But she did.
All day she walked upon the scorching sand and blistering bare rock, beneath the searing heat and might of the great Lord Sun, as he made his way across the vastness of the heavens.
All the animals of the desert hid away from the power of the sun, hiding beneath rocks or sheltering in purpose-built holes and burrows. Only the girl walked the desert, alone and all day long.
The Mighty Sun looked down upon her tiny frame as she wandered across the expanses of burning rock and sand. He saw her infinite loveliness, and was minded to do her no harm. In truth, he fell in love with the girl in the desert. She was, after all, the most beautiful girl in the world.
Night approached. Full of sorrow at parting from the girl, the Lord Sun sank reluctantly below the horizon. Darkness began to extend its sweet and perilous embrace.
The girl was tired, and looked around for a place to rest. She lay her head upon a rock, stretched out her body on the open ground, and with a quiet shudder surrendered herself to the forces of the night.
All manner of desert creature - wolf, coyote, strange bear-like animals - came to stare at this singular sight. None, however, dared to touch her lovely body, awed as they all were in the presence of her beauty. Only one tiny snake, young princess of the desert, came close, coiling herself up to sleep beside her left thigh.
The cool wind of the evening came, captivated by the girl, caressing gently her bare arms and the soft skin of her face. The lovely Silver Queen of the Night Sky looked down, and smiled, offering her protection until daybreak.
To the night the girl gave herself up. Thus she received and drank of its mysterious bliss in thankfulness. At 2am a ripple passed through her body. She sank into deep, blessed sleep.
Once more the Lord of the Sky rose up; once more, the Queen of the Night Sky and her starry entourage fled. The girl awoke, and was glad. She continued on her way.....
Image: Philipp Otto Runge: Morning
