The young elf stood at the bow of her massive trading ship, anxiously peering into the horizon for any signs of land. She saw nothing but the waves reflecting the bright sun as they rose and fell. Her shimmering blue eyes gleamed with excitement as she thought about her next destination, the Kingdom of the North! It was the greatest civilization in her lands. There were rumors that say the roads are paved with silver and the houses decorated with gold. Travelers tell of a palace that was built entirely of crystal and rare stones, placed on a cliff overlooking the bright blue sea. Each story filled the young elf with joy and left her in awe, it has been her biggest dream to visit the Kingdom of the North and now the time has come.

   The elven merchant spun around to face her ship, loaded with treasures from distant lands. She grinned as her crew strode about the deck humming happy tunes and managing the merchandise. They beamed with a massive amount of enthusiasm, she could see it in their eyes.

   As time dragged on the sun made its journey across the sky and began to fall and the restless crewmen grew weary. Suddenly a shout pierced the silence and the crew looked up into the crow’s nest where an excited sailor held his binoculars up to his face.

   “Land ho!” He cried, nearly dropping the binoculars. “Land ho!”

Everyone raced to the front of the ship to see a dark line stretching across the horizon. There was a moment of awe as the people gazed at the long strip of land outlined by the setting sun. Then, regaining all of their energy, the crewmen broke out into joyful songs and scattered around the ship. As they made the finial preparations for landing the young merchant remained where she stood, as if time froze. She could not explain the feelings of fulfillment and joy, the elf had finally made it to the Northern Kingdom. Her biggest wish has been fulfilled.