Note: This is the last bit. It is kinda silly at the end. Hope you all like it. You still get a chance to see the softer side of Ardeth Bay.
~~~~~~~
The next day Evy walked into check on Emily, she had made it through the night, but she was still weak. She found Ardeth sitting by her side. She smiled softly at him, and sat down next to them.
"How's she doing?" she asked, looking down at the girl.
"She is still weak. But her fever has reduced slightly." They both sat in silence for a while, until Ardeth turned to Evy, looking at her softly.
"Evy, I don't think I have ever told you this, and it is because I am not very good at telling people these sort of things, but I want you to know how grateful I am for you and your family. I have been able to find you, and have you all a part of my life. And I thank Allah for that everyday. You four mean more to me then a lot of things out there. And I owe you more then I could ever possibly begin to pay back. And, even though I'm sure it would be leisurely, calm, and boring, I cannot even begin to think what my life would be like with out you all in it. Nor would I like to think about it. The love I have in my heart for you and your family transcends just about all other love I have ever known. You will always have very special place in my heart, and in the heart of the Med-jai."
Evy's eyes filled with tears and she hugged her friend, as tight as she could. "Ardeth, that is one of the sweetest things I have ever heard. And I can't tell you how much you mean to us. Life with out you would be horrible, and I to would not like to think about it. You truly are my family's best friend. And you to will always have a special place in our heart." She softly kissed his cheek.
When the hug broke, Evy stared into his dark brown eyes, and they were as soft as she had ever seen them. She could have sat with him there, in the silence, for a long time, but the unmistakable voice of Alex rung across the city. "MUM!!"
This caused them both to giggle, and as she stood, Evy placed a gently hand on Ardeth's soft, dark brown hair. She lingered there for a minute and then left. Ardeth watched her go with a soft smile, and then turned back to Emily. He picked up her hand and held it tightly.
~~
The days past, and soon it had been a week since the attack on the Fajarah at the Temple of Ka. Ardeth spent his time split between Emily and the O'Connells. During most of the day, he would go horseback riding with Evy and Jonathan, or he would teach Alex how to use a sword. Sometimes, during the heat of the day, he would spend time with Emily, sitting next to her bed in the cool medical tent.
Emily herself was getting stronger, her fever reduced greatly, and her side wound begin to heal nicely. Meelesh and Evy kept a careful eye on her. And Emily's improvement was making everyone happy. But she still had not woken up.
At night, Ardeth always had diner with the O'Connells. And would tell the children stories before they were to go to bed. To help Alex understand the stories more, Ahmad had begun to teach him more Arabic. He also helped out in training Alex to become a warrior, much to his fathers dislike.
Then, on the seventh day, John, Rick, and Alex went with Ardeth to Humanaptra, leaving Evy to watch over Emily. They left in the early morning, and would not get home till mid to late afternoon. Evy had decided to stay, she wanted to take care of Emily, and just didn't want to go back to that dreadful place.
~~
"Jonathan," Ardeth said, gracefully swinging his leg over the horse and jumping down, "If you touch anything here, so help me I will cut both her hands off."
"Alright! You don't have to keep telling me that. Besides, it is him" he pointed to Alex, "who should be warned to stay away from shiny objects."
"Alex, he's right, you don't get to touch anything either. Unless you ask." Rick said.
"What is there to touch?" the boy said, looking around at the huge hole in the sand. "Are you really telling me there is a whole city down there?"
"A whole city with lots of gold." Jonathan said, his eyes wide and shining. He looked over to see Ardeth and Rick giving him the, "don't even think about it" glare. He frowned and took his nephew's hand.
"See this?" he said, pointing to a spot in the sand, "I was right here when that dark goon," he nodded towards Ardeth, "Came after me, wanting to kill me."
"Yeah, and it's a shame he didn't." Rick said, crossing to them. The 3 older males remembering that night, 11 years earlier, when Ardeth had his first real encounter with his friends.
"You guys killed 10 of my men that night, I could have killed you for that." Ardeth said.
"But you didn't." Alex said, looking around. "Why not?"
"Because I knew you were going to come out of them, and you're the only good one in the family."
Rick and Jonathan both dove at him, but he jumped out of the way, causing Jonathan to roll down the deep sandy hole. Landing at the bottom with a loud swear word. The others laughed and ran down to get him, before he awoke another creature bent on bringing about the end of the world.
"You're going to pay for that!" Jonathan said, standing up and pointing at the Med-jai. But Ardeth just laughed. They walked around the ruins all day telling Alex about the different things that had happened there.
~~
Evy sat with Emily in the heat of the day. She was calmly reading a book one of the kind Med-jai women had given her. They all accepted her family into the tribe. Saying things like, "So YOU'RE Evelyn O'Connell." All the warriors accepted the male O'Connells, even Jonathan, into the group. She was deep into reading when she heard a soft noise come out of the girl next to her.
Emily hurt. Her body hurt more then any other pain she had ever felt in her whole life. She didn't want to open her eyes. She was afraid of where she was, or whom she was with. She could smell the strong scent of medical supplies. There was something cold and wet on her stomach, and something else cold and wet on her neck and forehead. And she heard the soft humming of a woman coming next to her. a soft sound escaped her throat.
"Emily?" she heard Evy say.
The girl's eyes squeezed together tightly, then fluttered open. She turned her head slowly and looked up at the British woman bending over her.
"Hi!" Evy said softly.
"Hi." She choked out, her voice harsh and dry.
"How are you feeling?"
"Like…I was just…dragged half way across the desert."
" Just about."
"Was...was it all a dream?" Emily asked, closing her eyes.
"No, it was not." Emily nodded slowly, Evy went on. "Ardeth is going to kill when he finds out that he wasn't here to see you wake up."
Emily flashed Evy a weak smile. "Then, this will be…our little secret… I will go back to sleep...and wake up when he…comes back."
Evy smiled and patted Emily's hand. "Ok, Luv, go back to sleep. Rest, and get your strength back."
~~
When the four got back from Humanaptra, the sun was setting, burning a fiery red. Yellows and oranges streaked across the sky. Evy came up to them and Alex jumped into her arms, rambling on about how great Humanaptra was. She smiled and laughed at him.
"How is she?" Ardeth asked, removing his turban.
"She has been making sounds like she is going to wake soon. I would go to her." Evy said, setting Alex down. Ardeth nodded and headed off for the medical tent.
~~
He entered the small tent and looked Emily over. He sat in the small chair he had sat in for hours on end, taking her hand. He sat with her for about 10 minutes, when she shifted slightly. Moaning softly. She turned her head towards Ardeth, and opened her eyes. Looking right at the dark Med-jai leader.
"Hi" she coughed out. He looked at her softly and reached out stroking her cheek.
"Hi" he said back. "Welcome back." She nodded a thank you. "How are you feeling?"
"Like I was just attacked by a 3000-year-old mummy…wait…that was you." He chuckled. Feeling his heart burst with joy.
"You really scared me there, Emily. We almost lost you one night."
"Hey, you didn't have to worry, I told you I was not going to let you out of our deal." He picked up a canteen that was hanging next to the cot, and opened it. Placing one hand under her head, he lifted it slightly and held the canteen to her lips, tipping it slightly. Pouring the cool water into her mouth. She drank a little and pulled her head back slightly, telling him no more. He returned the canteen and ran his hand over her hair.
"Where are we?" she asked.
"In the Med-jai City. My home town."
"Hum." She nodded her head, closing her eyes. Her body hurt like hell, her head hurt like hell, and her side hurt even worse.
"You should rest, you need your strength." He said softly.
"How long have I been out?"
"A week."
"Then I think I have rested enough. I am hungry." Ardeth nodded, and called out for a nurse. She ran in, and he asked her to get Emily some food. The woman nodded her head and left. Leaving Ardeth alone with Emily. They both saw, when the nurse left, that it was dusk out.
"We always meet at dusk." Ardeth said softly, leaning in and kissing Emily. It was a soft kiss, but it sent tingles through both of them. When it broke, she looked up at him, a content smile on her face. He gently removed the cold compress from her fore head, and the other one from her neck. He then took a clean, dry cloth and wiped where both had been, drying her skin softly. The nurse can in along with Meelesh, who was happy to see Emily awake. The nurse sat a small tray of food on the table next to the cot. And with Ardeth's help, Meelesh helped Emily sit up. She checked her over and looked at the bandage, which had been applied fresh that morning. She told Ardeth to make sure she ate little bits of food, and told him not to let her eat all of it at once. He nodded softly.
"Thanks sister." He said softly. Looking at his younger sister with love.
"Any time, brother." Meelesh said back with a smile. She turned and left.
"Sister?" Emily said with a raised eyebrow.
"Yes, that is my sister." Emily smiled and took the first bite of food Ardeth offered her.
~~
The next morning, when Emily woke up, she found Ardeth sitting by her side again.
"What were you like as a child?" she asked, pushing herself up into a sitting position.
"Why?" Ardeth said, a puzzled look on his face.
"I had a dream about you last night, you were a child. Running around with your little robes, and curly head of hair. Bugging your siblings as only an older brother could do. Sword fighting with the other kids. With Ahmad. Your father, who I assume was the Chieftain as well, teaching you how to ride a horse and fight at the same time."
"That was what I was like as a child. How you say, down to a 'T'."
She giggled and the tent door opened. The O'Connells and Jonathan entered, all smiles.
"Emily!" Alex said, rushing to her side, hugging her. "I'm so happy you are ok!"
"Thank you Alex." She said, wincing as he squeezed her.
"Alex," his mother said, "Be careful, she is hurt remember."
"Ok mum." He let her go. Ardeth stood back as the family surrounded Emily, talking and laughing. And in Jonathan's case, welcoming her back to the land of the living.
They were able to take her outside at sunset that night, allowing her to sit and watch the sunset with her new friends.
~~
Another week passed by, and the O'Connells went back to Cairo, then were to come back to the City of the Med-jai. They were in Egypt for four weeks, and two and a half had already passed by. But they didn't mind spending time with the Med-jai, as Rick put it, "Its better then staying at home, doing nothing. At least here, we can have a good time, doing nothing."
A week after Emily had woken up, she was up and about. Moving around. At the beginning of the week, The O'Connell's had left for Cairo, promising to come back with her stuff. But for now, she wore some of Evy's clothes, which were surprisingly not small on her. Jonathan had stayed behind at the Med-jai City, not wanting to ride go home and then turn around and come back. They were due back today. And Emily couldn't wait to get her hands on her own clothes.
She was moved out of the Medical tent, and given her own little tent, close to Meelesh, in case any thing happened to her. But nothing happened. Her side was healing quickly and the Scar was starting to form. Speaking of scars, the one on her palm was still around. she faced the fact that she would be stuck with it for life, and didn't mind at all.
She dressed for the day, pulling on her boots. Over the week, she and Ardeth became much closer, steeling kisses from each other when no one was around. she enjoyed this greatly, and had cretin plans for today. She went out to watch Ardeth and Ahmad teach the young warriors how to battle. They taught her in much the same way.
"HI!" she said, stepping up next to Jonathan, who was watching everything closely.
"Hi! How you doing, Luv?" she loved that nickname.
"Fine. What's going on?"
"They are calling all those who want to battle against them up, and kicking their butts. I don't think either one of them has been beat once."
"Not until I go in there."
Jonathan looked at her like she was mad. "Are you mad?!"
"Hey, I have a deal with that man," she pointed to Ardeth as he brought his red "sword" down and left a mark against a young warrior's robe. "I'm not letting him out of it."
Jonathan shook his head. "It's your funeral."
"You sister said that, besides," she gave him a sideways smile, "I say its time we but the 'fun' back into 'funeral'."
~~
It was mid afternoon when Ardeth defeated yet another person.
"Whose next?" he said in Arabic, wiping the sweat off his brow.
"I am!" a strong female voice broke out. Causing everyone to turn and look at Emily.
"Your insane!" Jonathan said as she stepped forward. A whisper fell over the large crowd who was watching the battles. A woman wanted to fight the leader of the Med-jai? A woman? They cleared a path for her, and she walked up to Ardeth, smiling.
"We have a bet, Med-jai." She said, picking up a green "sword."
"Sure your up for it, woman?" he said, mocking her.
"I already told you, I'm not gonna loose."
"Well just have to see about that."
A bell sounded and the two began to cycle each other. Sizing up the competition, waiting for the other to make the first move. Finally, Ardeth did, leaping at her with all his force. She jumped out of the way, swinging her "sword" at the Med-jai. She was unable to make contact with him, but their "swords" clashed with the bitter sound of wood on wood. She brought her knees up, slamming it into his side, this forced him to jump back.
The crowd gasped.
He went after her again, aiming for her right side, but as she jumped to the left, so did he. She brought her "sword" down just in time to block the wicked blow. They twisted around, circling each other again. this time she made the first move, swinging her "sword" with a bitter grunt, he was able to block the blow just in time. He shoved her back, kicking her legs out from under her. she fell to the ground, and twisted to the side, nearly missing the red "sword" as it came down in the sand. She kicked her feet up, bringing them down in the sand. With a little flip she was standing again, and ducked right as the red "sword" sliced over her head. She jabbed her green "sword" forward, catching him on the side. A gasp arose out of the spectators. Not once today had someone marked their leader. He to jabbed forward, but she brought her "sword" up, blocking the blow. Her hand fell over the top of the blade, as she pushed forward. In one solid movement, Ardeth dropped his "sword", grabbed hers with both hands, flipping the girl over his back , landing in the sand with a grunt. She brought her leg up and kicked her "sword" out of his hands, it landing perfectly in to hers. On her back she swung at him, missing horribly. As he came at her from the front, she brought her legs up quickly, and slammed them into his midsection, throwing him back into sand. Another gasp. She looked around quickly and saw that there were now more people that were watching the woman fight the Med-jai chieftain.
~~
As the O'Connells rode up to the Med-jai City, they heard a large gasp come up from the battle section. Rick and Evy eyed each other, and they rode into the almost empty town. Finding all the towns people at the battle section, watching a fight take place. From his horse, he saw a tall female figure jump up and bring her "sword" down in the sand, just as Ardeth Bay jumped up, swinging his own "sword" at her midsection.
"Oh my god, Emily and Ardeth are fighting." He said, Evy looked at him strange.
"The bet." She whispered softly, remembering the bet she witnessed a few weeks before. Alex had ridden up a small dune to get a better view of the battle-taking place, and his parents soon joined them.
~~
Ardeth rolled and jumped right as the "sword" came down where his neck would have been. He swung at her midsection, but she jumped back, doing a back flip that would put most gymnasts to shame. She twisted around as the red "sword" passed by her right side, barely missing the wound she had received 2 weeks before. The "sword" switched hands and she swung it behind her, missing Ardeth. He took this time to bring his own "sword" up. Catching her on the shoulder. She pulled hers out in front of her. blocking another blow. Ardeth quickly swung his "sword" up, disarming her. at any other time, the battle would have ended and Ardeth would have won. But it was not the case now. She ducked and jumped back, missing both blows he aimed at her. her "sword" had landed on a small table where groups of Med-jai were watching the battle. She made a dash for it, knowing Ardeth was right behind her. she could feel him about to strike, and she flipped forward, gave a little jump, and ended up on the table. Shocking the hell out of the men who were sitting there. She gave them a quick smile, running to the edge of the table and kicking the "sword" up, it landing perfectly in her hands. She whipped around, seeing Ardeth at the foot of the table on the ground.
"Ready to give up, Med-jai?" she asked.
"Never, woman." He shot back, she ran at him full speed, flipping over him, landing behind him in the sand. She whipped around and jabbed at him. He jumped to the side, jabbing at her. she jumped back to. He dove at her, causing her to loose his balance. She fell to the ground, and he was on top of her in a second, her "sword" coming up, blocking the blow to her neck. They struggled for a second.
"Don't make me headbutt that pretty face of yours," she spat. He didn't move, so she slammed her head towards his. His whipped back, missing her blow, and in that time, she got her knee under him, throwing him up. He stumbled back as she flipped up. She ran at him, pushing the "sword" at his chest, but he blocked it, throwing her back. Ardeth slashed his red "sword" at her, grunting and throwing himself forward. She twisted, jumped to the side, but wasn't able to miss the red "sword" and it left a line against her side. She grunted, and brought her foot up, digging it into his stomach, pushing him back. He ran at her, "sword" raised over his head, and she brought her "sword" down, jabbing it right into this belly button. Leaving a bright, green paint mark. He stopped, and looked down. The wound would take him down. But not take him out.
The crowd gasped, as Emily turned around, her "sword" dropping to her side. Ardeth was up in a flash, running at her, "sword" ready to make contact with her back. But she jumped to the side, brought her elbow back, slamming it into his side, and then she whirled, bringing her "sword" up high, bringing it across his neck. Leaving a nice, dark green line across his neck.
No one moved, no one spoke. Ardeth's hand slowly made its way to his neck, smudging the think green line. He looked at the green chalk on his fingers, then looked up at Emily.
No one watching knew what to do. Their fearless chieftain had just been publicly beaten. By a woman! How would he react to this? How would any of them?
Ardeth stared at Emily for a few seconds. Her chest heaved up and down, many strands of her hair had fallen out of her loose bun, and her blowing lightly in a gentle breeze, her "sword" dangling at her side. He dropped his "sword" in the sand, and then bowed at Emily, a smile across his face. The crowd went wild, cheering, yelling, and whooping, as Emily to dropped her "sword" in the sand, and bowed at Ardeth.
He crossed to her, the smile on his face a mile wide. He reached out and gently pushed back the strands of hair behind her hair.
"you know," he said softly, stroking her cheek with a rough hand, "even if you would have lost, I still would have kept up my part of the bargain."
"I know," she said, placing one hand around the back of his neck, pulling him close to her, "But it still gave me the incentive to win."
He smiled softly and pulled her into him, kissing her deeply. The crowd went even wilder at the sight of their leader kissing the woman. The O'Connells up on the hill sat cheering wildly, as did Jonathan down in the massive group of Med-jai.
The kiss lasted, and when it broke, they both turned to the crowed. Ardeth placed a hand around Emily's waist and yelled something out in Arabic.
The king of the Med-jai, had found his queen.
The End.
*Giggles* where, there you have it, my first ever Mummy fanfic. Hope you all liked it. I might write another story with Ardeth & Emily. Should I?
~~~~~~~
The next day Evy walked into check on Emily, she had made it through the night, but she was still weak. She found Ardeth sitting by her side. She smiled softly at him, and sat down next to them.
"How's she doing?" she asked, looking down at the girl.
"She is still weak. But her fever has reduced slightly." They both sat in silence for a while, until Ardeth turned to Evy, looking at her softly.
"Evy, I don't think I have ever told you this, and it is because I am not very good at telling people these sort of things, but I want you to know how grateful I am for you and your family. I have been able to find you, and have you all a part of my life. And I thank Allah for that everyday. You four mean more to me then a lot of things out there. And I owe you more then I could ever possibly begin to pay back. And, even though I'm sure it would be leisurely, calm, and boring, I cannot even begin to think what my life would be like with out you all in it. Nor would I like to think about it. The love I have in my heart for you and your family transcends just about all other love I have ever known. You will always have very special place in my heart, and in the heart of the Med-jai."
Evy's eyes filled with tears and she hugged her friend, as tight as she could. "Ardeth, that is one of the sweetest things I have ever heard. And I can't tell you how much you mean to us. Life with out you would be horrible, and I to would not like to think about it. You truly are my family's best friend. And you to will always have a special place in our heart." She softly kissed his cheek.
When the hug broke, Evy stared into his dark brown eyes, and they were as soft as she had ever seen them. She could have sat with him there, in the silence, for a long time, but the unmistakable voice of Alex rung across the city. "MUM!!"
This caused them both to giggle, and as she stood, Evy placed a gently hand on Ardeth's soft, dark brown hair. She lingered there for a minute and then left. Ardeth watched her go with a soft smile, and then turned back to Emily. He picked up her hand and held it tightly.
~~
The days past, and soon it had been a week since the attack on the Fajarah at the Temple of Ka. Ardeth spent his time split between Emily and the O'Connells. During most of the day, he would go horseback riding with Evy and Jonathan, or he would teach Alex how to use a sword. Sometimes, during the heat of the day, he would spend time with Emily, sitting next to her bed in the cool medical tent.
Emily herself was getting stronger, her fever reduced greatly, and her side wound begin to heal nicely. Meelesh and Evy kept a careful eye on her. And Emily's improvement was making everyone happy. But she still had not woken up.
At night, Ardeth always had diner with the O'Connells. And would tell the children stories before they were to go to bed. To help Alex understand the stories more, Ahmad had begun to teach him more Arabic. He also helped out in training Alex to become a warrior, much to his fathers dislike.
Then, on the seventh day, John, Rick, and Alex went with Ardeth to Humanaptra, leaving Evy to watch over Emily. They left in the early morning, and would not get home till mid to late afternoon. Evy had decided to stay, she wanted to take care of Emily, and just didn't want to go back to that dreadful place.
~~
"Jonathan," Ardeth said, gracefully swinging his leg over the horse and jumping down, "If you touch anything here, so help me I will cut both her hands off."
"Alright! You don't have to keep telling me that. Besides, it is him" he pointed to Alex, "who should be warned to stay away from shiny objects."
"Alex, he's right, you don't get to touch anything either. Unless you ask." Rick said.
"What is there to touch?" the boy said, looking around at the huge hole in the sand. "Are you really telling me there is a whole city down there?"
"A whole city with lots of gold." Jonathan said, his eyes wide and shining. He looked over to see Ardeth and Rick giving him the, "don't even think about it" glare. He frowned and took his nephew's hand.
"See this?" he said, pointing to a spot in the sand, "I was right here when that dark goon," he nodded towards Ardeth, "Came after me, wanting to kill me."
"Yeah, and it's a shame he didn't." Rick said, crossing to them. The 3 older males remembering that night, 11 years earlier, when Ardeth had his first real encounter with his friends.
"You guys killed 10 of my men that night, I could have killed you for that." Ardeth said.
"But you didn't." Alex said, looking around. "Why not?"
"Because I knew you were going to come out of them, and you're the only good one in the family."
Rick and Jonathan both dove at him, but he jumped out of the way, causing Jonathan to roll down the deep sandy hole. Landing at the bottom with a loud swear word. The others laughed and ran down to get him, before he awoke another creature bent on bringing about the end of the world.
"You're going to pay for that!" Jonathan said, standing up and pointing at the Med-jai. But Ardeth just laughed. They walked around the ruins all day telling Alex about the different things that had happened there.
~~
Evy sat with Emily in the heat of the day. She was calmly reading a book one of the kind Med-jai women had given her. They all accepted her family into the tribe. Saying things like, "So YOU'RE Evelyn O'Connell." All the warriors accepted the male O'Connells, even Jonathan, into the group. She was deep into reading when she heard a soft noise come out of the girl next to her.
Emily hurt. Her body hurt more then any other pain she had ever felt in her whole life. She didn't want to open her eyes. She was afraid of where she was, or whom she was with. She could smell the strong scent of medical supplies. There was something cold and wet on her stomach, and something else cold and wet on her neck and forehead. And she heard the soft humming of a woman coming next to her. a soft sound escaped her throat.
"Emily?" she heard Evy say.
The girl's eyes squeezed together tightly, then fluttered open. She turned her head slowly and looked up at the British woman bending over her.
"Hi!" Evy said softly.
"Hi." She choked out, her voice harsh and dry.
"How are you feeling?"
"Like…I was just…dragged half way across the desert."
" Just about."
"Was...was it all a dream?" Emily asked, closing her eyes.
"No, it was not." Emily nodded slowly, Evy went on. "Ardeth is going to kill when he finds out that he wasn't here to see you wake up."
Emily flashed Evy a weak smile. "Then, this will be…our little secret… I will go back to sleep...and wake up when he…comes back."
Evy smiled and patted Emily's hand. "Ok, Luv, go back to sleep. Rest, and get your strength back."
~~
When the four got back from Humanaptra, the sun was setting, burning a fiery red. Yellows and oranges streaked across the sky. Evy came up to them and Alex jumped into her arms, rambling on about how great Humanaptra was. She smiled and laughed at him.
"How is she?" Ardeth asked, removing his turban.
"She has been making sounds like she is going to wake soon. I would go to her." Evy said, setting Alex down. Ardeth nodded and headed off for the medical tent.
~~
He entered the small tent and looked Emily over. He sat in the small chair he had sat in for hours on end, taking her hand. He sat with her for about 10 minutes, when she shifted slightly. Moaning softly. She turned her head towards Ardeth, and opened her eyes. Looking right at the dark Med-jai leader.
"Hi" she coughed out. He looked at her softly and reached out stroking her cheek.
"Hi" he said back. "Welcome back." She nodded a thank you. "How are you feeling?"
"Like I was just attacked by a 3000-year-old mummy…wait…that was you." He chuckled. Feeling his heart burst with joy.
"You really scared me there, Emily. We almost lost you one night."
"Hey, you didn't have to worry, I told you I was not going to let you out of our deal." He picked up a canteen that was hanging next to the cot, and opened it. Placing one hand under her head, he lifted it slightly and held the canteen to her lips, tipping it slightly. Pouring the cool water into her mouth. She drank a little and pulled her head back slightly, telling him no more. He returned the canteen and ran his hand over her hair.
"Where are we?" she asked.
"In the Med-jai City. My home town."
"Hum." She nodded her head, closing her eyes. Her body hurt like hell, her head hurt like hell, and her side hurt even worse.
"You should rest, you need your strength." He said softly.
"How long have I been out?"
"A week."
"Then I think I have rested enough. I am hungry." Ardeth nodded, and called out for a nurse. She ran in, and he asked her to get Emily some food. The woman nodded her head and left. Leaving Ardeth alone with Emily. They both saw, when the nurse left, that it was dusk out.
"We always meet at dusk." Ardeth said softly, leaning in and kissing Emily. It was a soft kiss, but it sent tingles through both of them. When it broke, she looked up at him, a content smile on her face. He gently removed the cold compress from her fore head, and the other one from her neck. He then took a clean, dry cloth and wiped where both had been, drying her skin softly. The nurse can in along with Meelesh, who was happy to see Emily awake. The nurse sat a small tray of food on the table next to the cot. And with Ardeth's help, Meelesh helped Emily sit up. She checked her over and looked at the bandage, which had been applied fresh that morning. She told Ardeth to make sure she ate little bits of food, and told him not to let her eat all of it at once. He nodded softly.
"Thanks sister." He said softly. Looking at his younger sister with love.
"Any time, brother." Meelesh said back with a smile. She turned and left.
"Sister?" Emily said with a raised eyebrow.
"Yes, that is my sister." Emily smiled and took the first bite of food Ardeth offered her.
~~
The next morning, when Emily woke up, she found Ardeth sitting by her side again.
"What were you like as a child?" she asked, pushing herself up into a sitting position.
"Why?" Ardeth said, a puzzled look on his face.
"I had a dream about you last night, you were a child. Running around with your little robes, and curly head of hair. Bugging your siblings as only an older brother could do. Sword fighting with the other kids. With Ahmad. Your father, who I assume was the Chieftain as well, teaching you how to ride a horse and fight at the same time."
"That was what I was like as a child. How you say, down to a 'T'."
She giggled and the tent door opened. The O'Connells and Jonathan entered, all smiles.
"Emily!" Alex said, rushing to her side, hugging her. "I'm so happy you are ok!"
"Thank you Alex." She said, wincing as he squeezed her.
"Alex," his mother said, "Be careful, she is hurt remember."
"Ok mum." He let her go. Ardeth stood back as the family surrounded Emily, talking and laughing. And in Jonathan's case, welcoming her back to the land of the living.
They were able to take her outside at sunset that night, allowing her to sit and watch the sunset with her new friends.
~~
Another week passed by, and the O'Connells went back to Cairo, then were to come back to the City of the Med-jai. They were in Egypt for four weeks, and two and a half had already passed by. But they didn't mind spending time with the Med-jai, as Rick put it, "Its better then staying at home, doing nothing. At least here, we can have a good time, doing nothing."
A week after Emily had woken up, she was up and about. Moving around. At the beginning of the week, The O'Connell's had left for Cairo, promising to come back with her stuff. But for now, she wore some of Evy's clothes, which were surprisingly not small on her. Jonathan had stayed behind at the Med-jai City, not wanting to ride go home and then turn around and come back. They were due back today. And Emily couldn't wait to get her hands on her own clothes.
She was moved out of the Medical tent, and given her own little tent, close to Meelesh, in case any thing happened to her. But nothing happened. Her side was healing quickly and the Scar was starting to form. Speaking of scars, the one on her palm was still around. she faced the fact that she would be stuck with it for life, and didn't mind at all.
She dressed for the day, pulling on her boots. Over the week, she and Ardeth became much closer, steeling kisses from each other when no one was around. she enjoyed this greatly, and had cretin plans for today. She went out to watch Ardeth and Ahmad teach the young warriors how to battle. They taught her in much the same way.
"HI!" she said, stepping up next to Jonathan, who was watching everything closely.
"Hi! How you doing, Luv?" she loved that nickname.
"Fine. What's going on?"
"They are calling all those who want to battle against them up, and kicking their butts. I don't think either one of them has been beat once."
"Not until I go in there."
Jonathan looked at her like she was mad. "Are you mad?!"
"Hey, I have a deal with that man," she pointed to Ardeth as he brought his red "sword" down and left a mark against a young warrior's robe. "I'm not letting him out of it."
Jonathan shook his head. "It's your funeral."
"You sister said that, besides," she gave him a sideways smile, "I say its time we but the 'fun' back into 'funeral'."
~~
It was mid afternoon when Ardeth defeated yet another person.
"Whose next?" he said in Arabic, wiping the sweat off his brow.
"I am!" a strong female voice broke out. Causing everyone to turn and look at Emily.
"Your insane!" Jonathan said as she stepped forward. A whisper fell over the large crowd who was watching the battles. A woman wanted to fight the leader of the Med-jai? A woman? They cleared a path for her, and she walked up to Ardeth, smiling.
"We have a bet, Med-jai." She said, picking up a green "sword."
"Sure your up for it, woman?" he said, mocking her.
"I already told you, I'm not gonna loose."
"Well just have to see about that."
A bell sounded and the two began to cycle each other. Sizing up the competition, waiting for the other to make the first move. Finally, Ardeth did, leaping at her with all his force. She jumped out of the way, swinging her "sword" at the Med-jai. She was unable to make contact with him, but their "swords" clashed with the bitter sound of wood on wood. She brought her knees up, slamming it into his side, this forced him to jump back.
The crowd gasped.
He went after her again, aiming for her right side, but as she jumped to the left, so did he. She brought her "sword" down just in time to block the wicked blow. They twisted around, circling each other again. this time she made the first move, swinging her "sword" with a bitter grunt, he was able to block the blow just in time. He shoved her back, kicking her legs out from under her. she fell to the ground, and twisted to the side, nearly missing the red "sword" as it came down in the sand. She kicked her feet up, bringing them down in the sand. With a little flip she was standing again, and ducked right as the red "sword" sliced over her head. She jabbed her green "sword" forward, catching him on the side. A gasp arose out of the spectators. Not once today had someone marked their leader. He to jabbed forward, but she brought her "sword" up, blocking the blow. Her hand fell over the top of the blade, as she pushed forward. In one solid movement, Ardeth dropped his "sword", grabbed hers with both hands, flipping the girl over his back , landing in the sand with a grunt. She brought her leg up and kicked her "sword" out of his hands, it landing perfectly in to hers. On her back she swung at him, missing horribly. As he came at her from the front, she brought her legs up quickly, and slammed them into his midsection, throwing him back into sand. Another gasp. She looked around quickly and saw that there were now more people that were watching the woman fight the Med-jai chieftain.
~~
As the O'Connells rode up to the Med-jai City, they heard a large gasp come up from the battle section. Rick and Evy eyed each other, and they rode into the almost empty town. Finding all the towns people at the battle section, watching a fight take place. From his horse, he saw a tall female figure jump up and bring her "sword" down in the sand, just as Ardeth Bay jumped up, swinging his own "sword" at her midsection.
"Oh my god, Emily and Ardeth are fighting." He said, Evy looked at him strange.
"The bet." She whispered softly, remembering the bet she witnessed a few weeks before. Alex had ridden up a small dune to get a better view of the battle-taking place, and his parents soon joined them.
~~
Ardeth rolled and jumped right as the "sword" came down where his neck would have been. He swung at her midsection, but she jumped back, doing a back flip that would put most gymnasts to shame. She twisted around as the red "sword" passed by her right side, barely missing the wound she had received 2 weeks before. The "sword" switched hands and she swung it behind her, missing Ardeth. He took this time to bring his own "sword" up. Catching her on the shoulder. She pulled hers out in front of her. blocking another blow. Ardeth quickly swung his "sword" up, disarming her. at any other time, the battle would have ended and Ardeth would have won. But it was not the case now. She ducked and jumped back, missing both blows he aimed at her. her "sword" had landed on a small table where groups of Med-jai were watching the battle. She made a dash for it, knowing Ardeth was right behind her. she could feel him about to strike, and she flipped forward, gave a little jump, and ended up on the table. Shocking the hell out of the men who were sitting there. She gave them a quick smile, running to the edge of the table and kicking the "sword" up, it landing perfectly in her hands. She whipped around, seeing Ardeth at the foot of the table on the ground.
"Ready to give up, Med-jai?" she asked.
"Never, woman." He shot back, she ran at him full speed, flipping over him, landing behind him in the sand. She whipped around and jabbed at him. He jumped to the side, jabbing at her. she jumped back to. He dove at her, causing her to loose his balance. She fell to the ground, and he was on top of her in a second, her "sword" coming up, blocking the blow to her neck. They struggled for a second.
"Don't make me headbutt that pretty face of yours," she spat. He didn't move, so she slammed her head towards his. His whipped back, missing her blow, and in that time, she got her knee under him, throwing him up. He stumbled back as she flipped up. She ran at him, pushing the "sword" at his chest, but he blocked it, throwing her back. Ardeth slashed his red "sword" at her, grunting and throwing himself forward. She twisted, jumped to the side, but wasn't able to miss the red "sword" and it left a line against her side. She grunted, and brought her foot up, digging it into his stomach, pushing him back. He ran at her, "sword" raised over his head, and she brought her "sword" down, jabbing it right into this belly button. Leaving a bright, green paint mark. He stopped, and looked down. The wound would take him down. But not take him out.
The crowd gasped, as Emily turned around, her "sword" dropping to her side. Ardeth was up in a flash, running at her, "sword" ready to make contact with her back. But she jumped to the side, brought her elbow back, slamming it into his side, and then she whirled, bringing her "sword" up high, bringing it across his neck. Leaving a nice, dark green line across his neck.
No one moved, no one spoke. Ardeth's hand slowly made its way to his neck, smudging the think green line. He looked at the green chalk on his fingers, then looked up at Emily.
No one watching knew what to do. Their fearless chieftain had just been publicly beaten. By a woman! How would he react to this? How would any of them?
Ardeth stared at Emily for a few seconds. Her chest heaved up and down, many strands of her hair had fallen out of her loose bun, and her blowing lightly in a gentle breeze, her "sword" dangling at her side. He dropped his "sword" in the sand, and then bowed at Emily, a smile across his face. The crowd went wild, cheering, yelling, and whooping, as Emily to dropped her "sword" in the sand, and bowed at Ardeth.
He crossed to her, the smile on his face a mile wide. He reached out and gently pushed back the strands of hair behind her hair.
"you know," he said softly, stroking her cheek with a rough hand, "even if you would have lost, I still would have kept up my part of the bargain."
"I know," she said, placing one hand around the back of his neck, pulling him close to her, "But it still gave me the incentive to win."
He smiled softly and pulled her into him, kissing her deeply. The crowd went even wilder at the sight of their leader kissing the woman. The O'Connells up on the hill sat cheering wildly, as did Jonathan down in the massive group of Med-jai.
The kiss lasted, and when it broke, they both turned to the crowed. Ardeth placed a hand around Emily's waist and yelled something out in Arabic.
The king of the Med-jai, had found his queen.
The End.
*Giggles* where, there you have it, my first ever Mummy fanfic. Hope you all liked it. I might write another story with Ardeth & Emily. Should I?