ext_130516 (![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png)
mind-of-onion.livejournal.com) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
fellowshippers2006-01-09 07:00 pm
mind-of-onion.livejournal.com) wrote in fellowshippers2006-01-09 07:00 pm
Love of all Times (16/?)
Title: Love Of All Times 16/?
Author: little___hobbit and Fin_Anwamane
Type: RPS
Pairing: Liv/Miranda
Rating: NC-17
Beta: Ourselves
Warning: Physical violence, abuse and rape described in later chapters not between the main pairing.
Disclaimer: This never happened. This was written in fun that's all.
Feedback: Yes please send to paddington-bear@web.de
or glorfindel@hornorfgondor.com
Archiving: The Angels Realm, others please ask.
Summary: A.U. An Egyptian Princess and her slave fall for one another and overcome the threats of their environment
Italics indicate thoughts
~~~~~
Liv opened the tent flap and went to check on Nakhti. It had been two days since Miranda had stitched him and they took turns changing the wrappings on his wound and taking him food.
She exited the tent and tossed the old bandages in the fire to dispose of. "He seems to be doing better," Liv said as she walked up behind Miranda and snaked her arms around her love's waist. Resting her chin on Miranda's shoulder Liv peeked over it. "What are you doing?" she asked.
Turning her head to kiss Liv, Miranda smiled at her love. "You have become quite curious, my love," she chided with a grin, then she blushed. "I am making a necklace for you," Miranda admitted, "Out of the fish scales here. The mother of pearl will look beautiful on your skin."
With a small sharpened bone she drilled holes into a few scales then abraded them on a flat stone until there were no sharp edges any more and they were round and shining in all the colors of the rainbow. After she had a reasonable amount of them, she threaded them on a string she'd made out of horsehair.
"Of course, this is nothing to the jewelry you are used to, all the gold and diamonds and all this..." Miranda said and blushed even more as she fixed simple hooks at the ends of the necklace. "Come on, let me see how it looks on you, my love," she said instead and moved to sit behind Liv. She put the necklace around her love's neck and closed the hooks. "Just as I imagined," Miranda whispered as she moved to sit before Liv again, letting her fingers run over the necklace and then lightly over the toned skin of Liv's chest that was not covered by her dress, "You are so beautiful..." Leaning forward she kissed Liv again, her tongue briefly delving into Liv's mouth before she pulled back. "I think Nakhti is sleeping, so... how about us going for a small walk?"
Liv had watched in silence as Miranda worked effortlessly on the necklace. She is so talented, is there anything she can’t do? Liv thought as Miranda finished and put the necklace around her neck.
“It is beautiful.” Liv said after the kiss. Smiling Liv ran her fingers over the smooth necklace as she looked to Miranda. “I would love to go for a walk,” she replied as she took her love’s hand and pulled Miranda to her for another kiss, this one a much deeper kiss than the first. It was such a beautiful day and Miranda was right, Nakhti was asleep and would be for some time because Liv had just given him some medicine.
When Liv entwined her fingers with Miranda's, a strange heat filled the golden haired woman, and her skin tingled wherever it touched Liv's. Miranda sighed into the kiss and stepped closer, so as to increase their skin contact; it felt to her as if they were melting into one.
"My love," Miranda whispered softly, "My sweet, beautiful love... Only the Deities can say how much I love you. My life has become so much richer since I have met you. I cannot imagine ever being without you again." She finally pulled back and looked into Liv's sparkling blue eyes, smiling as she saw the same love she felt for Liv reflected back at her. "Come on," she said softly and led Liv away from the little camp, her hand still grasping her love’s tightly.
After only a few steps, Miranda ached to feel more than just Liv's hand and she wrapped her arm around the Princess' waist, pulling her close so she could snuggle up to her while they walked and rest her head against the other woman's shoulder. "This is perfect," she whispered. It was indeed; the small oasis lay quiet and peaceful under a clear-blue sky, with birds singing in the date and fig trees as the two women walked in their shadow.
Liv smiled. She felt like she was in a dream world far away from reality. "Yes, this is perfect," she said as she snaked her arm around Miranda as well, squeezing her bum slightly before moving it on around her waist. She tilted her head and snuggled against Miranda's soft golden hair as they continued to on.
As they walked around the oasis, Miranda started humming softly. She usually didn't sing in the presence of others, but this was Liv, her love... Though she had been shy and reserved around the Princess at first, this all was gone now, and she felt completely at ease around Liv now; instead, she had livened up around Liv, now that she knew that she had nothing to fear from her love. Turning her head to press another kiss against Liv's temple, Miranda smiled happily and began to sing softly.
You and me
We are destined
You'll agree
To spend the rest of our lives with each other
The rest of our days like two lovers
For ever - yeah - for ever
It was an old song of her people, and she sang it in the old language she'd learned as a child. Miranda figured Liv would not understand the words, but she was sure that her love would get the meaning of the song anyway, for Miranda had stopped and made Liv turn around to look into her eyes, sparkling with life and love. "I love you," Miranda whispered softly as she finished the song and bent forward to kiss her love once more deeply.
Liv was surprised as Miranda broke into song because she had never heard her sing before. She smiled sweetly at her as she looked deep in her love’s eyes. Miranda’s voice matched her beauty and Liv was sure she was walking with an angel sent by the Gods. Liv continued to listen to Miranda sing. "You sound so beautiful," she said once Miranda was finished. "You have the most incredible voice I have ever heard."
Miranda felt her skin heat up and she knew she was blushing. "I am not *that* good," she mumbled, "I just like to sing, when I am happy, that's all. I..." Suddenly she stopped; there seemed to be a noise in the distance, almost like hoofs and feet stomping the sandy ground. "Did you hear that?" Miranda whispered.
Startled, Liv looked around trying to decide where it came from. "I did," she replied looking back to Miranda. "What is it? She asked as she took Miranda's hand in hers. "Sounds like whatever it is is getting closer.” She could feel her heart beginning to beat faster.
Listening attentively, Miranda furrowed her brow. The noises were strangely familiar, and not in a comfortable way. "It seems to come from the east, from the river's edge," she said quietly, "Liv, please go back to the camp and prepare everything to move the camp behind the trees, away from the pond. I'll be right with you," she said and quickly walked off towards the eastern edge of the little oasis.
In the far distance, she could see a rather large cloud of dust and sand whirling through the air, and suddenly she knew what it was. Miranda gasped and turned around, running back to the camp as fast as she could, finding to her relief that Liv had packed most of their belongings into the carriage.
"It's a caravan!" she panted as she dropped to her knees beside the fire, already tipping the cauldron over to put it out, "And they will be here soon. Quickly, we need to move the camp and hide our tracks!"
Liv's pulse quickened even more as Miranda spoke. She had woken Nakhti and he was sleepily making his way to the carriage. "You need to move a little faster," Liv said to him as she ran past him.
"What's going on?" he asked, his mind still foggy from the medicine.
"There is a caravan approaching," Liv said, as she was running back past him in the opposite direction.
"A caravan!" he exclaimed, his mind suddenly awake. "Why didn't you say so earlier?" he added as he grabbed some things and threw them into the carriage.
"I did, you were just too out of it to hear me," Liv said as she grabbed the last of the things and headed for the carriage where Miranda had already taken a seat and Nakhti was loading his bundle of things inside.
"This is the last of it my love," Liv said as she helped Nakhti up and then climbed up herself.
"Good," Miranda nodded, "I'll just take the carriage a bit further, perhaps behind those bushes, and we can set up the camp again. Nakhti needs at least one more day of rest in order to have his wound fully healed before we can continue. I'll come back and try and hide our traces a bit here. No!" she said, a little sharply when Liv opened her mouth, "You will stay hidden, with Nakhti. I will not allow that you put yourself in more danger than this situation holds already anyway."
She quickly led the horses through the thick of some bushes, making sure that the carriage was well hidden from view, then she rushed back to the camp site and brushed off their traces, making sure that nothing reminded of their stay. In the east, the dust cloud of the caravan was growing larger. Just as Miranda was about to return to her friends, she saw that one of the two fishing nets was still lying by the pond.
"Oh God," she winced and ran over to the shore, grabbing the net, but it was stuck somehow. "Please, help me!" Miranda exclaimed, her gaze turned to the sky and frantically tugged at the net, but it would not come loose. By the noises carried to her by the wind, the caravan had already reached the outskirts of the oasis; Miranda knew that the caravan would surely sooner or later arrive at the very spot where she was crouching and struggling with the net. She looked over her shoulder and whimpered and tugged even harder. At last the net came loose. "Thank you!" Miranda panted a quick prayer to the Deities and rushed off towards the bushes. She had hardly vanished behind them when the first people of the caravan broke through the bushes on the other side of the small clearing.
Liv had become very nervous watching Miranda struggle with the net as the caravan approached. She grabbed Nakhti's sword and was about to rush through the bushes when Nakhti grabbed her and forced her to the ground, holding her tight.
"No Princess. You must not," Nakhti said as he looked down at Liv.
"She needs my help. I must go to her," Liv pleaded as she squirmed underneath the large man.
"No. If you want to help her you will stay here. If anything were to happen to her she would not want you harmed as well my Princess. She would not want her sacrifice to be in vain."
Liv stopped squirming and looked up at Nakhti, her eyes filling with tears of fear and worry. "You are right," she whispered. "Oh my love, please hurry," Liv said under her breath as she closed her eyes.
Just then Miranda burst through the bushes and fell to the ground next to them. Nakhti moved from Liv and she quickly moved to embrace Miranda. She was about to speak when Nakhti laid his body across the two women. The caravan was now upon them and he was trying to shield the women from any possible harm if it were to come.
Miranda lay as still as she could underneath Nakhti's massive body. She had to struggle hard not to panic, but somehow managed to stay still. However, Liv next to her wasn't. Miranda squeezed Liv's hand, hoping that this gesture would reassure her love.
On the shore of the lake, the caravan came to a halt. "Get up!" the leader of the caravan yelled at a group of slaves that had fallen to the ground in exhaustion, "We will only halt here to fill up our water skins and stock up on food, so don't think you can go easy here! Get your lazy arses in motion! You, and you, catch fish..." Pair by pair he sent out the slaves on errands to fill up the caravan's supplies, and soon they all were hustling and bustling about while the slave trader and his guards sat down on the shore to eat and rest.
Miranda felt anger rise inside her at the way the merchant was treating the slaves; her last master before Raneb had treated his slaves better, at least when no other slave traders had been around to see. Whenever they had halted anywhere, they had always been allowed to rest and eat first before they all stocked up their supplies, guards and slaves together.
Suddenly, footsteps could be heard, even though they were muffled by the sand, and they came closer. Miranda stiffened, not so much because of herself but because she feared that Liv and Nakhti might do something that could give them away. She grabbed her friends' hands and squeezed them tight, silently telling them not to stir.
Just then two slaves, looking dangerously thin and exhausted came around the bushes. They stopped dead at the sight of Nakhti covering the two women with his body. Miranda squeezed Nakhti's hand even harder when the guard started growling at them. "They are slaves, Nakhti, they won't give us away," she said softly, smiling at the two men, "Quite the contrary." Miranda moved slightly to look more directly at the two slaves who looked just as frightened as Liv beside her. "Do not fear us, my friends," she said softly, "Sit down for a moment and have some water and some food. You must be tired. What were you sent out for?"
The younger of the two men was so surprised he immediately dropped to the ground at Miranda's invitation, but the older remained standing. "We cannot rest, milady," he said, "We have to collect some dates and figs and return to the caravan. Our master has said that he wants to continue soon."
"That I heard," Miranda said blushing and moved to get up from underneath the guard, "But I am no lady. I am a slave too, like you. This is my mistress, and this is her guard. You sit down and rest and eat, and let us get the fruit for you."
"You are no slave," the man shook his head, "He guarded you too, he would not do that if you were one. You must be at least a fine lady, or even a princess. Your clothes certainly indicate some kind of royalty." He pointed at Miranda who wore one of Liv's gowns to emphasize his point. "But thank you for your kindness, milady, we are happy to accept."
Miranda blushed even more and looked to the ground; it was true, the dress she wore made her look just as much royalty as Liv did, maybe even more so because of her pale skin and golden hair. Looking up again she smiled shyly and got some of the smoked fish from the carriage along with an amphora of whine which she offered to the slaves who took it and hungrily started eating.
"You rest now, and we will get the fruit for you," Miranda said softly and took the basket that the slaves had brought with them, "Only please try to stay quiet so our being here won't be noticed."
"Do not worry, we will not utter a word," the younger of the slaves said softly and bit into the unleavened bread that Liv silently offered him before she turned to join Miranda.
Liv started to follow Miranda but stopped. She looked at one of the men; his hands were trembling so bad he could hardly hold the fish. She dropped to her knees in front of him and took his hands gently in hers. "Let me help you," she offered. He looked at her surprised as she offered help but simply smiled as he felt her soft hands touching his rough skin.
She looked over to Miranda, worry in her eyes. "Nakhti," she said without looking at him. "Will you please make sure our new friends get plenty to eat and drink?"
"Of course," he replied as he knelt and replaced Liv's hands with his. "Eat up my brothers," he said as Liv got to her feet to follow Miranda.
"Don't worry, we will return soon. Enjoy your meal," she said softly to them as she leaned down and lightly cupped the two men's cheeks in her hands. "Look after them Nakhti," she said as she turned and followed her love.
"The way they are treated is horrible," Liv whispered to Miranda after they were out of earshot of the slaves. "If it would not risk blowing our cover I would buy them and take them with us," she said, worry in her voice.
Miranda nodded and looked at Liv, her eyes wet with tears. "I know my love, and under other circumstances I would agree with you. But I think I recognized the merchant's voice, and if he is who I think he is, then we must make sure he won't know about us, at any costs. Most slave traders don't treat their slaves too well, but he's the worst," Miranda went on sadly as she started picking dates from a narrow tree, "I've heard bad stories about him, even my old master hated him with a passion. He is not welcome amongst the decent slave traders, which is why his caravan is traveling off the usual tracks."
With wide eyes the slaves watched the interaction between the three young people as they ate slowly. The food was good, fresh and tasteful, unlike the rotten bread and foul water they usually got. "Who is the slave and who the master?" the younger said quietly to his partner, "Can you tell the difference?"
"It's not on us to judge that, my friend," the other said, "But I honestly don't care. Look how they are treating us. This is the first proper meal in almost a month. How can we ever thank you?" he asked Nakhti and gratefully let the guard hold the amphora to his mouth for a drink.
Liv reached out and wiped Miranda's cheeks free of tears. This news of how some slaves were treated upset her greatly. "I will find out for sure who their master is and one day..." her voice trailed off. What was she thinking? She couldn't even free Miranda. Not with her father as ruler. Liv fell silent and set to picking dates.
"No need to repay us my brother," Nakhti replied as he lowered the amphora from the man's mouth and smiled at the two.
"If you ever need any help, just let us know," the man said with a thankful smile and put his hand on Nakhti's lower arm, "It's fairly easy, you know, any slave, no matter if they are stationed with one master or are on a caravan like ourselves will know how to pass the message on to us. Just tell them that it's a message for Seth of Corse, and they will make sure it reaches me."
Miranda stopped picking the dates and turned around to put her hands on Liv's shoulders, knowing what was on her love's mind. "One day, we will be able to help them, you will see. Have faith in the Deities, my love," she said softly and kissed Liv on the lips, "But for now let's see to it that we can help them with the means we have at our hands; like feeding them and doing their work as we do. I also noticed they had rather shabby clothes; maybe we can hide an amphora with some wine and a bag with some dried fish and alligator meat in the cutting of their tunics."
"I will remember that," Nakhti said, patting the man on the shoulder. We may need help before this is over, he thought to himself.
Turning Liv looked into Miranda’s eyes. My love... you mean more to me than my own life. One day I will free you and you will be free to do whatever you wish, she thought as she took in the other woman's beauty, wiping her own cheeks free of the tears that had just trickled down. "You are right," she sniffed. "We could hide food in their tunics for them to have later. I would love to help them any way I can."
Miranda smiled and placed her hand over Liv's on her cheek. "Come on, let us finish quickly and get some figs too; we have to return soon, or their guards will come looking for them." With that she let go of Liv and moved to the fig trees nearby and started picking the fruit. After a few more minutes the baskets were full and they returned to their hiding spot.
"There you go," Miranda said and put her basket on the ground as she sat down next to the younger of the slaves. "Do you always wear the same clothes?" she asked him.
"That is a lot you collected there!" the slave replied with bulging eyes, then he stopped and looked at Miranda and Liv questioningly. "Yes, we do, but why?"
"Because we want to give you some more food and wine for the road," Miranda said and got up again, getting needle and thread as well as two small corked jugs and two small bags with dried meat and fish from the carriage, "Now, I will sew an amphora and a bag full of food each into your lining."
Seth, the older slave startled. "Why are you doing all this for us? We are only slaves, why do you risk your lives for us?" Miranda smiled and set out to her task, sewing the amphora into the folds of his much-too-large tunic so that no one could see it, then she moved over to the other side and did the same to the little bag which was bulging with food.
"As I said, I am a slave myself," Miranda said and turned around slightly so that she was with her back to them. As she pushed her hair aside they could see on her nape, just below her hairline, a hand branded into her skin - the symbol of slaves. The mark elicited gasps of surprise from the other four - even Liv hadn't known about the brand as Miranda had always made sure to hide it as well as she could. "I know how hard life as a slave is. I am lucky enough to be treated well by my mistress now, but I still remember the time when I was still on a caravan like yours," she said and resumed her task, sewing the second amphora and bag into the tunic of Seth's friend now. "It's the least I can do to help make your life a little easier, if only for a few days." She looked over to Liv. "When we were picking the fruit, my mistress said that she'd love to buy you, but..."
"Don't worry about us," Seth said and put his hand on Miranda's, "You have made our life easier for more than just a few days, believe me. Seeing you and your mistress, how well you are treated gives us a hope that no one can take away again from us. And for this, we will forever be grateful. But now, we have to go back, or the guards will come looking for us."
"Do not worry that we will give you away," his partner said, "Your secret is safe with us." They got up and held their hands out to Miranda. "Thank you again, and if you ever need our help, or any slave's - Nakhti knows how to reach us."
"Farewell, my friends," Miranda said and hugged the two men, "And thank you too. May the Deities watch over you."
Liv also bid her farewells to the two slaves then turned to Miranda, pulling her hair to the side so she could examine the mark. "I never knew about this my love," she said softly as she ran her fingers slowly across it.
After spying through the bushes and watching the slaves return to their master, Nakhti turned and headed for the carriage, leaving the two women alone. He was sure that they would not be found now and was in dire need of rest.
"All slaves have such a brand," Miranda said softly, shivering slightly as the gentle touch seemed to set her skin on fire; she turned around again to look into Liv's eyes. "Normally they are branded in a more obvious spot, to make sure the slavery status is noticed at once. Seth had his brand on his chest, and his friend had his on his wrist. The merchant who branded me however decided that I was more valuable if my skin appeared unharmed."
Miranda watched the caravan leave the oasis a little longer, her heart jumping with joy at the smiles spreading amongst the slaves. "We have given them hope, my love," she said and kissed Liv, "We will stay hidden a little longer, in case they have forgotten something and come back. And now let's look after Nakhti; he must be really exhausted now after all that just happened." She turned around to find Nakhti gone. "Where is he?" Miranda asked with a slight panic in her voice.
Liv shared in Miranda’s excitement, but that was to be short lived for when they turned, Nakhti was nowhere to be seen. “I don’t know, he was just here," she said looking around as worry began to creep over her.
Making their way to the carriage they rounded the back of it and there was he was, sitting on the ground leaning against the wheel; sweating profusely and shivering, his eyes closed.
"Nakhti!" Liv exclaimed as she rushed to him and dropped to the ground, worry clearly visible on her face as she looked at Miranda.
At Liv's exclamation, Miranda quickly rushed to Nakhti's side too and dropped on her knees beside him. As she felt his forehead she found it burning. "Oh no," Miranda whispered and looked up at Liv, unable to hide the worry that this unexpected turn of events caused her, "Liv, get me a blanket and the little bag with the herbs, quickly!" she ordered, completely oblivious to her commanding tone. As Liv jumped up to do as Miranda had asked, the golden haired slave girl had already turned her attention back to the man leaning against the carriage. "No, Nakhti, don't!" she said sharply as the guard threatened to pass out, "Don't pass out on me now! I will help you, but I need you to stay awake at least for a little longer. Please, Nakhti, I will lay you down now, but you have to help me. You're too heavy for me to do this on my own."
Nakhti opened his mouth to speak but nodded instead as he shifted and leaned into Miranda's guiding arms as she laid him back on the ground.
Liv quickly climbed in the carriage and grabbed the blanket. She began looking frantically for the herbs. Where is it, where is it? she was becoming frantic looking for it. At last she found it and breathed a sigh of relief.
Pausing as she exited the carriage she watched Miranda gently lower Nakhti to a laying position before racing back to them. "Here they are my love," Liv said, falling to her knees. She handed the bag to Miranda and unfolded the blanket, covering Nakhti with it. "What’s wrong with him?" she asked Miranda as she lightly stroked Nakhti’s cheek.
"Thank you, my love. It was just too much stress," Miranda said softly as she covered Nakhti with the blanket and looked through the bag of herbs, fishing out a small branch. "I believe we still have some hot water," she said to Liv, "Put some of it into a pot and drop this in, please. This will help drop the fever."
Miranda brushed her hand over Nakhti's forehead to feel the temperature again. It was still very high, still it had already dropped noticeably; this fact reassured Miranda and helped her calm down and gather her thoughts. The herb extract Liv was preparing just a few feet away would help break the fever for good... "Don't worry, my friend, you will be alright. I promise," she added and leant forward to kiss his cheek.
Nakhti smiled up at Miranda as Liv prepared the extract. "Thank you my angel," he said touching her soft cheek before the world went dark.
Author: little___hobbit and Fin_Anwamane
Type: RPS
Pairing: Liv/Miranda
Rating: NC-17
Beta: Ourselves
Warning: Physical violence, abuse and rape described in later chapters not between the main pairing.
Disclaimer: This never happened. This was written in fun that's all.
Feedback: Yes please send to paddington-bear@web.de
or glorfindel@hornorfgondor.com
Archiving: The Angels Realm, others please ask.
Summary: A.U. An Egyptian Princess and her slave fall for one another and overcome the threats of their environment
Italics indicate thoughts
~~~~~
Liv opened the tent flap and went to check on Nakhti. It had been two days since Miranda had stitched him and they took turns changing the wrappings on his wound and taking him food.
She exited the tent and tossed the old bandages in the fire to dispose of. "He seems to be doing better," Liv said as she walked up behind Miranda and snaked her arms around her love's waist. Resting her chin on Miranda's shoulder Liv peeked over it. "What are you doing?" she asked.
Turning her head to kiss Liv, Miranda smiled at her love. "You have become quite curious, my love," she chided with a grin, then she blushed. "I am making a necklace for you," Miranda admitted, "Out of the fish scales here. The mother of pearl will look beautiful on your skin."
With a small sharpened bone she drilled holes into a few scales then abraded them on a flat stone until there were no sharp edges any more and they were round and shining in all the colors of the rainbow. After she had a reasonable amount of them, she threaded them on a string she'd made out of horsehair.
"Of course, this is nothing to the jewelry you are used to, all the gold and diamonds and all this..." Miranda said and blushed even more as she fixed simple hooks at the ends of the necklace. "Come on, let me see how it looks on you, my love," she said instead and moved to sit behind Liv. She put the necklace around her love's neck and closed the hooks. "Just as I imagined," Miranda whispered as she moved to sit before Liv again, letting her fingers run over the necklace and then lightly over the toned skin of Liv's chest that was not covered by her dress, "You are so beautiful..." Leaning forward she kissed Liv again, her tongue briefly delving into Liv's mouth before she pulled back. "I think Nakhti is sleeping, so... how about us going for a small walk?"
Liv had watched in silence as Miranda worked effortlessly on the necklace. She is so talented, is there anything she can’t do? Liv thought as Miranda finished and put the necklace around her neck.
“It is beautiful.” Liv said after the kiss. Smiling Liv ran her fingers over the smooth necklace as she looked to Miranda. “I would love to go for a walk,” she replied as she took her love’s hand and pulled Miranda to her for another kiss, this one a much deeper kiss than the first. It was such a beautiful day and Miranda was right, Nakhti was asleep and would be for some time because Liv had just given him some medicine.
When Liv entwined her fingers with Miranda's, a strange heat filled the golden haired woman, and her skin tingled wherever it touched Liv's. Miranda sighed into the kiss and stepped closer, so as to increase their skin contact; it felt to her as if they were melting into one.
"My love," Miranda whispered softly, "My sweet, beautiful love... Only the Deities can say how much I love you. My life has become so much richer since I have met you. I cannot imagine ever being without you again." She finally pulled back and looked into Liv's sparkling blue eyes, smiling as she saw the same love she felt for Liv reflected back at her. "Come on," she said softly and led Liv away from the little camp, her hand still grasping her love’s tightly.
After only a few steps, Miranda ached to feel more than just Liv's hand and she wrapped her arm around the Princess' waist, pulling her close so she could snuggle up to her while they walked and rest her head against the other woman's shoulder. "This is perfect," she whispered. It was indeed; the small oasis lay quiet and peaceful under a clear-blue sky, with birds singing in the date and fig trees as the two women walked in their shadow.
Liv smiled. She felt like she was in a dream world far away from reality. "Yes, this is perfect," she said as she snaked her arm around Miranda as well, squeezing her bum slightly before moving it on around her waist. She tilted her head and snuggled against Miranda's soft golden hair as they continued to on.
As they walked around the oasis, Miranda started humming softly. She usually didn't sing in the presence of others, but this was Liv, her love... Though she had been shy and reserved around the Princess at first, this all was gone now, and she felt completely at ease around Liv now; instead, she had livened up around Liv, now that she knew that she had nothing to fear from her love. Turning her head to press another kiss against Liv's temple, Miranda smiled happily and began to sing softly.
You and me
We are destined
You'll agree
To spend the rest of our lives with each other
The rest of our days like two lovers
For ever - yeah - for ever
It was an old song of her people, and she sang it in the old language she'd learned as a child. Miranda figured Liv would not understand the words, but she was sure that her love would get the meaning of the song anyway, for Miranda had stopped and made Liv turn around to look into her eyes, sparkling with life and love. "I love you," Miranda whispered softly as she finished the song and bent forward to kiss her love once more deeply.
Liv was surprised as Miranda broke into song because she had never heard her sing before. She smiled sweetly at her as she looked deep in her love’s eyes. Miranda’s voice matched her beauty and Liv was sure she was walking with an angel sent by the Gods. Liv continued to listen to Miranda sing. "You sound so beautiful," she said once Miranda was finished. "You have the most incredible voice I have ever heard."
Miranda felt her skin heat up and she knew she was blushing. "I am not *that* good," she mumbled, "I just like to sing, when I am happy, that's all. I..." Suddenly she stopped; there seemed to be a noise in the distance, almost like hoofs and feet stomping the sandy ground. "Did you hear that?" Miranda whispered.
Startled, Liv looked around trying to decide where it came from. "I did," she replied looking back to Miranda. "What is it? She asked as she took Miranda's hand in hers. "Sounds like whatever it is is getting closer.” She could feel her heart beginning to beat faster.
Listening attentively, Miranda furrowed her brow. The noises were strangely familiar, and not in a comfortable way. "It seems to come from the east, from the river's edge," she said quietly, "Liv, please go back to the camp and prepare everything to move the camp behind the trees, away from the pond. I'll be right with you," she said and quickly walked off towards the eastern edge of the little oasis.
In the far distance, she could see a rather large cloud of dust and sand whirling through the air, and suddenly she knew what it was. Miranda gasped and turned around, running back to the camp as fast as she could, finding to her relief that Liv had packed most of their belongings into the carriage.
"It's a caravan!" she panted as she dropped to her knees beside the fire, already tipping the cauldron over to put it out, "And they will be here soon. Quickly, we need to move the camp and hide our tracks!"
Liv's pulse quickened even more as Miranda spoke. She had woken Nakhti and he was sleepily making his way to the carriage. "You need to move a little faster," Liv said to him as she ran past him.
"What's going on?" he asked, his mind still foggy from the medicine.
"There is a caravan approaching," Liv said, as she was running back past him in the opposite direction.
"A caravan!" he exclaimed, his mind suddenly awake. "Why didn't you say so earlier?" he added as he grabbed some things and threw them into the carriage.
"I did, you were just too out of it to hear me," Liv said as she grabbed the last of the things and headed for the carriage where Miranda had already taken a seat and Nakhti was loading his bundle of things inside.
"This is the last of it my love," Liv said as she helped Nakhti up and then climbed up herself.
"Good," Miranda nodded, "I'll just take the carriage a bit further, perhaps behind those bushes, and we can set up the camp again. Nakhti needs at least one more day of rest in order to have his wound fully healed before we can continue. I'll come back and try and hide our traces a bit here. No!" she said, a little sharply when Liv opened her mouth, "You will stay hidden, with Nakhti. I will not allow that you put yourself in more danger than this situation holds already anyway."
She quickly led the horses through the thick of some bushes, making sure that the carriage was well hidden from view, then she rushed back to the camp site and brushed off their traces, making sure that nothing reminded of their stay. In the east, the dust cloud of the caravan was growing larger. Just as Miranda was about to return to her friends, she saw that one of the two fishing nets was still lying by the pond.
"Oh God," she winced and ran over to the shore, grabbing the net, but it was stuck somehow. "Please, help me!" Miranda exclaimed, her gaze turned to the sky and frantically tugged at the net, but it would not come loose. By the noises carried to her by the wind, the caravan had already reached the outskirts of the oasis; Miranda knew that the caravan would surely sooner or later arrive at the very spot where she was crouching and struggling with the net. She looked over her shoulder and whimpered and tugged even harder. At last the net came loose. "Thank you!" Miranda panted a quick prayer to the Deities and rushed off towards the bushes. She had hardly vanished behind them when the first people of the caravan broke through the bushes on the other side of the small clearing.
Liv had become very nervous watching Miranda struggle with the net as the caravan approached. She grabbed Nakhti's sword and was about to rush through the bushes when Nakhti grabbed her and forced her to the ground, holding her tight.
"No Princess. You must not," Nakhti said as he looked down at Liv.
"She needs my help. I must go to her," Liv pleaded as she squirmed underneath the large man.
"No. If you want to help her you will stay here. If anything were to happen to her she would not want you harmed as well my Princess. She would not want her sacrifice to be in vain."
Liv stopped squirming and looked up at Nakhti, her eyes filling with tears of fear and worry. "You are right," she whispered. "Oh my love, please hurry," Liv said under her breath as she closed her eyes.
Just then Miranda burst through the bushes and fell to the ground next to them. Nakhti moved from Liv and she quickly moved to embrace Miranda. She was about to speak when Nakhti laid his body across the two women. The caravan was now upon them and he was trying to shield the women from any possible harm if it were to come.
Miranda lay as still as she could underneath Nakhti's massive body. She had to struggle hard not to panic, but somehow managed to stay still. However, Liv next to her wasn't. Miranda squeezed Liv's hand, hoping that this gesture would reassure her love.
On the shore of the lake, the caravan came to a halt. "Get up!" the leader of the caravan yelled at a group of slaves that had fallen to the ground in exhaustion, "We will only halt here to fill up our water skins and stock up on food, so don't think you can go easy here! Get your lazy arses in motion! You, and you, catch fish..." Pair by pair he sent out the slaves on errands to fill up the caravan's supplies, and soon they all were hustling and bustling about while the slave trader and his guards sat down on the shore to eat and rest.
Miranda felt anger rise inside her at the way the merchant was treating the slaves; her last master before Raneb had treated his slaves better, at least when no other slave traders had been around to see. Whenever they had halted anywhere, they had always been allowed to rest and eat first before they all stocked up their supplies, guards and slaves together.
Suddenly, footsteps could be heard, even though they were muffled by the sand, and they came closer. Miranda stiffened, not so much because of herself but because she feared that Liv and Nakhti might do something that could give them away. She grabbed her friends' hands and squeezed them tight, silently telling them not to stir.
Just then two slaves, looking dangerously thin and exhausted came around the bushes. They stopped dead at the sight of Nakhti covering the two women with his body. Miranda squeezed Nakhti's hand even harder when the guard started growling at them. "They are slaves, Nakhti, they won't give us away," she said softly, smiling at the two men, "Quite the contrary." Miranda moved slightly to look more directly at the two slaves who looked just as frightened as Liv beside her. "Do not fear us, my friends," she said softly, "Sit down for a moment and have some water and some food. You must be tired. What were you sent out for?"
The younger of the two men was so surprised he immediately dropped to the ground at Miranda's invitation, but the older remained standing. "We cannot rest, milady," he said, "We have to collect some dates and figs and return to the caravan. Our master has said that he wants to continue soon."
"That I heard," Miranda said blushing and moved to get up from underneath the guard, "But I am no lady. I am a slave too, like you. This is my mistress, and this is her guard. You sit down and rest and eat, and let us get the fruit for you."
"You are no slave," the man shook his head, "He guarded you too, he would not do that if you were one. You must be at least a fine lady, or even a princess. Your clothes certainly indicate some kind of royalty." He pointed at Miranda who wore one of Liv's gowns to emphasize his point. "But thank you for your kindness, milady, we are happy to accept."
Miranda blushed even more and looked to the ground; it was true, the dress she wore made her look just as much royalty as Liv did, maybe even more so because of her pale skin and golden hair. Looking up again she smiled shyly and got some of the smoked fish from the carriage along with an amphora of whine which she offered to the slaves who took it and hungrily started eating.
"You rest now, and we will get the fruit for you," Miranda said softly and took the basket that the slaves had brought with them, "Only please try to stay quiet so our being here won't be noticed."
"Do not worry, we will not utter a word," the younger of the slaves said softly and bit into the unleavened bread that Liv silently offered him before she turned to join Miranda.
Liv started to follow Miranda but stopped. She looked at one of the men; his hands were trembling so bad he could hardly hold the fish. She dropped to her knees in front of him and took his hands gently in hers. "Let me help you," she offered. He looked at her surprised as she offered help but simply smiled as he felt her soft hands touching his rough skin.
She looked over to Miranda, worry in her eyes. "Nakhti," she said without looking at him. "Will you please make sure our new friends get plenty to eat and drink?"
"Of course," he replied as he knelt and replaced Liv's hands with his. "Eat up my brothers," he said as Liv got to her feet to follow Miranda.
"Don't worry, we will return soon. Enjoy your meal," she said softly to them as she leaned down and lightly cupped the two men's cheeks in her hands. "Look after them Nakhti," she said as she turned and followed her love.
"The way they are treated is horrible," Liv whispered to Miranda after they were out of earshot of the slaves. "If it would not risk blowing our cover I would buy them and take them with us," she said, worry in her voice.
Miranda nodded and looked at Liv, her eyes wet with tears. "I know my love, and under other circumstances I would agree with you. But I think I recognized the merchant's voice, and if he is who I think he is, then we must make sure he won't know about us, at any costs. Most slave traders don't treat their slaves too well, but he's the worst," Miranda went on sadly as she started picking dates from a narrow tree, "I've heard bad stories about him, even my old master hated him with a passion. He is not welcome amongst the decent slave traders, which is why his caravan is traveling off the usual tracks."
With wide eyes the slaves watched the interaction between the three young people as they ate slowly. The food was good, fresh and tasteful, unlike the rotten bread and foul water they usually got. "Who is the slave and who the master?" the younger said quietly to his partner, "Can you tell the difference?"
"It's not on us to judge that, my friend," the other said, "But I honestly don't care. Look how they are treating us. This is the first proper meal in almost a month. How can we ever thank you?" he asked Nakhti and gratefully let the guard hold the amphora to his mouth for a drink.
Liv reached out and wiped Miranda's cheeks free of tears. This news of how some slaves were treated upset her greatly. "I will find out for sure who their master is and one day..." her voice trailed off. What was she thinking? She couldn't even free Miranda. Not with her father as ruler. Liv fell silent and set to picking dates.
"No need to repay us my brother," Nakhti replied as he lowered the amphora from the man's mouth and smiled at the two.
"If you ever need any help, just let us know," the man said with a thankful smile and put his hand on Nakhti's lower arm, "It's fairly easy, you know, any slave, no matter if they are stationed with one master or are on a caravan like ourselves will know how to pass the message on to us. Just tell them that it's a message for Seth of Corse, and they will make sure it reaches me."
Miranda stopped picking the dates and turned around to put her hands on Liv's shoulders, knowing what was on her love's mind. "One day, we will be able to help them, you will see. Have faith in the Deities, my love," she said softly and kissed Liv on the lips, "But for now let's see to it that we can help them with the means we have at our hands; like feeding them and doing their work as we do. I also noticed they had rather shabby clothes; maybe we can hide an amphora with some wine and a bag with some dried fish and alligator meat in the cutting of their tunics."
"I will remember that," Nakhti said, patting the man on the shoulder. We may need help before this is over, he thought to himself.
Turning Liv looked into Miranda’s eyes. My love... you mean more to me than my own life. One day I will free you and you will be free to do whatever you wish, she thought as she took in the other woman's beauty, wiping her own cheeks free of the tears that had just trickled down. "You are right," she sniffed. "We could hide food in their tunics for them to have later. I would love to help them any way I can."
Miranda smiled and placed her hand over Liv's on her cheek. "Come on, let us finish quickly and get some figs too; we have to return soon, or their guards will come looking for them." With that she let go of Liv and moved to the fig trees nearby and started picking the fruit. After a few more minutes the baskets were full and they returned to their hiding spot.
"There you go," Miranda said and put her basket on the ground as she sat down next to the younger of the slaves. "Do you always wear the same clothes?" she asked him.
"That is a lot you collected there!" the slave replied with bulging eyes, then he stopped and looked at Miranda and Liv questioningly. "Yes, we do, but why?"
"Because we want to give you some more food and wine for the road," Miranda said and got up again, getting needle and thread as well as two small corked jugs and two small bags with dried meat and fish from the carriage, "Now, I will sew an amphora and a bag full of food each into your lining."
Seth, the older slave startled. "Why are you doing all this for us? We are only slaves, why do you risk your lives for us?" Miranda smiled and set out to her task, sewing the amphora into the folds of his much-too-large tunic so that no one could see it, then she moved over to the other side and did the same to the little bag which was bulging with food.
"As I said, I am a slave myself," Miranda said and turned around slightly so that she was with her back to them. As she pushed her hair aside they could see on her nape, just below her hairline, a hand branded into her skin - the symbol of slaves. The mark elicited gasps of surprise from the other four - even Liv hadn't known about the brand as Miranda had always made sure to hide it as well as she could. "I know how hard life as a slave is. I am lucky enough to be treated well by my mistress now, but I still remember the time when I was still on a caravan like yours," she said and resumed her task, sewing the second amphora and bag into the tunic of Seth's friend now. "It's the least I can do to help make your life a little easier, if only for a few days." She looked over to Liv. "When we were picking the fruit, my mistress said that she'd love to buy you, but..."
"Don't worry about us," Seth said and put his hand on Miranda's, "You have made our life easier for more than just a few days, believe me. Seeing you and your mistress, how well you are treated gives us a hope that no one can take away again from us. And for this, we will forever be grateful. But now, we have to go back, or the guards will come looking for us."
"Do not worry that we will give you away," his partner said, "Your secret is safe with us." They got up and held their hands out to Miranda. "Thank you again, and if you ever need our help, or any slave's - Nakhti knows how to reach us."
"Farewell, my friends," Miranda said and hugged the two men, "And thank you too. May the Deities watch over you."
Liv also bid her farewells to the two slaves then turned to Miranda, pulling her hair to the side so she could examine the mark. "I never knew about this my love," she said softly as she ran her fingers slowly across it.
After spying through the bushes and watching the slaves return to their master, Nakhti turned and headed for the carriage, leaving the two women alone. He was sure that they would not be found now and was in dire need of rest.
"All slaves have such a brand," Miranda said softly, shivering slightly as the gentle touch seemed to set her skin on fire; she turned around again to look into Liv's eyes. "Normally they are branded in a more obvious spot, to make sure the slavery status is noticed at once. Seth had his brand on his chest, and his friend had his on his wrist. The merchant who branded me however decided that I was more valuable if my skin appeared unharmed."
Miranda watched the caravan leave the oasis a little longer, her heart jumping with joy at the smiles spreading amongst the slaves. "We have given them hope, my love," she said and kissed Liv, "We will stay hidden a little longer, in case they have forgotten something and come back. And now let's look after Nakhti; he must be really exhausted now after all that just happened." She turned around to find Nakhti gone. "Where is he?" Miranda asked with a slight panic in her voice.
Liv shared in Miranda’s excitement, but that was to be short lived for when they turned, Nakhti was nowhere to be seen. “I don’t know, he was just here," she said looking around as worry began to creep over her.
Making their way to the carriage they rounded the back of it and there was he was, sitting on the ground leaning against the wheel; sweating profusely and shivering, his eyes closed.
"Nakhti!" Liv exclaimed as she rushed to him and dropped to the ground, worry clearly visible on her face as she looked at Miranda.
At Liv's exclamation, Miranda quickly rushed to Nakhti's side too and dropped on her knees beside him. As she felt his forehead she found it burning. "Oh no," Miranda whispered and looked up at Liv, unable to hide the worry that this unexpected turn of events caused her, "Liv, get me a blanket and the little bag with the herbs, quickly!" she ordered, completely oblivious to her commanding tone. As Liv jumped up to do as Miranda had asked, the golden haired slave girl had already turned her attention back to the man leaning against the carriage. "No, Nakhti, don't!" she said sharply as the guard threatened to pass out, "Don't pass out on me now! I will help you, but I need you to stay awake at least for a little longer. Please, Nakhti, I will lay you down now, but you have to help me. You're too heavy for me to do this on my own."
Nakhti opened his mouth to speak but nodded instead as he shifted and leaned into Miranda's guiding arms as she laid him back on the ground.
Liv quickly climbed in the carriage and grabbed the blanket. She began looking frantically for the herbs. Where is it, where is it? she was becoming frantic looking for it. At last she found it and breathed a sigh of relief.
Pausing as she exited the carriage she watched Miranda gently lower Nakhti to a laying position before racing back to them. "Here they are my love," Liv said, falling to her knees. She handed the bag to Miranda and unfolded the blanket, covering Nakhti with it. "What’s wrong with him?" she asked Miranda as she lightly stroked Nakhti’s cheek.
"Thank you, my love. It was just too much stress," Miranda said softly as she covered Nakhti with the blanket and looked through the bag of herbs, fishing out a small branch. "I believe we still have some hot water," she said to Liv, "Put some of it into a pot and drop this in, please. This will help drop the fever."
Miranda brushed her hand over Nakhti's forehead to feel the temperature again. It was still very high, still it had already dropped noticeably; this fact reassured Miranda and helped her calm down and gather her thoughts. The herb extract Liv was preparing just a few feet away would help break the fever for good... "Don't worry, my friend, you will be alright. I promise," she added and leant forward to kiss his cheek.
Nakhti smiled up at Miranda as Liv prepared the extract. "Thank you my angel," he said touching her soft cheek before the world went dark.