four
.
The group in the tomb is stymied in their efforts to justify which panel should be chosen to pry off. Christen is frustrated because they can’t find anything obvious about the seventh panel and she feels Tobin had given her the clue. She needs something more than a hunch to insist on removing that panel right now. Asim suggests using a side scanner to try and see if there are any voids behind the wall. They decide to break for lunch and get a status report of the students’ work before returning to make another attempt.
As Christen sits in the back seat on the way to camp, Tobin is on her mind, wondering what they will discuss when she sees her later. She looks out the window, feeling mentally drained from her morning’s work. The heat just saps all of your energy. Even being down deep within the tomb, the hot air gets stifling. Even with a fan. She looks forward to taking a nap for a little bit before going back to work later this afternoon.
“Something is off with these panels,” Brigid states, when the group straggles into the mess hall. “I cannot put my finger on it,” she explains, “but something is different on those from any others I’ve seen.”
“You look beat,” Mark observes as he looks at the sweaty group entering the mess hall.
“It’s hot down there,” Christen says tiredly.
“Why don’t we eat,” Shani suggests, “and you guys can take showers and relax and then we can review what we’ve found so far before you leave for your second session.”
“Sounds good to me,” Jurgen nods aggressively, “I could eat my camera I’m so hungry.”
Christen feels better while she sits and eats. She can feel herself relax and after her third water and makes a note to herself to make it point to drink more water while she’s down at the tomb. They’ve placed portable toilets outside the entrance so if she had to pee, she could go there and not all the way back to camp. Maybe that’s why she has a slight headache, she’s slightly dehydrated. She finishes eating and with the promise to be quick, she leaves the group to return to her tent and prepare to take a shower.
“The algorithms show nothing,” Mark reports, “at least, nothing I can figure out,”
Christen hums as she looks at the screens, the images of the panels on them. “Hey Jurgen?” she questions, gesturing for him to come close, “Is it possible for each screen to show one panel and you can place the overlay of the seams on it?”
“Can do,” he replies, “Shani, Hasani, will you help me?” he asks and the three move off to his table where his computer is. He directs them to line up all of the monitors side by side while he prepares the images.
“Are you thinking there may be a message on the line above or below each seem?” Vero questions shrewdly, her arms crossed as she looks at one of the screens.
Christen shrugs, “It’s possible,” she says, “maybe a hidden message revealing which panel is the opening.”
“Very clever,” Asim praises, “it will be interesting to see what they’ve written on those lines.”
Dakarai chuckles, “Ari will be sore he’s missing this,”
“Ah,” Ziyad shrugs, “he’ll be back tomorrow,” he states, “plus he’ll have the permits.”
“I just have a feeling it’s the seventh panel,” Christen murmurs. She looks over as Jurgen is carrying his monitor over to the main table while Hasani clears space for it. “What can we do to help?”
“Let’s get these all lined up?” Jurgen requests and immediately they all move to assist him. Minutes later, Jurgen sends the overlay to the other units and the students pull up the new images for viewing. They all huddle around the monitors, trying to read the highlighted line above the seam. Shani looks over her shoulder and sees Christen looking on with an amused grin.
“You should be here,” she insists, pulling the center chair out so she can sit in front of the screen.
Christen shakes her head, “Why don’t you each interpret the lines above and below the seam,” she suggests, “and I will as well and we’ll see what theories we can come up with.” She retrieves a bottle of water, intent on staying hydrated and pulls her notebook from her backpack and patiently waits for them to finish.
“A whiteboard would be wonderful right now,” Christen sighs to herself as she waits for the printer to spit out the final document. When in the field, technology isn’t always at your disposal, she reminds herself grinning a little, ya gotta make do. She’s using this as a critical thinking lesson for the students because she truly wants them involved in each aspect of the expedition and also because the more eyes on this, the better chance they have of finding an answer. She still believes panel number seven is the one, simply by what Tobin shared with her. In reality, a gut instinct isn’t going to be enough to convince Ari. She needs some form of evidence, at least something that would tenuously point in that direction.
Quickly she handwrites the sentence in English of each line above the hieroglyphics, showing the interpretation on the horizontal 11” x 17” enlargements. Then she instructs the students to minimize the images on the computers and tapes each sheet at the top of each monitor. It will have to do.
“Maybe try looking at the first word of each sentence,” she suggests, “or a spiraling pattern,”
Christen finds a chair and gets comfortable, holding her notebook in hand. She sips her fresh water, as her eyes roam across the papers. Nothing jumps out at her quickly, none of the heiroglyphs on the lines give an immediate clue. The subject matter isn't suspicious and she can't determine if any of the words are forming an underlying message.
Hours pass yet it feels like minutes when the dinner service begins. Christen is roused from her reading, she had gone to her tent to retrieve one of the books she had brought about Zahi Hawass’ prior work in the Valley of the Kings, hoping to glean some insight on his interpretation of panels in other tombs. He had shared some of the unique methods the workers used to hide clues in panels and make secret messages.
As they eat dinner, Asim reports that the results from their scan in the tomb were inconclusive. He points out that the side sonar only has the capability to read up to three feet thick due to the density of the rock, so there is the possibility something could be there. History has shown that the ancients had filled passageways with bricks and blocks to deter grave robbers. He states the top foot of the seventh panel does show something, not a complete void, but an inconclusive blur. It’s a blow to her hopes but Christen still stands firm that there is another corridor or tomb down there. Especially knowing what Tobin shared with her. She just needs to find a way to justify the dig. Just something, a sliver of a concrete clue to convince Ari to proceed.
Nothing comes to her after dinner, even with the three glasses wine she consumed. She’s a little tipsy when she saunters back to her tent with Vero insisting on walking her. The woman has been subtly trying to get her alone and Christen has been pretty successful in fending off her quiet advances until now. The two are walking in the darkness and Vero keeps bumping her shoulder as they walk. They are only a few feet away from Christen’s tent when Vero suddenly stops in her tracks.
“Christen, I like you,” she states, “and I think you like me,”
“Oh, Vero,” Christen shakes her head, trying to be as kind as she can, “you are a wonderful person,” she says genuinely because she means it, “I don’t get involved with anyone on expeditions or who are students. I just can’t.”
Vero gives her a sly grin, “Can’t or won’t?” she asks.
“Both,” Christen states firmly, being a bit more bold than she usually is, perhaps due to the wine.
“Even if I come to Stanford next semester to complete my doctoral?” her grin grows wider.
“Please don’t even consider doing that because of me,” she shakes her head and chuckles, “it will never happen.” She knows it won’t happen because she’s one of the instructors who reads the applications for the program. Vero’s name hasn’t been submitted before the deadline for next semester.
Vero chuckles, “Worth a shot,” she shakes her head. “Goodnight, Christen,” she steps closer and Christen steps back, looking over her shoulder to see a figure in the darkness. She straightens up as she looks.
“What’s wrong?” Vero turns to look out at the desert. She faces Christen, “You alright?”
“Yes,” she nods, stepping onto the porch and opening her door, “goodnight.” She enters her tent, blindly feeling her way to the desk to snap on the light and set her backpack down and moving directly to the screen of the window, hoping to see Tobin out there in the desert. She’s disappointed when she doesn’t as she scans the area lowly lit by the moonlight. As she stands there looking and hoping for a glimpse of Tobin, she removes her hair from the bun she had put it in earlier after her shower this afternoon, shaking out the wild curls that spring from it. When she turns away, her hand flies to her chest as she gasps seeing Tobin in the dim light sitting at the table.
“Oh!” she breathes out, her heart pounding in her chest. “You startled me,” she states in Coptic with wide eyes.
”It was not my intention, Tobin says apologetically, half rising from the chair, looking alarmed, ”please forgive me,”
Affection surges through Christen’s body, “Of course,” she smiles broadly, ”you are welcome here.”
Tobin returns her bright smile as she lowers herself back down.
”Would you mind if I change out these clothes? I have been in them all day,” Christen asks, walking to the wardrobe. ”You can stay here, I do not mind,” she adds, secretly hoping she would stay. She doesn’t want her to leave, she can’t explain this strong urge she has to be around her.
”As you wish,” is the low reply, that sounds slightly shaky to Christen, maybe even a little nervous.
Christen grins to herself, wondering why in the world she’s trying to show off in front of Tobin. She’s a ghost or a spirit, there’s no way she should be feeling what she’s feeling towards her. Especially after only knowing her for three days. But if she’s somehow her soulmate, she considers, this would all make sense to be feeling this. She glances over to see Tobin looking down at the table, intentionally keeping her head down. She slowly unbuttons her shirt, shrugging it off and placing it in her laundry bag. She turns and looks into the mirror on the inside of the wardrobe door and sees Tobin staring at her. She holds her gaze as she removes her bra and takes her time selecting her sleep shirt before she slowly sliding it on. Just as slowly she discards her pants and puts on loose boxers. When she faces Tobin again and walks across the tent to retrieve two water bottles from the case near the door and sits at the table, she grins when see realizes Tobin is blushing furiously. She finds it endearing and feels desired by the effect she has on her.
”Hello,” she greets her, offering her a water bottle, ”I am not certain you can drink?”
Tobin smiles and accepts the bottle. ”I can. What is this?” she examines the bottle curiously.
”It is water,”she explains, ”it is safe to drink.”
Tobin watches carefully as Christen twists the cap off and removes it. She slowly repeats her action and sets the cap on the table. She watches as Christen demonstrates taking a sip.
Tobin grips the bottle too hard, squeezing it and some water overflows, startling her.
”Just hold it gently,” Christen nods with a smile. Tobin nods and tries again, bringing the bottle to her lips and taking a drink. She sets the bottle down and smiles at her.
”It is delicious,” she nods, clearly impressed. ”Is this from the mighty Nile?”
Christen shakes her head, ”It is not. The Nile water is not safe to drink.”
Tobin nods with understanding and a smile, ”That is why we consumed beer.”
Christen smiles and then turns serious, ”I want to know if our being here in the tomb has disrupted your time in the Field of Reeds,”
Tobin suddenly turns nervous, ”I do not know,” she replies, ”I was told to return.”
Christen feels Tobin may not be telling her the whole truth. She lets it slide right now. Instead, she pulls her chair closer to the table and sits upright facing the woman. Once again, Tobin mimics her movements, even how she interlocks her fingers and rests her elbows on the table. She looks at her expectantly, as if she is pleased to finally have some uninterrupted time to speak with her.
”Will you tell me about your life? How you came to be nurse to Pharaoh Hatshepsut?” Christen asks, making sure to add the title of respect for her leader.
Tobin nods, ”I was born to a family of privilege,” she begins, her voice low and steady, ”My father was a doctor and his father was a doctor as well. I was the third child born of the family. My two older sisters died when I was ten. There had been a sickness and my Father could not save them. Somehow, my Mother, myself and my younger brother were spared.”
“My Father’s Father served as personal physician to Amenhotep. My Father served Thutmose the First. After my sisters died, I vowed to learn to ways of the doctor and begged my Father to teach me. He did. He saw I was a serious student. Thutmose the First was a kind ruler and he was generous to my Father. I accompanied him often to the see Pharaoh. As my schooling progressed, I had many of the same tutors as Hatshepsut. We became friendly while we pursued our studies.”
“When I reached adulthood, my Father proclaimed I was a doctor and his associates would test me about diseases and sicknesses and how to set bones and heal wounds. They tested me often and found me to be just as skilled as other male students. It made sense I should care for females. Nurse was the term they used, yet I was a female doctor. It had not been accepted as yet, though I received the blessing of Pharaoh Thutmose the First. He was a shrewd man and thought of the future.”
“I was ordered to attend to Pharaoh’s wife, Ahmose and their daughter, Hatshepsut. Hatshepsut was a sickly young woman although she possessed great beauty and strength and did not look ill. I spent much time with her, studying her symptoms and finding the best treatment for her.” Tobin pauses and takes a sip of water. Her eyes shine with affection when she speaks of Hatshepsut.
Christen is mesmerized by Tobin’s tale. ”Please, continue,” she urges.
Tobin nods, ”Over time, Hatshepsut would claim I was her greatest friend and we would socialize together. It was accepted because of my family’s status in the city. We spent much time together, often discussing politics and how to make improvements in our society. She was interested in my work and would often ask her Father to introduce me to physicians from other provinces so we could discuss treatments for injuries and illnesses. It improved my abilities greatly and I was grateful for that. Hatshepsut’s health improved and Thutmose the First was very pleased. He titled me official Nurse and I received my name Sitre In.” Tobin licks her lips and drinks again. Christen was aware of how bright Tobin’s eyes were as she spoke of Hatshepsut and she feels maybe there was something more to the story. That they possibly had something more than just a friendship. But then she feels the energy shift and sees how Tobin’s posture changes and she looks sad.
”Hatshepsut was courted by Thutmose the Younger as it was expected and they married. Soon she bore a child, a daughter, Neferure. She was unable to carry to term after that, suffering two lost children. Her heart broke. Thutmose the Younger took on Iset as a second wife who bore Thutmose the Third shortly after. As was the way, Hatshepsut raised the boy along with his Father, teaching him how to be a leader. Hatshepsut was sick with grief when Thutmose the Younger died from a grave disease that mottled his skin. No doctor in the land could heal him and the country was in mourning.”
“Hatshepsut insisted to rule, she was very capable and her time at the throne allowed our people to prosper through trades and peacefully acquiring new lands and crops. Unfortunately, she too fell ill. Her skin was dry and would itch terribly. I learned of a salve that reduced her symptoms and she found relief. She suffered with periods of malaise and fatigue often. When I could convince her to eat, she felt better. There was a complex issue with her diet and how her body responded was perplexing.” Tobin looks down at her hands, her face showing sadness and frustration. ”She was sensitive to foods yet when she was very confused in the mornings, something sweet would help her recover and become aware. It had been that way since her youth and had only gotten worse as she grew older. I wrote many a letter to doctors in far off lands explaining the symptoms and seeking a successful course of action. There was none.”
Tobin’s face falls with deep sorrow. She stares at the water bottle for minute before speaking again. ”She complained of pain in her joints and had trouble walking. Her hip was painful to touch. Her symptoms changed and she too became covered with scaly skin that would itch terribly, like her husband had. I found success with a special blend of medicines to sooth the itch, yet she grew weaker. Her stomach became larger and appeared she suffered with an enlarged organ in her body by her hip. Possibly from her troubles with having babies. She agreed to surgery, yet I couldn’t remove the large mass. It was tangled with many organs within her and I feared if I cut it, it would release its sickness through her whole body. I wrote again to the doctors in far off lands, asking for treatment options and tried some. The tumor grew. Finally, Hatshepsut told me to stop trying to heal her and just keep her comfortable and free from pain. She was ready to move on to her next life and Thutmose the Third was of age to rule. I agreed with a heavy heart. Her teeth went bad and she asked I remove one. After I removed the tooth, she refused to eat and days later went to sleep. She never woke.” Tobin’s voice trembled and she looked away to wipe at her eyes.
Christen could see Tobin’s grief as she spoke about Hatshepsut. ”I am very sorry your loss. She sounded like a wonderful person and friend. You went to great lengths to keep her alive. We know now that she did have a very serious sickness. It’s a sickness we still have today and doctors can not always save their patients who have it. It is called cancer. Also, the diet issue you spoke of sounds like a condition called diabetes that can be very difficult to treat without specialized medication.”
Christen impulsively reaches across the table to grasp Tobin’s hands, ”You did everything you could with what was available to you,” she finishes earnestly, seeing Tobin’s eyes water at her words. Tobin holds her gaze while tears fall from her eyes. Christen is overwhelmed with how beautiful the woman looks even in this deep grief she is feeling. She can’t get over this powerful connection she feels towards her, she doesn’t understand it. Right now, all she wants is to comfort her. She makes the decision not to share Hatshepsut’s cause of death. She feels it would destroy Tobin in this delicate state.
Tobin nods slowly and bites her lower lip, looking away as she blinks back her tears. Christen watches as Tobin’s chin quivers for a moment and then she takes a few deep breaths. She looks back at Christen and gives her a sad smile. ”Thank you,” she says, her voice shaky, ”I did not realize how comforting your words you would be. You are so kind to share that with me.”
Christen squeezes her hands once more, ”You did the best you could with what you had available to at the time,” she repeats heartfully, ”please do not doubt yourself. You did everything you possibly could.”
They simply stare at each other for the next two minutes. Christen breaks first, when she notices Tobin shiver slightly. ”Are you cold?” she asks attentively, releasing Tobin’s hands and rising from her chair. She lifts her fleece jacket from the back of her chair and brings it around to Tobin. Tenderly, she drapes it over Tobin’s shoulders, leaning in close and rubbing her hands along Tobin’s arms. Tobin looks up at her and smiles appreciatively, ”Thank you,”
Christen moves her hands and squeezes Tobin’s shoulders before moving to sit back down.
”Tobin,” Christen begins, her voice laced with concern, ”Are you here to impede our work because the Gods are angry with us?”
Tobin twists her mouth, trying to hide her amusement and then clears the throat she shakes her head, ”No,”
”I thought you were upset about your possessions being taken away for study or to be placed in museums,” Christen is confused.
”Once the prayers are read from the Book of the Dead,” Tobin states quietly, ”we are on our path in the Underworld. We have everything we need. I do not believe anything you are doing here is harmful to my people,” She gives her a shrug and a rueful smile, "Who knew that our possessions were not needed in the Afterlife?"
Christen considers her answer for a minute before tilting her head and looking at her, perplexed. ”Then… why are you here?”
Tobin searches her eyes before she licks her lips and nods, ”To assist you,” she simply states.
Christen’s eyes widen with that, unsure of what to say. She heard the honesty in Tobin’s voice and sees it in her eyes.
”What progress have you made today?” Tobin inquires, indicating she’d like to change the subject.
Christen honors her silent request, tucking a leg under as she shifts in her seat. ”Well,” she begins, ”we’re reviewing the panels still. We’ve discovered they are constructed from two pieces of limestone, so we are focusing on the lines written above or below the seams for any clues.”
Tobin gives her a mysterious smirk, ”And have you found any clues?” she inquires. Christen shakes her head and covers her mouth as she yawns and Tobin stands.
”There is a saying of my people,” Tobin states, ”that the path to paradise is paved with gold.”
”Interesting,” Christen murmurs tiredly and stands as well, stepping forward to stand before her. ”May I embrace you?” she asks, not knowing if there is a word for hug.
Tobin smiles and spread her arms wide, welcoming her as Christen steps against her. It’s not a typical goodbye hug. It’s not just an affectionate hug. It’s intimate. There’s something deep in this hug and Christen is feeling it immensely. She’s enveloped in warmth, not just from Tobin’s radiating body heat, but from emotion as well. She feels safe. She feels a comfort and safety like she hasn’t ever before, yet it seems familiar. It’s as if each time she’s in Tobin’s presence, her feelings for the woman grow deeper.
Tobin releases her first, stepping back handing her back her fleece. ”Goodnight,” she smiles.
Christen walks with her to the door. It’s on the tip of her tongue to ask her to stay, but she refrains, unsure of where they stand. Tobin gives her a look and Christen sees a longing in her eyes, as if she doesn’t want to leave her and was just being polite. Christen decides to take the chance.
”Stay?” she asks in a breathless rush, taking hold of Tobin’s arm.
Tobin looks at her, a slow smile spreading across her face, letting out a happy sigh as she nods. Christen slides her hand down from Tobin’s arm to link their fingers and leads her to the bed. ”I must go for a moment,” Christen says, unable to remember how to convey she needs to pee, ”I will return in three minutes,”
Tobin simply nods, ”I will wait here,”
Christen grabs her shower caddy and after a quick visit to the bathroom tent, where she hurriedly performs an abbreviated version of her nightly ritual, she returns to her tent. She finds Tobin still at the table, studying her pen, clicking it repeatedly. Christen smiles and sets her caddy in the wardrobe and then stands next to her at the table. She pulls her notebook from her pack and opens it to a page in the back.
”It is a writing instrument,” she explains quietly, ”stroke the paper with it.” She sets her hand on Tobin’s shoulder, watching as she slowly makes a line of black on the paper and hears her softly gasp. Tobin looks up at her quickly, her eyes shining with excitement. She looks back down and begins making broad strokes on the paper.
”Do you like to draw?”
Tobin nods, ”It was my favorite hobby,” she nods quickly, ”along with painting. I do not know why I have not thought to do this in so long,” she says quietly, mostly to herself Christen thinks.
She how much Tobin is enjoying herself, Christen gets an idea. She walks over to her second suitcase and kneels on the floor, sorting through items until she finds what she’s looking for. She returns to the table and sets down a sketchbook and a pack of pencils and pens.
”You are welcome to use these any time you would like to,” she offers warmly.
Tobin looks up to see the book and looks at Christen as she slowly reaches for it, a shy smile on her face. She opens the book, turning the blank pages and then rubbing a corner between her fingers. She pushes her chair back from the table, standing and hugging Christen, ”You are so kind to me,” she says, her voice filled with emotion, ”thank you.
Christen breathes deeply as she feels Tobin hold her close and lets her hands run up and down her strong back. ”You are very welcome,” she replies. They sit back down and Christen explains to use the pencils, showing her how they shade the paper. She instructs her on how to use the pencil sharpener and invites her to come to her tent whenever she would like to draw.
When Christen yawns again, Tobin stands and takes her hand and leads her to the bed. ”You must sleep,” she murmurs to her, drawing down the thin cover and gesturing for her to lie down. Christen keeps hold of her hand and smiles warmly as she gives her a tug and Tobin follows her, watching her with interest as she shuts off the lights and returns to the bed. Tobin chuckles as she lies down next to her. They instantly draw near to each other, fitting together perfectly.
Christen feels a content and relaxed and safe in Tobin’s arms and her final thought before sleep takes over is the thought of if this is how you feel once you’ve found your soulmate.
XXXX
May 18th
She wakes on day four with the gold on her mind, Tobin’s words echoing in her mind. Tobin is gone when she opens her eyes and she’s disappointed but not very surprised. Her instinct tells her Tobin was being thoughtful by leaving before she awoke since she is working and Tobin probably didn’t want to interfere with her morning. It’s a strange sixth sense that’s developed and she’s positive it’s because Tobin, even under these unusual and pretty insane circumstances, is her soulmate. She doesn’t understand what this means, since Tobin feels real, solid like a living human being, yet she’s certainly from another time. Like nearly three thousand years ago. Before she spirals into a confusing and slightly depressing mood, she leaves her bed to prepare for the day.
Hastily she dresses, throwing on yesterday’s pants and a fresh shirt before trotting to the mess hall. She greets the group distractedly, immediately searching for the printed copies of the panels with the seam overlays. She flips through the pages and pulls out the seventh panel, her eyes scanning it.
“That’s it,” she murmurs, looking on the desk and finding a red pen. She circles the image.
“What is it?” Shani asks, making her jump. The group is standing around her and Christen had no clue since she was so focused.
“Gold,” she announces, holding up the paper. “This panel has the only mention of gold on the whole wall. It is on the seventh panel.” She explains, giving a head nod to Ari as he enters the mess hall. “What is the number Egyptians of the time held as sacred and lucky?”
“Seven,” the group replies in unison.
Christen smiles and nods, tapping the red pen on the paper. “And guess how many spines hang from the collar?” The image hastily circled by Christen’s red pen shows the hieroglyph of the symbol for gold. It’s a collar with the ends hanging off the sides with seven spines pointing down from the middle.
“Holy shit,” Mark laughs, “that’s insane.”
“Really?” Brigid asks, stepping forward to get a closer look. “Well, I’ll be,” she marvels.
“Makes sense,” Shani states with a form nod.
“The seventh panel is the one that has the anomaly at the top,” Manu nods as he looks at the picture, “perhaps we’ll see something unusual when we get the panel off,” he smiles as he glances around.
Christen looks to Ari who is smiling broadly. “Looks as if we’ll be preparing the tomb for excavation on Monday,” he declares, “nice work.”
Asim and Dakarai high five each other as Ziyad fist bumps Vero.
“Looks as if I’ll need to be writing procedure and assign tasks this weekend.” Christen grins broadly.
“Oh,” Ari waves a stack of papers he’s holding, “I also received permits for excavating KV60,” he states, wiggling his eyebrows. “That tomb hasn’t had a thorough review since sonar technology came out. I thought maybe you’d like to add a few days or a week to check it out.”
Christen’s mouth drops open, completely unexpecting the chance to review the tomb, “Really?”
Ari nods. “Since we seem to have made amazing progress here,” he shrugs and grins at her.
“Ari, that’s incredible,” Christen gushes, “thank you so much,”
He blows on his knuckles and then buffs them on his shirt, “It was nothing,” he says, his voice full of amusement, “plus, I want to play in the dirt, too, you know,” he chuckles.
“So, the seventh panel, it is!” Asim speaks loudly, clapping his hands, “Christen, do you want us to go there and evaluate removal of the panel and create a plan to move the existing relics in the room?”
Christen nods, “Yes, that would be a good start,” she states, shifting into her leadership role, “Ari, would you like to check in on them after you get settled back in? You can officially sign off on the plan.”
Ari gives her a salute with a broad smile, “Yes, ma’am,” he grins. He turns to Asim, “I’ll come down in about an hour,”
Asim nods, “Okay, we’re going to take a van and head up there,” he announces and the group of engineers depart.
Jurgen has been filming this entire exchange, grabbing his camera as soon as he saw Christen enter the mess hall looking so determined. He’s so glad he caught it all. He continues filming, stepping back to get another group shot.
Christen thinks for a moment, “Okay,” she says, “let me get my notebook and when I come back I’ll assign some tasks.”
“And eat breakfast,” Vero reminds her.
“And eat breakfast,” she nods and exits to return to her tent.
XXXX
”You are radiant like the sun,” Tobin states as she looks at Christen with awe. Her hands are on Christen’s upper arms having just released her from a close hug. ”A good day, yes?”
Christen nods, unable to contain the smile on her face, ”One of the best yet,” She didn’t see or feel Tobin’s presence today and she missed it.
Tobin smiles broadly, ”I am pleased for you,” she tilts her head as she examines her, ”Are you tired? Should I leave?”
Christen shakes her head, ”I am tired, but please stay? Maybe we can lay on the bed and talk?” When Tobin nods, she takes her hand and leads her to the bed, gesturing for her to lie down. Then the turns to her wardrobe and strips off her shirt and sports bra, once again feeling Tobin’s eyes on her back as she changes. Upon returning to camp after their long and exciting day, Christen had immediately showered before joining everyone at dinner.
The lay on their sides staring at each other, small grins on their faces, both feeling a giddiness within that comes with finding one’s soulmate.
”Will you tell me what your life is like?” Tobin questions, her curiosity evident.
Christen smiles wide and nods, eager to share herself with the Egyptian. She begins with explaining how her soul mark led her here and how she felt she would meet her soulmate on this trip. Tobin hangs on every word as Christen discusses her childhood quest to discern what language her mark was in and the people in her life who helped her and ignited her passion for being an archeologist. She speaks of her schooling and travels and how her job educates people and protects historical areas and reveals historical events.
Tobin questions her about the lands she visited, prompting Christen to leave the bed and seek out a book from her luggage that contained some photos of ancient maps to show her. They sat up discussing regions and politics of Tobin’s time and how Hatshepsut negotiated land agreements and treaties with other nations. When they exhausted their discussion their civics conversation, Christen left the bed to set the book on the table.
“Will you tell me what your childhood was like?” she asks softly as she slides onto the bed.
Tobin looks at her fondly and nods slowly, considering how she would start. Christen snuggles close to her, lying her head on Tobin’s chest while Tobin speaks. Tobin speaks with happiness in her voice as she shares about her family and their personalities. She talks about her schooling and how interesting it was to be the only female yet how she held her own against them. She talks of the sports she played and her love for being outside. Christen yawns against Tobin, she’s very tired but doesn’t want this night to end.
”You should sleep,” Tobin gently suggests as one of her hands softly makes soothing patterns on Christen’s back.
”I don’t want to,” Christen resists, mad that’s she’s so tired.
Tobin chuckles and brings her other arm around her to hold her and sighs with amusement. ”I will tell you the tale my Mother told me when I was a child and refused sleep,” she offers and then chuckles, ”it worked every time.”
Christen lifts her head and nods and smiles, leaning close and kissing Tobin sweetly. She settles back in, drawing the covers over her shoulders as the cool breeze enters through screens. She doesn’t know when her eyes begin to close, but she feels so relaxed as she feels Tobin’s fingers lightly running over her back and she hears is the low timber of Tobin’s steady voice as she speaks of a fanciful tale of youthful adventure.
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