Yapheth spoke to his wife, “Adata’nese, once we have released the animals, and settled, you must take that book and bury it away, lest my father discover it in our possession. Do you understand me?”
She replied, “I understand, husband. But it also contains the record of my family and my people.”
Then Yapheth admonished her with a grave warning, “There are no buts, woman! Do as I have instructed you, for our father’s wrath shall be quick to disown, shun, and curse our entire house for seven generations, all because I allowed you to keep such a thing. Do you not realize that the Almighty himself washed away everything from the Nephilim Age? Not even my grandfather was spared from the purge of its wickedness.”
“I shall my lord,” then Adata’nese added, “On the morrow that we have vacated the ark. I will make an excuse, to go out alone and search the land for a place fitting its disposal. I remember well the violence of the people, Yapheth, and the seriousness of your command.”
“I desire not to be harsh with you, my love,” he smiled, “Rest now. Shem says that land is well in sight, and soon a new tomorrow begins.”
It came to pass, seven days after the ark landed atop a great mountain’s shelf, that Father Nocah, his wife, their three sons and their wives opened the great door of the ship and released the beasts of every kind among them. Long had they befriended even the wildest of creatures, and when the last was gone did Noach’s face look towards the heavens, “Hear now, we alone of all mankind have survived the purging of the old world’s wickedness, and now shall these creatures henceforth be estranged and fearful of us. Take care in your dealings with them my family.”
True to her word, on the morning after the craft was emptied of its cargo, did Adata’nese rise early and excuse herself. Following the family’s meal she left the ark, for they had yet to find lodgings elsewhere, and went alone, even a good distance and lost sight of all she knew. In a lush clearing, down the mountain’s side a great boulder stood apart, ringed by many mushrooms. On the southern side, beneath the great stone she dug out a deep hole. Therein Adata’nese did place the bundled tome, then pouring dirt back over it topped with other smaller stones. When finished she picked many of the mushrooms and stowed them away in the swath of cloth about her. With the shoulder sling full Miriam began to ascend the mount. It was then she saw Ham’s wife descending toward her.
Sedget’elbad waved, calling down the mountain, “Morning sister! Why have you ventured so far away?”
Adata’nese called back gleefully, “Mushrooms!” Then adding as they met, “Sister, should we not also plan for the day when we are able to pitch our own tents apart from one another and begin our own families?” She said this while rubbing her stomach.
Sedget’elbad exclaimed with joy, “Oh! Sweet sister! Ada, you are with child?”
Adata’nese smiled, ”Yes.”
“Does Yapheth know?” Sedget’elbad almost whispered.
Ada grinned with her secret, ”Sedget, you are the first.”
Sedget, embraced Adata’nese, “Aww, Ada, may it be a boy, and may he be the first of many yet to come.”
Ada touched the other woman’s stomach, “For all of us, sister.”
Sedget glanced up at the mountain’s top, “We know Emzara birthed three sons, and midwifed many others, so fret none you are in good hands, Ada.”
Ada smiled back them looked saddened, ”Yes, our Mother-in-law is experienced, and wise indeed.”
Sedget understood her feelings, “I know that look, I understand too, Ada. I dearly miss my mother as well.”
”Yes, many of my family,” Ada began then sighed, “but this is all behind us now, sister.”
Sedget “Making this new beginning means we must lean all the more on one another because we are all we have. Be strong, Ada this babe will be greatly loved.” Adding, “The firstborn always is.”
Tears welled in Ada’s eyes, ”Sedget, you are more than a sister-in-law to me, gratitude more than can be expressed, sister.
Sedget added their other sister-in-law as well, “Ne’ela, also.”
Ada reaffirmed, “Ne’ela, also.” With that they walked hand in hand aiding the other up the mountain.
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