Several weeks had gone by when one night as Ali and Ardeth were just making their way to their home from Basel's Jahar approached them.
He bowed and said "My Lord, My Lady"
"Good evening Jahar."
"I'm sorry to bother you so late but I wanted to talk to you with Lizz…Elizabeth not present."
Ali smiled and Ardeth said "Of course, Jahar. Please come in and we can talk"
As they make their way into Ardeth's home he motions for Jahar to sit down at the table.
Ali could see he was nervous and she was quite sure she knew why.
After Ardeth sat down Jahar spoke "My Lady, I was very happy when Elizabeth told me that she and you would be staying, even once the rest of your family returns to America."
Ali smiled "I'm sure you were"
Jahar smiled and then said "Now that I know you and Elizabeth will be staying I wanted to speak to you about her. My Lady, I would like to ask her to be my bride." He stopped then quickly added "If you and My Lord approve"
Ali looked at Ardeth and he winked at her. She then turned and spoke to Jahar "Of course you have our approval Jahar. You are a good man, like your Father. I will be proud to call you my son-in-law."
The biggest smile broke out across Jahar's face. "Thank you My Lord, My Lady. Would it be alright if I stopped by tomorrow after the evening meal to speak to Elizabeth? "
Ardeth spoke "I have a better idea. Why don't you and Ahmed come for the meal? If Elizabeth asks ahead of time why you are there we can simply say we need to talk business afterward."
Ali smiled at Ardeth helping the young lovers.
"That would be wonderful My Lord. I will let my Father know." He stood as did Ardeth and Ali. He shook Ardeth's hand but as he stepped to Ali she reached out and hugged him. Blushing he said "Thank you again"
And with that he left to tell his Father of the plan.
As Ali and Ardeth lay down a bit later they were both still thinking about Jahar and Elizabeth.
"May I ask you something my love?"
"Of course"
"Jahar asking for Elizabeth's hand made me think about something. Something that I have known for a very long time, but just did not want to face."
He could tell that Ali didn't know what he was speaking of. So he added "I have no one to take my place. Jahar will take Ahmen's place as 2nd but…." He stopped. Still it hurt to think about their son being gone.
Ali saw the pain in his eyes. She touched his face and he smiled a small smile.
Finally he continued "With Elizabeth being yours and now she will be married to Jahar, I was thinking that perhaps I should offer the position to him"
Ardeth watched several emotions play across Ali's face and then said "But I wanted to make sure you would be alright with it before I do"
Finally she spoke "I think it's a wonderful idea Ardeth. I really do. He would be 2nd anyway, so he has always known he would have responsibility."
"Good, then I will talk to Ahmen tomorrow, just to make sure it's alright with him. Do you think it's appropriate to ask him after he speaks to Elizabeth tomorrow?"
"I think that would be wonderful."
"Very well then that is what I shall do."
The next night just before the evening meal Jahar and Ahmed arrived at Basel's home. Ardeth had told everyone earlier in the day they were coming to discuss business.
Elizabeth took extra time to prepare for the meal and was just coming down the hall as Ahmed and Jahar arrived.
Jahar smiled as he saw her. Walking up to her he said "You look lovely Lizzy".
Elizabeth blushed and quietly said "Thank you"
After the meal everyone was sitting around talking. Jahar stood and said " Lizzy may I speak to you for a moment?"
She nodded and followed him over to the seating area of Basel's home.
Standing in front of her, Jahar took her hands. "First I wanted to tell you again, how very happy I am that you will be staying."
Elizabeth looked into his beautiful brown eyes and said "I'm very glad too"
Jahar smiled and said "Last night I stopped by Ardeth's home and spoke to him and your Mother"
"You did?" Elizabeth said. Her mind racing a thousand miles a minute
"Yes I did and now that I have spoken to them, I have a very important question for you. Lizzy, will you do me the honor of being my wife?"
For a moment she couldn't speak finally shaking her head yes, she was able to say "YES!"
Jahar pulled her into a strong hug. Then pulling back he placed a quick kiss on her lips "You have made me very happy, love"
She blushed but said "I know we will be happy for many years to come".
Taking his had she said 'Let's go tell everyone"
As they made their way back to the table she said "Jahar asked for my hand in marriage and I said yes"
Everyone clapped. Ali jumped up and hugged Elizabeth and then Jahar. "Oh, I'm so happy for you both"
After a round of hugs and congratulations Ardeth looked at Ali and she nodded, then he spoke "Jahar, I now have a question for you."
"Yes, my Lord"
Ardeth smiled "Now that you're going to be a member of the family, I do believe, in private at least, you should call me and Ali by our given names"
Jahar smiled "Thank you both"
Ardeth nodded and then continued "Now to my question. I spoke to your Father this morning and we agree that since I have no heir to take over as Leader of our Village or Leader of the Twelve Tribes and that because you have been working to be 2nd after your Father is no longer able….that you would actually make the perfect choice to take my place instead."
Jahar stood stunned. It was actually Elizabeth squeezing his hand that brought him back to reality.
"My Lord… I mean Ardeth" he stopped not being able to continue.
Ardeth spoke again "I know it is a monumental decision. If you want to think about it and talk to Elizabeth I understand. I have been so impressed with your Leadership and your willingness to fight right alongside the men, even knowing from an early age you would be 2nd in command someday. You have your Fathers integrity and I know you will be a fine Leader just as he is." Turning he looked at everyone "I do not think he would have ever mentioned it but he saved me as we fought Hudson's men recently" There was a gasp in the room.
Elizabeth spoke "Why didn't you tell us Jahar"
He spoke as a true Warrior "I saved a fellow warrior that is what I'm supposed to do. Of course I am glad I could help Ardeth, but it is just part of the battle"
Jahar watched as Elizabeth took the information in. He then made a motion with his head and shoulders as if asking her what she thought he should do. She squeezed his hand and nodded yes.
He then turned to Ardeth and his Father who was now standing together. "Ardeth, I would be honored to learn from you and be the future Leader of our tribe and all our People"
Ardeth shook his hand and then he and his Father hugged. Ahmed then spoke "Son, you will need to choose a new 2nd"
Jahar nodded "I would like Zahir. He has been in line to be third as long as I have to be second. He's a good man and I trust him with my life. And I consider him a true friend"
Ardeth smiled and looked at Ahmed and then Jahar. "He is a good man and you definitely want your second to be a friend and someone you can trust your life with"
Basel then spoke "Well now that it's settled, I think it's about time to start planning a wedding."