New Dawn of May - AC V

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Revelations Galore

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Jareth silently followed Suggur through his elegant, if primitive, stucco home while servants cautiously avoided them at a sharp glance from Suggur. Several turns into the darker interior lead them to Suggur's drapery-lined private office, for lack of a better term since Jareth realized men almost 7000 years in the past hardly used offices in the manner of modern mankind.

"Please, be seated my friend," Suggur said waving towards a floor area covered with luxurious pillows and throws, his tone and mannerisms more casual away from prying eyes. "Refreshments arrive shortly."

"Thank you, Suggur," Jareth said, his stomach growling at the mention of food. How long since he last ate? Suggur smiled pleasantly at the sound of his friend's hunger, happy to have anticipated his needs. Jareth gratefully lowered his weary body to the floor pillows, and stretched out leaning on one elbow. Various joints popped on the way down reminding him that while he may be immortal he most certainly was a victim of wear and tear, thousands of years will do that to a person.

"You look weary, Ninurta."

"I am," he admitted to his oldest friend, "it has been an arduous journey to see you again, and I fear I've overtaxed myself." Suggur reclined a few feet away facing Jareth and smiled, nodding benevolently.

"I understand, take your ease in my home while you may. You are always welcome."

"Thank you again, my friend," he answered in a slightly shaky voice, "It is always good to see you." Jareth reached out to grasp his friend's shoulder, the rough cloth of the robes abrading his fingers, "It has been far too long."

"It is always too long when you are away, Ninurta," Suggur replied sincerely, his dark eyes misting.

A discreet knock at the door grabbed Suggur's attention and he bade the servant enter. A young boy carried in a tray of dates, fresh fruits, cheese and yogurt with a pitcher of water and cups. Setting the tray between his master and his guest, the boy prostrated himself then quietly left his master's presence when given permission. Suggur also instructed the boy to keep all others from the room until allowed in by Suggur or Jareth.

Suggur directed Jareth to indulge his appetite which he accepted, rushing to satiate his need. So many questions to ask his friend; he hoped to fine answers here. A short time later, feeling calmer, Jareth licked his fingers and met Suggur's eyes.

"I'm ready to hear what you have to tell me, my friend," he declared, his voice commanding.

Suggur pursed his lips, the aged skin crinkling, and nodded shrewdly, "I have often wondered when you would seek such questions of me."

Tilting his head, Jareth narrowed his eyes, "You've expected this?"

'Well, old boy, isn't that as curious as the cat who ate the canary?'

'I believe you mean suspicious not curious.'

'Curious, suspicious...all the same at the present don't you think?' Jareth's inner voice replied snidely.

'Shush...he's saying something important!'

"Of course, you are after all, a powerful deity come to Earth even as you are my friend. It is only right that you should demand what is your due."

"Suggur, I've told you before and still you insist," Jareth shook his head slowly; his heat dulled hair drifting lazily. "I am no god."

'Back to this old song and dance are we?' his voice said with a suffering sigh.

"So sure of this are you?" Suggur asked, "And yet you are asking me questions only the gods or their highest priests may comprehend; asking me about the Source. You travel throughout my life, and yet you never age. You have staved off death and disease to me and mine too many times for me to number on both hands." Suggur held up a hand to cease Jareth's protests, "And privately I have seen you do far greater feats and you say you are no god."

"Suggur, I swear to you, I am but a man," Suggur made a strangled, choking sound in objection so Jareth added, "Albeit an unusual and powerful man I'll warrant, but no god."

"But, Ninurta, how do you explain your sign?"

"Excuse me?" Jareth asked flatly, unsure of Suggur's meaning. Suggur politely indicated the infinity-like symbol at the center of Jareth's pendant. Taking a deep breath, Suggur plunged forward with his revelation.

"It is the sign of the Source, also known by my people as the Tablet of Destinies. They were once guarded by Ninurta, the god of the underworld, before he stole them. It is said that Ninurta was caught by his father Enki and punished for his crime."

As he listened to Suggur's straight forward, almost innocent explanation of his belief in his godhead, Jareth's mind stuttered to a sharp halt. None of it sounded right or recognizable, but then Jareth couldn't remember much before Suggur's finding him wandering in the desert; fractures of images, feelings, a vague thought or word, but nothing solid or tangible enough to be real.

"Ninurta!" Suggur's frantic voice called him back to full consciousness, and he shook his head.

"I am well, Suggur, I am well," he assured the frightened man hovering over him, but obviously fearful of touching him. "I don't...I do not remember any of this, are you sure?" Carefully Jareth sat up, allowing the dizziness in his head to subside.

Suggur bowed his head in deference, clashing his hand together as if in prayer and knelt, "I speak only truth, Ninurta," he looked up, "but I have proof."

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"Hello?"

"Hey, Karen," Sarah replied as her step-mother answered the phone.

"Sarah! Oh, it's so good to hear from you! It's been too long, Christmas since we've even talked."

"I know, Karen, I'm sorry about that. I know I haven't been home in awhile. But things have been so hectic at work and...uh...well, it's just really difficult for me to get away, you know?"

'Smooth, Sarah, even I believed that,' Tutu mocked.

She detested going home. All the tension and fake emotions, rather stress herself out as a workaholic, at least they paid her. She liked Karen, really she did. After her misadventure through the labyrinth, Sarah grew up significantly and her relationship with Karen dramatically improved. Too bad her father remained aloof and detached from anything resembling a real emotion or a father-child relationship.

Usually Sarah returned home for Christmas, but she'd skipped the this year and last because of Jareth, having not quite worked up the courage for the dreaded introductions yet. But Karen knew she dated someone seriously as Sarah vaguely spoke of Jareth to her step-mother, but Karen didn't push—although Sarah practically heard her restrained curiosity over the phone.

"I understand, dear, the life a young, up and coming lawyer is unforgiving. I remember how hard your father worked even after he made partner," her step-mother said agreeably.

"Right, about that, um—is Dad home yet?"

'Dum-dum-da-dum...,'Tutu started humming a funeral dirge in Sarah's head. She studiously ignored her and the depressing song.

"Oh, no, I'm afraid not. Working late again, you know how much he likes to keep up appearances as senior partner."

"Yeah, I know. I was just hoping...I thought maybe he'd be home by now," she said, "it is after 8 p.m. on a Friday." Her voice trailed off as she realized she likely hurt Karen's feelings by implying...well, anything.

Karen sighed, "He's been staying later and later no matter what I say." Sarah thought she heard a sniff then Karen's voice brightened again, "but he's so successful I can't bother to really complain!"

"Karen," Sarah began only to be cut off by her step-mother before she could conduct her annual berating of her father's familial neglect.

"Pish posh, Sarah, you know your father is an excellent provider, has always taken care of us quite well!" she said, defending her husband of over fifteen years.

"And Toby? How does he feel about Dad being such an excellent provider?" Sarah couldn't quite keep the snide tone from her voice. She knew Toby craved his father's attention as much as she did, perhaps more as he needed a male role model.

'You tell her, Sarah!'

The line grew silent to the point Sarah feared the connection lost then Karen spoke again, "Toby is growing up just fine. He understands how important his father's career is, how he helps people, and he knows how much Robert misses being at his games and extracurricular activities." Karen proclaimed so smoothly Sarah knew, positively, it was a prepared speech intended for interlopers and nosy neighbors. Nice to know she'd fallen in the ranking of the unwashed masses.

"Hmmm, I wonder how he feels about Dad missing dinner and tucking him in at night, too?" she sniped back. Giving her a prepared speech! Ha!

"Sarah!" Tutu admonished sharply.

"Sorry, sorry," Sarah added quickly, "look I just called to tell Dad and you guys the good news. I've been made a junior partner at my law firm. So, lots of extra work, but lots of new pay and recognition, too, especially more time in the courtroom from now on."

"Oh, Sarah! That's wonderful news! Made partner and before you're thirty, that's better than your father! What an accomplishment. You're father will be so proud!" Karen waxed extreme while Sarah preened on the opposite end of the phone. Not quite what she envisioned when she first called, but still enjoyable and well worth the effort. Karen sincerely cared and she could hear it in her voice.

'Well, I should think so! You've only devoted your entire last decade to this!' Tutu exclaimed.

"Thanks, Karen. So, do you think you could have Dad call me when he gets in, no matter what the hour? I...I really...uh...need to talk to him about this so please don't tell him first, okay?"

"Absolutely, Sarah! I wouldn't dream of stealing your thunder."

"Thanks, Karen, and I really am sorry about earlier. I know Dad means well."

"It's okay, Sarah. Will we be seeing you soon? We'd especially love to meet this new man in your life."

"Umm, maybe, it's going well. I'll let you know."

"You're welcome anytime, you and...And Jareth you said his name was?"

"Yes, Jareth, thanks, and really...thanks, Karen. Could you put Toby on? I want to tell him the good news, too."

"Sure, hang on let me get him...TOBY!"

Over the line, Sarah heard the pounding of fifteen year old feet in the background then a muffled scrabbling of the phone being handed off.

"Sarah!" Her little brother's voice exclaimed, cracking from tenor to soprano in excitement. Sarah smiled to herself thinking of how fast he grew. He'd be breaking girl's hearts in no time.

"Toby-bear! Hey, kiddo, how are you?"

"Great, sis, what's up?"

"Well, I finally made partner!"

"Wow, that's awesome, Sarah! Does that mean you're going to finally come visit so we can take you out to dinner? Mom says you should always take family out for a nice dinner when something good happens."

"Toby!" Sarah heard Karen scold him light-heartedly from the background.

"What? You say that!" baffled, Toby spoke to his mother and Sarah chuckled while she waited for Toby to come back to their conversation.

"Maybe, kiddo, if I can get away from work, you'll be the first to know."

"Promise?" he pleaded. He loved his big sis, idolized her really; counted the days until she visited.

"Cross my heart," she answered her voice thick with sincerity and a few tears. "I talk to ya later, Toby-bear, I love you."

"Love you, too, Sarah," he said quietly before she heard a click and dial tone. Standing in her living room, Sarah stared at her walls, overcome for several minutes before she hung up her own receiver.

'Damn that kid is good,' said Tutu, sniffing faintly.

'I know, makes me want to road trip to see him right now, the manipulative stinker,' Sarah wiped her nose which happened to be running.

'Must be spring allergies,' she thought.

'Riiiight...and I wear a pink...never mind...you need to see the kid more often before he goes off to college and starts hating your guts. You know you're turning into your father by default, right?'

'Maybe a congratulatory dinner out with the family is feasible. I mean...it wouldn't kill us, would it?'

'Probably not...besides, Jareth could always bog them all if it got out of hand.'

Sarah laughed, 'I like that idea! Boggings galore!' Maybe when Jareth returned...God she missed him, over a week and no word from his Royal Pissiness. A fragile, little daydream starring Jareth and her visiting her dysfunctional family and everything going splendidly spun itself in her imagination. Her father hugging her and shaking Jareth's hand as he heartily congratulated them on her success and their engagement...

'Oh, wow...what did I just dream up?'

Tutu sniggered, 'Oh, honey...I knew you couldn't resist him forever. His been dropping hints like A-bombs. Dum-dum-da-dum...' This time Tutu hummed the wedding march and a silly smile stretched Sarah's lips against her wishes and her nose stopped running.

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Still on the floor, Jareth sat upright and waited while Suggur fetched from a secured area his proof. What manner of proof did Suggur own? Jareth doubted anything so mundane might reinforce such a fantastical idea of his being a god. He snorted. A god! Ridiculous, absurd! For him to have walked the Earth for thousands of years without theistic knowledge of himself would be...would be...

"Oh, bloody hell," he whispered, deflated...he gulped. What if it were true? It would explain many things he sought to understand, but a...god? The sursurrant of the draperies being opened drew Jareth's attention, and he turned as Suggur reentered the room with a large, cloth-wrapped bundle in his arms. Kneeling, Suggur placed the approximately foot by foot item at Jareth's feet then prostrated reverently for several moments and murmured. Impatiently waiting for his friend to complete his prayers, Jareth visually inspected the objected laid before him.

The hand spun cloth appeared well worn, but of high quality with blackish, hand painted symbols and glyphs covering both sides. He could tell because the edges flopped back revealing them. Most of the symbols were the cuneiform of ancient Sumeria which Jareth never bothered to learn, he only understood it conversationally. Other symbols he did not recognize and were obviously more primitive.

After a time Suggur sat up, smiled respectfully and touched the object with one hand.

"Ninurta, I inherited this from my father, and he from his, and will pass it to my son in time. Since knowing you I have added to its wisdom from the knowledge and wealth you have bestowed upon me." Finishing his speech, Suggur carefully pulled back the wrapping to expose a large, thick clay tablet with rows upon rows of neat cruciform writing. And at the top center of the artifact—the very same symbol carved into his own pendant; the pendant always with him, never apart since his first lucid memory in Suggur's house and some foggy memories of the desert before.

"Gods below, the symbol...your work?" He asked, hopeful, in denial, recognizing the tablet as the very one in Rafferty and Doug's memories, only with a bit more writing and tons more wear-thousands of years obviously, but otherwise, the very same.

"No, Ninurta," his friend shook his head slowly, "my father's father said he found this partially written tablet in the same desert you wandered from...the symbol was already imprinted upon it. When I found you so many years ago and first saw your pendant, I knew you must be sent from the gods. Especially because no man could survive as you did, naked and wandering in the desert with only a necklace to wear."

"I what?" Jareth squirmed as the visual formed in his mind.

'Bloody hell, I don't remember that! That's just...embarrassing!' His voice interjected hotly.

"Yes, but when you thrived in my house and performed many miracles...then I knew without doubt who you were, Ninurta come to Earth. Come to bless me and watch over me. Have you never wondered why I became High Priest?"

Jareth shrugged then remembered the motion held no meaning for Suggur, "No, I just assumed you were a capable man."

Suggur chuckled, starting to relax, "Ah, you flatter me. I was but a herder when I found you, remember?"

"Yes, of course." The rank stench of desert bred sheep and goats never quite left one's memory.

"But when my people saw how you blessed me they began to follow me as their leader."

"I see. My friendship brought you this position?" An idea began connecting in Jareth's mind. He remembered something about ancient Sumerians believing in personal gods. Apparently, his company in Suggur's life provided a profound impact. An impact which still reverberated to the modern age.

"As a consequence, yes, but I have ever valued your friendship and guidance first. But, Ninurta, I wonder that you have never asked who I am High Priest to, who I worship." Suggur's kind, adoring eyes stared directly into Jareth's. He continued when Jareth refused to ask the very question Suggur so obviously wished to answer. "I am High Priest to Ningirsu, the patron god of our city, Girsu."

"Ah, well then..." relieved Jareth's shouldered relaxed until Suggur spoke again.

"Another name for you, Ninurta...is Ningirsu, our great city is dedicated to you... and the knowledge and friendship you have brought to me and my people," Suggur declared proudly and again prostrated his body before Jareth.

'You've got to be bloodly well kidding me! All this time, they've been worshiping you as a god? Oh, that's rich, that's bloodly brilliant!' his conscience blurted sarcastically, but Jareth ignored him as his emotions crested at the thought of his friend worshiping him, believing in him so fiercely. All these eons and he never knew.

"Thank you, Suggur," Jareth bowed his head, while he surmounted his fragile emotions. Because of him his friend became leader of his tribe which, over time grew to the great city Girsu and influenced many important things in the ancient fertile crescent still felt in the 21st century. The power many sought through him his friend received by accident. Fate was a funny thing. Conquering his voice Jareth asked:

"Suggur, what does the tablet say?"

His friend smiled broadly, "Ah! It starts out telling the story of how the god Ninurta stole the Tablet of Destinies and was cast out from the Heavens to suffer amongst the mortals for all eternity."

"And this Tablet of Destinies...tell me more," he requested, determined once and for all to trace his past.