Being still and quiet was becoming second nature to us by now. Most of our time was wasted by waiting.
We hear branches snap to our left, but our eyes are the only thing to respond, for now. We all look.
There are seven children standing there, silent and scared. In our lack of response, one becomes more courageous than the rest. She ventures a question.
"What are you?" she asks.
We wait a moment before answering. Tiyun is the one who speaks.
"To most we are fairytales, stories created for entertainment. To those remaining, we have never been heard of before. We do have a name and a race beyond this world of yours. We-" at this Tiyun indicates us, "are called the Brotheai deee Lahann. In your language that translates to..."
I raise a hand for her to stop. The looks on the children's faces register uncomprehension. They've understood nothing. Now, I speak.
"Look, it doesn't matter what we are, we could be anything." I stop abruptly and sit down. So do the others. Now we are at eye-level with the children. They move closer now.
"In our world," I begin, "children are very sacred. They are considered among the wise. We go to them for advice, not the other way around. They have led us in a great peace for many years, and many more will follow. We wished to teach the same here, but already we are given no such chance." My downcast eyes appeal to the children's sense of trust. The one who spoke came and sat with us.
"We will give you the chance you seek," she promises.
"Oh, bless you, young one! But, first, you must tell us of the hardships of your world."
At this, all the other children came to sit with us, eager to gain our attentions.