She gave me some time to adjust to this new place. Standing near to me and looking at me with care.
She spoke several unintelligible words which all meant the same thing. "Beloved"
We walked out of the lush oasis. Up a surrounding knoll, which opened to a drier terrain.
She told me to walk always behind and at a distance.
Quizzing me on the various pronunciations of the "beloved" words.
If visited by others, I should remain that distance from her. Any question they ask, even if I do not understand the words, I was to reply "beloved".
To her people, I was to be a 'pure journeyer". Until she could visit her relatives, and get permission to claim me.
"You are so refreshingly honest, that I am not worried. Still, if inspected by others.. avoid being coy. They may test you by standing in between us"
We walked a very long time, and I wondered only then about the sky. No sign of clouds, but also no sign of the sun. A general hazy light like daytime, but also a feeling of warmth like standing in direct sunlight.
I let every worry slip away, having her nearby.
We walked and talked that way for an immeasurable time.