| Where there was darkness, flickers of light shone in the prism of deep set eyes. He seldom spoke, but when he did, was listened to by ears of languish. Soaking wet, Iman Alirah emerged up the marble steps silently, eyes remaining on each stone until he stepped inside the Temple. Saref stood by the entrance, astonished. "Our guest is in the back?" He turned to Saref. "Come with me." Saref followed wordlessly behind him. The doctor kneeled by the girl, covering her in clean sheets when he looked up to see Iman Alirah standing by the entrance. He bowed his head and uttered a greeting prayer. "How is she?" Alirah spoke softly, kneeling down next to the doctor. "I did the best I could, your Grace. She has lost a lot of blood..." "She will be alright," he responded, placing a hand over the girl's forehead. "She needs to rest now." The girl's eyes slowly opened and gazed back weakly at the Master. "Aphra, daughter of Nashwa and Jahid," he whispered. "Your journey has been long and arduous." Tears pooled in the girl's eyes, her mouth opened but no words were spoken. His hands clasped her pale ones as he nodded. "Welcome home." ~~~ As days passed, slowly Aphra's health recovered. The color once more returned to her face. Two weeks after she first arrived, she was able to walk and made her way slowly down to the fountains once more. She dipped her hand into the cool waters and ran them back and forth, watching the ripples play off her palm. "How are you feeling?" Saref asked, walking toward her. She looked up and smiled shyly. "Better, thank you." "Good. Tonight you will join us for a feast, then after, Iman Alirah would like to see you." He filled up a basin of water, and nodded before turning away and heading back inside the Temple. Her eyes followed his shadow as he left before returning her attention back to the water. Water... she thought. Where the roads are blocked, water always forges a new way. Many questions went unanswered for Saref during the weeks of Aphra's recovery. He wondered about her origins and the connection she bore to Iman Alirah, how she made her way to their Temple in the dire state she was in, and what her fate would be after she recovered. He hoped perhaps the Master would help understand, but their interactions were limited and focused on other issues. That evening however, after the feast, he was summoned into the chambers of his Master. Sheepskin and beautifully handwoven rugs covered the floors of Iman Alirah's room. "Come in, Saref." He waved him closer. "Sit down." Saref entered the chambers with tea and dates, and placed the tray in front of Iman. They sipped their tea and exchanged silence for quite some time it seemed to Saref before Iman Alirah spoke. "I understand our guest has survived severe physical trauma to her womb." Saref nodded. "Yes, the doctor informed me she has recently been pregnant, before having the baby cut out of her." "Yes," Iman replied softly. "She has suffered greatly." Saref looked up. Iman's eyes shone while speaking to him. The intensity of those dark eyes always shook Saref into the very marrow of his bones, even after twenty years, his master's gaze always affected him as if it were the first time. He opened his mouth to inquire about the origins of the girl, but found himself unable to, and closed his mouth after moment's hesitation. Iman smiled. "Send the girl in now." |
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