Disclaimer: Don't own Avalon! Or Sierra Chanchez, that's Rachel Robert's! So are the ranch and the owner and…alright I think you get it. But Astrella is mine.

Writer's Note: I'm having a little writers block so wish me luck!

Chapter Two,

Odd Dreams

It was a calm night in the shadowed desert. Bat's chattered high above, looking for food. A road runner dashed across, scooping up a lizard and taking it to its nest in a bush. It was warm as a light breeze blew the sand through the patched desert grass. All was normal when…FLASH! Bat's chirped in panicked fury as they were blinded by a bright light. For a split second an outline of a girl appeared then the light disappeared and she was just a shadow. Sierra would have gasped but found she could only watch. This looked like magic…it had to be! The girl looked around still protected by the clouds over the moon. With a sigh she began onward as the whirlwind around her died. The clouds were moving; soon she would be lit clearly. She was moving closer…closer, moonlight outlined the clouds which fought back to protect the girls identity. Then…

Sierra woke up.

"Oh man," she sighed sitting up, shaking short dark brown hair out of her eyes. At first she thought the shades were up or a light left on then she realized, her gem was glowing! Somehow she knew, something had entered the desert. Was it good? Like the unicorns Emily, Adriane and Kara had found? Or was it bad? Like the weird knight creature that hunted the unicorns? Touching the turquoise stone around her neck Sierra had an odd feeling. One of uneasiness and oddly of happiness. 'Can you feel those both at the same time?' she wondered.
"I'll write the Mage's," she decided aloud, slipping out of bed and turning on her computer. But just as she was about to hit send her alarm went off. Sierra checked the clock then gasped,

"Oh no, its past six! I'm late!" With the hustle and bustle of the day she soon forgot her e-mail and her glowing gem.

"There ya are girl. I thought I'd have ta feed the stalk all myself," Texas Slim her uncle and owner of the Happy Trail's Horse Ranch said as she came rushing into the barn.

"Sorry Uncle, my alarm was set wrong and I slept in late," she explained grabbing a pitch fork.

"Understandable lass, makes me think 'bout hiring another gel to help you out," he said.

"Oh I'm fine; we have a cook and such already."

"Yes but I mean someone you're age. You're growing up with tourists all summer and that's no fun for a cow-girl you're age," he said actually sounding worried through his Texas accent.

"It's plenty fun! I have you for family and a million different friends from all over. What more could I ask for?" And so it went, after cleaning and caring for the animals it was introductions. Then came breakfast and trail rides. Over and over againg, for a week things went on as usual. Until Monday came again. That afternoon when things were slow and tourists cooling their heels Texas Slim came to her.

"Sierra I think I've found a new worker, but I'm needed elsewhere mind interviewing her for me?"

"Um sure where is she?" she asked as he zoomed by.

"In the stables!" he called back to her. Sierra shrugged and walked to the stables in the barn. That's when she first met Ella. A girl was in a stable whispering to a horse.

"Hey don't do that, she bites!" gasped Sierra rushing forward. The girl jumped and looked like she had been reproved.

"S-sorry, I was just…she hasn't bitten me. But I've been offered a job so…" wide baby blue eyes looked up startled.

"Oh, you're the one Slim mentioned. Well she seems to like you anyway. I'm Sierra, Texas Slim's niece," she held out a hand. The girl seemed to relax greatly and shook it,

"I'm Astrella Cigam, but most call me Ella."

"Nice to meet you, so are you-" suddenly her necklace flashed and Sierra jumped a bit, hand automatically closing over the gem.

"That's a very nice necklace you have there," Ella said eyes locking on it, something in her tone worried Sierra.

"It um catches the sunlight a lot. My grandmother gave it to me."

"Sound's like a very valuable heirloom…very valuable," Ella added the last with a whisper and tugged a lock of wavy brown hair as if thinking.

"Um…like I was saying, its amazing Tusaine likes you. She usually bites people. We can't let anyone ride her." Ella's eyes seemed to shine and Sierra knew she had found a friend. They both had a common passion, horses. Remembering her conversation just the week before she wondered if that had been her Uncle's plan all along.

"Tusaine…so that's you're name?" she patted the white and black paint, scratching the black diamond on her forehead. "You're an old mare that's seen much huh? Perhaps too much…" The old mare nuzzled the girl and Ella laughed.

"WOW," appraised Sierra, "If Tusaine likes you that much it'd be a shame to turn you away."

"You mean…I could really?!" her eyes sparkled at the prospect then went dim, "Oh but I forgot to explain. My parents were supposed to send a letter from Europe. Saying that they would pay for me to stay and work here…but it seems there letter hasn't come through and…I have no where to stay now." Sierra frowned, dark eyes thinking,

"That is a problem…wait! You could stay with me! I have an extra bed in my cabin and I'd love to share rooms with another horse lover."

"That's perfect!" Ella burst out then blushed a little embarrassed, "I mean I'm so glade to have somewhere to stay!" Sierra was beginning to think that Ella may not be as shy as she first appeared.

Writer's Note: THANKS SO MUCH TO MY BEST FRIEND MORGAN WHO TOLD ME WHAT NEW MEXICO WAS LIKE!!! Oh and please review!