The ocean bridge

The carriage came to a stop at the foot of the bridge, where they were to take a short break before continuing on their journey, to stretch their legs, go to the bathroom, and admire the view. Roshel stepped out onto the stone road, her long and elegant dress sliding around her legs as she made her way to the edge of the bridge. She looked out over the water that extended into the horizon, a bright and shimmering surface that was beyond her comprehension. And yet she lived in a world where people had conquered that mysterious surface. The newly constructed bridge spanned the entire length of the ocean to the next continent - a three day's journey.

The soft steps of her companion came up beside her, and a soft hand rested on her bare shoulder. She looked back to see Jasmine looking out over the waters. "It is quite amazing, isn't it, your highness?" Jasmine asked quietly. She was dressed in her own country's attire for the first time in years, now that she was finally heading home. The smooth, form fitting cloths were highly desirable in the desert heat of her home, and they certainly showed off how beautiful she was. Roshel wished she had a body like that.

"It's certainly something," she remarked, looking back over the water. "What's really amazing is that we managed to make a bridge like this. Even with how long it took to build, it's hard to believe what I'm looking at right now."

"That is the power of your people," Jasmine replied. "You look at a hardship and overcome it."

"You are one to talk. I imagine when we arrive at your home, I will not be able to stand as confidently in the heat and sand as you will."

Jasmine chuckled and shook her head. "Do not think so low of yourself, your highness. You have great power within you. We stand tall because we are able to internalize that hardship until we are tougher than it is. We do not surpass it in the same way you do."

"Can you tell me how I can surpass your appearance?"

Jasmine chuckled and took Roshel's hand in her own. "You are beautiful, your highness. I pale in comparison. I am the mountain range, rough and unseemly on the landscape, while you are the water, smooth and incredible in every situation."

Roshel rolled her eyes, but smiled. "And yet the mountains are also majestic and awe-inspiring heights, whereas the water is muddied and unfit for mankind."

Jasmine laughed out loud at that. "Always, you must make yourself feel down. One of these days you will simply have to accept the truth, your highness."

Roshel smiled and shrugged her shoulders. "Maybe once we see if this bridge really can cross an entire ocean, I'll consider it."