wondering if the sun ever shines in the Valley of Night. She gives up wondering after a while and let her eyes shut. She falls asleep to the sounds of the many creatures in the area. As she sleeps, she dreams of her evening's events, starting with her departure from the cabin.
The trip through the portal left Sandry swaying. She couldn't help but merely fall over from the exertion. She had rested there as well, at least for a few moments. Soon, though, she was on her feet and staring about her at the endless sea of sand.
She had first been met by a woman of dark skin and a strange creature she called a horse. Sandry, who had never before seen a horse, was terrified. She was so used to seeing people ride large birds and other such creatures that the horse was a frightening novelty. The woman was so kind as to point her into the direction of the guide.
The guide Indyana had mentioned, in every fact, had been a hedgehog named Kira. It was strange, but she was indeed a very good and apt guide. A little high-strung, perhaps, but good nonetheless.
Kira led Sandry to various inhabitants, and the girl found a few seals. One of the last she found, however, was the Terran Seal. It was being kept by Pierre, a terran Bishen Dragon.
Pierre had popped from the ground coughing and sputtering. Immediately, Sandry's heart was touched. She crouched by him and pulled out a handkerchief. "It must be dusty in those tunnels. Here, take this," she offered, holding out her handkerchief.
"Oh, hi Pierre!" Kira said, recognizing the animal. "This is Pierre," she added to Sandry. "He's a Bishel dragon."
Pierre held up a paw to signal a moment for pause.
"Are you okay?" Sandry asked, concerned.
*Yep,* Pierre replied with a grin. *We terrans specialize in burrowing; dust doesn't bother us. Anyways, we Bishens just moved into the Refuge recently. I was fairly young when we got here, so I don't remember much, but we had to leave our old lands because of a war. This place is a haven for us and our kind.*
Sandry nodded, realizing how important the Refuge was to him.
*If you're interested, we are trying to find homes for our eggs, as we don't want to overpopulate the Refuge. You can visit Bishen Realm.* Pierre looked up at the sun suddenly. *I should get going. It will be mid-night soon, and I have a few more tunnels to finish up. Goodbye!* With that, Pierre leapt back into the hole and disappeared.
"That's Pierre for you, always busy," Kira remarked. "Come on, we're almost to the cabin." She headed off and Sandry followed her.
Sandry stirs and awakes with a yawn. She feels as though the area should be beaming with sunlight. Instead, it is still shadowy and dark. The Valley of Night, she reminds herself. With a sigh, she rises. It feels as if only a few minutes ago she drifted off to sleep.
Best be on my way, she figures and begins her trek. She had barely taken a few steps from the portal before she had drifted off to sleep the second time. She yawns again, shaking herself from her slumber.
"I've got to finish this today," she states to herself, determined to get back to the cabin by the end of that day.
Many creatures live in the area. All of them seem to still be awake. Among them, are three little birdbrites. Sandry can't help but smile when she spies them quarreling. She continues onward, though, being careful not to disturb them.
"Jepep Fagu, yu bu-en! Tes`gom Henry," states a voice from Sandry's right. The voice is that of a young man, and it doesn't seem to be directed at her.
Nonetheless, Sandry gasps and turns. She fights back her curiosity and watches from behind a bush. The boy has large wings for his body size, and he is reading a book aloud.
Evidently, the boy heard Sandry's gasp. He approaches her and smiles, charmingly. "Hello," he states. "I'm Henry."
"Errm... Yes... Well, hello," she manages as a reply.
"Touring the Refuge, are you?"
"Is it that obvious?" She blushes, looking away.
"Just a tad."
Sandry shrugs, still looking away. "Oh well."
"Would you care to see something?"
Sandry blinks and turns. "What sort of something?"
"My melcey, Cu Ar'xek Nivia. His name means 'Deep Ocean's Ice.'"
"I'd love to. But, where is he?" Sandry inquires, looking about.
"Through here," Henry replies, gesturing to a portal.
"Through... there?"
"Indeed. I'm certain he'd love to meet you." He smiles again.
For some odd reason, Sandry can't say 'no' to Henry's lovely smile. She swallows and nods. "Certainly," she states finally.
The pair walks through the portal, and come upon a creature far less intimidating than the horse. Sandry smiles and asks Henry if she might be allowed to pet Cu.
"Certainly," Henry replies and nods.
Cu begins to purr as Sandry pets him behind the ears. She smiles and looks about as Henry talks about Cu's special traits.
After the young man is finished, Sandry rises and looks about some more. Something flashes before her, and she reaches out to grab hold of the Winter Seal. She smiles.
"On the Quest, eh?" Henry asks.
"Indeed. I do believe this to be the final Seal." She smiles. "If you don't mind, I think I should like to get back to the cabin. My comrades await me there."
"No problem at all. It is through that portal there."
"Much obliged." Sandry nods to Cu and Henry and steps through the portal and into Indyana's cabin.
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