A/N: Arabic in italic
His Desert Flower Ch. 2
Year: 1933 (1 Month after the Mummy Returns)
Looking around the fire, Ishaq could see that the battle of Ahm Shere took its toll on his son, but he couldn't help but be proud of him. Twice, his son was instrumental in defeating the creature, and finally the creature was lost to the sands never to be resurrected again. However, regardless of how tired he was, it was time for him to not only take his place as the chief of the twelve tribes, but it was high time that he got married and produced children. Hearing his granddaughters laugh, Ishaq smiled as they ran into her mother's arms, no matter how much Naeema fought him as she was growing, even she took her place with the people, married and had two beautiful little girls.
Sighing, he hated that one of his last acts as chief would be to force his son into a marriage, but he knew that if he didn't, his son would continue to hide behind his now ridiculous reasons. For the longest time, he allowed him to use watching over the creature as an excuse, for living on the outskirts of Hamunaptra away from the rest of the tribe was not easy on the men or their families. He could still remember seeing his late wife's eyes every time that he had to ride out, while she understood that it was his duty, she always looked so sad.
Perhaps that is why Ardeth put off having a wife, because when he was out in the desert for months at a time, it was his job to look after his mother and sister. Sipping on his water, he could see that his son was in deep thought, "My son, why do you look so lost?" he asked him, hoping to get some insight into his thoughts.
"Now that the creature, Anch-su-namun, and the Scorpion King have been sent to the underworld for all eternity, what am I to do with myself?" he asked, his eyes finding his father's watching him. "This is all I know."
Reaching over, Ishaq patted his shoulder, "Son, it is time for you to take your place as our chief." Seeing his face fall just a bit, "You are more than ready and have proved yourself to our people that you have the ability to lead and protect them in times of need." He said with a small smile on his face. "Son, by the next full moon, you will become our chief, for I am too tired and just too old to keep leading."
Patting his shoulder, Ishaq gave him a warm smile, "You should rest my boy, hopefully by morning my old friend Abasi and his family will be here, and it would be nice to catch up with an old friend." He said, knowing that the next few days were going to be interesting.
Moving to stand, Ishaq wanted nothing more than to blurt out that Abasi was bringing his only daughter to strike a deal for marriage, but he knew that if he gave his son any warning, he was certain that he would find a reason to ride off into the desert or perhaps even head towards England to visit the O'Connell's.
Ardeth watched as his father walked into his tent, shaking his head, he knew that his father was up to something, what, he didn't know but who was he to question his father and chief. Feeling a body sliding next to his, Ardeth found his sister smirking at him, frowning at her antics, "Why are you looking at me like that?" he asked her. Not that he really expected an answer, even at 30 years old, she was still a pain in his ass.
Snorting at his frustrations, Naeema wrapped her arms around him, "Because you should be happy, this is what you've wanted the moment you got your tattoos, to lead our people. If you don't want to lead, step down." As much as she loved her brother, there was no way she would follow a reluctant leader, if need be, she would step in until the Elder council chose another great chief.
Glaring at her, "I love you sister, but do not challenge me." Running his fingers through his hair, his eyes looked over their tribe, grateful to see that they were mostly happy, while they lost men from the battle, they were victorious in the end. "I am honored that father is ready to step down and let me lead our people as a whole, but" pausing for a moment, Ardeth wasn't sure if she was the person that he could confide in, but if not his twin sister, then who else could he speak to. "Who am I if I am not stopping the creature from taking over the world?"
Laying her head on his shoulder, Naeema could feel for her brother, for the last 13 years, he and a few other of their tribe have been watching over the tomb, she could see that he felt he no longer have purpose. "Brother, you are the son of the chief, a great warrior that led our people in the final battle of Ahm Shere." Hearing her children call for her, she couldn't help but chuckle, "Perhaps you should consider starting a family, I mean it wouldn't kill you."
Patting his cheek, "Unless that is one thing the great Ardeth Bay is afraid of." Smirking as he rolled his eyes. "I love you brother. Goodnight." Making her way over to her children knowing it was time to get them ready for bed.
Ardeth watched as his sister led his nieces to their tent, smirking as they started to whine about going to bed way before the fires died down. Rubbing his beard, he knew that she wasn't wrong, it was time that he took on a wife, but as he looked around at the single women that were milling about their camp, he couldn't help but shiver.
From the age of 16 he was very aware of how they looked at him, like he was nothing more than a prize horse for them to claim. Sighing, perhaps it was a childish dream, but he wanted what his parents had, what his sister has with her husband, and as he looked around, he knew that if he was to marry any of these women, he wouldn't even get a fraction of that. And that was something that he wasn't going to settle on, so if that meant that he was going to remain single and childless than that was what he was going to do, while it wasn't the way of the Medjai, he was a man not a stud horse.
Rolling his neck Ardeth tried to release the tension that was building in his neck but nothing was helping and he was certain that his restlessness was caused because he felt he no longer had a place within the world. Pushing through the flap of his tent, his eyes finding his small bundle of furs, while it wasn't extravagant it was comfortable. Stripping down to nothing but his undergarments, Ardeth quickly washed his body, brushed his teeth, and once done he found himself lying in bed.
Sighing, he wished for a restful night, but ever since he and the rest of the Medjai Tribes defeated the army of Anubis, his mind never seemed to shut down. Taking a deep breath, Ardeth sent a prayer to Allah for the strength, wisdom, and ability to take on the mantle of Chief. Rolling to his side, tucking his arm underneath his head, Ardeth spent several hours awake, but eventually his body finally shut down out of sheer exhaustion and he was finally able to get a couple hours of sleep before the sunrose over the dunes.
Looking up at the stars above her, Dalia would never get tired of seeing them sparkle in the sky, and normally she enjoyed traveling with her papa but she knew what was at the end of this journey. Glancing over at her mama, Dalia could see that she too wasn't thrilled that her daughter was being forced into a marriage, but as the Chief of their sect it was her papa's right and duty to ensure her wellbeing. But after the battle of Ahm Shere, he was faced with his mortality after one of the underworld minions drove a sword through his gut, it was only by sheer will and Allah that he survived.
So, when her papa told her that his dying wish was to see her married, have her children, and live her life, Dalia couldn't do anything but say yes. Perhaps though, it wouldn't be all bad, she was to be married to the future chief of the twelve tribes and twice he was instrumental in saving the world from the disgraced priest Imhotep. If anything, she knew that he was a great warrior, she just hoped that he would be a kind man, because she'd be damned if she allowed him to lay hands on her in violence.
That was what truly scared her the most about this arrangement, while it wasn't a common practice, at least in her sect, she was keenly aware that a husband was able to discipline his wife as he saw fit. Letting out a shaky breath, Dalia knew that her papa would not knowingly put her in harm's way, and she trusted him when he said that he knew both the father and this Ardeth. Leaning against her mama's shoulder, a little disappointed that her papa insisted that she ride in the wagon, feeling her mama rubbing the back of her neck, Dalia couldn't help but sigh with contentment.
"Are you upset with us, my baby girl?" Zahra asked, praying to Allah that her daughter understood her papa's intentions.
Smiling at the sound of her mama's voice, Dalia lightly shook her head, "No. I understand. If something would happen to papa, the thought of Mostafa forcing me to marry him would be unsettling." As her uncle he would take her father's place as the chief and it would be his responsibility to manage the family. He had tried many times over the last few years to convince her papa to allow them to marry, and as far as her papa and she were concerned he was her uncle, and it was forbidden. But that didn't seem to matter to Mostafa, always reminding her parents that she was not theirs by blood and that it wouldn't be a sin in the eyes of Allah.
Zahra could understand, her brother-in-law zeroed in on Dali the moment they arrived back at their camp, and when her love was fighting for his life, instead of praying for his recovery he was already planning Dalia's wedding to himself, constantly saying that she would give him many sons. Her husband loved his brother deeply, but he was aware how much Mostafa resented him for being the eldest boy. But it was hearing his words that made her husband afraid for Dalia's wellbeing, for it was clear that Mostafa wanted what he was not allowed to have.
Pulling her tighter as the camel pulled their little wagon over the dunes, "You are a good girl, my little Dali, but you should know it was I that told your father to make this arrangement with another sect, for I was afraid of what your uncle would do if he could not have you." Lightly playing with her hair, Zahra figured she was 23 almost 24 now, there would be no reason not to tell her the truth.
Placing a small kiss on her forehead, "My beautiful girl, this ensures that if something were to happen to your husband, Allah forbid, you would be under his family's protection, that is why you are going so far away. It's not because we do not love you it is the opposite in fact."
Closing her eyes as her mama untangled her long hair, Dalia figured that was one of the many reasons why she was being sent to the Chief of Chiefs tribe. "I know mama, please do not think I blame you or papa in anyway." It was important for her to know that Dalia loved her and papa with all her heart, for they saved her when they could have left her to die in the streets along with her mother. If she tried hard enough, she could still remember her mama's face, her eyes were blue, but a deep blue color unlike her pale blue ones.
But as soon as the images passed through her mind, Dalia shook them off, while she never wanted to forget her mother, she didn't want to start crying before she met her future father-in-law. For she knew it would seem as though she was against this and if he rejected her because he felt that she wasn't worthy of his son, it would bring great shame to her parents. "Mama, the Great Chief is aware that I was not born with Egyptian blood in my veins, right?"
Chuckling a bit, Zahra knew that she was curious about the family that she was marrying into, but the few times that she herself has met Ishaq, he seemed like a wonderful leader and man. "Yes, my little flower, he is very aware of what you look like. Your father always carries your picture with him." Smirking a bit as she watched her daughter's cheeks turn a light shade of pink. "As for your future husband, he is taller than your father, very handsome, and very smart. We would never allow you to marry someone that was not worthy of you, my girl." Hoping that hearing about her intended would put her at ease.
Dalia could only nod, while she was thankful that her parents would do what they could to secure a good husband for her, it still was a daunting task to leave her sect, her friends, and family to start one of her own. Inhaling deeply, Dalia knew that even if she wanted to talk her parents out of it, arrangements had been made and she would never do anything to embarrass her family. "Thank you. I would prefer not to marry a stupid man, that just sounds awful." she teased. Dalia could deal with a lot in her partner, but someone that was not intelligent, well to her that was unacceptable, but that did beg the question would he care that she enjoyed learning too?
Abasi couldn't help but snort at his daughter's words, turning around knowing that the camel wouldn't veer too far off course, he found her ice blue eyes reflecting in the moonlight, Ardeth was a lucky man to have such a beauty. "Dalia, are you saying you would be OK if he had a third eye as long as he knew how to read?" he asked her, his voice teasing.
Giving him a big smile, Dalia couldn't help but laugh at his face, "Yes papa, for having three eyes would help in watching the children, but not being able to read, now that would be a deal breaker for me." She said to him. While she would prefer her future husband to at least appear physically normal, to her it was far more important for her to have an intelligent husband than a handsome one.
Turning his attention back ahead of them, Abasi could see the outline of Ishaq's camp, the sun illuminating it as it rose over the cliffs. Without looking behind him, he could feel his daughter staring straight ahead, he knew that she feared the unknown and that she would have preferred marrying someone from their sect, but his baby brother made sure to take that option off the table. As much as he loved Mostafa, he didn't trust him not to do something to either him or her husband so that he could take her as his, but with this arrangement and who Ardeth was to all the tribes of the Medjai, Dalia would be safe no matter what happened to her husband.
Pointing towards the camp, "We are here my little flower." Turning around he could see her eyes going wide, this sect of the Medjai was far larger than theirs, but being the Great Chief, it was expected for him to have such a large following.
Dalia could feel her heart starting to race, she was sure not only her parents could hear it but the people watching as they made their way deeper into the camp. Smoothing down her dress, Dalia slid her hand into her mama's, "We're you scared when they brought you to papa?" Knowing that almost 40 years ago, her parents brought her to her papa's sect, and she too had to learn a new way of living.
Stepping down, Zahra held her hand out so that Dalia could jump down, with a quick glance around, she could see that most of the tribe was waking up, and the men were watching her daughter with interest. Turning her eyes towards her little girl, she could see that she was a little scared, lifting her hands to her cheek, "I was terrified. I think I almost thew up." Wiping away a tear that was sliding down her face, Zahra understood more than anyone what her daughter was feeling. "But just as I am here for you, my mother was there for me on my wedding day."
Taking a step back, Dalia linked her arm with hers, leaning over to kiss her cheek, "That is the best thing I've heard all day." Taking a deep breath, Dalia looked over her shoulder finding her papa smiling, "I'm ready papa." Hoping that her voice didn't shake as the words left her mouth.
Ishaq couldn't help but find himself staring at the young lady that would be his son's wife, she was stunning and from what he could tell she seemed well read. Sipping his water, Ishaq turned his attention toward his friend, he could see the pride rolling off him, it was a feeling he could understand, Naeema was a beauty in her own right. Extending his hand, "I accept your terms." Looking over at his youngest son, "Karim, go find your brother."
Hearing Dalia take a deep breath, his eyes softening as he looked over at her, "I promise you this, Ardeth is a good man and he will never mistreat you, that I can almost guarantee."
Giving the Chief a small smile, Dalia could feel some of the tension leaving her body at his words. "Thank you, Great Chief. My parents have spoken highly of you and your son." Feeling her mama's hand in hers, thankful that she was here with her, as much as she loved her papa, he was a man and as much as he tried to understand he would never know what it feels like to leave everything behind. But feeling his hand on her shoulder did put her at ease, especially when the young man and a much older one came walking into the tent.
Her eyes went wide at the sight of him, he was much taller than her papa, she could see that his eyes were a deep brown that held so much intensity behind them and it was all directed towards her. Swallowing some spit that was pooling in her mouth, Dalia let her eyes take him in, he was more than handsome, beautiful was the only word that came to mind, from the shape of his face to the way he shaved his goatee, she couldn't help but wonder if he was even remotely pleased with her appearance. Squeezing her mama's hand, hoping that by doing so it would keep her from shaking like a leaf.
Ardeth found himself staring into the palest blue eyes he had ever seen and for a moment he felt himself being pulled into them. Shaking his head clear, he turned his eyes towards his father hoping for an explanation to why he was told to come. "Father?"
Moving to stand, Ishaq placed his hands on his son's shoulders, smirking that his once little boy now towered over him, "My son, as your father and Chief, I have selected your wife, and you will marry her tonight under the full moon." Extending his hand behind him, smiling when Dalia placed her tiny hands in his, leading her to where she was standing in front of his son, "Ardeth, your wife to be, Dalia."
Feeling his jaw twitch, Ardeth was tempted to tell his father he would never do such a thing, but as he wasn't speaking to him as a son, instead he was speaking as his Chief. Bowing his head, Ardeth refused to open his mouth again, for he was afraid of the words that would come out. It took longer than he would have liked to keep himself from snapping, taking a deep breath, he lifted his eyes only to find hers staring back at him and he could see that she was waiting for him to say something, anything to her.
"I accept." It was all he could say to the woman and her family. With a polite nod to her family, he turned his eyes towards his father, "I will go prepare myself." With a last glance down at the tiny woman that was to be his wife, Ardeth turned on his heels and made his way towards Menes for he was the one that would seal their union.
Dalia watched as her soon to be husband stormed out of the tent, turning her eyes towards the ground doing her best to not look as embarrassed as she felt but it was hard not to feel a little rejected. Clearing her throat, she blinked away a stray tear that was threatening to fall, turning her eyes towards the chief, she could see his sad smile, "I should go prepare myself as well." She said, doing what she could to keep her voice steady.
Ishaq could only nod, looking over towards his old friend, "Abasi, Zahra, I will watch over her as though she was like my own." Leading her out of the tent, he found Naeema watching with great interest, pointing towards her, "That is my daughter, Naeema, she's Ardeth's twin." Smiling when Dalia gave her a little wave, "How many languages do you speak my dear?" curious about his future daughter-in-law.
Looking around her future camp, Dalia was doing what she could to take everything in, but hearing the Chief ask her a question she turned to find his soft eyes watching her. "Three. Arabic, English, and French." Turning her attention to what was in front of her, "I love to read, papa always brought me to the libraires when we were close to cities." She said, wondering if her new family would allow such things.
Remaining quiet for a bit longer, Ishaq found himself pleased at his selection of a bride, not only was she beautiful she had a sharp mind. All too soon he found himself in front of the medicine woman's tent, using his forearm to open it for her, he could see her taking several deep breaths, smirking a bit at her nervous energy. "I wish I could give you words of encouragement, but I'm sure this arrangement isn't easy on you either."
Chuckling a bit, he was like most elders that she has met, while they can speak many languages, it was the traditional language that they always felt more comfortable in. "I'm sure most girls feel this way before they get married to a stranger, but I'm sure my husband and I will figure it out." Not that she was confident in that conclusion, based on the look of anger that was etched on his face after his father's announcement.
Patting her cheek, Ishaq found himself enjoying her company, he was looking forward to getting to know her, but like everything that would take time. "In that my dear, I have no doubt. I will send your mother soon." His eyes following her until he let go of the fabric that would give them privacy.
Zahra watched as her daughter started to play with her jewels that were on her dress, placing her hands over hers, "My little flower, you are stunning. Ardeth is a lucky man." Her voice started to crack. She knew this day was coming, her baby was finally going to become a woman. "Dalia, do you remember everything I said to you about when a husband takes his wife to bed for the first time?"
Feeling her cheeks go pink, Dalia just nodded, "I do mama. I will bleed, it will hurt, but eventually it will feel good." Letting out a shaky breath, "His seed will plant inside my womb and eventually I will bring a child into the world."
Placing a small kiss on her cheek, Zahra couldn't help but smile at her words, grateful that she seemed to understand how it all worked, and hopefully overtime like with her husband laying together intimately would start to be as amazing as it felt with her husband. Adjusting her veil, "It is time." Slowly moving to stand, linking their arms together, Zahra held her close, knowing that after tonight she would only see her daughter on the high holidays.
Pushing the flap of the tent open, Dalia took a deep breath and stepped towards the fire, her eyes finding Ardeth waiting for her by the ceremonial fire. Taking a moment to really take him in, his robes were a deep royal blue, with gold embroidery stitched into the fabric, and with his matching kufiyya he was the ideal image of a warrior Chief. Sparing a quick glance down at herself, she hoped that he was as pleased with her appearance as she was with his.
Ardeth watched as his wife made her way towards him, he couldn't help but be mesmerized with how her wedding dress clung to her body and how the deep red of the fabric contrasted against her pale skin. She was stunning, any man with eyes could see that, but she wasn't his choice, and he didn't believe that she would ever be. Straightening his spine, he extended his hand towards her as was his duty as her husband but to him this was all for show, and that was all he would be able to offer her.
But the moment he felt her hand in his, he swore he could feel a tingle in his palms, but he quickly shrugged it off as irritation to his current situation. Pulling her close to his chest, it was only in that moment did he realize how small she was, barely coming up to his shoulders. Realizing that he was staring, he turned his eyes towards Menes, wanting to get this over with as quickly as possible.
Dalia could see that his attention was now on the priest, which was fine with her, but she'd be lying to herself if his blatant rejection didn't hurt a bit. Perhaps as they got to know each other, his attitude towards her would change, but that would take some time.
Menes could see the young Chief was not happy with his father's arrangement, but Ardeth was a strong-willed man, and he knew that even a young age, he wanted to make his own way in the world. However, until his father officially stepped down as Chief, he was subjected to his orders as were the rest of the Tribe. Sparing a glance at the young woman, giving her a small smile, but as he looked into her eyes he could see deep into her soul, she was a pure hearted person and if his Chief didn't pull his head out of his ass, he would lose a great love.
Clearing his throat, Menes waited until the people around the fire quieted down, "We are here to join our future Chief Ardeth Bay with the daughter of Chief Abasi Salim." Wrapping their hands together in the silk sash, his eyes turned to both, "By destiny you are aligned together to form a union of love and marriage. You will face challenges together and find strength in your union. By the sun, moon, and stars your love is blessed. May you always be as happy as you are tonight."
Turning towards the people watching, he raised his hands calling attention to the married couple, "Tonight, your Chief has taken his wife, rejoice in their union, pray to Allah that their love not only brings prosperity to our people, but their love brings many children to revitalize our bloodlines."
Ardeth looked down at his now wife, threading his fingers with hers, he led her around the fire, for it would seal their bond within the tribe and in the eyes of Allah she was his until death separated them.
Dalia found herself breathing heavily as they entered their tent, she knew what was about to happen and she was ready both mentally and physically, but she was still nervous. Hearing him move behind the curtain, figuring that he was undressing himself for her, not wanting to keep her husband waiting to consummate the marriage. She undid the ties of her dress and let them pool at her feet, feeling a bit awkward to be standing in nothing but a sheer robe. Removing her veil, Dalia placed it on the small table that was by the fire as she turned around, she found her husband still fully clothed, tilting her head she couldn't help but blurt out her thought.
"I was told that laying with your husband was something that was done without clothes." Her voice filled with confusion.
Staring at himself in the mirror, Ardeth was struggling with feeling anger towards his father for forcing this situation upon him, did he truly not think that he would eventually find his own bride? Moreover, what would his father know of what he wanted in a wife? As much as he loved his mother, she was a little too soft for him, he wanted a woman filled with fire, that was just as smart, brave and fierce like any Medjai warrior. And he was willing to bet that his new wife was none of those things, beautiful yes, a warrior no. Rubbing his face, furious that he was going to have yet another sleepless night, but now with a stranger in his bed.
Taking a moment to center himself, while he was furious at his current situation it wasn't her fault, she was probably just doing what she was told as well. Not wanting to prolong this conversation any longer, Ardeth took a final look at himself and stepped out from behind the current, but his heart stopped beating as his eyes found her standing there in nothing much but an unsure look. He wanted to turn his eyes away but even he was a man, letting his eyes take her in, almost groaning at the sight of her pale pink nipples. Traveling further down her body, her stomach was tone but soft, her legs were supple, and at the apex of her thighs was blonde curls that would lead him to heaven if he allowed himself to taste.
It wasn't until he heard her words that he realized that he'd been standing there, staring at her as though she was an object. Grabbing his cloak from off his shoulders, Ardeth quickly made his way over to his wife so that he could wrap the cloak around her. He could see hurt and confusion swimming in her pale blue eyes, not knowing what to say to comfort her, he took a few steps back, while she was his wife, he wouldn't allow himself to touch her.
"I cannot lay with you, while you are my wife, I did not choose you for myself, nor did you choose me." Ardeth watched as her emotions played out on her beautiful face, but this was how it had to be. "I will honor you; I will take care of you, I will never hurt you, but that is all I can offer you. I'm sorry."
Dalia stared at her husband as though he had struck her, perhaps that would have been better, because the rejection that she was feeling felt worse than any physical strike could ever. Clutching the cloak that he placed around her, embarrassed that he saw her naked, she could feel her cheeks turning pink with anger. Biting her lip, Dalia found him staring at her, waiting for her to respond, if he didn't want to lay with her, fine, but she would be damned if she lay in bed with a man that did not want her to be there. Sparing a quick glance around, she found a small spot where she could set up for herself to sleep.
Sticking her chin out, as much as she wanted to yell at him for doing this to her on their wedding night, there was no way she was going to beg her husband to be with her. "If that is your wish, fine." Bending down to grab a blanket, "But I'll be damned if I lay in a bed with you just to insult me further." Without waiting for his response, Dalia laid down the blanket, and stepped behind the changing curtain, slipping on her sleeping gown she refused to let herself cry, at least not anywhere he would be able to hear her.
Stepping out, she found him standing there watching her, rolling her eyes at him, she made her way over to her makeshift bed, and laid down turning herself to where her back was to him. Clutching the blanket to her chest, Dalia just let the exhaustion from the last day and night pull her under, tomorrow she would deal with her feelings.
Ardeth found himself staring at her, surprised that she didn't even bother to raise her voice at him. Blinking rapidly, not really knowing how to take this turn of events he sat on his bed his eyes watching her, laying down his eyes never leaving her body. After a while he could see that she was fast asleep, shaking his head, confused about what had just happened he rolled himself over, using his arm as a pillow, grateful that sleep didn't take too long to find him.
Menes stared into the fire in his tent, his head shaking, for such a smart man, he was being an idiot. Folding his hands together, he prayed to Allah that the man stopped acting like such a fool, because if not all would be lost for him. For she was more than just a beauty, Dalia Salim was going to be important in their lives.