: : Summary : : Story about the other ancient lovers....
�Did I frighten you? I am sorry if I did. I am such a brute at times.�
�It is fine, now can we return to your home�um�it is quite late and I am beginning to feel a chill.�
�Sure, I am sorry if I took so long with my friend.�
As they made their way back home, Tefen told her of how he and Alizoth had grown up together and how Alizoth was a med-jai. The only thing he did not tell her was of how he soon hoped to be a med-jai himself. This was one of the rules of the tribe, to keep those soon to be as secrets because those who hated the pharaoh and those who surrounded them could easily see the knowledge of their future with evil eyes. Tefen did not see any bad in Nefertiri/Neferas but he still chose to keep he unaware for he own good. The only person who knew of his intent was his father for it was customary of the father to know. Tefen�s father had not been a med-jai because as a child, after the death of his father, who had been a med-jai, his mother had moved he and his siblings far from the tribe. Tefen�s father never really cared to be a warrior though he loved war stories and therefore he never trained for it, but now his son wanted to follow n the footsteps of his grandfather and those before him.
When they reached the house, they said their goodnights and each departed to their rooms. That night both of their minds ravelled by what they each were beginning to feel for the other. It had only been less than a day of knowing one another but already there existed affection in their hearts. The night soon turned to day, and slowly but fast passed the days for Nefertiri and Tefen. For most of the days they spent it separated. He taking care of his father�s store, while she trying to help his mother in things that she did not understand but was beginning to gain a grasps on. Far from the palace, she now had to do things on her own. No more of the servants to clean her room or to dress her anymore. Now it was she doing her things, which was an aspect of this life that she liked but at times made a mess of.
In their conversations at night, Tefen normally dominated them because Nefertiri feared that if she spoke then her secret would be revealed. Something in her heart told her that he could be the one but one who would forbidden to her because of his lack of rank or royal blood. In his heart Tefen felt that he already loved her and could seriously see her in his future, yet for now he could not commit to anyone having such an uncertain future. Their night walks completely blocked out any problems that they had in mind. No words of love had been spoken but each knew what the other felt inside.
One night of full moon and starred night, Tefen reached for her giving he a tender and soft kiss. Nefertiri accepted and longed for more. It was indescribable, especially for her whose first kiss it had been. Afterwards no words were spoken as they stared into each other�s eyes. The night obscured the colour of their eyes but not the shine with which they sparked. Another kiss soon followed. This second one of longer duration and of longing grasps, out of breath they parted and held hands as their love took form.
�I have never said this before�I love you,� said he taking he hand and planting there a kiss.
�I love you too, Tefen,� and she did the same ritual of planting a kiss on his hand.
�I�ve�I never thought that I would feel this way for another. It is kind of scary, but mostly wonderful.�
�I know. It is like looking up at the stars and feeling out of breath, but also having so much life and breath inside. It is like touching warm water while at the same time being touched by the warm rays of the sun,� said she revealing all the wonderful sensations that she had felt which somehow compared to her feelings for him.
�Yes� said he planting another kiss to her lips.
That night as they left each other�s presence they made a vow of true love. In their rooms no other thought invaded their minds other than how wonderful this night had been. The night had been so sweet for letting them share their love, but it had also turned cruel for it kept them out of the other�s sight until the rise of the sun. Sleep had not been granted for their love and imagination had sparked a kind of insomnia that left no chance for the soul or eyes to rest. As dawn and morning approached there was new life in the house. A feeling filled with power that was not new, yet was newly arising within the hearts and souls of Tefen and Nefertiri.
On that morning, shyly yet with the look of love they shared the first morning glance. Unable to hide his joy, Tefen spoke freely of his love for her in the presence of his family. His intentions of marriage were soon announced. At that announcement Nefertiri was taken aback. What could she say? She could not refuse, but she could also not accept. She tried to smile unable to speak due to the love and fear that hid beneath her heart. Love for him and fear that was caused by thoughts of losing him. Without noticing her silence, and only her smile Tefen threw his arms around her figure and forgot about anyone else that was around.
�My dear boy, give her room to breath,� said his father contented by the thought of his son and his bride to be whom he had grown to care for.
�I am sorry. I got carried away with my joy,� said Tefen as he and Nefertiri parted.
Tefen got himself ready once more to leave in order to guard his father�s home. He said his love to everyone; especially to Nefertiri to whom he gave a burning kiss to. She promised him to go his store at lunchtime in order to fetch him his food. Gladly he accepted her promised company, and left. Now alone at home she stayed. Her thoughts swayed between her reality and her dreams. What was she to do and who was she to be? A princess with no love or a nobody with a growing and shared loved. If only she had been warned of the consequences of her acts, yet they were now too beautiful, too sweet to ever be left behind.
That day she passed the morning completely distracted. It was not until Tefen�s mother had reminded her to bring him his lunch that she was able to elude herself from her tormenting thoughts. Slowly and excitedly she made her way to visit Tefen. With her mind made up about abandoning her life as a princess, she smiled and thought of her prince without title.
�I have been looking for you,� spoke a voice too familiar.
End of Ch3