I own and claim no rights to the motion picture, 'The Mummy,' or 'The Mummy
Returns.' Only characters not featured in either movie are created by me,
as well as the plot, and no similarities to any other fics are intended.
.........................................................
The Last Hope
.........................................................
"Very good Sithathor!" Chione, one of the old women of the villiage praised.
The eighteen year old Sithathor looked up from the sheath she had just finish making for Iset's upcoming marriage to her brother. She beamed in pride as she viewed her work. The golden hue of the dress was outlined in gold embroidery and several designs of ancient hieroglyphics were sewn in patterns everywhere. It was by far the best she had ever created and she couldn't wait until she showed it to Iset. Maybe it would cheer the girl up.
All the women in the tent looked up as Mia entered. They all nodded in respect, Sithathor as well. Mia saw her daughter and came to look over her work. Sithathor smiled as her mother lifted the dress to examine it closely. "It is alright. Not the quality expected of a daughter of a Medjai leader, but what did I expect? I knew your father should have never left this duty to you. You have never once done anything right."
Everyone in the tent quieted. Sithathor stared at the ground, a familiar anger rising in her heart. She stood quietly and stared down at her mother, who was several inches shorter. A look of hatred that the tribewomen had seen much over the years entered both women's faces. Sithathor snatched the dress from her mother's fingers. In Arabic, the younger girl snarled several obscenities, which had the tribe's women gasping in horror. Mia's face flushed in rage. "How dare you!"
Sithathor ignored her gasps of outrage, and walked out of the tent, her mothers demands that she return falling on deaf ears.
......................................................................
Siamun jumped back in surprise as his sister's aggressive attack increased. She was wildly attacking him, her strategy and patience gone. Behind the dunes and far from sight of the camp they practice their fighting skills. For a little over eight years their father had brought them there, and taught them to defend themselves, and if necessary, kill. It was a big deal for Sithathor, for there were very few women in any Medjai tribe that were allowed to learn to fight, or even handle weapons other than sticks or clubs. However, this day, her training abandoned her.
Siamun went down and used his leg to knock his sister on her back. He rose to his feet and peered down at her, his face red and sweaty. "What the hell is the matter with you?"
Sithathor lay on her back for several more moments, breathing deep, calming breathes. She took her brother's offered hand, and stood up. "Nothing. Just another confrontation with our beloved mother."
"Ah!" Siamun said. "So what happened?"
"Nothing. I don't want to talk about it."
Siamun shrugged. "Whatever you want."
He and his sister walked back to the village in silence. As they entered the main gathering place of the tribe, Sithathor and her brother caught sight of Iset...speaking in an inappropriate manner with another warrior. Siamun's face darkened in anger. His body tensed as they watched the warrior place a hand on the girl's shoulder and slowly rub up and down. He began to stride toward them, but Sithathor grabbed her brother's arm and pulled him behind a nearby tent.
"Do not overreact. She is just a girl brother! And to be fair, neither she nor you want this marriage, you are just bound by duty. Besides, what are you going to do, fight that man?" she asked reasonably.
"No," Siamun muttered through gritted teeth. "I am going to kill him!" He shook his sister's arm away. "Then I will deal with her. I will not be made a fool of in front of my tribe only days before my wedding!"
He strode forcefully away, with a worried Sithathor following close behind.
......................................................................
Iset felt the warriors hand on her shoulder and tried her best to hide her revulsion. She tried to subtly removed his hand by moving away, but he only followed her. "I have watched you grow up into a beautiful woman Iset," he told her. "It is a shame that Siamun will have you when he obviously doesn't want you."
Iset looked at the warrior sharply. "What are you talking about?"
"He was seen with Sheret just yesterday," he told her.
Iset tried her best not to let that news affect her in any way, but the pain that entered her heart could not be ignored. She had been betrothed to him since she was a mere four years of age, but he had yet to show any interest in her at all. He ignored her unless he had no choice but to be around her or talk to her. He was handsome, by far the most handsome in the tribe, other than his father. When she was younger she had worshipped him, but once they had understood that they would be joined to each other they had separated in all things. By her duty she was bound to him, but she didn't think she would ever love him.
The warrior used her lack of focus to push close to her. His arms wrapped around her waist, and his body touched hers. "Let me go this instant!" she cried. The warrior ignored her and nuzzled her hair. As covertly as possible he began leading them toward the concealment of the tents, as Iset became frantic with fear. Seconds later the warrior was pried away from her by Siamun. His face was black with fury, a wild look in his eyes. The sickening sound of flesh connecting with flesh followed. Sithathor took Iset's hand and took her away. They didn't stop until they were in the Bay tent.
Iset began to cry on Sithathor's shoulder, and the older girl patted her comfortingly on the back. Sithathor's father entered the tent. "Is she ok?" he asked.
Sithathor nodded. "She will be fine."
A moment later Siamun entered the tent. He looked to his father and nodded. Ardeth looked at his son's incensed face and left him to do what was his duty. Siamun eyed his sister and his future wife for several tense seconds. "Leave us Hathy," he commanded.
His sister looked up at him, then at Iset. The younger girl clutched her hand in a painful grip, and Iset's eyes begged her to stay. "Sithathor, leave NOW! This is between me, and Iset."
Reluctantly Sithathor stood, and disengaged her hand from Iset's. With on last look, she left. Iset sat on the soft rug, her eyes downcast. She saw his sandaled feet approach her. "Iset."
She refused to look up. Siamun's hand wrapped around the girls hair and yanked her upward. Using his body, he pushed her against a log bearing. "Don't you ever, EVER disgrace me in such a way again."
"I-I hadn't m-meant to," Iset stammered.
Siamun's face came mere inches away from hers. "You are mine Iset. MINE. But maybe I have been too free with you. I haven't paid you any attention. You will know you are mine." His mouth covered hers in a kiss meant to punish and prove. Iset's eyes flew open in shock. She had never been kissed before. As Siamun continued, his kiss gentled, and she began to enjoy the sensation. His tongue pried her lips open and invaded her mouth. Iset was horrified to hear herself moan. Siamun moved away from her, a satisfied look on his face. Iset tried to calm her ragged breathing, and noticed he had no problem at all.
"No you know you belong to me. Defy me again Iset," he murmured, "And I will punish you in a different way."
He turned to leave. Iset called hesitantly after him. "Siamun?"
He paused.
"I didn't mean to disgrace you. I...I am sorry."
He said nothing, and walked out of the tent. Seconds after he left, Iset sank to the floor and wept.
......................................................................
Several days later, Sithathor fitted Iset in her bridal dress. Iset was quiet and stared off into space. She was no longer her cheerful and bubbly self, and Sithathor knew it was all because of her stupid brother. "You look beautiful Iset," Sithathor told her.
Iset smiled sadly. "Thank you. Maybe one day soon you will be wearing your own bridal dress."
Her friend blushed. Sithathor was being openly courted by Nassor, the son of a great tribe leader. Offers were being made right now for her hand. Though Sithathor did like Nassor, she did not know whether or not she would like to be married to him. "Yes well, your wedding is only two days away my sister. It will be wonderful."
Iset said nothing.
............................................................
Ahmes, Siamun, and their brothers Musa and Peyes watched as five camels made their way slowing across the desert, toward the Medjai village. As they drew closer, Siamun made out the smiling faces of Rick and Evelyn O'Connell. Their son Alex, and of course Jonathan rode with them, followed close behind by a young girl, maybe eight or nine years of age.
"FATHER! IT'S THE O'CONNELLS!" Ahmes shouted.
Rick and Evelyn jumped down from the camels, followed by Alex and Jonathan (who fell off) and the young girl. Ardeth went to greet them, and received a big hug from Evee and a pat on the back from the male members. Evee motioned the girl forward. "Cleo, say hello to your godfather!"
Cleo smiled and raced into Ardeth's arms, brown hair flowing around them in disarray. The youngest child of the O'Connell's gave Ardeth a grin very much like her mother's. "Hello Uncle Ardeth!"
They were all welcomed warmly and shown to the tent where they could change and prepare for the feast given later that night.
As the sun set, Sithathor was greeted by Nassor, who had come for the festivities and the wedding. Together they entered the tent, Sithathor in her customary veil and sheath, Nassor in warrior clothing. They sat together and talked about absolutely nothing in particular.
.............................................................
"I understand that your son has asked for the hand of my daughter," Mia said to Radames, father of Nassor. The night's feast had just been completed, and they were watching dancers for entertainment.
"Yes," the old man told her, smiling. "He seems quite smitten with her. It seems beauty runs in the family!"
Mia forced a smile. "It is unfortunate that my daughter was soiled by the O'Connell boy. I think it is quite good of you to accept her, even though she is no longer pure."
Radames looked completely shocked. "I have not heard this. How...when did this happen?"
"But a year ago, when the O'Connells visited. Not many know of what happened. I had thought they you would have." With that, the woman left to join her husband and his friends.
...............................................................
Ardeth paced the length of the front room. Minutes ago, Radames and his son had left, after withdrawing their proposal for marriage. Ardeth was feeling rather confused when Radames gave him a sympathetic look before leaving. His son's wedding was the following evening. He didn't know what could be done. Sithathor was eighteen and husbandless. The Medjai leaders were pressuring his to make the O'Connells stay true to their word. Now that their was no other betrothal, Ardeth could not deny them any longer. He sighed. Rick was going to kill him.
.................................................................
The night of the wedding had every women in Ardeth's tribe scrambling around to make sure that it was perfect for the leader's son. Iset was dressed in head to toe gold hues, her veil golden to match. The young girl was nervous, and when the call came for her to enter the main tent, she looked like she would faint. Dressed in silver, Sithathor took her place beside the shaking girl and squeezed her hand reassuringly. Iset smiled and held her head high as they entered. All eyes were on the two women. They were met by Omari and Sati in the center, who with Sithathor, gave Iset to the hands of Siamun. He never once looked at Iset throughout the entire ceremony, something Iset and Sithathor noticed right away. When the ceremony was at an end, Siamun and Iset were crowded with well wishers, and later they were all finally allowed to sit at Ardeth Bay's table. The meal served was delicious, made of the famous dishes of the desert.
When Ardeth was satisfied that everyone was full, he stood up. "My friends, and clansmen, I welcome you to my home, on this joyous occasion. My son and his new bride Iset will bring great pride to my house, and hopefully many grandchildren!"
Siamun flushed, while Iset lowered her head. Ardeth hesitated, worry etched in his brow. He looked over to the other Medjai tribeleaders, who all nodded. Sighing, he continued. "Yet we are also brought together for another blissful announcement. My daughter, Sithathor has reached a marrying age. It has been decided by myself...and others, that she is to be given to a noble man, to whom she was promised many years ago."
Sithathor looked over to Nassor in confusion. She didn't know they had been betrothed the whole time. Nassor had his head down, refusing to lift it to meet her gaze.
"I would like you to all be here to witness, the betrothal of my daughter, Sithathor..."
She rose to stand before her father.
"...and Alex O'Connell."
"WHAT?!?" The word was chorused throughout the tent. Sithathor looked over to the blonde boy who's face was flushed crimson. Her eyes filled with tears of humiliation, as she fled.
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A/N: Yeah, I know I said that it would take time for the next chapter to come in, but I suddenly got this idea, and had to put it down. Thanks to my only reviewer for now! Dead-Girls-Watch, you ROCK!! Anyway, take, care! Hopefully I will have another chapter for you...
.........................................................
The Last Hope
.........................................................
"Very good Sithathor!" Chione, one of the old women of the villiage praised.
The eighteen year old Sithathor looked up from the sheath she had just finish making for Iset's upcoming marriage to her brother. She beamed in pride as she viewed her work. The golden hue of the dress was outlined in gold embroidery and several designs of ancient hieroglyphics were sewn in patterns everywhere. It was by far the best she had ever created and she couldn't wait until she showed it to Iset. Maybe it would cheer the girl up.
All the women in the tent looked up as Mia entered. They all nodded in respect, Sithathor as well. Mia saw her daughter and came to look over her work. Sithathor smiled as her mother lifted the dress to examine it closely. "It is alright. Not the quality expected of a daughter of a Medjai leader, but what did I expect? I knew your father should have never left this duty to you. You have never once done anything right."
Everyone in the tent quieted. Sithathor stared at the ground, a familiar anger rising in her heart. She stood quietly and stared down at her mother, who was several inches shorter. A look of hatred that the tribewomen had seen much over the years entered both women's faces. Sithathor snatched the dress from her mother's fingers. In Arabic, the younger girl snarled several obscenities, which had the tribe's women gasping in horror. Mia's face flushed in rage. "How dare you!"
Sithathor ignored her gasps of outrage, and walked out of the tent, her mothers demands that she return falling on deaf ears.
......................................................................
Siamun jumped back in surprise as his sister's aggressive attack increased. She was wildly attacking him, her strategy and patience gone. Behind the dunes and far from sight of the camp they practice their fighting skills. For a little over eight years their father had brought them there, and taught them to defend themselves, and if necessary, kill. It was a big deal for Sithathor, for there were very few women in any Medjai tribe that were allowed to learn to fight, or even handle weapons other than sticks or clubs. However, this day, her training abandoned her.
Siamun went down and used his leg to knock his sister on her back. He rose to his feet and peered down at her, his face red and sweaty. "What the hell is the matter with you?"
Sithathor lay on her back for several more moments, breathing deep, calming breathes. She took her brother's offered hand, and stood up. "Nothing. Just another confrontation with our beloved mother."
"Ah!" Siamun said. "So what happened?"
"Nothing. I don't want to talk about it."
Siamun shrugged. "Whatever you want."
He and his sister walked back to the village in silence. As they entered the main gathering place of the tribe, Sithathor and her brother caught sight of Iset...speaking in an inappropriate manner with another warrior. Siamun's face darkened in anger. His body tensed as they watched the warrior place a hand on the girl's shoulder and slowly rub up and down. He began to stride toward them, but Sithathor grabbed her brother's arm and pulled him behind a nearby tent.
"Do not overreact. She is just a girl brother! And to be fair, neither she nor you want this marriage, you are just bound by duty. Besides, what are you going to do, fight that man?" she asked reasonably.
"No," Siamun muttered through gritted teeth. "I am going to kill him!" He shook his sister's arm away. "Then I will deal with her. I will not be made a fool of in front of my tribe only days before my wedding!"
He strode forcefully away, with a worried Sithathor following close behind.
......................................................................
Iset felt the warriors hand on her shoulder and tried her best to hide her revulsion. She tried to subtly removed his hand by moving away, but he only followed her. "I have watched you grow up into a beautiful woman Iset," he told her. "It is a shame that Siamun will have you when he obviously doesn't want you."
Iset looked at the warrior sharply. "What are you talking about?"
"He was seen with Sheret just yesterday," he told her.
Iset tried her best not to let that news affect her in any way, but the pain that entered her heart could not be ignored. She had been betrothed to him since she was a mere four years of age, but he had yet to show any interest in her at all. He ignored her unless he had no choice but to be around her or talk to her. He was handsome, by far the most handsome in the tribe, other than his father. When she was younger she had worshipped him, but once they had understood that they would be joined to each other they had separated in all things. By her duty she was bound to him, but she didn't think she would ever love him.
The warrior used her lack of focus to push close to her. His arms wrapped around her waist, and his body touched hers. "Let me go this instant!" she cried. The warrior ignored her and nuzzled her hair. As covertly as possible he began leading them toward the concealment of the tents, as Iset became frantic with fear. Seconds later the warrior was pried away from her by Siamun. His face was black with fury, a wild look in his eyes. The sickening sound of flesh connecting with flesh followed. Sithathor took Iset's hand and took her away. They didn't stop until they were in the Bay tent.
Iset began to cry on Sithathor's shoulder, and the older girl patted her comfortingly on the back. Sithathor's father entered the tent. "Is she ok?" he asked.
Sithathor nodded. "She will be fine."
A moment later Siamun entered the tent. He looked to his father and nodded. Ardeth looked at his son's incensed face and left him to do what was his duty. Siamun eyed his sister and his future wife for several tense seconds. "Leave us Hathy," he commanded.
His sister looked up at him, then at Iset. The younger girl clutched her hand in a painful grip, and Iset's eyes begged her to stay. "Sithathor, leave NOW! This is between me, and Iset."
Reluctantly Sithathor stood, and disengaged her hand from Iset's. With on last look, she left. Iset sat on the soft rug, her eyes downcast. She saw his sandaled feet approach her. "Iset."
She refused to look up. Siamun's hand wrapped around the girls hair and yanked her upward. Using his body, he pushed her against a log bearing. "Don't you ever, EVER disgrace me in such a way again."
"I-I hadn't m-meant to," Iset stammered.
Siamun's face came mere inches away from hers. "You are mine Iset. MINE. But maybe I have been too free with you. I haven't paid you any attention. You will know you are mine." His mouth covered hers in a kiss meant to punish and prove. Iset's eyes flew open in shock. She had never been kissed before. As Siamun continued, his kiss gentled, and she began to enjoy the sensation. His tongue pried her lips open and invaded her mouth. Iset was horrified to hear herself moan. Siamun moved away from her, a satisfied look on his face. Iset tried to calm her ragged breathing, and noticed he had no problem at all.
"No you know you belong to me. Defy me again Iset," he murmured, "And I will punish you in a different way."
He turned to leave. Iset called hesitantly after him. "Siamun?"
He paused.
"I didn't mean to disgrace you. I...I am sorry."
He said nothing, and walked out of the tent. Seconds after he left, Iset sank to the floor and wept.
......................................................................
Several days later, Sithathor fitted Iset in her bridal dress. Iset was quiet and stared off into space. She was no longer her cheerful and bubbly self, and Sithathor knew it was all because of her stupid brother. "You look beautiful Iset," Sithathor told her.
Iset smiled sadly. "Thank you. Maybe one day soon you will be wearing your own bridal dress."
Her friend blushed. Sithathor was being openly courted by Nassor, the son of a great tribe leader. Offers were being made right now for her hand. Though Sithathor did like Nassor, she did not know whether or not she would like to be married to him. "Yes well, your wedding is only two days away my sister. It will be wonderful."
Iset said nothing.
............................................................
Ahmes, Siamun, and their brothers Musa and Peyes watched as five camels made their way slowing across the desert, toward the Medjai village. As they drew closer, Siamun made out the smiling faces of Rick and Evelyn O'Connell. Their son Alex, and of course Jonathan rode with them, followed close behind by a young girl, maybe eight or nine years of age.
"FATHER! IT'S THE O'CONNELLS!" Ahmes shouted.
Rick and Evelyn jumped down from the camels, followed by Alex and Jonathan (who fell off) and the young girl. Ardeth went to greet them, and received a big hug from Evee and a pat on the back from the male members. Evee motioned the girl forward. "Cleo, say hello to your godfather!"
Cleo smiled and raced into Ardeth's arms, brown hair flowing around them in disarray. The youngest child of the O'Connell's gave Ardeth a grin very much like her mother's. "Hello Uncle Ardeth!"
They were all welcomed warmly and shown to the tent where they could change and prepare for the feast given later that night.
As the sun set, Sithathor was greeted by Nassor, who had come for the festivities and the wedding. Together they entered the tent, Sithathor in her customary veil and sheath, Nassor in warrior clothing. They sat together and talked about absolutely nothing in particular.
.............................................................
"I understand that your son has asked for the hand of my daughter," Mia said to Radames, father of Nassor. The night's feast had just been completed, and they were watching dancers for entertainment.
"Yes," the old man told her, smiling. "He seems quite smitten with her. It seems beauty runs in the family!"
Mia forced a smile. "It is unfortunate that my daughter was soiled by the O'Connell boy. I think it is quite good of you to accept her, even though she is no longer pure."
Radames looked completely shocked. "I have not heard this. How...when did this happen?"
"But a year ago, when the O'Connells visited. Not many know of what happened. I had thought they you would have." With that, the woman left to join her husband and his friends.
...............................................................
Ardeth paced the length of the front room. Minutes ago, Radames and his son had left, after withdrawing their proposal for marriage. Ardeth was feeling rather confused when Radames gave him a sympathetic look before leaving. His son's wedding was the following evening. He didn't know what could be done. Sithathor was eighteen and husbandless. The Medjai leaders were pressuring his to make the O'Connells stay true to their word. Now that their was no other betrothal, Ardeth could not deny them any longer. He sighed. Rick was going to kill him.
.................................................................
The night of the wedding had every women in Ardeth's tribe scrambling around to make sure that it was perfect for the leader's son. Iset was dressed in head to toe gold hues, her veil golden to match. The young girl was nervous, and when the call came for her to enter the main tent, she looked like she would faint. Dressed in silver, Sithathor took her place beside the shaking girl and squeezed her hand reassuringly. Iset smiled and held her head high as they entered. All eyes were on the two women. They were met by Omari and Sati in the center, who with Sithathor, gave Iset to the hands of Siamun. He never once looked at Iset throughout the entire ceremony, something Iset and Sithathor noticed right away. When the ceremony was at an end, Siamun and Iset were crowded with well wishers, and later they were all finally allowed to sit at Ardeth Bay's table. The meal served was delicious, made of the famous dishes of the desert.
When Ardeth was satisfied that everyone was full, he stood up. "My friends, and clansmen, I welcome you to my home, on this joyous occasion. My son and his new bride Iset will bring great pride to my house, and hopefully many grandchildren!"
Siamun flushed, while Iset lowered her head. Ardeth hesitated, worry etched in his brow. He looked over to the other Medjai tribeleaders, who all nodded. Sighing, he continued. "Yet we are also brought together for another blissful announcement. My daughter, Sithathor has reached a marrying age. It has been decided by myself...and others, that she is to be given to a noble man, to whom she was promised many years ago."
Sithathor looked over to Nassor in confusion. She didn't know they had been betrothed the whole time. Nassor had his head down, refusing to lift it to meet her gaze.
"I would like you to all be here to witness, the betrothal of my daughter, Sithathor..."
She rose to stand before her father.
"...and Alex O'Connell."
"WHAT?!?" The word was chorused throughout the tent. Sithathor looked over to the blonde boy who's face was flushed crimson. Her eyes filled with tears of humiliation, as she fled.
*********************************************************************
A/N: Yeah, I know I said that it would take time for the next chapter to come in, but I suddenly got this idea, and had to put it down. Thanks to my only reviewer for now! Dead-Girls-Watch, you ROCK!! Anyway, take, care! Hopefully I will have another chapter for you...