Date: Tue, 15 Jan 2008 00:44:00 -0800 (PST) From: Matthew Templar Subject: One Gift to Give - Final Chapter 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 Final Chapter At a place, some distance from the main party of caravan tents, stood a large tent of a utilitarian look. It did not show the importance of the great men within it, or that of the reason for their meeting. The fact that it was unceremonious in its appearance had little bearing on the goings on inside, except to protect the sanctity of their time together. When Behnam entered with the three boys, a hush fell on the group assembled. "Ah, yes, my boys," shouted one of the lords, "You are most welcome. Come and sit with us, for we are about to discuss the plans of this day and how they came about." As one, the three boys looked up to their Behnam with questioning eyes. They were confused that the lords were about to finalize this long journey in some fashion that included them. One of the other lords leaned to his colleagues and whispered. A loud chuckle rang out from their group. "Boys; come and share your beauty at our table. But I beseech you to listen to our words as we tell a story. You have shown that our lack of regard for you three has placed an undo burden on you. I trust that our explanation will clear up your worried looks. You are too wonderful to look anything but happy at least." Many motions of welcome were received from the great men, and the boys happily seated themselves among their friends. As they waited to hear from the lords, Hesam and Hami entered and sat facing their friends. The smiles on the boys showed their love for the two twins, causing many, including the five men, to smile their understanding at the three boys and the three protectors who watched over them. "You three, so young and vibrant, are blessed by the gifts of these marvelous soldiers, who have protected you, seen to your needs and loved you as their brothers," said a lord, indicating with his arm, the twins, "or his sons," he added, pointing to Behnam, who was trying to hide a tear in his eyes. All three boys looked on their friends with compassion. They had been the greatest part of this adventure, well, as far as friendships went. "Your young ages have played an important part in our quest, my young friends. The importance of that was made clear to us some time ago, but to you we will show the meaning in time. Listen to our tale, as true as we know it to be." It seems that the stories of one of the greatest happenings of all time had told of the rising of a great strength in the land west of the great nation of these lords. Over the years many had passed down the story of the signs that would show the correct time for this. So important was this that preparations were in order when the signs began to appear. At once the lords of their country called upon the people that had been readied for their great quest. As soon as all was assembled, their trip began. Only five of the lords would go, to carry out their tribute of respect and honor. Also, they would make a presentation of fine gifts as would befit a leader or king. Their way was clear and their time of critical. The event had taken place in the last month of the year, but was delivered nine months later, (in the month we now know as September). It would take a year, at least, to reach the place to which they were called. The reports that were presented to them and the stories that their research had discovered, placed the timing, upon their arrival at a little over one year after the event. They knew not the location until the sign they followed had placed them where they were at that meeting. But as they approached and had to pass through this city they were called to meet with this king, assigned by Rome, to lead these people that he despised. He was an old tyrant and had poor health. They had quickly seen through his treachery, aimed at ridding him of the atrocity born of the event foretold. After being asked to return to him with the news of the location that they sought, they quickly resolved to each other to be very cautious of this man. This then, was the need for such secrecy. Having told such a tale, still very confusing to the three young ones, the lords looked on like there could not be a question about this, since they had explained everything so well. The patient lord that had helped ArAd the night of the feast, spoke. "My friends," he said, indicating the other lords, "let me simplify this for these young ones." Then, turning his attention and his smile to young ones near him, he said, "We have called upon you because you have something that we have given up for lost long ago. All of our knowledge, all of our training will never replace that, though, in witnessing your enthusiasm and vigor, we have been closer to this than we have in a very, very long time. For this we give you thanks, my boys." The two older boys could only wait to hear the answer to the riddle the lord had given them. Their faces showed their interest in the solution, but they were anxious to know the secret that the lord knew of them. The one so small had a small smile on his face. If one had seen his smile, even so slight, many, many times each day, which was not unusual for the child, one would never grow tired of his look. It was not the smug face of someone who was holding back the answer, nor was it a blank, empty smile; one that did not comprehend the goings on around him. This smile was not a part of the wee one; it was the wee one. It was what made him who he was. Somehow the confidence his face exuded extended to those that looked upon him too. In time, no one questioned this oddity; they just enjoyed the pleasure and assurance that it gave them in so many ways. "We seek a boy who has only been on this earth one year. When we knew of his coming he was still in his mother's womb, awaiting his place among us and growing in strength and size in his warm nest. Now, he is less than a day's journey from us. That is why we have been blessed by your presence with us, that is, besides all the enjoyment you have been to those who have met you in so many ways." This caused some chuckling from those who knew the boys the most, knowing that so many of the ways gave much pleasure to the others who enjoyed their company. The two older boys blushed as the laughter they heard spoke to them of their playtimes over the course of such a long journey. While they tipped their heads in a moment of embarrassment they turned to see that the smile on their younger lover had increased upon hearing the lord thank them. They were awed that there was no shame in the eyes of one so small. It was not from his lack of understanding, but rather, totally understanding the impact that they lavished on those they met; whether to the inner being of the new friend they'd made or the physical needs of that person, it made no matter to him. So, their confidence that day rose a bit higher, they sat a bit straighter and wore their own happiness a little brighter in their own smiles and their hearts as well. "Your youth, my friends, is the well we tap at this time. We will be an impressive group, no doubt, of scholars and respected men of this world, but you are the ones whose eyes will be at a level to see the boy in the light that is his alone. There is something about the events that has led us here that will reveal itself all too soon. "Our goal is not to bless him or to place him among us as the great king that he is. That has been done so long ago, and to a degree far beyond our comprehension. We do not pretend to understand all that is upon this boy or this time. We will be swift and loving, showing him we honor him for the gift of his presence. But his joy, I'm sure, will be the pleasure that your youth will have to bear on our visit. For he is but a small child, after all. He will surely delight in your energy, as we have, and enjoy the way that you show your love of life in everything that you encounter. As we lay before him the gifts of wealthy old men, as we are, you will present him with the gift of your youthful presence; so much more valuable then the worthless trinkets we bring." The news of their role hit the older boys at the same time. The importance was revealed when they looked upon those around them and saw the smiles on the faces that acknowledged this loving task before them. They looked upon the smallest among them and were confused and concerned by what they saw. The wee one had dropped his chin to his chest and was as still and quiet as they had ever seen him. His own thoughts were not on the task that had been assigned to the three, though that was of such importance that it would have overwhelmed anyone else. No, his thoughts were on the task which had still not been shown to him. If asked, he would only shake his head, not knowing how or when this incredible thought had first come to him. But it was, by far, enough to make him contemplate all around him so that, when he was in the right place, at the right time, his work would be clear and his deeper role fulfilled. Of course, in the few seconds that such thoughts flew through the mind of the young one, the others had no indication of the severity that he experienced. His head came up and smiled again; his countenance a lift to all who saw him, once again. "So, we are on our way. Make ready, Arsalan, the final preparations for this trip. We have but a short day's journey to Ephratah, which is in the area south of here called Bet'lehkem. In this place we will meet this boy. Go and ready yourselves, sweet ones, and take our thanks with you, for your presence will be a joy to him that we could never render as you will surely do. Now go in haste." Everyone was on the move to their tents. Three boys were pulling their three friends with them and two of the boys were a flurry of questions. Gone was the anxiety of the graveness of their journey. The excitement at meeting one, even smaller than their beloved, had them anticipating with great joy, their arrival that evening. One so small was also an excited addition to their troupe. The heaviness had left his small shoulders, replaced by a lighthearted feeling of assurance that all was as planned. He was excited to find out all about this little king and add him to his long list of loving friends. His giggle was masked by the sounds around him. The others only knew by his pulling on Behnam's hand, that the journey had much in store for all of them. To the meeting they had worn the least of the coverings that was at their disposal. They had consisted of the shortest shirts that had come to just below the lower curve of their round, smooth buttocks, making them greatly exposed should they lean over or bend at all. But the cloth of their covering was of the same fine material from which the handsome twins' tunics had been cut. It was just opaque enough to let the light behind them expose the succulent shape of their forms. It was of such a clinging nature that those shapes not exposed to the eye, were kissed by fabric, radiating the beauty of the boy underneath, leaving little to one's imagination, the way it should be with young boys. But now, the importance of their responsibility weighed upon them in the most positive way. Their joy was in presenting themselves as one with the boy, at least in appearance and modesty. So, it was, surprisingly, at their insistence that they should present themselves as they had experienced the youth in the market place a short time before. Such garb was laid out for them and exchanged with the diaphanous shirts, with the help of their strong warriors, who were always delighted to assist their beautiful boys. Any excuse to be able to partake in the beauty of these boys made the three men stronger in their appreciation of everything beautiful around them; something they had barely considered until the day their eyes fell on such magnificence. Atop horses and pulling pack camels and donkeys, their trip was shortly completed and found them outside of the small city. As they dismounted and gathered together, tethering the steeds and gathering the items to take with them, Arsalan, himself, rode up and walked to the group of men and boys. "Noble sirs, our presence are welcomed by the man, the father of the boy. His name is Yosef, and he asks that we limit our visit to six, for his concern is the size of his abode. As many as we desire are welcome outside, so that all are allowed to be near, but he was firm about those that enter. If I may suggest that the lords be accompanied by a . . . . " "Thank you, my good friend," said one of the leaders of the quest, raising his hand to stop the suggested arrangement of his commander. He then rested his hand on Arsalan's shoulder; a gesture that was unlike anything that another ruler would consider. "There is no question, my friend. Three of us will present our trinkets to his family, but three boys will be there to bring their most precious gift to the boy. Their's is the most prized of gifts to give and one that is not within our power to give." So it was that all walked to the house of this little one that was of such interest, but only the three boys and three of the lords stepped up to the humble door. It opened and a man of some aging stepped out to greet them. His hands were unsteady as he clasped them together and bowed in respect for the men before him. His clothes were of a good quality fabric that indicated some wealth, but they seemed misshapen as though not cared for or worn for a very long time. The results made him appear like an older man without any spirit left in him. "I welcome you to this place, good men. May I ask your reason for your visit this evening?" The sound of his voice carried only a short distance and his voice, as his sullen demeanor, was listless, even uncaring. Each of the visitors was immediately uncomfortable, wondering what could have caused this. "It came to our attention sometime ago that the event that took place here was of such great wonder and importance that we were moved to acknowledge it in some way. As a result, we are here to honor the boy within, if it meets with your approval. Are you the caretaker of this place or is the child your relative?" The lord that spoke took great care to ask in a way so as not to offend their host. "Humph!" said the man. "I am Yosef, husband of Miryam, who bore the child, having conceived before we were bound together, before I had. . . . The boy whom you seek is within with his mother." There was such a melancholy aura and sound to this man, and the visitors were taken back by his lack of the excitement of having a son, even though the boy was probably around one year of age. It could almost be said that he was denying any connection to his young family. The lords looked at one another, thinking that maybe the mistake was theirs, having put too much importance on the signs and stories that they had followed for so long. Maybe this was not the house that they wanted after all. But he continued, "Many have come to see the boy, and many have been well blessed. Enter if you like and see him for yourself." With that, he moved to one side to give them clear access into the place where the boy and his mother lived with a disgruntled man. Before they had all passed by the man, he took leave and slowly walked into the night, around the corner of the small house. While all were concerned about such an attitude for a new father, only one paused to take note of the man's direction. A tear formed on the cheek of one so small and yet so caring. He watched the man as he moved into the darkness, without any appearance of life in his heart, without the song of joy that he should be proclaiming at his good fortune. What reason could there be for someone to regret or be sad by such a glorious arrival as his son? The wee one thought to the time when he was in despair among the ones he loved so dearly, awaiting the evil of his stepfather each and every night. But he also knew that his joy was complete when it was just his mother, his sisters and him. He smiled as he closed his eyes and saw their smiles, saw them smile at him, though the memories were fading. But the times of such happiness were, none the less, a part of his life then, even as they dealt with the abusive ogre that haunted his evenings back then. If he had this joy, then he wondered what was missing so completely in this man, uh, this Yosef, that he could not grasp some particle of the stuff from which happiness came. The tear slid down the flawless cheek of the small one and stopped as it hit the cloth of his shirt. For one instant, a fleeting moment, he thought he saw in this man, the man who had terrorized him in his own home. Then the thought was gone, but replaced by another tear as he wondered what could cause such sadness. A hand startled him! He looked around to see ArAd there. The weak smile of concern on his face could not hide how handsome he was to his little one. This alone was cause to make some hope leak out of the wee one, causing ArAd to sigh in relief. "I, uh, I was worried when you were not beside me. I am glad to see your look change to some happiness. It was not that way when I approached you just now. Will you come in and meet our new little one?" The thought of meeting the boy precluded his concern at the moment and he gladly walked with his older friend into the place where the others had gathered. ArAd moved around the three lords, who were standing side by side between the one so small and the occupants they sought. He heard their voices but could not see to whom they spoke. "We humbly beseech you to allow us to offer our congratulations to you, young lady, as mother of this young boy. We pray that your times with family will always be as joyous as the occasion of his birth must have been to both you and your husband." There was a soft voice that spoke only a few words, but the wee one could not make out the words. ArAd had moved to stand beside Kamshad a little farther into the room, but the small one still could not see a child or his mother. He leaned to see around the robe of one of the lords and it was Kamshad that noticed his predicament. Kamshad giggled and nudged ArAd, pointing to the little head of their lover as he tried to look around the lord. "Um, Kamshad," said the lord to whom the finger seemed to point, "It is not polite, but, oh! I see the matter." And he swung around to look down on the one so small. He wrapped a long arm around the exquisite shoulders of this wee one and guided him to stand in front of him. "Ha! We are here now, dear lady, for we were missing our youngest and most important visitor. But first may we be so bold as to offer you the gifts that we have brought you, both you and your family. Should we not wait for your husband to be with us, too?" The flurry of the robe and the movement to the front of the lords had taken the attention of the wee one until he realized his place in front of his friends and lords. This, of course, brought him within a few steps of the small boy and his mother. His eyes fell onto the loveliness of the fair young lady in front of him, sitting next to a small table. Her age could not be hidden by her clothes or the lighting in this room. She was so young, the one so small thought. Why, she could be but a year or too older than Abdul and could not be as old as his ArAd. Such a difference in age was not unexpected of a couple, and her age was sufficient at 14 or 15 to bear the responsibilities of a home, a husband and a new child. Leaning against her was a small child with dark, curly brown hair. His shoulder was tucked into his mother's side and he was held by her arm extended lovingly around him. His hand rested on her thigh and he moved his head slowly to take in all the new faces and sounds. The wee one was amused when he saw that the little one was wearing the same type of shirt as he, but it was longer and, without britches, was just tied around his narrow waist. The one so small, no longer so small in front of the one year old, pulled on his shirt when the boy looked his way, indicating the same attire. The littlest one looked at his shirt and lifted its hem to show the wee one. A smile budded from the tiny lips and pressed the side of the young face until dimples barely appeared. It was such a sweet smile, but so very slight, as though his concentration was too focused on his visitor's clothing. His head turned to look at his mother as if to see if she had noticed the similarity that was just pointed out to him. All this gave the wee one, though not so wee now that there one even younger and smaller than he, time to ponder on the boy only a few feet in front of him. He saw the pudgy fingers play on his mother's leg. The face of the one they had sought for so long was of such a gentle look that the one so small had to try hard to move from its magnetism. His calm, relaxed attitude spoke well of his relationship with his mother, for he was not at all shy nor did he appear to have misgivings about those who filled his home. He looked directly at the one so small, though not so small now, and then back up to his mother. His mother looked at the wee one and smiled, then turned to look upon the men in front of her. She barely nodded her head, to indicate that they may proceed. "Thank you, Miryam?" said one of the men. She nodded and he went on. "We have at our disposal much knowledge and facts that influence greatly the leaders of the world, but nothing has been as important as that which led up to this quest, until we arrived just now. We offer to you small tokens of our thanks for that which is beginning here. Please accept these fragrances, these spices for your health and pleasure, and this gold which now seems without value compared to your gift of this child." The boy turned to look at the man that had been speaking and wrinkled his nose a bit, as if to understand the words or the feelings just delivered. Then he smiled softly and hugged into his mother's side. Miryam, which is a name that is sometimes called simply Mary, looked at ArAd and Kamshad standing on the other side of the room, and then turned back to the lords. "Oh. Let me explain their presence. We have come so long on this arduous journey, with no thought of anything but our arrival to this place. Sometimes such a journey is a trial of patience and compromise. But at some time we were made aware that these boys were a part of our group and had stolen the hearts of those assigned to protect them. Upon meeting them only once, but then again and again, their love and energy made our way as straight and easy as any we may have had previously. So, it was without any doubt that they be allowed to help with the giving of the gifts we have brought to you. They are young and playful and we thought the young one in our midst . . . uh?" The young mother, Miryam, looked into his eyes and smiled. "He is called Iesous ((ee)yeh-sooce). The name was given to us by, well, another visitor, and means God saves." Silence seemed to hold the tongues of all assembled there, until the tiniest boy walked up to ArAd and raised his arms to him. Having little experience with a child this young, he looked to the mother. "He is asking that you pick him up and hold him. But he does so very rarely. He must see something in you that has given him a desire to be with you." ArAd stood there in a daze for a moment, nodding as the child held up his hands. He was baffled that a child would come to him so innocently. Finally, Kamshad batted at ArAd to bring him out of his fog. He laughed at his older lover and said, "Silly. Pick the boy up. That is his desire, though some might doubt his taste." Chuckles were heard. ArAd turned to the boy at his side and smirked, then looked down with a smile and lifted the small boy into his arms. The boy was content to watch from that height until all the gifts of the lords had been brought to lay at the feet of Miryam. Soon the child reached for Kamshad, who blushed and touched his chest with doubt as he looked for a nod from the very little one's mother. She smiled and nodded, then Kamshad drew the boy from the arms of ArAd and held him proudly. He was so light, barely a handful to Kamshad. Kamshad looked into the dark eyes of the littlest one and was amazed at how deeply they seemed to pull him into his depths. He looked away and saw ArAd looking at him and nodding, having experienced the same feeling just moments before. There was some talk among the mother of Iesous and the lords, but the three boys were fascinated with their newest and smallest friend. Soon he wiggled to be set down and Kamshad reluctantly obliged him. He walked up to the small one and held up one hand. The wee one was just about to stoop to pick him up when he realized the difference of his little friend's silent request. He reached out and his hand was quickly grabbed and was soon being pulled into another place in the room, apart from the men and the young lady. Iesous stopped and plopped down on one of several cushions, still holding the hand of his slightly larger friend. There was no choice but to fall or sit down, so the wee one sat too. Iesous seemed fascinated by the discovery that he was shown. Their clothes matched! He pulled his own hem toward the boy across from him and reached out with his other hand to feel the shirt on the small one. After rubbing both several times, he looked up at the one so small and grinned, cutting deep dimples into his cheeks and causing his tiny nose to wrinkle up. The wee one was dazzled by such a little thing as a smile. It had never been given to him in just such a way before. It caused his face to call for a smile of monstrous proportions, though one that many had witnessed at least once. ArAd and Kamshad had just been sitting down on either side of the little ones who were facing each other, each with their enormous grins, shining on each other. ArAd gasped as he sat, catching sight of those mutual smiles, and dropped weakly to a pillow at their intensity. Kamshad almost fell back-wards, over the pillow upon which he sat, amazed at the brilliance he saw. At last, the wee one pulled out of his loving smile to the littler boy across from him. The warmth and depth of the love he felt was rejuvenating and made him feel as giddy and anxious as if he had just been set free to fly away but his wings were not ready. The little boy, Iesous, giggled at the nervous, but happy boy and crawled to him, sitting on the wee one's legs and taking his two hands in his. As he moved to his new seat, ArAd crawled around to be next to Kamshad, holding him tightly, next to him. They began to look back and forth and then at the two small ones. This soon led to their whispers, as they tried to understand how two smiles can be so strong. They were still in wonder that a smile from their little lover could change them as it had. They were soon in their own world again, talking about the experiences of two boys in love, such as they'd had together. They would look up once in awhile to see what the littler ones were up to. For a time the smallest boys played childish games, sometimes bringing in the two older ones and usually ending up laughing at what they had done. It was truly light-hearted and strengthened the boys in spirit. The fun and laughter of boys at play is intoxicating to them and those around. Satisfied smiles could be seen on the adults, but the four boys never noticed. They were captivated by their own world of simple pleasures. All too soon the two oldest moved to the side again and talked together. The wee one tried to engage the little one again but he was having none of it. He did scoot closer again and seemed to enjoy the lap of this playful one who was fast becoming a friend at a different level. Then he became still and just looked at the one so small. The look on Iesous' face became serious, then the wee one noticed wet eyes and a tear running down the little boy's soft cheek. For only an instant, the wee one was surprised that the mood had changed so much. But as though his thoughts were heard and he received his silent answer, he knew, not only why he had been called to this place, so far from his own home, but his outcome from what he was about to do. He smiled gently at his little friend and reached out his arms to him. Iesous smiled as gently and leaned in to be gathered into the thin arms of this one he cared so much for. For this was the first of many times that he would know the purpose for someone's visit, or another's calling. He pulled back enough to look at his friend and then directed his eyes to the gifts sprawled out lavishly at the feet of his mother. The one so small turned back to his little bundle and held his hand to his chest. "Me?" he said, softly and as gently as he knew how. He knew the answer but it seemed right to ask anyway. The one in his lap simply nodded, then crawled down from his place in the lap, just far enough to reach for a toy that had been close. He then sat up, near his new friend. It didn't dawn on ArAd or Kamshad that one of the two boys had spoken, and the delicate sound was too soft for the adults to have heard. But something caused the older boys and the three lords to look upon the baby Iesous, quietly playing with the wooden toy, by himself. As one they smiled at his innocence. They all turned their attentions to each other and continued their talks, never aware of what had just occurred. * * * * * * * * The darkness was caused by more than the evening's lack of light. Yosef's somber feelings were holding on to him, making his doubt and insecurity destroy the joy he should be feeling, should have been feeling for all this time. His thoughts took him to a more pleasant time. He had been so overjoyed when he was promised such a fair and lovely bride. He was so tired of the hard work that had gained him some wealth. Tired because it had come to him out of despair, instead of the wife he had so long desired. If he worked hard he would not be able to think of his misfortune, he would not pity himself for the emptiness he suffered. He worked long and hard, gathering the means to support a family well, but never enjoying the arms of a woman or the laughter of his child. Then, as he gathered his belongings for a long trip, for he was called to the city of his birth, for the ridiculous reasons of Rome, he was approached by a man from the town he was soon to be leaving. The result was the conclusion of an arrangement that had started sometime before, long enough for it to have slipped his frustrated memory. He would take the daughter of this man as his wife. Together they would travel to his birthplace, then return to raise a family. He beamed. He sang. He knew this young girl and had admired her spirit and her healthy good looks. The cost was great, but he had more than enough to make her father thankful for his new son-in-law. The trip would give them time to know each other and to become friends. They were hastily married and soon on their way to his birth place. The feelings that caused the sickness that consumed the mornings for Miryam were not from the traveling. She finally confessed to her new husband of the visit that she had received, telling her that she was to bear a child, but not because of her knowing Yosef. This lie went right to his heart and he would stagger when he thought upon it now. His plan was to leave her quietly, though provided for. As he slept several nights later he was told of the conception of the child in his wife's womb. He was told that the name was planned and that this child's destiny would be great. As soon as the child was born he did as was told him, for, being a pious man he knew that his faith was important to him. But it did not remove the remorse or the feelings that he allowed to build up in him. He had worked hard at keeping a glad face around his family, but they seemed to realize that something was not right. The boy would reach out to his daddy and not be picked up until much thought was put to it. He found himself staying away more than ever, something of which he was not proud. Now they had planned to return to his city to continue his work there. They would be leaving soon. Then they received these new visitors, reminding Yosef again of the humiliation he suffered and the loss he felt. He sat at the side of the house, on an old chair that he had placed there for just such a purpose. He had little use for visitors these days. The darkness would suffice him, adding to his sadness, trying to consume him in pity and gloom. A movement caused his weary head to lift. A small shadow stood at the entrance to the narrow walkway where he sat. He almost told the brat to be off, to go to his own home and leave him alone, as usual. He lowered his head to think some on the trip he'd planned. This time a noise caused his look, but the shadow was nowhere to be seen. He knew that he had heard something. But, even more curious, he felt something. Though it was not late enough to be a cold night yet, he felt warmth to his left side and a chill on his right side in contrast. When he felt a hand placed upon his shoulder he almost jumped up and screamed, it surprised him so. Turning to his left, he looked into the face of an angel, or . . . . No, it was the smallest of the visitors standing beside him, his head tilted to look into the dark eyes that betrayed the thoughts he had been having. "Please, little one, go to your friends. Surely you have no concern out here, on a night like this. Go and play with the boy. He enjoys the time." "But he would much rather be spending the time with his papa here." So sweet and tender a voice. It reminded him of the boy inside as he would try to form his first words, or when he would laugh his gentle laugh, when all was right with him. "And who might that be, little one? The boy is born of the woman in there, but not by my seed. I am not . . . . But why am I telling you this? Go and leave me. I have much to ponder. Leave at once." He didn't have the emotional strength to shout, but he wanted to scream. The small hand slid off of his shoulder so slowly, leaving its warmth to linger just a bit longer. "But the precious boy inside is more than one that is born from your seed. You were chosen to be his papa while he is among us. You were picked from all men to protect and raise this small one for the work he has been brought here to do. There is no other person that would do. And your faith up to now has set you apart from others. Your love has been measured and found so abundant that the tasks ahead will be your delight." The wee one had moved around to stand before the man as he talked. But the man looked down, between his knees and shook his head. "Has she not disgraced me and my family? How can the act that brought forth this child be anything but the adulterous act that it is?" His voice shook and cracked. His tears dropped as rain to his clenched hands propped on his knees. "Yosef, you were told how it came to be. It could only happen as it was told you. You know that your Miryam has not been dishonest with you about anything before. So too, has she suffered the doubt of this miracle, but she has also believed because she allowed her faith to open her heart to the truth, instead of clamping it shut, keeping out the joy that comes with it." He knelt down before the crying man and raised the wet chin to look into his eyes. The man saw the sweet face before him. Something in those eyes; something that he had seen before, recently. There was a quality that he could not quite grasp. "Little one, so beautiful and tender, you come to me with the words of my dream, a dream that has become my nightmare. My heart is throbbing so hard I fear I will explode, and yet I want so much to believe and know the truth." A soft smile began to form on the wee one's face. "Your strong faith is calling you to stop your fighting and rest in the truth that you already know. Simply accept what you know and be at peace. Let what is in your heart flow freely and let what is about to flow into you cleanse you throughout your body." This small wonder beamed at the man and held out his hands to him. Yosef hesitated only for an instant, then put his hands in those that were just a boy's hands held out before him. At first, he felt an ice cold, sharp pain go through his arms and spread in an instant to his shoulders. Then, as quickly, he was so glad when it was gone. Slowly, the little hands began to feel warm, and spread that warm feeling to his own hands and arms. He was amazed at the deep feelings of satisfaction he felt. It was much like when he would finish a job and be so pleased with its look. But this feeling was so complete that it replaced his doubt with a slight feeling of the assurance one feels when you know the job is done correctly, as well. He laughed that his mind was on his occupation, but then he reminded himself that it had been so very long since he had thought a positive thought about his work; about anything really. "Iesous' papa?" He looked up to see the small dark eyes of the small boy in front of him. Suddenly, from the top of his head, to his sandaled toes, a wave passed through him, touching every nerve in him and causing a tingling that he equated to a moment of total awe. "You are full of faith. You are well loved. You are trusted above others, by someone that knows your heart completely. He is waiting for you within." The music of the small voice seemed to drift into his ears and saturate his whole being. The sound carried the rich meaning of this little one's words into every crevasse and space inside of the renewed man. "You have gifted me greatly, my son. I don't know where to start my thanks . . . ' In the darkness of the night, with little light coming into the alleyway where they were, it was hard to tell, sometimes, the expression on the little, beautiful face in front of him. But he was sure that his ears heard a giggling. "I did not give you your freedom from your doubts. I did not give you a place in your wife's heart or that of your small son; nor your renewed love for them. They are from someone else. Your son will know my meaning. One day you must ask him." He giggled a little longer. Yosef even chuckled a bit when he thought of asking a one year old to answer such a profound question. "But, my little helper, is not what you have accomplished in my heart, my deep being, such an extraordinary gift to me that I can not thank you, too?" "You are the one that has allowed your heart to be moved. I am just a small boy. I have been taken from my mother and sisters to be sold; I have been attacked by mad men; and I have traveled great distances from everything that was precious to me. And, even though I have been loved by wonderful people and given everything I need without question, I am still so far from knowing all about love. How can I understand the things of the heart?" Again, he giggled lightly. "But there is something." The man smiled upon hearing this and put his hands on the upper arms of his dear little friend, anticipating his next words. "You have come from so far away to be here with my two loves and me. It is I that should be giving you great riches and an abundance of everything you desire." "I have no need for those things when I have love, my friend, Yosef. And I really only have one gift to give at all." 'Well, he did not move to go get it, and he did not call someone to help him. His garments had no pockets and he carried no satchel. What could such a small boy offer to a wealthy man like himself?' thought Yosef. 'After helping to release me from my turmoil, what could possibly be better?' The place they were in seemed lighter, brighter, though looking around, he found no source for the light, until . . . . He looked into the face of the wee one again. It was changing. His cheeks moved to begin a small grin, a grin that turned into a smile as his rosy cheeks filled out and his dimples set in. The smile kept increasing until Yosef was looking at the most beautiful face with the most wonderful expressions of joy and happiness on it. The smile he saw was so brilliant and intense that he found himself blinking. His mouth opened in awe and he was consumed by a love he had only hoped for up until then, never believing that such magnificent feelings were possible. Of course, as a result, he had two things to accomplish. He had no choice; he was so moved by this gift given to him. The first was his own smile. Such a wonderful smile draws a smile out of the saddest of all people, though he was hardly one of those people anymore. It was not difficult to return what he could of such a glorious manifestation of the love this little one had in him. The second act, for which he had no say, was to engulf this wee wizard of beautiful feelings in his strong arms and mold him to his chest, reigning soft kisses on his forehead and hair. It took him a few seconds to realize why his lips were wetting the soft, silky hair of the dear one he held to him. It was his own tears that flowed freely from his happy eyes, just as his love again flowed freely from his joyous heart. He had waited for this day for a long time, almost giving up. The reason for this love, at least, in part, was in his arms, and he vowed that this one so small would never leave their sight, if this small miracle in his arms saw fit to stay with them and become a part of their family. In time they parted and looked at each other. Both of their faces were moist with the tears that were shed for the love that resounded throughout this place, this time, their hearts. The wee one saw a different man in the chair before him. The old, bent man of dismal countenance left sometime while they hugged so closely. In slipped this fine looking, younger man that looked proud and strong. Another small smile escaped the lips of the boy, excited to see the man who was about to be reacquainted with the family the man had always wanted. A single tear dropped from the wee one's eye as he remembered the family he was driven from by the evil of another. But his happiness for this man, his wife and such a precious child, more than made up for his feelings, at least for the time being. The man stood and smiled down at the boy next to him. He seemed taller somehow, than when he appeared in the alleyway. But how could that be? They grasped hands and walked slowly, swinging their joined hands between them and laughing at such a simple thing. A simple thing that both had missed for more than a year. The thought that filled the boy's head, as they walked happily around the first corner, made him look up to see Yosef laughing at their antics. His was such a wonderful, loving face. He reminded him of his father, and of the times he could barely remember anymore. He thought of the young boy inside and, while so happy for them, wished that he could be a part of such a family again, too. Just as the young one stepped up onto the porch to enter the house of Yosef, he was turned around by gentle hands on his shoulders. His eyes met the sparkling eyes of this happy man as he knelt before the wee one to ask him . . . * * * * * The end of the Final Chapter. * * * * * Well, not really. There is just a bit more, and at least one important piece of information that some of you are dying to know. I also have to resolve some questions for Dwight (it is fiction Dwight!). Mostly, I hope you weren't disappointed in the ending, so far. From the beginning, in fact for more than a year, I have known where this would start. I knew most of the ending, except who the gift was for. Heck, I didn't even know there WAS a gift to begin with. Everything in the middle happened as I wrote it. The ideas that refined the ending developed too slowly to suit me. Thus is the honed technique of a skilled artist. Right! So, now I can get back to my first story, Never Take Love For Granted. You'll find the completed ending of this story there, when Chapter 28 is posted. I remembered that Chapter 27 was ready to post so it should be available now. * * * * * Some interesting 'facts' follow at the tail end that I came across while researching parts for this story. None of the names are made up. They are from that era, as are their meanings. Even all the costumes were made by skilled craftpeople from that region. (It's a joke!) ArAd: Name of an angel, 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 Miryam: Sea of bitterness; sorrow, a mother and wife, commonly known as Mary, 15 1/2 Yosef: God will add; God will increase, commonly known as Joseph, father on earth of Jesus, husband of Miryam, 42 "Iesous" (pronounced "[ee]yeh-sooce") Yesus. Jesus, 'God's is our salvation.' beyt le'chem - or Bethlehem, house of bread * * * * 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! * * * * Timing: It is not likely that Jesus celebrated His birthday on December 25, 1 AD. It is more likely that He was born around 5 or 4 BC, because He was born before Herod died in 4 BC. It was possible that He was conceived on December 25th and was born around September 29th. If someone says they can prove it because of he date on the gold coins the three big guys left, they are probably lying. Think about it; stamped 4 BC? The Wise Guys: Were probably knowledgeable men, astrologers likely, that noticed the convergence of several planets and of the prophecies surrounding the birth of the Christ. They may well have been men of faith and followed the signs. They likely started when Jesus was born and arrived when he was about one year old or so. Back then it was not uncommon to count a baby's age from the time of conception. Also, scripture tells us that Herod wanted all male babies up to two years old put to death, in and around this region. That would further tell us that it had been at least a year since the shepherds found Jesus in a manger (a hay trough to feed the livestock) and in a 'barn', which could have actually been a cave used as a barn. Nothing is said about how many wise men came to Bethlehem (or if they traveled with gay warriors and cute little children, for that matter!). The only reference from the time is in the book of Matthew and describes three of the gifts, gold and two kinds of sap, Frankincense and Myrrh. There might have been a candle gift pack from PartyLites but scholars aren't sure. Later, some scholars claim the number three and the names, Hormizdah, Yazdegerd and Perozdh are mentioned in one account. In another, they have the names, Hor, Basanater and Karsudan. The Western tradition names them Balthasar, Melchior and Gaspar. Joseph was a carpenter, and was believed to be somewhat well off because he was described as leading a donkey on the trip, not finding room on the Orient Express. So, it is likely that when the census for that area died down, they moved from the fresh scented barn to a nice ranch style in the suburbs. Neither Joseph's nor Mary's age are known. It is assumed that he was older and she was quite young. He may even have had a first wife, which is why he didn't have a house, or she might have died. Hopefully, other questions will be answered in the rest of this tale found in Chapter 28 of 'Never Take Love For Granted', in 'Adult\Youth'. See you there.