Kabul - Acceptance: Sequel to 'Yasak - Forbidden' (A Goktug Alp Love Story)

CHAPTER 3

A/N: Nice ass Gotutu

Goktug left early the next morning with Osman Bey to go meet with Ertugrul Gazi out in the woods. Melike had prepared him a very quick and early breakfast which they ate together before he departed, then left with Davut Usta and the orphaned Ahmet for Sogut. Winter was on its way, and there was lots to be done in the village to assist the traders and merchants. Gunduz Bey and Dundar Bey had assigned her, Boran and Gonca Hatun to take turns to look out for the merchants in need of extra help or supplies during the winter, so Melike had decided to hitch a ride with Ahmet and the blacksmith early that morning after her husband left, so she could go look around and meet with the traders whilst Davut Usta sent their tribe's carpets to the Rug House where they sold them in Sogut.

Melike got off of Jarrah and sent him off with one of the Alps to the stables, and helped Ahmet off the cart of goods that they had driven to the village. The poor boy was still rather downcast, so everyone was doing the best they could to lift his spirits, and made sure to bring him out as much as possible. "How was the ride, Ahmet?" she asked, smiling at him. "It was comfortable," he said courteously, trying to smile back. Melike patted his back; "Do you think you would like to come with us more often?" "Maybe," said Ahmet after a moment of thought, looking around at the village. "Not sure."

"Well, you have time to make up your mind," said Melike, and she left the boy's side to meet with one of the merchants that looked like he was about to come up to them. "Selam Aleykum, Hasan Bey," said Davut Usta in greeting, and Melike greeted him too. "Selam Aleykum, Hasan Bey." Hasan Bey smiled at both of them; "Ve Aleykum Selam, Davut Usta, Melike Baci," he said, pressing his hand to his chest and the other two did the same. "We brought the goods you requested," said Davut Usta, gesturing to the cart. "I hope they are enough." The merchant took to examining the carpets and handiwork that Davut Usta had brought from the tribe, and after a few minutes he smiled heartily. "Eyvallah, Davut Usta," he said. "The tribe has shown its skill once more." "Eyvallah," said the blacksmith, and Melike smiled along with him.

"Is there anything in particular that you and your business may need for the winter, Hasan Bey?" asked Melike. "Gunduz Bey had me assigned to go around Sogut today to see if any of the merchants and traders require any extra assistance. But if you would rather counsel with my brother Boran Alp or Gonca Hatun, that would be alright as well." "Eyvallah, Melike," said Hasan Bey. "We do not need anything extra- though I believe that a neighboring shophouse does need some assistance. They don't have enough money to make some vital repairs before winter, and it is getting more difficult for the family running it to keep on." "I will see what I can do," said Melike, smiling courteously. "Thank you for informing me." She turned to Davut Usta. "I will take my leave and head toward the inn now, Davut Usta, and see what I can get done today," said Melike, and the blacksmith smiled at her. "Alright, Melike kizim," he said. "Be careful."

"Davut Usta?" Ahmet tugged at Davut Usta's sleeve suddenly. "Do you have an akce for me?" Davut Usta smiled at the boy, and knelt slightly to pass into his palm a silver coin. "For you, always, my boy," he said, and Ahmet nodded his thanks before going off down the street toward the town square. "I wonder what he wants to buy," said Melike aloud, as she and Davut Usta watched Ahmet as he pushed through the townspeople. Finally, he crossed the square and reached a man with his back turned to them, and tossed a coin into a small dish next to him.

"MashaAllah," said Melike, smiling widely as she and the blacksmith walked over to Ahmet, impressed with the young boy's actions. "Such a kind heart," said Davut Usta. "May Allah keep it in him." "Ameen," said Melike, before they reached where the beggar sat with Ahmet standing nearby after he had given him the money. "Thank you, Child," he said to Ahmet, who looked rather scared and apprehensive suddenly. "Allah bless you," said Melike and Davut Usta to Ahmet, drawing the beggar's attention to them. Melike was surprised to see that he looked rather young, but his clothes were dirty and ragged as well as his face. She could tell why Ahmet looked apprehensive- his face was rather stony and fierce, his grey-blue eyes sharp. Nevertheless, she and Davut Usta spared a smile for him, pressing their palms to their chests in greeting.