SL Part 7e - A Change of Tides - Entourage

[Kamenwati]

The Arrival of the Tamazghans

Two days passed quickly in Carnia. The weather in Carnia was nearly unbearable for those that lived upon the island. Spring should have had come with plenty of rain but the skies had not wept once and now in the middle of summer, the days were dry and scorching against the throat.

Dawn had come early and with it, the Villa was a flurry of activity again for Kamenwati's entourage would be arriving today. Briseis had seen Kam off to meet them and bring them to the Villa while this time, getting out of bed to observe the work Niemah had done (the girl hot on her heels as she surveyed the villa).

The Villa had been cleaned near to sparkling; food had been cooking since the night before and had been arranged in a decorative pattern on plates upon any surface that stood still. The four pools in the main foyer of the Villa were full to brimming with water and drizzled with white rose and lily petals.

Though it was the morning and the men would be arriving by mid-day, Candles had been lit and placed around the pillars that kept the second story afloat above their heads and around the statues of the Roman God Jupiter and his Queen Juno.

The servants themselves were getting out their best attire while the bedrooms that would house their guests were given another once over.

Meanwhile at the Carnian port, Kamenwati had waited at the docks, his anticipation building. It had been far too long since Kamenwati had seen his friend and personal physician… and too, upon the foredeck, stood four personal bodyguards dedicated to Kam’s life and well-being… but unseen, previously disembarked were twenty riders from the desert now camped along the northern shore, prepared to ride at any moment for their Master. This was no simple visit, this was the initial phase of a well-laid plan.

Over time, the Gaelic King and the Amir of the Tamazgha had ambassadorial exchanges established and men stationed in their respectful capitals… dialog constantly being archived as to the futures of both countries. But also, the ship that entered the Carnian port not only flew the flag of the Tamazgha but the designs were Gaelic in nature, with the Du’Chere emblem burned into the bow’s crest.

Now Kam had his best friend and personal physician on the Isle, along with his 4 personal bodyguards. In their native language, they discussed where the 20 riders were, how they would be resupplied and what the signals were. Kam and his counterparts could only smile at what had been accomplished. Kam took no concern to the expense of Briseis’ safety and well-being.

"My Lady, you have a visitor..." A slave reported, bowing low as Briseis finished her round over the Villa.

Behind the slave, Octavius stood, providing Briseis with a dazzling smile.

"Thank you.." Briseis hummed though hesitating. Despite what Octavius had started in her home, she could not stay mad at him, he was like a father to her, he meant well.

"Mathayus..." Briseis called scanning around the room until the large slave presented himself. "Will you go to the edge of Lycia and make sure Kam and his guests arrive safely?" She asked. Mathayus hesitated but when Briseis gave him a longer stare, meaning this was a command, he bowed and took his leave.

"How are you Briseis, busy I see" Octavius spoke as he came to hug her.

"Yes, Kamenwati sent for some of his advisors from the Tamazgha, they are arriving today..." Briseis commented as she gave Octavius a hug. "Please excuse me a minute, then we will sit and talk… Niemah!" Briseis called catching sight of the girl as she was making her own last rounds.

"Yes my lady?" Niemah spoke as she bowed low to both Briseis and Octavius.

"Will you take the others down to the river to wash up?" Briseis asked.

"But my lady..." Niemah protested, her lips turning into a dark frown.

"Please Niemah, they will be arriving soon… and Octavius is here, I am not alone" Briseis soothed with a calm voice.

Niemah could not refuse a command, especially one spoken so sweetly, and true so she bowed once more and took leave of the room.

Once the villa was quiet again, Briseis turned to Octavius waving him into the dining hall with its low tables and cushions for chairs.

[Kamenwati]

Her Health Versus Her Duties

Once the villa was quiet again, Briseis turned to Octavius waving him into the dining hall with its low tables and cushions for chairs. "Please, help yourself, there is more than plenty to go around" She spoke of the food as she took a seat on one of the cushions. "What brings you here today Octavius?"

"I came to see how you are. Last I was here, you had fallen asleep on me and I figured when you woke, you would have enough to deal with besides having to deal with me." Octavius responded as he took a seat next to her. "Are you truly with child Briseis?"

Briseis smiled, his reason was sincere but she had a feeling, there was more to it than that. When he asked if she was with child, her cheeks flushed with color. Taking up a fan, she began to wave it back and forth to cool her face which had begun to perspire from the shuffling about the Villa. "Well, yes, I am." She responded hesitantly.

Octavius sighed leaning an elbow against a small open space on the table and linking his hands together. "I am happy for you, I pray the Gods for a safe and healthy birth."

"Octavius..." Briseis started and then stopped, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water before she asked. "What is it?"

Octavius was silent for a few minutes, weighing the pros and cons of heaping more news upon her. "Briseis..." He started and then stopped heaving a large sigh. "There are rumors, in Agora, for now that you are neglecting your duties as Ab Aeterno and that your alliance with the other Lords of the Land and trade you have been doing, is to bring bad press on the Emperor." He paused as he did many times, to let these words sink in and to get her reaction.

"Octavius..." Briseis pleaded, lids sliding closed over her eyes as she shook her head. She wanted to believe what he was telling her, why should he lie to her? "Please don't do this."

"Briseis, I don't say this to cause you harm or to upset you. My spies in the city have brought me this news, apparently they started yesterday...it is assumed, the Emperor knows of your pregnancy and this is why this is coming to light. He also..." He paused to take Briseis hand to make her look at him. "He has also announced plans to marry and has sent interest to the Tamazgha for a bride."

Briseis began to breath heavy for nausea washed over her in strong waves that threatened her breakfast be expelled from her body. Her clothing felt three sizes to small and were now clinging to her body having soaked up sweat pouring from her forehead in beads. "Octavius..." She warned and shook her head again.

Despite her plea, Octavius continued, out of desperation, he continued, he needed to see, it was all up to her… or Carnia would fall. "He is evil, Briseis, much more so then his father. He doesn't care about the people of Carnia, he cares about power. The whole land could be starving and he wouldn't pay any attention if it meant he was one step away from conquering the world. He needs to be removed from power and you are the only one who can do that. All you have to do is acknowledge what is rightfully yours by birth."

"I can't... I can't!" Briseis choked, her face so sleek with sweat, her tears disappeared in the beads of water on her face as she shook her head yanking her hand from Octavius grasp, she gripped the table and pulled herself up on shaky legs. "Please stop... please" She begged.

"How many innocent people will it take!" Octavius challenged her rising as she did. "YOU have the power to stop it, not me... not even Kam though he can give you support. It must be your decision. These are your people Briseis!"

Briseis backed away from him and turned in effort to flee the dining room but her steps only got two paces more away from him before she fell letting out a puff of air as if she had been hit in the stomach as everything around her went dark.

"Briseis!" Octavius called in alarm, moving too slowly to catch her, his wince went unnoticed by an empty hall as he knelt at her side turning her over gently and pulling her limp body into his arms. "Briseis?" He called her name wiping a hand against her fevered and sweaty brow. "Oh Gods..." He breathed in a sigh before his voice rose in a scream of man in terror. "SOMEBODY HELP ME!!!!"

The ride back to the home of Kam and Briseis was pleasurable, and business-like, as they discussed Bri’s condition and the circumstance of the Isle’s governance. But what they had no realized was what was occurring as they neared the Villa.

Niemah and the slaves were returning to the Villa when they heard screaming within. Niemah rushed ahead of the others. Seeing Briseis in Octavius’ arms, the woman gave a scream that could shatter glass, if the Villa had any... "What happened?!" She cried as she fell in beside Octavius on the floor and touched Briseis forehead before jerking her sweat soaked hand back, the lady was burning up.

"I don't know… I don't know... she just fell over..." Octavius was a panicked mess as he cradled Briseis limp body to him.

Leaning down, Niemah made sure she was still breathing before jumping up from the floor. "Come, we must cool her down... My Lord... please!" She cried as she tugged on Octavius clothing to get him to move. "Bring water!" She cried to the other slaves who had come and stood with slack jaws at the scene before leading Octavius to Briseis’ bedroom. "Lay her down..."

Niemah took a rag and bowl and brought them to the bedside. With a wince she began ripping Briseis’ dress off. "Lift her up my lord, please" She asked and as he did so, she pulled the dress off and threw the tattered toga to the ground. "Here, take this, start bathing her body down to cool her off."

Octavius face fell with despair and sadness as Briseis began to groan and moan, jerking as her fevered skin felt like knives were piercing her flesh as she was touched, not even aware of what was going on. When Niemah finally had her undressed, he turned his head, his cheeks flaming with embarrassment. "I... I… can't do that!" He stammered.

"I have to go alert the Master, he should be back any moment with his physician." Niemah tossed the rag at him and hurried from the room, stopping some of the slaves coming in with cool water. "Get the fans, as he baths her, wave them to cool her off..." She ordered and hurried out of the Villa.

Alone with Briseis, besides the slaves, Octavius began to bath the woman's body with a cloth, wincing as she moaned, her head thrashing, too weak to pull her body away from the painful touch. "I am so sorry Briseis, Gods, please forgive me. Gods please, don't let her die!" He muttered and mumbled.

When Kam appeared on the road. Niemah was standing at the gates to the Villa , she was ringing her hands and tears streaming down her face.

The carriage contained Kamenwati, Artum Eonm, the Physician, and Hassan el Sharir the Protector. The remaining three Protectors rode upon horses next to the carriage. The other 20 or so men that came from the Tamazgha at Kam’s request were camped not far from the Villa of Lycia’s Lady. Kam felt plans were solidifying as the Villa came nearer. But…

[Kamenwati]

A Wife's Promises

When Kam appeared on the road. Niemah was standing at the gates to the Villa , she was ringing her hands and tears streaming down her face.

The carriage contained Kamenwati, Artum Eonm the Physician, and Hassan el Sharir, the Protector. The remaining three Protectors rode upon horses next to the carriage. The other 20 or so men that came from the Tamazgha at Kam’s request were camped not far from the Villa of Lycia’s Lady. Kam felt plans were solidifying as the Villa came nearer. But…

As fate would have it, the driver halted the carriage at the gate at the sight of the Mistress’ slave. Kam exited the carriage and neared the girl… “Neimah, what is it?”

Immediately she fell to her knees and bowed her head as Kam's entourage came near, and as Kam exited the carriage and neared her. "Oh Master, please forgive me, she ordered me to leave, I didn't know this would happen!"

She hiccupped and sobbed holding her hands against her chest as she rocked back and forth. "Lord Octavius came to see her and she ordered me to take the other slaves and bath before you and your men returned. We just got back when we heard my lord Octavius screaming for help, I found him on the floor of the dining room holding My Lady in his arms, burning so hot with fever she perspires. Master, I think she is like to die!"

Kam immediately motioned to the driver… “To the Villa…” Then he commanded his Physician... “Artum, see to the Lady, she is poorly…”

By the time Kam and Niemah arrived at Briseis’ location, the Physician was already seeing to the Lady… All of the other Lycian physicians and healers had been ushered out or run off by Artum and Mathayus. Kam knelt near his beloved wife and looked upon her as Artum, Kam’s personal physician, cared for her. “Get well M’Lady… I am here… and here I shall remain…” he spoke softly to her.

Niemah walked hot on Kamenwati's heels along with Mathayus but both slaves stayed back as he spoke loving to his wife. It was only when the master hauled Octavius out of the room did Niemah dare to go to her lady and help the physician in any way she could while Mathayus was there to usher all those unneeded from the room before returning to help Niemah and the Physician should the lady need to be moved about.

As Octavius neared Kam to apologize, Kam rose slowly, turned to the man, taking his arm in a not so polite manner and led him from Briseis’ room. Just outside, Kam grabbed the man’s robes with both hands in full force and slammed him against the wall, a look upon his face that was calm, eerie, and adamant.

“Why is it, EVERYTIME you come around M’Lady succumbs to poor health? Do you desire her dead? Are you in cohorts with Secundus to kill her slowly?” Kam continued to ask the questions of Secundus, the Senate, the man Octavius’ own agenda, spies against the Tamazgha, and Carnian fortifications being built in the Tamazgha…

Octavius had been a part of the Carnian Army in his youth though he had seen little action compared to those who had made a career of it. He allowed Kamenwati to abuse him, slam him against the wall, and bombard him with his questions for he was a man who was slowly losing his wife, as Octavius reasoned it. A woman Octavius knew just by looking at him, who loved his wife beyond any known force.

It was only after the third or fourth slam that Octavius would take hold of Kamenwati arms to still the action of slamming him against the wall any more but the hold was not forceful, it was as calm as Kamenwati was talking. "My Lord, please" He asked taking a few breaths as his backside was screaming from being thrown against the wall. "You know it is not I who is making her sick, it is the baby. Briseis is dying because of this child, I've nothing to do with it. By the Gods, I would die to protect her from this and allow her to have the child she so desires!"

Kam would do nothing but shake his head at the man’s words… though in his mind, he knew it true…

He let out a long sigh as he shoulders fell. "I am not in league with Secundus, Why would I bring you the very story that would provide Briseis as heir to the throne with Secundus death if I was? My desires are the same as Lady Briseis', a free Carnia, free of a tyrant that is bent on destroying everything we are, bent on destroying the world as anyone knows it. His only aim is power and he will stop at nothing and remove anyone standing in his way, that is why I came here, to talk to Briseis, you know your wife. my lord, she will think and see no ill in anyone, even that pig Abu Said who abused her so ill, not once but twice in her lifetime. It is this heat... it is the child… I..." He stopped when Kamenwati opened his mouth to cut him off. He gave him the chance to, to show, he was not a bad man.

Questions he had so long remained silent on… and in closing he made a solemn vow. “I swear upon all that is Allah’s… IF the Lady Briseis dies… this Island will burn… and those in it will not perish slowly… This is my vow to all of Carnia… For she is the ONLY thing that prevents Carnia from becoming the new Atlantis…” Kam then slammed Octavius against the wall once more, the expression never changing. “Choose sides carefully, Octavius. Carnia’s destiny is not her own any longer.”

Briseis awoke in pain, her whole body was screaming inside. Her very insides seemed to ache and even as moving hurt, she moved her arms to cradle a belly that was just beginning to show signs of life inside. "Niemah... Niemah... the baby..." She moaned in pained whispers.

Niemah turned from the bowl of cold water she was preparing at hearing Briseis speak, quickly soaking and ringing out the rag, she flew to Briseis side and began to soothe the burning forehead of her mistress. "Hush my lady, hush, save your strength, the baby is fine..." So far... she wanted to say it but did not want to worry Briseis. Outside the room, she heard Kamenwati questioning Octavius, and the man’s calm responses. "Mathayus, go tell the Master his lady is awake..." Niemah responded calmly.

Mathayus left the bedside to move into the hall, slowly he would wedge himself between Kam and Octavius. "My Lord, the lady is awake...for now..." His dark rumbling voice spoke as he would change Kam’s attention to his wife. Mathayus had been a loyal servant to Octavius but 'signed' over to keep Briseis safe, he had to shift his allegiance though he never thought Octavius was in league with the Emperor.

Kamenwati’s attention veered from Octavius only by Mathayus’ sturdy rumbling voice. He turned offering Octavius a snarled glared.

As Kam left, Mathayus was on his heels, leaving Octavius to stand there as he entered the room once more only to stay by the doorframe to keep others out.

As Kam entered the room, Niemah moved to the other side of the bed so that she could continue to bath her lady’s head with the cool wet towel though she would avert her eyes to give them some sort of privacy.

He paid no mind to those around as he made his way to his wife’s bedside. His hand took hers as he knelt beside her, the free hand going to stroke the beautiful blonde hair.

Briseis could barely turn her head but she managed to lift a hand for Kam and take his hand into her own. "Kam... Kam..." She called in a pained whisper, her forehead was bathed in both sweat and in water from the cloth. "I'm.... dying..." She sounded so sure and she moaned as a pain shot through her body from the fever.

“Speak not such words…” he squeezed her hand as she cut him off…

"Promise me... promise me... finish... finish what I started... please... my people..." She squeezed her eyes shut as she held his hand against her burning cheek.

He shook his head at the words she spoke. “You shall live to finish the tasks yourself… I have brought my own personal physician to see to your recovery… we have much to accomplish together my dearest…” he was trying to sound as positive as he could. He had to keep her alive with promises of the future.

"Promise me, my love..."

He growled as he persistence… “I promise, though you living shall negate that promise…”

She was panting with the pain, her body on fire and screaming, she began to slip away into a fever sleep but managed to whisper "I love you..."

His own proclamation of love fell upon deaf ears as she fell into the fevered sleep…

Briseis would remain in a fevered sleep for several days; the fever began to fade albeit slowly with the help of those that attended her.

Still he would tell her he loved her, proclaimed his undying affections, and that she needed to get well… Every day, every eve… many many times whilst she succumbed to the fevered sleep, as he knelt by her bed.

[Kamenwati]

Through it all, it would seem to be quite a miracle, that there were no signs, no bleeding, that she had lost the child. The baby, it seemed had survived through the fever that ravaged at its mother who after several days, awoke from her fever, hungry for herring and jam.

Though she hesitantly stood at the doorway, Neimah rousted him from his prayers to inform him that his wife awoke. Finishing his prayers to Allah, he smiled and rose, turning only he when he reached the doorway. “Lead on girl… make haste…” And he could not help but watch the sway of her hips and desired the touch of the bared skin offered by her slave clothes. It had been weeks, if not longer, since he and Briseis had made love… And he forced his mind to veer from lust back to his beloved wife by barking at the slavegirl… “Leave us…” and his hand motioned all from the room as he knelt by Bri’s bedside.

“My love… you gave me a fright… but my physician takes care of you now…”Just as several slaves brought in a tray and drink for the lady.

Niemah, with hands posed in front of her, fingers interlaced, bobbed in a curtsey rather than kneeling on the floor and her hands parted as she ushered the other slaves out of the room. She would remain outside the room, her face in deep puzzlement on why the Master who had only moments ago been kind, seemed to bark at her as if angry, but then again, her mind reasoned, she had been at fault for leaving Briseis alone with Octavius. Even Niemah silently prayed to the Gods for thanks giving on the Lady’s return to health.

Briseis was all smiles as Kam entered the room. With the help of two of the slaves, she sat up and was propped back on a few pillows. As Kam knelt beside the bed, her hand from his cheek. "It frightened me as well. I thought I was going to die." She stroked her thumb against his lips and then smiled. "Your physician is very good but I feel the poor hostess, succumbing to illness on the day of their arrival, not even allowing them a moment’s peace from their arrival."

Kamenwati chuckles a bit. “Do not concern yourself on the feelings of my physician… he is here for one reason and one reason alone… your health… and this he is aware of his responsibility. The others are here for our protection.”

Her eyes veered to the slaves as they brought food in and she hummed in a soft note at the smell of the fish and the jam that had been put a top it as she had wanted. "Why did you bark at Niemah?" She asked as the bed tray was placed over her lap and she took a minute to cut a few pieces.

"Did she do something to upset you?" Evening coming out of an illness that had rendered her unconscious, she missed nothing. She had told her husband once that she would do anything to make him happy, growing up in a world where men took mistresses and knowing his culture was known to take many wives, she would not object if he decided to take another to his bed or another as a wife and though he had been engrained into her to accept such things; she would accept them mainly, because she loved him and above all, wished his happiness.

“I did not bark at Niemah… and nay, she has not upset me…” he smiled at Briseis, and only took a quick neutral glance at the slave girl in question. How would she know that the resistance of lust was the connotation in his voice?

Oh yes, days before Briseis, Kamenwati would have taken that slave long before now… her and several others, but his love for this woman who was now his wife was stronger than any cultural ties of years past. Though his erotic dreams, or nightmares that plagued him, was of not only his beloved wife but the slave girl that tended her.

Since her lapse into unconsciousness, rumors ran rampant about the Emperor's search for a bride and particularly, a Tamazgha bride. There were other rumors, though they had not made it to the gates of Lycia, they boasted darkness about them being mainly about the Lady of Lycia and that she was neglecting her duties, that she was forsaking the people of her land and the people the Emperor had deemed under her care; the rumors also said that she was seeking to align herself with the Amir of the Tamazgha to make him powerful enough to take over the Empire of Carnia.

Also since lapsing into a coma, Octavius had been seen upon the hill above the villa, he had left to give Kam time with his wife, he had left to visit the temples of the Gods to pray for the ladies delivery from deaths hands. He appeared on the hill every day about dusk and had stayed there until well into the night. Waiting on news.

[Kamenwati]

Introduction of Kamenwati’s People

Stabbing the fork into a few pieces of the fish and jam, she pushed them into her mouth and chewed. For a while, she chewed in silent thoughtfulness before swallowing to continue. "I must meet the men you brought, though it is not for mistrust. Because you trust and hold them highly, I will do so."

Kam laughs and watching her eat, he claps his hands together summoning his Physician, and his closest bodyguards.

As the five men entered upon Kamenwati’s hand signals, Artum Eonm, the Physician, and Hassan el Sharir, the lead Protector, followed by three other men who lagged behind, drop to their knees, heads down, hands outstretched and down, almost in a prone position.. “By the graces of Allah… and your most gracious majesty… we are here to serve thee most humbly… and shall we fail to serve thee fully, we offer our humble lives in fulfillment…”

Kamenwati walked closer to the men, but looked at his wife as she paused. “Briseis, Lady of Lycia, I give you Artum Eonm, my personal physician and one of my closest friend…” as his hand indicated the first bowed man… Then indicating the second… “And this bag of bones…” said chuckling… “… one Hassan el Sharir, is my personal protector… another of my most trusted friends…” and as he walked passed them he indicated the other three men… calling their names… “Agizul, the Brave… Izem, the Lion… and Yattuy, The tall one…” he lightly kicked the last one in the ass… “These men have been by my side since we were young and foolish… how they got such names I shall never know…” and he chuckled again. “I gave them not…” One could tell he felt more secure around them and was glad to have them around at last.

As Kam clapped his hands to summon his men, she put her fork down and wiped at her mouth before laying her hands against the edges of the tray upon her lap. Pale and gentle cheeks flushed as the men dropped to their knees and bowed their heads. At their words, she smiled and turned an eye at Kam before her attention went back towards the men as Kam left her bedside to introduce each man by name and gesture of body. Sapphire blue eyes followed the gesture to each and every man, even the one Kam had kicked in the ass, which made her chuckle before lifting a hand to cover her mouth for it.

Kam was like a bouncing boy who had been reunited with his friends after a long trip. Romping in the simplest of manner displayed much, for it showed he was happy. While she had never doubted that he was happy with her, he seemed now complete to have more of his comrades and countrymen amongst them. At most, the worry he carried on his shoulders, making them seem to sag, had not lifted and she thanked Allah now for this of the simplest pleasure offered to him.

"Gentleman. You are most welcome." She offered lowering her hand once more. "I offer my sincerest apologies for the way we must meet and the way in which you were first greeted in our home. It was not my intention that you be so ill received by the lady of the house. I do hope..." She ushered at Niemah to come to her as she spoke. "…that my dearest slave Niemah, acting in my place, has taken good care of you."

Niemah left her place by the door when Briseis gestured for her and she tiptoed around the gentleman before kneeling by Briseis’ bedside. A smile touched her sun kissed skin as Briseis stroked her cheek and then she bowed her head and slid upon her knees on the floor turning to the gentleman also bowed on the floor, she leaned ever downward pressing her hands against the marble floor and leaning to press her forehead to her hands before lifting up but still with bowed head, turned back to her mistress.

"Please know, that whatever you require, we will seek to provide you. While you have a duty here; It is my wish, that you be at your happiest, even as you do your duties. You need only ask for your desire and see it fulfilled as long as it is in my power to do so." Her eyes left Niemah to fall on the men again. "However, and you will pardon me, I hope if this sounds harsh, but where physical pleasure is concerned."

Again her cheeks flamed with color and while she was clearly distressed to be discussing such things, she felt it necessary to say so. "Our home and the slaves within it, are protected by my own laws, that their persons not be violated in a manner they do not choose. If it is something you seek in your time here, it will be with a willing partner who will not be seen as a slave for your pleasures alone and must be done with the up most discretion."

Her attention would turn again but this time to her husband. Her face said it all, she had hoped she had not overstepped her boundaries in talking with them, nor in laying down the law where the slaves were concerned. She would wait until the men had left to finish eating...

Artum Eonm the Physician, Hassan el Sharir the lead Protector, and three other protectors, remained on their knees, heads down, hands outstretched and down, appearing to be almost in a prone position before the Lady of Lycia listened intently as she spoke. They understood what she meant and would rise upon her command. The five men seemed in tune with one another as they simultaneously bowed deeply as Artum the Physician spoke. “My Lady, I speak for all of the Tamazghans here… we do not wish to insult you nor yours… and thy will shall be done. Shall any man desire womanly comforts, then it will be done discreetly and in good taste. And with that, By Allah’s most gracious blessings, we beg your leave…”

And as Briseis spoke and her hand moved, the men backed out of her presence completely before turning. And as they did, it was the man, and friend, Kamenwati that stood to the side and chuckled. “My Lord, why do you express thy amusement at us…?” Artum said, his head bowed slightly. Hassan followed suit and laughed. “Because we, as he, is at her Will.” As he gave Kam a teasing look… (like he was teasing his best friend “pussywhipped”…)

The white robes that Kam wore hid his hands as he had tucked them into his sleeves in a mysterious manner. The beard he now sported was neatly trimmed and made him look more dignified to his friends. “When the Lady of Lycia speaks, people listen… Yes my brothers, she is a tribute to womanhood and a virago to be dealt with.” Taking a side-glance at Hassan… “Believe what you will… should the Tamazgha have such women…” and he nudged his longtime friend as he turned toward the entrance.

The men bowed teasing one another in their own language as they departed, returning to their quarters as assigned.

Niemah waited in the hall as the men departed. There were slaves waiting to take them back to their chambers and see their needs for the night were provided for, at least the ones that did not concern their bodies, though there were slaves that would wash them if they wished.

Brown eyes darkened as the men teased with the Master about Briseis. It was to her, as if their words held no respect at all for their own Lord's wife. Part of her felt as if she shouldn't be surprised, men of Kamenwati country didn't count their women well, or at least so many of the slaves gossiped when they were locked below for the night.

As Kamenwati turned to rejoin his wife, so did Niemah, but not before dropping a wet rag in the man known as Hassan path and when he slipped and nearly tripped, she bowed her head, hands passively held before her "Forgive, my Lord. One of the slaves has been careless."

Oh the words she wanted to say to the man. What right had he to jest about the Lady of Lycia like that! Why to be the Lady of Lycia even only by right of birth and being the last heir, was a triumph for women of Carnia. She quickly retrieved the rag and retreated into Briseis’ chambers.

[Kamenwati]

The Offering

She finished two of the three fish upon the plate before setting the tray aside and reaching for him, scooting, though slowly to the other side of the bed so he could join her.

She did not want to ask if the baby was alright, she was craving the oddest combination of food, that had to be a good sign right? As he joined her on the bed, she curled against his side, leaning her head against his chest as she lay her arm over his waist. "What news have I missed?" This was the best way she could phrase it, though she wanted to know what had happened since her lapse from the world, she wanted to know about the baby. Was their baby ok?

Kamenwati just laughs. “You have missed much my dear… maybe Octavius can better shed light upon the world news…” and he sent Mathayus to get Lord Octavius… Meanwhile, he would inform her that Artum has seen to her health and that she was carrying a healthy baby… but she was a weak carrier and needed rest.

Briseis would signal to Niemah that she too could leave the room. She knew the slave girl would go wait for Octavius by the door.

Niemah rocked back on her heels, her bottom hitting her heels before she rose to her feet, she paused to bow at Kam and Briseis before leaving the room. As Briseis had thought, she would wait for Octavius in the front hall.

This left her alone with Kam whom she gave back her attention, laying her head against his chest once more to listen to the beating of his heart. The tension eased in her body when he had said she carried a healthy child but a frown grew on her lips when she heard she was a weak carrier, as if she didn't know that all ready. Needed rest? That was another thing she knew but she also knew something he did not say, they would not be allowed to lie together, not intimately at least until after the baby was born.

Her arm tightened around his waist once more. "You say you did not bark at Niemah, but I heard you, the tension in your voice..." Her head slid against his chest to lean on his shoulder before pulling up to look at his face. "Do you fear to tell me you desire her?"

A smile curled one side of her mouth upwards. "A wife's eyes miss nothing they say, but my eyes my love are said to peer into the soul. And there is nothing my eyes miss when they concern you, my love."

He moved his head slightly and looked at her. He could not lie, nor could he deny his bodily desires. Could he mentally deny the desire while his physical desire was more evident? “If I barked at her, I apologize to you… Fear?” he shook his head. “I try to fight the physical desires… for your ways are different than mine… In the time we reunited, you asked me if I would have a harem… that inquiry showed me that you preferred me with you alone… Now you query me as to my desires away from thee.” And he gave her a confused look.

Her head shifted against his chest as she felt his body shift and knew when she looked up, she would be looking into the eyes that often pulled her in. With one simple look she desired her husband as she was sure no woman ever had. "Why should you do such a thing? Why should our lives be one way or the other? We are of two different cultures Kam, but that does not mean we cannot mingle both of our ways."

Huffing, she lay her head back against his chest. "I asked because I was curious. If it is something you desire, I would not protest. An even if you were to give up the ways of your culture for mine; my culture turns a blind eye to Master sleeping with their slaves, as do the wives. Many times, both husband and wives have affairs with slaves. It is not an uncommon or frowned upon thing." Though Octavius had never touched her, she was privy to the knowledge he had slept with many of the females slaves of his home on both of his marriages and that both wives had enjoyed the comforts of some of the male slaves in the household as well. Everyone knew and it was not a shameful thing, it had been accepted.

She shifted to sit up within the bed. "Not to mention, you have moaned her name more than once in your sleep though I was mote on mentioning it to you, for fear you will feel guilt for it, and I would not have it so... A man sometimes needs his physical desires tended to..."

“Moaned her name? Pfffttt…” he made some strange noise regarding his talking in his sleep. “Please woman…” and he huffed and chuckled.

It was the first time he seemed to doubt her or as it seemed, call her a liar. The strangest thing of it was, she did not get angry. There were no lines in her face, no twist of her lips to display any type of displeasure, in fact, she smiled and reached up to pinch his nose between the knuckles of two of her fingers, give it a twitch and release it as she hummed a laugh of her own. "Please what? You often speak in your sleep, have your comrades never told you of this? I am surprised, they seem like a bunch that does so often!"

She paused and sighed. "Tell me the truth, not that I doubt you would ever do differently, do you think that by loving another, physically or otherwise, it would make your love for me any less... or I for you? What I know of love, is that it is infinite, you may always create more as needed, it is the soul that grows with it, not the heart. "

He cants his head, his arms wrapping about her and pulling her close. Her head now laid upon his chest, the beating of his heart rhythmically lulling her to his voice. “Briseis, the Lady of Lycia… I love thee more than anything in this life, or the next. I know not how to prove it more than I have… You carry our child, one that weakens you as it grows. That is fear for me…” he rubbed her back, his manhood immediately hardening. “To make love to you is the ultimate physical attraction.”

She fell back onto his chest and he pulled her close, her hand lifting to lie against the other side of his chest beside her face. "My Sweet Lord of Lycia, I ask not that you prove your love to me. You would not even have to ever say it again for the rest of our lives and I would know it would still be so. How do I know this? You came for me..."

Her head turned against his chest to look up into his face once more. "If I had been nothing to you, you would have left me in Tamazgha with Abu Said on the throne and...." she stopped, it had been so long since she had been in that dark and evil man’s clutches but she could still not speak of what had happened though she had offered to once. She was glad Kam had said no, now more than ever she did not want him creating images in his mind of what had happened and reliving them.

Her hand lifted to stroke at his cheek. "If you wish to hear no more of the subject, then I will abide and be silent, but know you, my heart will not suffer any loss of you no matter what happens in life. My heart, will always grow in love and affection for you. You are my fated companion in life, my soul mate. Until I met you, I never allowed myself to believe in such fancies. Now though my love, I believe anything is possible."

“I shall never restrict our discussions… it is what makes us stronger… being able to discuss things that many others fail to even attempt. And I speak true to you…” He looks to her, just as Niemah returned from summoning Lord Octavius… he looks to her then back to Briseis.

Briseis inhaled deeply and then released it, as a small smile lit her lips, as she snuggled her cheek against his chest. "I like that we may discuss anything and feel no discomfort or shame for it. It is a release for me. One that I have never had before with any other person. I feel as if it is a connection that only you and I share, that no other can breach or destroy."

“You, my dear, are a great lover, with few inhibitions… and if I was to take her, are you not afraid that she would be better than you, because she has no inhibitions, for a slave has none? That a man’s mind might veer from one body to another?” He was not speaking of fact but hypothetically.

Love was a strange animal of the mind and body. What one felt now could not be what would be felt after so much anxiety, confusion, and trauma. Change in people was indeterminable… as time and circumstance seemed as villains against all things good. He could only look at her and try to understand her expression and waited for her response. In pausing, he would glance to Niemah and do the same.

Briseis cheeks would flame red when he spoke of her being a great lover. Though they could talk of anything and she felt no shame in it, it did cause her to be embarrassed for the compliment as she had never done well with any compliment concerning her. "I fear a world without you. That is what I fear my love. A man's mind might veer in such ways, but you are not just some ordinary man. And if she were... better than I in physically pleasuring you, then I would feel fortunate that she might please you in ways that I cannot."

Niemah stood as she had in the hall before the Master and his men, head down, hands folded passively in front of her. Her head lifted briefly when she caught on the conversation and that she was about of it. Olive skin flushed slightly at the cheekbones giving her a soft glow that faded slowly with a few minutes as she let them talk.

When she did speak, her voice was calm and was as it always was (though it was said her voice was exotic enough to ignite desire, it seemed to roll, purr even without her even trying). "Forgive me Mistress...Master, but I do not think any physical act could erase my Master’s desire for my Mistress for physical desire is pleasurable; but true and soulmated love between two people cannot be outmatched by any skill another would have within the bedroom."