CONNECTING LIVES                                | 11

to provide energy. For this reason, instead of windows, homes incorporated display screens of varying sizes, each depicting a favourite scene. Of these scenes, there were variations that could be automatically selected according to external sensors of the true state of the weather outside although, if preferred, the occupant could choose to view an alternative scene regardless of conditions on the surface.

As a child, Vesha had always been fascinated by that particular aspect of their lives.

Vesha Reolindo was twenty-six, fifteen units, black and brown. At least, that is what the literal translation for her official age, height, and hair and eye colouring would have been to the authorities in Dallishes Land. Twenty-six years old, five feet eight in height, with dark hair and brown eyes, though that, unsurprisingly, gave no hint of her lithe figure or natural beauty.

She lived in a small community on the outskirts of one of the many tourist centres that had sprung up throughout Dallishes Land, a small mountainous country set within the borders of Olenland. She had lived in the same lake-side community all her life, as had her parents before her, and delighted in the fascinating, natural beauty of the place; the peace of the lake, the majesty and splendour of the mountains.

It was perhaps inevitable that she now worked as a local guide for the community tourist centre.

The young woman moved to the side of the window and turned a dial through two clicks. Immediately, the scene outside changed. The landscape was now covered in trees, bending their branches under the weight of snow, with icicles hanging here and there, some catching the sun’s rays and reflecting back tiny rainbows of light.

Vesha gave a happy smile then went off to shower.