Nalissi

---<---<@ NALISSI @>--->---

Deserts amber, gold, fiery in dusk Lifeless, say those who venture not And know not what breathes arid zephyrs

Scorpions, aye, and beasts envenomed Thorn and spine, thistle and barb Duel for moisture and grudging shade

Sands searing eyes and flesh and hope Stratos holding merciless court Harsh winds stone deaf to desperate pleas

Death swift to casual pilgrims Shifting seas mask dry remains Vast cities lost to all memory

"Nalissi" sere winds whisper wantonly "Oasis" bald dunes promise near "Haven" just over all horizons

Listen not with ears, nor see with eyes The desert is Mistress Deceit Jealous of Sister Nalissi

Mistress Mirage murmuring oaths Deadly lies on ravenous lips While Nalissi abides in peace

Green fronds shading, cool waters wait Pomegranates drip sweet nectar Soft salmon sands cushion worries

Listen not with ears, nor see with eyes As Mistress taunts rasping tongues, dry lungs Teases noses with false perfumes

Seek Nalissi with open heart Know she awaits in silent repose Her treasures ripe for the asking

Nalissi calls not, but welcomes Fertile abundance heaped graciously Virgin oils anointing her own

Forgotten there is Mistress of Mirage Here, Oasis, Nalissi, Haven ... Her The promise of all things fulfilled

- Anonymous, reputed survivor of Fulcawe