Looking From Afar

Chapter one: Khentkhety

The air was thick with the smell of smoke and flowers as dark figures danced in elegant sweeping motions. They skated around a large fire, bellowing smoke which partially obscured the ever expanding star lit sky. Today was Khentkhety, the festival of the valley. Celebrating a new moon was a highly regarded occasion, and the Nara would never let is pass without a celebration. Swathes of bright colours seemed to merge together as smoke and dancer entwined themselves with the night and flitting notes of pipes and drums accompanied the stamping feet for dancers to make a rhythm that ran across the dessert, calling to the great Luna with all their power.

Yet as beautiful as the night dance was, there was one sight that caught the majority of eyes. A repetitive flash of blue amongst the large group of swaying dancers continued to catch the attention of many of the surrounding crowd. Despite the efforts of other girls, Tia would forever be the centre of attention. Her dancing was beyond measure and she stood out like a candle in darkness. Her long black hair was delicately decorated with ribbons and small blue stones, which flung out as she twirled in ecstasy, her eyes gleaming with youth and excitement. Her turquoise dress was (like the majority of the other gypsies ) fabricated from discarded material rags and shreds of a similar colour, yet somehow it seemed to look royal on her. This is was a fitting description as she was indeed royalty among her people. Amongst the Nara gypsies there was little conflict due to the just rulers within their community. Although they all considered one another brothers, the Nartain family were undoubtedly royal. With Arron Nartain being their king, the Nara were content to continue their lives under his command. Arron would see over every man, woman and child who lived in his clan and dispute is best efforts, tried to share all the riches they could keep between them so that no person or persons should ever starve. However, there was one thing none of them could control. SETI I. The emporia who ruled over their land, who had marked them as common folk and forbid them to live in his precious palace. They were granted access to the protection of the kingdoms walls. But that was all. Every day night was spent in fear of what the reckless ruler would declare next, raised taxes? More child slaves? Increased Food collections? It was the sole burden in Arron's life, and he alone would have to bare it. Tia was one of the few people in his life that bought him happiness, and tonight he would attempt to forget his woes and enjoy her dance as the others would.

It was on this night however, that Arron and his wife Amisi could not forget and they looked upon their daughter with concerned eyes. Tonight would mark seven days before her eighteenth birthday. It was a large event in the year, one which so many of the Nara were particularly looking forward too. They adored their princess and dispute her youth, all could see she would one day make a true queen for their race. It was written in her brow, the way she walked, her authoritative voice and keen mind. It was in her blood. Or so they thought. Arron knew different, but he would procrastinate until the very last moment to tell her of her undeniable fate.

"Tia!" He bellowed, from the red and yellow tent that he had chosen to spend his evening in.

Tia spun around to face him from within the ever growing crowd of dancers. Seeing his face she beamed at him before skipping out of the gaggle of moving bodies.

"Father you really must join us! The light of the moon, the scent of flowers and joy of living! I am quite surprised you can resist!" She trilled.

Arron hooted with laughter at her energy.

"My dear Tia, resisting such animated activities such of dancing is quite resistible once you reach my age, I assure you. "

"Very well, but pray tell why you must drag me away from such a glorious evening?" She pleaded.

"I think you have danced enough this evening my dear. Why not sit and watch for a while? You may join them again later. But for now, fill your expectations and show your maturity."

"You think it immature to dance father?" Tia challenged, knowing very well why her father really wanted her to leave the pack of young girls.

"Far from that Tia, but I think you should share your attention amongst all your people tonight."

Huffing in defeat, Tia took a seat beside her mother and watched the nights events unfold, blissfully unaware of the familiar pair of eyes watching her from palace balcony, eyes she had never met before.