Chapter 6
This is my wedding day!
My eyes snapped open. I flung back the covers and grabbed my robe. I tied the sash tight around my waist and sat down at the small dressing table. Gazing into the mirror I picked up my brush and began pulling it through my hair. Slowly a large smile spread across my face. "This is my wedding day." I said to my reflection.
It had been decided that five days would be sufficient time for the women of the village to prepare for a wedding. Ardeth had dispatched men to Cairo, a two-day ride, to pick up supplies for the wedding. Rick had sent word, with the men, asking Izzy to pick them up in seven days.
As was the custom of the Med-jai, the women took care of all the details while the bride enjoyed the days leading up to the wedding.
I had tried to quiz Mira on a number of occasions about the details of the feast, my dress and what was expected of me. Her only reply was, "You shall see."
The news had spread quickly throughout the twelve tribes and two days after we announce our intentions the Elders requested a meeting. Mira had dressed me in a green gown, with a covering for my hair and a veil for my face. "Out of respect for the Elders." Ardeth had waited patiently as I prepared and then walked with me to the meeting tent. Ardeth went in first and I followed. The men stood up from their chairs and came forward to greet us. The eldest man, Hanib took my hand and led me to the large cushions. He motioned for me to sit and then he sat down beside me. Ardeth stood off to one side until Hanib then motioned for him to sit on my other side. As he spoke Ardeth leaned in and translated for me.
"You have chosen to give up your ways and become part of our tribe."
I nodded my head and whispered, "Yes."
"You are willing to learn from the women, be a good wife to our leader, bare him sons and daughters, and school them in the way of the Med-jai."
"Yes." I said. Ardeth continued to speak my words. "I would also like to teach your children and provide for them. After my parent's death, I inherited a great deal of money and a home in Cairo. The house is currently leased to the Cairo Museum. When the lease ends I will notify them that I would like to take back the house. A wonderful family cares for it and they will attend to all the Med-jai needs. When any Med-jai travels to Cairo they will always have use of this house." I turned to Ardeth for reassurance; he nodded and said, "Continue my love."
"I would also like to build a school for the children and help them to continue their education at the University of Cairo, if they so desired. They can then return to your people and share their new knowledge."
I stopped and looked at Ardeth he nodded, "Go on."
"All that I have belongs to Ardeth, belongs to the Med-jai. Your people have welcomed us and have been so very kind. I ask only for your blessing."
The room was quiet. Hanib looked at me and then reached over and pulled the veil from my face and removed the silk cloth from my hair.
He spoke and the others nodded their heads.
Ardeth translated, "You are not only beautiful but very wise, you will make a good wife for our leader."
Hanib reached over and cupped my chin in his old hand. Pulling my face closer to his, he then spoke again and the room erupted into laughter.
"What did he say" I questioned Ardeth.
"You have the most exquisite green eyes! Now I see why Ardeth is so enchanted!"
I turned several shades of red as Hanib rose from his seat and held out his hand to me. I took it and then stood up. He led me across the room to the others. Each man came forward and kissed each of my cheeks and then Hanib took my hand and placed it in Ardeth's.
"They have given us their blessings," Ardeth whispered and then spoke Arabic with the men. Once we were outside the tent he kissed me quickly, "I think old Hanib is in love with you!" I started to laugh.
Last evening the men gathered to celebrate. Much like a bachelor party. They sang and dance and from what Mira told me they drank far to much wine. Unfortunately I was confined to my tent. As custom dictates, the men of the tribe must not see the bride for twenty-four hours before the wedding, and a guard was now posted outside my door.
Mira arrived late in the evening after she had put her children to bed. She had come to remove the bindings. I lay down on the bed and she cut the strips of cloth away. "It doesn't look that bad, in a day or two the bruises will be gone." I stood up and looked into the mirror. Purple and yellow bruises dotted my left side. "I will have to tell Ardeth to be gentle with you on your wedding night!" she said slyly.
I reached out and tugged at her hair. "You are very naughty my dear sister," I said.
"That's right, once you marry Ardeth we will truly be sisters!"
I smile at her and said, "You and I will not only be sisters, we shall be great friends!"
The tent door open and Mira stepped inside. "Goodness I thought you would still be sleeping," she teased. She placed the tray on the small table and gestured for me to come over and sit down.
"Warm bread, honey and coffee. Eat and I will return later."
"Mira I need a pen and some paper. I have notes to write to my solicitors in London and the Cairo Museum."
"I think Ardeth keeps them in the drawer in the dressing table."
"Ardeth? What do you mean Ardeth?"
"Silly, this is his tent. He has been sleeping in ours, while you have slept here," and she disappeared out the door.
That explained the lingering smell of sandalwood and spice! Every night as I lay in this bed, it was like he was right their beside me. I walked over to the dressing table and found what I needed. After finishing my breakfast I sat and wrote out my letters.
To my solicitors I requested that they deposit a large amount into Evie and Rick's accounts and set up a trust fund for Alex. He would be a very wealthy young man when he turned twenty and I wanted him to use the money any way he wished. I knew he would do so wisely. I then asked that they transfer the rest of my funds to their branch in Cairo. Once that was done they were to instruct the Cairo branch to make a large deposit to the Cairo Museum.
To the Cairo Museum I explained that the lease would be up in two months and that I would like to return to my home. I informed them that a large deposit would be placed in their account. It was my hope that they would purchase another home to house their visiting scholars and archaeologists.
I folded the letters, placed them in envelopes and tucked them in the drawer.
Mira and Evie entered the tent. "It is time," Mira said.
"But I thought the ceremony was not to take place until dusk," I replied.
"No sweet sister, it is time for our rituals to begin."
She held out a large black robe and began to explain. I was to be taken to a special tent for the bathing ritual. All the twelve wives of the tribe leaders would bath me and wash my hair in scented oils. Then I would return to my tent to eat, rest and then dress for the ceremony. She placed the large robe on my shoulders and as Evie tied the front, Mira lifted a large hood over my head and placed the veil on my face. The guard at the door would take my arm and guide me to the tent. Evie and Mira would follow behind. As the guard walked with me he would shout out in Arabic "She is coming, no man dare to look."
Mira said, "Remember Melissa, keep your eyes on the ground do not look up." I nodded and they led me out of the tent. The guard took my arm and began to lead me to my bath. In Arabic he spoke loudly, repeating the same phrase over and over. I kept my head down; watching his big black boots led me to the bathing tent. Once we arrived he opened the tent flap and I was ushered in. Mira and Evie slipped in quietly behind me and stood off to the side. The tent flap closed and the women rushed forward.
The black robes and veil where removed as was my green robe and nightgown. They guided me to a large copper tub in the middle of the tent. Steam rose from the water as I stepped into the tub and sat down. Jasmine, the water had been scented with jasmine. I closed my eyes and let them wash my body and hair. Once they were finished I was helped out of the tub and large warm towels were wrapped around me.
Two very old women walked forward and spoke Arabic. They touched my eyes, my lips and my stomach and then stepped back. I turned to Mira, questions in my eyes.
"They have just blessed you. Your eyes to always see his love, your lips to always feel his love and your belly…. may it produce many sons."
"Mira!"
"Well it is true, that's what it means," and then she giggled.
The black robe was wrapped around my shoulders and tied back into place. The guard took my arm and I was escorted back to my tent. Once inside Mira removed the robe and handed it outside to the guard. I sat at the dressing table, a towel still around my body and one around my head.
"I will do your hair for you." Mira smiled, "I think curls would look lovely."
Within minutes my entire head was covered in tiny strips of cloth. Clumps of hair were twisted around Mira's finger and then tied with a strip of cloth. Once it dried and the ties were removed I would have a halo of ringlets, Mira explained.
As we sat and waited for my hair to dry Mira told us of the Wedding Oasis. A small oasis, an hour's ride from here. A few tribesman and women had left early this morning to set up the Wedding Night tent for us. We were to ride to the oasis after the celebrations and spend the night. "It is so beautiful," she sighed.
Evie smiled knowingly at me and then asked, "Is there anything we need to discuss?"
"No, no I think I can manage," and then the three of us burst into giggles.
We spent the rest of the afternoon eating the food that was brought for us and reminiscing about our youth. Mira learned a great deal about my life and Evie's. We talked about Rick and Evie's adventure at Hamunaptra. Their wedding and Alex's birth.
The guard interrupted our conversation by informing Mira that the Elder wives were coming. Mira had just finished untying my hair and brushing back the curls from my face. Evie left the tent in order to dress for the ceremony and promised to return as soon as she was ready.
The Elder wives arrived with the gown I was to wear and handed it to Mira at the tent's door. It was white with short sleeves and gold threads spun through out. The neckline was low and tied just under my breasts. "Easier for Ardeth to remove," she giggled.
Mira handed me a beautiful white silk camisole and matching knickers trimmed with lace. I dropped my green robe onto the bed and put on the undergarments. Mira opened the front of the dress and I stepped into it. Once I had pulled up the sleeves and she had tied the front I turned and looked at myself in the mirror. "Oh Mira, this is the most beautiful gown!" I cried. The dress ended at my toes in the front but fanned out into a long train at the back. "I feel just like a princess!"
The guard opened the tent door and handed Mira a large basket. She lifted out a crown of white flowers with twelve long ribbons attached to the back. Each ribbon was a different color, the colors of each of Ardeth's tribes, Mira explained. I sat in front of the mirror as she placed the flower crown on my head. "You are a princess!" And then she left to prepare herself.
A short while later, Evie arrived back at the tent and began to cry when she saw me.
"If only your parents could see you!"
"Evie you look stunning!" I replied. She wore a lavender dress in the style of the Med-jai women. Her hair was brushed back into a long thick braid and small purple flowers were tucked here and there amongst the braid.
"Where are Rick, Alex and Jonathon?"
"Rick and Alex are waiting outside the tent. Since your parents are gone we are to escort you to the top of the dune. We will each carry a candle in honor of Aunt Cynthia and Uncle Edward. Jonathon will be waiting at the top of the dune."
"Mira and Azmeed?"
"They will be waiting at the top with Ardeth. They will also hold candles in honor of Ardeth's and Azmeed's parents."
"Oh Melissa, you should see how beautiful it looks outside."
"I will very soon."
We waited in silence, for what seemed an eternity, and then finally the guard opened the tent door.
Evie went through and I followed.
"My God but you clean up well," Rick said softly.
"Oh, Rick, Alex, you both look so fabulous." They stood before me dressed as Med-jai warriors. Rick was in black and Alex in dark blue. A lamp hung on a pole near the tent and Rick and Evie lit their candles.
I turned and looked towards the dune. Palm fronds were strewn upon the sand, making a pathway to the top of the dune. The Med-jai tribes now lined the pathway waiting in silence.
"Alex, would you be so kind and escort me?"
He smiled up at me and replied, "With pleasure 'Lissa."
I took his hand and we walked slowly towards the dune. Evie and Rick followed behind.
As we passed the Med-jai they nodded their heads and smiled and then followed in behind Evie and Rick. We moved closer towards the dune I could see Ardeth standing there, Mira and Azmeed by his side, and the sun slowly setting behind them. He wore white Med-jai styled robes and a gold sash around his waist. His dark hair moved slowly in the breeze and his eyes shone with love. My breath caught in my throat and the tears began to well up in my eyes. I looked up into his face and forgot those around me as I slowly moved towards him.
Hanib met me halfway up the dune. I bent down and kissed Alex, he stepped back to stand beside Rick, and then Hanib took my hand and led me up to where Ardeth stood. The old man placed my hand in Ardeth's as a tear slid down my cheek. Ardeth reached over and wiped it away.
Hanib began to speak and Ardeth moved closer to translate.
"These two children of Allah have come here today to pledge their love. Ardeth will you promise to love Melissa for now, for always, for eternity?"
Ardeth answered in Arabic and the turned to me and whispered, "Yes."
"Melissa will you promise to love Ardeth for now, for always, for eternity?"
I smiled at Hanib and repeated in Arabic, "Yes." A cheer arose from the crowd below and Ardeth chuckled.
"May Allah always light the way for you and may you grow old in his love and yours."
The tribe people below began to cheer and I looked questioningly at Ardeth. "We are married," he said, "as I understand, your tradition requires a ring." He reached into his robe and produced a beautiful gold ring encrusted with rubies and diamonds. "It was my Mothers, given to her on the day I was born by my Father," he said as he slipped it onto my finger.
"Ardeth it is so beautiful!"
"Well, are they married?" Jonathon asked.
Ardeth pulled me to him and gently kissed my lips. "My Beauty," he whispered against them. The crowd below broke into applause.
"Now they are!" Rick exclaimed.
Our families stepped forward to congratulate us and I turned to kiss Hanib on the cheek. "Thank you." He smiled and in broken English replied, "You are most welcome my child."
"Oh goody, more Med-jai wine!" Jonathon exclaimed as he skipped down the hill towards the white celebration tent.
The Wedding reception lasted well into the night. We feasted, we danced, and we laughed. I never sat but for a moment. I was required to dance with all the Elder tribesmen. It was a joke to be played on the Groom. They were to tire me out so that the Wedding Night would not proceed as planned. I knew nothing could stop that from happening. Ardeth's smoldering eyes followed my every movement as I dance with each Elder. I even had time to dance with Rick and Alex. Jonathon did not move from his spot as he consumed large quantities of wine and Evie sparkled all night, she was so happy for both of us!
Towards midnight Ardeth claimed his bride. We walked out of the tent towards a waiting white stallion. The saddle and reins had been decorated with flowers and his white coat gleamed in the moonlight. Ardeth lifted me into the saddle and then seated himself behind me. Evie, Rick, Alex, Mira and Azmeed stood at the tent door waving as we galloped off into the night.
The camp grew smaller on the horizon as darkness surrounded us. I was not afraid. I knew no harm would come to me as I lay my head against Ardeth's chest. He spurned the horse onward making the stallion go faster and faster. In the distance I could see a light. It grew larger and larger until I realized it was a fire.
The two men and two women heard the horse's approach and stood up from their seats at the fire. Two tents had been erected under the palm trees. One was a white tent the other a small brown one. Ardeth dismounted and handed the reins to one of the men and then reached up and slid me down from the saddle. He wrapped one arm around my waist and led me towards the fire. The women bowed their heads and then spoke in Arabic. One took my hand and moved me toward the small brown tent. She took me inside and showed me it contents. It was the kitchen tent, filled with every edible delight. Ardeth came to the tent door and again spoke in Arabic to the woman. She smiled and walked out. He held his hand out to me and pulled me outside, "They will be leaving now and will not return until late tomorrow afternoon."
We returned to the fire and watched as the men and women mounted their horses and rode off into the night.
"Shall we enter our Wedding tent?" he asked taking me hand.
It was lit with tiny lanterns and candles. A large carpet lay on the ground, over top of the sand, and a huge bed sat in the middle. Two chairs and a small table were off to one side.
Ardeth slowly removed the gold sash from his waist and placed it on one of the chairs. I carefully removed the crown of flowers from my hair and laid it on the table. He pulled his shirt from the waistband of his pants and unbuttoned it. I sat in a chair and removed the gold sandals I had worn underneath my dress.
Ardeth stood before me, his shirt open, pulling me up from the chair and pressing me tightly against his chest. "You look so beautiful," he murmured into my hair. I tilted my head back and his lips touched mine. My fingers reached up and touched the tattoos on his cheeks. "My Protector, My Guardian, my love," I whispered.
The trail of kisses from my mouth, down my neck and across the top of my chest left me panting for air. His fingers worked quickly and the strings at the front of my dress gave way. It fell from my shoulders, slid down my body and lay in a puddle on the floor. His eyes looked hungrily over my camisole and panties. Lifting me up he placed me gently on the bed and then removed his shirt throwing it on top of my wedding gown. Straddling my hips, he looked down at me with passion filled eyes and began to pull the strings at the front of my camisole. They loosened and the camisole slowly fell open.
"Missy, look what I have down to you," he whispered as he fingered the bruises. He bent to kiss them and a fire slowly spread from my side to my entire body. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry," he said softy.
He kissed his way slowly and gently up between my breasts. The heat increased, the need was so great and my mind was reeling. I reached out and placed my hands on either side of his face, pulling him gently towards me so that his lips where inches from mine. "Ardeth," I said my eyes pleading.
"My Angel," he whispered back and then crushed his lips against mine.
I stretched and opened my eyes. My muscles ached and then I remembered why as I raised my hands in the air and stretched again. Something glinted in the sunlight and I realized it was the ring on my finger. Turning to look at where my husband lay, I was surprised to find his side of the bed empty. I jumped up from the bed and quickly realized that I was completely naked. I grabbed a robe that lie across one of the chairs and put it on. It was gauzy and left nothing to the imagination. Stepping on something on the floor, I looked down to see my camisole, panties, Ardeth's shirt, pants and my Wedding gown in a heap. I blushed remembering how they were tossed there the night before. I grabbed the clothing off the floor and laid it neatly across one of the chairs.
Splashing. Someone was splashing water.
I left the tent and realized that it must be past noon, the sun was high in the sky but the oasis was cooled by the shade of the palms. I went into the kitchen tent and grab a bowl of fruit and a skin filled with water and then headed towards the splashing.
Two hundred feet from the tent, amongst palm trees and lush greenery I found Ardeth splashing around in clear pool of water. I settled myself on the blanket; he had spread underneath a palm, and began eating a pear. He surfaced from the water and saw me.
"Good Morning my Beauty!"
"Good Afternoon my love!"
"What are you eating?"
"A pear. Would you like one?"
He nodded and started towards me. I help up my hand to stop him.
"Are we wearing anything under that water?"
"No, why would I. We are alone. No one will come here until later."
I picked a pear from the bowl and tossed it to him. He caught it and munched on it noisily.
"Why don't you join me?" he said and smiled wickedly.
"I will." I stood up and slowly walked towards the water's edge. His eyes widened and I realized that he could see right through my robe.
"But you must promise me something first."
"Anything, anything for my beautiful green eyes."
"Never are you to leave me again unless you kiss me good-bye! I awoke to find you gone and I thought you had left me! I thought I had done something wrong last night!"
The water dripped from his curly black hair. "Oh my Angel, you did everything so very right last night. I have awoken to find I am more in love with you now than I ever was before!"
"You still have not promised," I demanded.
"I promise," he said solemnly and placed his hand over his heart, "I promise I will never leave your side without kissing you. Now are you coming in or shall I come out to get you?"
"I'm coming in." I said as I slowly undid my robe and let it fall to the sand. I walked into the water; he dived under and came up in front of me. "I could not wait," he said and crushed me against him. My hands roamed over his muscular chest. He looked down at me, "Let me show you a delicious way to spend the afternoon," he said wickedly.
We had made love, once in the water and then he carried me out to the blanket and underneath the shade of the palms he made love to me again. I rolled over on the blanket and traced my finger down Ardeth's face, across his jaw and stopped at his lips. He kissed my finger and smiled. "They will be here soon my love, we should rinse off the sand and return to the tent."
"I would like to come back here."
"When?" he asked.
"Every year, on our Anniversary, is that possible." I said with a smile.
"Yes Missy, every year." He pulled me into his arms and kissed me.
We stood and entered the water, washing the sweat and sand from our bodies. When we walked out of the pool two thick towels lay at the edge and the blanket was gone.
"They have returned," he said as he tied the towel around his waist. I wrapped the towel tightly around me and we headed back to the tents.
The kitchen tent had been dismantled and packed onto camels. The women bowed as we walked past and into our tent. Fresh clothing had been brought. Ardeth's black robes lay out on the bed; beside them lay blue tweed trousers and a white linen blouse. At the foot of the bed stood our boots. "Evie," I thought. We dressed quickly and I brushed my hair and his. "They will pack everything and return it to us later," he said.
We walked out of the tent towards our white stallion. I climbed up first and then Ardeth followed. He spoke in Arabic to the men and I turned and thanked the women. Ardeth translated my thanks and they both smiled up at me. He wrapped one arm around me and placed his hand on my stomach. Holding the reins in his other hand, Ardeth kicked the horse and we set off galloping towards our home.
We arrived at the camp an hour before dusk and the news spread quickly of our return. Evie, Rick and Alex waited outside our tent door as we walked towards them from the stable tent. Rick nodded at Ardeth and Evie gave me a hug.
"Last tradition Ardeth, especially when you bring your bride to her new home." Rick stated.
"Ah yes, I almost forgot." Ardeth replied as he scooped down and picked me up in his arms. With his foot, he kicked open the flap of the tent and walked inside where he neatly deposited me on the bed. I started to laugh and Evie followed us into the tent giggling. Rick and Alex stepped in and Rick sat himself in a chair while Alex climbed up the bed and sat beside me.
I looked around the tent and noticed it had changed. There were two screens instead of one, which meant that Mira had moved Ardeth's clothes back in. Books were piled on the Dressing table and swords hung from hooks on the tent poles. "Well it didn't take Mira long to move you out!" I laughed.
"Where's Jonathon?" Ardeth asked.
"Sleeping it off," Alex replied.
"Alex really!" Evie scolded.
"He's not feeling well. Still recovering from last night." Rick said as he winked.
I reached over and hugged Alex. He smiled up at me. "What are we going to do tonight?" he asked.
Ardeth turned to Alex and placed both hands on his hips. "Since we now are family and this is your last night here, we must celebrate. Let's us have our first meal together as a family!"
"Oh goody" Rick laughed, "more Med-jai wine!'