Date: Mon, 7 Jan 2008 00:44:45 -0800 (PST) From: Matthew Templar Subject: One Gift to Give - Chapter 10 My gift, the following tale, to those that have shown their appreciation for my other story, is certainly a work of fiction. Even if the manuscripts (unearthed long ago, translated and sent to me by a great uncle) from which this story could have been taken, were true, it would still be impossible to believe. As a gift to you, it is yours to do with as you please. But, let me know if you enjoy it. My very good friend, and who is high on my list of those to whom this is a gift, Dwight Wilson, has shown me up again by his quality of editing. I am blessed, and the story is better because of him. Please check out two fine works of art by him. Read 'New Horizon's' in 'Authority' (though it is about the saving of those young one's oppressed by authority) and Brad's Idol', in 'Adult/Youth'; the life and love of a boy learning . . . well, you'll see. This work is dedicated to those who, having enjoyed the story they just read here in Nifty, responded by telling the author. We all appreciate the feedback. Thank you! * * * * * This chapter precedes the final one. I can't tell you how long the final chapter will be, or when it will be finished. It has taken about a day to complete a chapter, though I can't write every day. I have put as much pressure on an editor as possible with my schedule to get this to you as quickly as possible, and Dwight has shined like no other. Thank you again, Dwight. You'll be able to breathe real soon. I have mixed emotions about leaving the wee one and his friends; those he has met and loved, and those he has yet to meet. But it has been an arduous task in the style I chose. Thank you again for all the letters and comments, especially from those that really took the time to think and then, share it with me. I enjoy meeting new friends and I feel as if I may have this trip. Matthew Templar * * * * * * * * * * One Gift to Give - The Tenth Chapter ArAd awoke to see the light of morning cut its way into their small tent, its golden intrusion, through various spaces and holes, made patterns that he had never known before. He looked all around him at the spectrum that played on the cloth walls. The play of the light around him gave him a feeling of peace and tranquility, and of the beauty that was in his young life. He looked down to see two young, naked boys sleeping in the place where he had just risen. He saw Kamshad, a boy of such beauty that ArAd marveled that he was not the prettiest of fair maidens. He smiled when he thought of how the young dancer had grown to be on his way to being a young man, not a frail flower, about to wilt. He breathed deeply, remembering when Kamshad revealed his desire to be as strong and handsome as his hero and lover. At that time, ArAd began to be jealous, then angry, for this little twit was laughing at him. 'Silly, ArAd.' The older boy could hear the youngster's voice even now. 'It is my lover whom I desire to be like.' ArAd looked around him, as he remembered that day, hoping no one saw the tear in his eye as he heard, again, the sweet voice explain. 'ArAd, it is you I wish to be like. I see you maturing into a wonderful man and have captured my heart by your steadfast love for all around you.' He smiled again and wiped the tear, turning his gaze on the small naked form of the most pure boy, his wee one. He was like a brother in some ways, having shared together a lifetime of wild adventures, yet knowing one another for so little time, it seemed. He thought back to his first chore of bathing the little one. Almost at once, as if by some divine trick, ArAd remembered that his heart was no longer his. He was devoted to the wee one, so tender, so supple of flesh, but so strong in the sweetness he brought to everyone he met. Again his eyes burned with the wetness that could not be blamed on the perspiration of a hot day, for there was still a cool air about. Something was changing and he didn't know . . . . The sounds of clamor and hooves, men and animals took his attention. They were the sounds that he had come to know as preparation to depart. It was a tired ArAd that made the discovery; a tired ArAd that wished that this trip would cease. When Behnam arrived, the boy approached him, placing his hand on the shoulder of the man that had become their good friend, not just their protector. "Behnam, I see and hear many people readying to leave, yet we are not among them. Are we to be left behind?" Behnam smiled at the oldest of the three boys and put his arm around him. Behnam smiled when he noticed that there was more to hold, that of a growing young man, than when he had first been allowed to embrace his young charge. "Come and look, ArAd. There are a few men ready to accompany the lords to the center of this city to meet with the highest official. It is that official that seeks audience with the lords, and it is only etiquette that makes them go. They are wary of the tricks of such men, always wanting to better themselves by their deceit. This meeting should take no time, then we will be on our way again, closer than ever to our goal." As the boy and man looked on, the party left to accompany the lords to their meeting place. ArAd gasped when he saw his handsome heroes, Hesam and Hami leading the group of six soldiers. Then his heart was lifted in joy when they waved to him; smiles on their proud faces. He looked up at Behnam to see if he noticed them acknowledging ArAd's presence, such was his pride that he was counted as their friend. "They love you and your friends with their whole hearts, my young one. They are forever at your service and forever you will be in their hearts. That is the kind of love you boys have brought with you on this journey. Your example of giving your hearts unconditionally has provided an adventure that all of us will remember. What could have become an unbearable trip, at best, has been made into a most pleasant experience, most of the time." This caused them both to chuckle. Behnam gave his young friend a squeeze and looked out on the dust still settling before them. "But Behnam, I am not the one who has brought this gift to us. I am only one of those who received the touch of the one who has given to all of us, in the way you describe." So saying, he turned, and with him, still with his strong arm around his boy, Behnam turned too. Before them, still asleep, were the two smaller boys. Kamshad had been cuddled by ArAd until the older boy awoke. In his arms lay the wee one, so peacefully sleeping. ArAd could see his red lips barely move as though he were sipping a drink or suckling a teat. ArAd knelt down and brushed back the soft hair of his small friend. "This is the one of whom I speak, my friend. He has changed me by his ways, by his love, by his caring. I love him and have since I met him. There was no choice for me. I was possessed by his presence and his giving ways. Even Kamshad has changed. He no longer desires the ways of a whoring dancer, a life for which he thought he was destined. He has found that his love is as strong as any man has for another and has learned that he can be as strong in his body as well. The knowledge of this has freed his soul as he has told us time and again. We have never been happier." Behnam looked down to see ArAd looking up at him and blushing, having suggested his own love for the older one asleep before them. The young man moved close again to his soldier and they wrapped an arm around each other, still looking down on the two beauties at their feet. "Then the smallest among us is the greatest? From the littlest comes the seed that has grown in the hearts of so many, bringing them peace and a commitment to others that I have never been a witness to on any other conquest or journey for ours lords. Even they, who know so many things of all areas of knowledge, have commented on the attitude that has changed us all since the day you two arrived. How can it be, ArAd? He is so slight. Yes, he has grown in these so many moons of travel, but he is still so small and tender, so sweet and so quiet. We have heard him utter his delight when he is loved in a physical way, so we know he speaks. We have been blessed by his laughter. Is it so unimportant that we speak about everything imaginable, even everything important, that words are of no value? More likely it is that all those around our one so small do enough constant talking to communicate with the deaf and dying, let alone do his talking for him. I have never failed to understand him. He talks to my heart, it seems. It perplexes me in a strange way, and yet, I wish such a gift would never end." He moved his arm from the small of his friend's smooth back and knelt in front of him. He reached out to hold the firm arms of a growing fifteen year old, who was going on sixteen. Looking in ArAd's handsome face he continued, more serious than before. "I fear, my sweet boy. I fear that when we leave this place that we will also leave our most lovely and loving little one. My heart sings when he is awake. It leaps for joy when he laughs. And when he smiles at me, I . . ., well, I cannot say it. It can't be possible. But my heart has become more cautious of loving lately. Something inside me has felt that a change is to come soon; too soon for my tastes. I have enjoyed my time with you three like none other. Returning to the ways of old are unbearable to think on." As he spoke to the young man, hero of the one so small, he saw tears beginning to form and slide down the reddening cheeks of this beautiful young boy. "So you too have had this feeling, this concern building in you. You have this same cloud over you. What say you, or can you, my young one?" Having heard those words, ArAd knelt and leaned into his strong protector and wept. They held each other. ArAd hugged his mighty soldier and said, "I did not realize until this instant the meaning that has haunted me from the time we were joined by Kamshad. Kamshad has brought his own kind of fun and love to us and has shared so many wonderful ideas and ways to, uh. . . ," Behnam pushed his friend back just enough to see the blush on his face, causing the older man to burst out laughing, knowing of the sexual delights that blossomed when their fair Kamshad was added to their troupe. He grabbed his boy up again and held him close as ArAd continued. "But it is true. My heart was always my little one's for the taking. He was my concern and my joy from the beginning. But then our newest friend was added and something changed." He thought of the time that the wee one was asked to allow ArAd to enter Kamshad and what a loving gift that was. "But when my love was shared with Kamshad, I was confused when it changed the love that I craved for my one so small. It was no longer a desire to love him with my hands and my mouth. It seemed like that kind of love was given to Kamshad. Now, hearing your words, I understand why that had to be so. But I don't want that. I am weak to think about it, Behnam. I am no longer to become a man. I am a small child, crying for his mother; lost, with no way to go. And yet, I know somehow, that when the time comes upon us, we will somehow be strong and ready, just as we have up to this time." He was limp in the arms of the mighty warrior. Tears began to fall again. Both jumped a bit when they felt a small hand on each of their shoulders. They looked to see their wee one, standing so close, without the burden of his small tunic. His skin showed his pure, smooth body; a living sculpture of the highest quality. His face glowed as he smiled at his two men, for ArAd was certainly growing fast and strong. The small one let his hands glide down the two muscled backs and felt two arms tuck under the cheeks of his small behind, pulling him close enough so that he could kiss the lips of each handsome face before him. His giggles delighted the hearts of the two holding him and made the heaviness that they shared, dissolve from their memories, to be replaced by the beautiful vision in their arms. "Ah. At last my little loved one has decided to awaken and start this day with us. But where is that lazy boy that still sleeps the light away until it is dark once more? Will he not wake also to welcome with us, a new and beautiful morn?" asked Behnam, with one hand on his heart and the other making the exaggerated motions of an actor until a pillow found its mark and caused all three boys to laugh with him at his attempt at humor. The three boys were finally up and about, enjoying some rough and tumble time with their favorite soldier. And they were rather quick in their morning duties; that of finding a place to relieve themselves and then trying to wash away the sleep that still tried to consume them. But the day called for patience, and as the sun baked into their space and made them wet again from their constant perspiring, they wondered what the lords were about. They wondered what tomorrow would bring. * * * * At long last, though it was barely time for their mid-day meal, they heard the sounds of horses and, finally, the shouts of the men that rode them. They sprang up to the tent flap to look for their twins, but the men that arrived, dismounted and tethered their steeds, were not their heroes. Disappointed they moved back inside and sat to wait a bit longer. Little time had passed when, again they heard the sounds of horses arriving and accompanied by the voices they knew and loved. They looked at each other with awe that their friends were so close, and had no time to rise up when the tent was opened and two fine, strong muscular shadows filled the space where the light had been. "Ha! Our sweet naked urchins, have you been enjoying the delights of your beautiful bodies, again? Ow!" The one that had not asked the personal question hit the other twin in the shoulder. "Boys, forgive him. He can be such an oaf. It is no business of ours that you play so well together. Ow!" By the time both men had hit each other and entered the tent, three naked boys were gathered around their young men and two of them began to ask all forms of questions, interrogating the two until the confusion caused them to laugh. "Enough for now, rascals," begged Hami, pushing back the boys and reaching their tummies to tickle them. "Our ears will fall off unless you cease. Let us tell you of our trip to the city, and the ass that is called the leader." Together the two shared the story of their trip with the lords to meet the person who requested a visitation with such great and wise men. It seems that his ploy was to keep the lords waiting outside of the main chamber, indicating to them what a busy and important official he must be. But the lords saw through this deception and, even though they allowed some time to pass, began to prepare to leave without seeing this excuse for a gentleman. As soon as they rose to leave they found it a remarkable coincidence in that the fool was prepared to meet with them just then. So it was with great disappointment at this man's respect for a guest to his land, that they entered into his presence. Try as the man would, they would not allow anyone in their party of ten to stay behind. All, including Hesam and Hami accompanied their masters into the hall of this man. He too had his advisors about him and made great pains to apologize and beg forgiveness for his timing, speaking with a crooked smile pasted to his face. He asked about their journey and its purpose. They told him of the spectacle that had caused their visit and that they knew that they were very close to their discovery. He seemed to know something about their quest, for others had come and gone with much the same story. Then he asked them for the destination they sought. Without a second's delay and as one, the lords told him that they had yet to know the place and would accept his guidance if he knew. Hami and Hesam both laughed, to the delight of the three boys who listened to each of their handsome friend's words. It seems this news was not what the man had wanted to hear and all witnessed his anger build to turn his face red. It was difficult for the two men to not laugh at this man's attempt to calm himself. Many hands covered faces to hide smiles that would surely have been deemed contemptuous of his guests. He begged that they stay and partake of a feast he had prepared in their honor. But, in staying so as to be polite, it became apparent that the feast of which he boasted, was little more than selections of the wares from the vendors in the market they had passed upon entering the courtyard. Hami mentioned that he could see the skepticism build in the faces of his lords. At some point this arrogant man invited his guests to return, upon completion of their quest, for he, too, wanted to make the same effort to witness this phenomenon. Of course the lords made every promise of their quick return to this very house to tell that which they had witnessed and where. Upon their departure, the lords were most silent until they were well past the walls of the courtyard. Then they stopped and talked with great actions and words of disgust for this man's behavior. They called on Hami and Hesam, together with their gallant commander Arsalan, to ensure their safety from this mad man. Then they talked of a meeting, upon their return, to take place that very day, to discuss the last steps of their journey, with the few people that would be going. "And so we are here, my young ones, to tell you what has passed," said Hesam, looking into the wide eyes of three boys; awe was on two of their faces, while on the other, the smallest, was that of a look of wonder at the next adventure. "But Hesam," said ArAd, "while we thank you for this tale, and always for your time with us, what trouble is there for you if you miss such an important meeting, to be with the likes of us, three youngsters of no importance?" ArAd became a bit upset when he saw that his words caused some levity in the two twins. "ArAd, our handsome young man, growing before ours eyes, destined to be at our sides in journeys to come. Kamshad, barely a boy at all some moons ago, that has put aside his desire to be the prettiest, and has turned into a young man of great honor, respect and admiration, witnessed daily by those that love you. And, of course, our wee one, always a gentle spirit, always a hug or more, always a kind face that enters our hearts to make sing the song of love you have shown us in such extravagant abundance. Do you not know why we are here at this time? Do you not see that from here we go directly to this meeting, as we have explained to you?" "We do know the importance of this meeting and your presence there, but . . . ." With a smile almost as large as that of the wee one, and a voice as loving and caring as possible, Hami spoke. "ArAd, dress my young lover. Kamshad, my beautiful boy, likewise prepare and dress yourself. Little one, so sweet and lover of all, I also beseech you to put on your hated garb. I tell you, this meeting will wait until all who have been chosen to proceed are in attendance, and that must include the three of you." This ends the Ninth Chapter of One Gift To Give I hope you are enjoying it so far To be continued with The Final Chapter Thank you for your patience and support. * * * * The Characters: ArAd: Name of an angel, lover and hero of the smallest boy, just turned 15, going on 16 Arsalan: Lion, Commander of the protectors of the lords, old! Behnam: Reputable, The boys' protector and friend within the caravan, 26 Hami: Protector, twin and lover of Hesam, 21 Hesam: A sharp sword, twin and lover of Hami, 21 and 12 minutes Kamshad: Happy wish/ Desire, beautiful boy of the lords, ex-dancer, 12 ___________: One so small, the wee one, his task yet before him, about 10 or 11 * * * * A list of all my other stories on Nifty, all of which are in progress: /nifty/gay/adult-youth/never-take-love-for-granted/ Ha! * * * *