Yara Al’Nour

Yara, a young woman of perhaps twenty-five did not have an easy start into her life, yet somehow she managed to weather the storms of her youth, emerging with a strength that belies her years. Her eyes, twin pools of warm chocolate, still hold a glimmer of youthful naivety, a yearning for distant horizons and hope of a life beyond the confines of her familiar village. Her smile, like a sunbeam on a summer's day, brings joy and happiness into the hearts of her family, a beacon of warmth admist the hardships of the village life.   Yara’s long village days are filled with the backbreaking labor of working in the rice fields under the scorching sun, her slender frame bending gracefully under the weight of endless toils. Her hands move with a steady rhythm, plucking the ripe grains and tossing them into the woven baskets. Her eyes are ever fixed on the distant horizon, where the sun dips below the mountains, giving way to the shining twin moons, the guardians of wanderers. She feels a restless stir in her soul, a longing for something more, something different, something new.   Secretly, unbeknownst even to her parents, Yara harbors a dream, a burning flame that refuses to be extinguished by the monotony of her village life. She yearns to embark on one of the many river barges that pass by her village every day. To this end, she is saving every copper that comes her way, hiding them under a loose floorboard in her home. Her heart is set on booking a passage to Al’nahar, the golden jewel of the south and vibrant heart of the sultanat. She has many a story of Al'nahar from the traveling merchants and wandering bards who occasionally visit her village, tales of its splendor and riches, its culture and diversity, its wonders and mysteries.   She imagines herself walking along the banks of the mighty river, admiring the grand palaces and ancient temples that glitter in the golden sun, her fingers trailing over silken fabrics and precious gems in the vibrant bazaars, leaving her mark on the world. She dreams of a life of adventure and freedom, a life that is hers alone, a life that is only hers to live to the fullest.   Yet, in her pursuit of distant horizons, she does not see the value of her loving family, the bonds of love that are her roots, the simple joys and comforts of her village life, the beauty and wisdom of traditions that have been passed down through generations. Too blinded by her idealism and naivety, too eager to chase her dreams of a better life, too restless to settle for what she has, she carries on towards her hopes.   One of the younger villagers, a shy young man named Amir, has been caught in the net of Yara's quiet warmth and the aura of stoicism that surrounds her. He admires her strength and determination from afar, her ability to find beauty in the mundane, and her unwavering spirit. Yet, he is too timid to approach her, his heart pounding like a drum in his chest whenever she walks by. Little does he know, but the upcoming festival will be his one and only chance to confess his feelings, putting both their hearts at the crossroads of destiny.