4. THE LOVE SONG: Nanna and Ningal take responsibility for the manifestation of their love.

So this time darkness lasted longer, for clouds filled the night, hiding Nanna’s New Moon glow. Was it perhaps the way the Great Gods found to make impetuous Nanna come out and reveal to all his love for Ningal?

A first, a second, a third moonless night passed by since the New Moon. Nanna was indeed nowhere to be seen, shrouded by heavy clouds. It was then that a hooded traveler came to the marsh, to Ningikuga’s and Ningal’s reed house. When the stranger crossed the threshold, greeting courteously like a prince her mother and herself, Ningal with a heightened lover’s intuition knew who he was: Nanna in disguise. Her heart leapt in joyful anticipation, but because of the secret pact they had sworn not to reveal to anyone their love she said not a word, waiting for the pattern to unfold.

After accepting food and drink, Nanna, the traveler, told Ningal and Ningikuga of all the delicious dairy products he had diligently reserved for the one and only chosen of his heart, if she only cared to meet him later that night in the marshes.

Ningal felt her face grow hot, and her eyes searched for Ningikuga’s.

‘Am I seeing right, but mother tonight has laughing eyes?’ Ningal asked herself silently. 'The way Mother looks at him, the questions she asks Nanna, I mean, the traveler.....’

Suddenly, Ningal understood it all and her face grew even hotter. Nothing that happened in all worlds that could not be known by the Great Gods. They knew of Nanna and her.

‘O Nanna, we’ve been such fools,’ she realized. ‘But I won’t go to the marshes and hide what cannot be hidden anymore.’

Loud, she said to the traveler, finding a new strength in her love, a new confidence in her full power of a woman and goddess:

‘Were you Nanna the Moon God, the chosen of my heart and companion of my soul, I would not go to the marshes with you tonight. Not until Moon Lord has filled the rivers with the early flood to bring fertility to the land and the people, has made grain grow in the field and new fish be in the marshes, old and new reeds in the canebrake, stags in the forest, plants in the desert, honey and wine in the orchards and long life to the palace. Then and only then, in the right time and season I would move out of the marshes to the Moon’s palace of Ur, I would share Nanna’s bed and be his Sovereign, Goddess and Queen.’

A charged silence followed Ningal’s statement. As her attention was totally on the hooded traveler, Ningal did not see the approving smile that shone like a beacon in Ningikuga’s face or the raised eyebrow she directed to Ningal. How would the impetuous Moon Lord react to Ningal’s words?

Nanna retrieved his poise, chuckled and bowed deeply in front of both ladies, addressing Ningal first:

‘May your beloved have heeded your wise words, daughter of the holy house, first and foremost in the Moon Lord’s soul. You are truly the future lady of Ur.‘

He turned then to Ningikuga: ‘Thank you, Great Lady, for your hospitality. And forgive me for any harm my impetuousness has caused.’

Ningikuga’s composure and humor were a sight to behold.

‘The daughters and sons of An are all also my own,’ she said very softly, raising her hand in a blessing. ‘I wish you luck, Stranger, in the wooing of your lady. With a mother’s experience and care, I tell you, young lord, love her deeply, treat her as your equal. And when the time comes in the Sacred Marriage celebrations, share yours and her joy with all creation. And... don’t forget you two to send ME a proper invitation for the events.’

Two young faces were as delighted as embarrassed, as Ningikuga retired in style for her private chambers.