When Mihrimah was old enough to live alone, she strategically had a Marquee made near the Bey' tent, the healing tent and the kitchen.
''That girl. She has so many dresses lying around, and the only thing she is wearing is her armour.''
Eva turned to the older woman and smiled at the comment. Selcan Hatun had asked Eva to accompany her to find some proper clothes to the young woman. Otherwise, she would spend time looking for a dress all day long. Mihrimah was good at combining clothes, when she prepared herself for missions. But when it comes to social gathering, she had a hard time knowing what to wear as some of her dresses looked more extravent than the other.
But Selcan also wanted to test Eva as she had only recently sided with the Kayi Tribe. Not that she was doubting Serdar's judgement, but she couldn't help herself. Selcan has met many kind of people, and wanted to judge Mihrimah's new aide herself. Like Serdar had been speaking of many times, Mihrimah also needed someone else to assist her. He often insinuated it to be a woman, as he couldn't help Mihrimah in those areas.
''What about the green one? I had always thought that green suits Mihrimah very well.''
Eva looked at the green dress Selcan Hatun had put on the bed. But as much as Eva knew her Mistress, the dress was a little to fancy, as Mihrimah would have said.
''I don't think that my Mistress would want to wear that dress. Even though it is very beautiful.''
Selcan looked at the greek woman and pondered about her answer. She knew that Eva was right in her judgement, but was still intrigued why she was giving her that particular answer.
''I think that you're onto something. But may I ask why you think such?''
Eva stiffened a little but answered regardless. ''Of course, Selcan Hatun. I might not have known Mihrimah for a long time. And of course, Serdar also told me things about her. But my Mistress doesn't seem the type to wear dresses that can outshine Malhun Hatun or Bala Hatun for example. She also asked me if she should prepare some clothes of my preference and have them made. She said: ''In this Tribe we might have different preferences, but even so we are one and not only because we fight for the same Cause.'' ''
''It made me realize how different Mihrimah truly is from many of the residents in the Tribe. And that I wasn't mistaken to pledge my loyalty to her, and I never had any doubts about it.''
Selcan smiled at the woman and the dedication to Mihrimah. ''Then what kind of dress do you think we should choose?''
Eva turned around and found a white dress with a green underdress. ''It might be white, which isn't a strategic colour for Mihrimah. But it is made slightly short so it doesn't touch the ground and won't get dirty. I can imagine that we will be sitting most of the time, if not taking a stroll through the Tribe. And the green underdress matches with one of her scarfs that can be attached to her head piece.''
''Masallah kizim.'' Selcan smiled. ''I think that Mihrimah would agree too, but you'll have to give her the same explanation first. She isn't very good at keeping white clothes clean.''
☾
After Eva's explanation Mihrimah had changes into the white dress without protest and left to meet her family in front of the Bey' tent. Her aunt Ayşe Hatun was the first to notice. ''Masallah kizim.'' Mihrimah smiled proudly. ''You have to thank Eva for the choice of dress, yengye.''
The drums were beating and everyone turned their attention to the guests who had arrived on horseback.
''Alpler! Attention.'' Goktug ordered and the sound of sword banging against the Alps' shield could be heard, and sword were swung as they performed the special dance for men of the Kayi Tribes.
''Hoş geldin.'' Goktug welcomed Governor Saguros. ''Hoş bulduk.''
Goktug turned his attention the the young women beside Saguros and looked lost in her eyes, who nodded in greeting. Then Boran motioned and accompanied them to the Bey's tent, where the whole family were waiting. The two guests looked around the tribe in awe of their hospitality.
''Hoş geldin. You honored us.'' Osman Bey greeted the Governor and his daughter. ''This is my niece I spoke of, Mihrimah Turhan.''
When she heard her name, Mihrimah walked up to her uncle and the Governor. ''Welcome, Governor Saguros. Knowing the state of affairs, I wished he had met under better circumstances.''
''Thank you, Mihrimah Turhan. Your tribe's hospitality shows that you are people I can trust my life with.''
''I'm happy to hear that Governor.''
''This is my daughter, Prenses Hera. She have been asking many questions about the tribe.''
''My father is right, but I could help be intrigued by you and your talents. I have been hearing that you are very skilled and often fight alongside the men of the tribe.''
''You flatter me, Prenses Hera. But I hope that we can give you a tour of our Tribe and tell you about it.'' Mihrimah said.
Osman then motioned the daughter and father to stand to his right, while Malhun and Bala to the left, with Mihrimah beside Bala to see the Alps finish their performance.
When they were done, some of the Alps including Boran and Goktug showed off the archery skill, which left the two visitors in awe. Mihrimah then looked at Prenses Hera and saw something far more interesting, which was her gaze locked on Goktug and smiled at him.
''Mashallah!'' Osman praised his Alps.
''Turks! There is no better than you at shooting arrows.'' Saguros praised too as well as his daughter, who looked at Goktug. ''They are good as people say. Even better.''
While they were praising the Alps, Mihrimah bored holes in Boran's head with her glare. That was until the alp noticed it and she motioned her head to Goktug and Hera.
When he looked back at Mihrimah, she had a mischievous smile and playfully shaked her head.
''My daughter, Hera.'' Saguros began. ''She want to meet and see your tribe.''
''You don't have to be embarrassed to ask, Prenses. I'll be your personal guide.'' Mihrimah chirped and briefly glanced at Goktug, who realized that she might be up to something. ''And most importantly, you'll have to see where our Alpler trains.''
''Thank you, Mihrimah.''
Malhun knew that her niece was up to something and intervened ''We couldn't see you in Iznik, Hera. You did well by coming here.''
''I was in Constantinople then. I am very happy to meet you although it's late.''
Selcan couldn't help but adore the Prenses and approached her. ''Kizim, if you are curious about our tribe, we too will tag along around the tribe before going into the tent. What do you think?''
''I would like that.'' Hera answered, much to Mihrimah's dismay. But then she realized that having the older women, could make her plan more of a success.
''Let's go then! We don't have all day!'' Mihrimah linked her arm to Hera's. ''Especially, of we are going to spend more time at one place.''
The air was filled with the scent of roasting meat and the distant sounds of laughter and children playing.
''Welcome to the Kayi tribe, Prenses Hera." Mihrimah said with a warm smile. ''Our people have lived here for generations, bound by traditions and the way of nomadic life''
Hera nodded appreciatively, her ornate attire contrasting with the practical garments worn by the Kayi women. As they walked, Mihrimah began explaining the various aspects of the tribe's lifestyle.
''Our warriors, led by my emmi, Osman Bey, are the guardians of our people. They protect us from threats and ensure the safety of our tribe.'' Mihrimah explained, gesturing towards a group of men engaged in combat training. ''And of course, I join them from time to time.''
Hera observed the warriors with keen interest, recognizing the discipline and skill embedded in their movements. ''Your warriors are formidable. I can see the strength that runs through the veins of the Kayi tribe.''
Mihrimah nodded proudly. ''Indeed, they are the backbone of our community. But strength isn't just physical; it's also found in our unity, and loyalty to one another.''
As they continued through the camp, Princess Hera marveled at the resourcefulness of the Kayi people. Tents were pitched with precision, and women skillfully tended to their daily tasks, weaving, cooking, and caring for the children.
''Food plays a central role in our community,'' Mihrimah explained, leading Hera toward the cooking area. ''We Hatuns take pride in preparing meals.. Our recipes have been passed down through generations, each dish a testament to the rich history of the Kayi tribe.''
As the tour continued, Mihrimah guided, where the sounds of clanging metal and the rhythmic thud of leather on wood echoed. The blacksmiths, predominantly men, were hard at work forging weapons and crafting tools essential for the tribe's survival.
''These skilled artisans are the backbone of our defense.'' Mihrimah explained. ''Their craftsmanship ensures that our warriors are well-equipped to protect our lands and our people.''
Princess Hera marveled at the intricate designs adorning the weapons, each piece a work of art that told a story.
''Now, I think that I'll show you where our archers are training.''
Word count: 1530