Agnes Smith AGNES & THE INFIDELS Part VIII 848 A.D. Ifriquiya ..... After that, things settle down in the household once more. Kemal continues to be unfailingly kind and loving with his wives, even if Antonella must occasionally be disciplined (always verbally, never physically) for throwing a tantrum or behaving in a petty, spoiled and immature manner....something which occurs less frequently, but still occurs. You yourself cannot always quite control your "Saxon temper", as Antonella calls it, and occasionally step out of line in public, obligating Kemal to say something harsh. This is rare, though. Kemal is reluctant at first to engage in regular sword practice with you and Antonella, but against your dual persuasive powers, he really doesn't have a chance. He continues to refuse to engage in the more brutal tactics Peter used; he never once actually cuts you, much less Antonella. But his skill is awesome, and he proves to be a capable teacher. Peter taught you basic techniques, enough to be competent. Experience has increased your speed and reaction time, but it's also drilled some bad habits into you. Kemal starts drilling them out, and makes you do things Peter never made you do....like try to hit him when he's standing behind you, or fighting blindfolded. And having Antonella attack you at the same time he does, so you must defend against multiple attackers. When it's Antonella's turn to try this, she insists it's impossible. So Kemal becomes the victim, and orders you two to attack him in earnest. Needless to say, no matter how many times you approach, he always manages to strike you both down with mock blows before either of you can reach him. His sword moves in a blur, and both your swords go flying, or he slices open your blouse across your belly, leaving the fabric hanging open but the skin beneath untouched. When you make an all-out effort, you can sometimes score against your husband, but that is perhaps one time in ten, and in every case he would have already cut you to pieces. And yet he continues to insist he is pround of your skills. Practicing against multiple attackers....or pears, or candles, all set on stands in a circle in the courtyard, which you must slice through in turn all with one motion...gradually pays off, at least for you. Not that you approach Kemal's skill level, but you feel that if you had a rematch against your captors in Rome, you might have taken more of them out before you fell. Kemal could probably cut his way through all of them. Antonella learns, but as usual, more slowly than you. She is not stupid, but she's easily distractable, and while she likes the idea of being a great swordswoman, the hard work it requires often exceeds her ambition. The girl continues to grow. Her figure is filling out even more, and she is becoming remarkably tall, to the point she starts to fret about it, worrying she'll be so tall men will think her a freak. An argument which does not impress Kemal, as he demands to know what other men would have opinions that concern her. But he assures her that her attractiveness is undiminished, even when her eye level passes his. Your occasional "contests" to win Kemal's favor continue to leave you the winner....usually. Antonella soon becomes quite disenchanted with the idea, sulking or pouting, over the fact that you are clearly Kemal's favorite wife. At least according to her (and privately, you'd have to agree. Kemal loves Antonella....but it was you he really wanted in the beginning, and your bed he usually returns to.) However, she does succeed in inflaming your husband's passions sometimes, by displaying scandalous outfits to him in private, or whispering things you can only imagine in his ear- so that you are the one left with a cold bed on occasion. Despite her relative level of contentment, though, you know it's not going to last forever. Antonella loves Kemal...in a rather shallow way. You're sure it's not as deep as the love you feel for him, and you're also sure that leaving him would not break her heart as it will yours. More importantly, she is getting bored and restless, and you are also finding it increasingly tedious, living here in Tunis. There is only so much you can talk about with Antonella, sword practice can't last all day, every day, and nights with Kemal can make up for a lot of bored daylight hours.....but the monotony of life here is weighing on you. Antonella is becoming more and more dissatisfied, which means her behavior is becoming outrageous when she's really in a mood. There are times you just want to slap her. Kemal brings home more books. He takes you out riding. You two do all the shopping for the household, so your trips to the soukh are welcome...and you do make friends with some of your neighbors' wives, so you have opportunities to socialize with them on occasion. But they are such timid, unadventurous souls, even Antonella finds them boring. What fills the time of most wives, of course, is children. And that's something you will never have. Initially, Antonella seemed to think that was a splendid benefit of being married to an immortal, that she would never have to worry about pregnancy and childbirth. But lately, she has been casting speculative looks at the toddlers being brought up by your neighbor Nuha....no doubt wondering what it must be like, feeling her own natural calls to motherhood (sadly, to be forever denied), and most importantly, as a spirited and housebound young woman, musing about something that right now probably looks like all sweetness and joy, and something to *do*. It dredges up sad memories you have, of knowing you could never give Brian, or any other man, children. One thing is certain.....you have been here almost two years, and while you could probably be content just to be with Kemal for a long time, even if you do find yourself hunting for ways to pass the time when he is not with you, Antonella is soon going to become a very miserable wife. Ironically, Kemal is probably quite capable of embarking on adventures himself....and if it was just you and him, you *might* be able to convince him that the two of you should ride off and do something more interesting. But he stays in Tunis for the sake of providing Antonella a safe, secure environment- and he's not likely to agree to anything that would expose her to danger. <><><><><> [Agnes] She lies beside him, facing him, as he lies face down beside her. With one hand she gently caresses his back. Her other hand clutches one of his, their fingers intertwined. The warm glow that infuses her from their lovemaking makes her content; physically as content as he always makes her. This time though, the problem that has been gnawing at her for some considerable time won't go away. She realises that, finally, the honeymoon is over. "Kemal," she says softly but in a serious tone, "Antonella and I will need to start making preparations to return to Rome soon." At his look, she caresses his cheek, and continues, "You cannot have failed to have noticed that she is getting worse. She gets moody more often and when she's in one of her moods she is getting more difficult than she ever was. Worst of all, when she's bored she gets broody. You must have caught her looking wistfully at Nuha's children." "I think, for her sake, it would be better if we returned. Two years is, I think, enough time at a stretch for me in a Muslim society. For her, as young as she is, it is too long." She claps his hand tighter. "I'm not criticising, but we have not had a Muslim upbringing - we have different expectations. She must long to walk down a street in beautiful clothes and have everyone stop and admire her, not notice her only for her height under her robes. When people stop and look at her - as they do - it is only because of her height; after all, they can't see anything else. She know she feels that they are thinking >I bet she's ugly too if she's that tall<." "Yes, I know it is vanity, but she's only eighteen: you have to allow her some faults." "Anyway, the journey, returning to her friends and family, they will all take her mind off having children. And ...," she adds firmly, "it will stop her coming to resent the two of us for keeping her here, when she is so obviously unhappy." <><><><><> [GM] "I was hoping she would adjust," Kemal sighs. He rolls onto his side to face you. "You make it sound so terrible to be in a Muslim society," he grumbles. "As if women in your society are happier. How many Muslim women do you think would prefer to live in Christian lands?" He takes your hand and kisses it. "I know," he amends sadly. "There are insurmountable differences between us. Some bridges can never be crossed, but we have been happy this long by avoiding them. I would be happy to be with you....much longer." "And with the girl. Is there no way to make her happy? Nothing that might make her content? I have been thinking...perhaps both of you would like to go east, and see other lands within the Muslim world. You have never seen the pyramids of Egypt, or the Nile. Or the great cities of Asia Minor...and Baghdad, jewel of Arabia." He looks into your eyes....his are dry, but you know the thought of parting is as painful to him as it is to you. "I shall miss you terribly, Agnes." <><><><><> [Agnes] "I think most women would be most content in the land and culture of their upbringing - Christian, Muslim or Berber." "Oh, Kemal, I would love to travel with you, to see all these wondrous places you mention. It is the staying here in one place that is wearing me down. But Antonella ... I think, given the choice, she would rather go home. I would stay with you, so long as I was doing something less mundane than shop, cook and keep house ... were it not for Antonella. Whilst she is under my protection, I owe it to her to see more of Europe. Suppose when she becomes immortal, she didn't want to stay with us? Yours is not a culture that accommodates easily independent women. She could hardly marry a mortal man: think of the problems, she stays young, she is barren, and cuts and bruises heal unnaturally quickly. Then when the time came to move on and start a new life: that would not be easy either. " "This would not be the land of my choice for a single female immortal." She kisses him on the lips, and with a smile, adds, "One happily married to another immortal, perhaps." "I shall miss you too, Kemal. I shall always be your wife, and when Antonella leaves my nest, I shall come back, and you can show me these places. I know men are different to women, Kemal. I shall forgive you Nadi, and her replacements. It would be cruel of me to do otherwise." She holds him tight against her, for a long time, before asking, "How long will you stay here and where will you go next?" <><><><><> [GM] Kemal sighs unhappily. "I have been longing to return to my homeland for some time," he says. "I feel a need to make another pilgrammage to Mecca, to pay my respects again to the Prophet." "Then I would go to Baghdad, the many-splendored city, which is also a sanctuary of sorts for Muslim immortals, just as Christian immortals tend to use Rome as neutral ground for meeting one another." He strokes your cheek, then kisses it. "I was thinking, if I had you with me, we could then go to al-Dimashq. I have always liked that city. We could settle there, until you are tired of it, then travel some more. Perhaps even farther east, to the Persian court, or fabled Samarkand." "I will wait here as long as I can, Agnes. I can probably manage as long as twenty years, before my unaging will begin to tell. But as long as I am here, I also have a duty to the Aghlabid dynasty. I may not always be in Tunis. And it will be difficult for you, as a single, Christian female, to simply board a ship and sail across the Mediterranean." <><><><><> [Agnes] As he lies, telling her of fabled places like Baghdad, she carresses him gently. As he kisses her cheek, she turns her had so that their lips meet, and their tongues touch. "Kemal, I would gladly go with you to any of these places, for as long as you liked." "Once Antonela can look after herself, I will return. But I have no iea when that will be. Barring another set of circumstance like the Qaid, I shall not intervene to hasten her death. So I may be many years." She rolls over onto her back, pulling him with her. "I don't know, Kemal. I'm sure that I could make a fairly passable Muslim woman. You have been trying to make me appear and act as one for long enough. Perhaps I could be one returning to her father or husband after being graciously allowed to return to Rome to visit her ailing mother, or her grave." She guides him towards her - her gnawing problem lifted off her shoulders. <><><><><> [GM] "We are permitted to marry Christian women....you do not have to pretend to be Muslim forever. Though it would please me, would you do more than pretend...." [I think this is in contradiction to something Kemal said a long time back, but I rechecked Islamic law; men can marry women who are "People of the Book", i.e. Christians and Jews, though Muslim women are preferred. Muslim women cannot marry non-Muslim men, however.] But Kemal has never tried very hard to convert you, knowing it would likely just lead to tension. Both of you prefer more relaxing ways to spend time together.... That morning, you find Antonella berating Nadi. The girl is definitely in another bad mood. Her scowl melts away and she assumes a sweet smile when you and Kemal appear, and she goes to his arms and embraces him. Kemal strokes her hair and murmurs "You are too hard on Nadi, my dear. You mustn't treat the servants like that." "I hate her!" Antonella snaps, and looks at him with a pout. "Oh Kemal, can't you get rid of her? Sell her to someone else? She's slow and slothful and I don't like the way she *looks* at me!" Nadi is timid, attentive to her chores, and a little resentful towards Antonella, who has never forgiven the slave-girl for having once shared Kemal's bed. More importantly, Nadi is tiny and slim, the opposite of Antonella, whose tall, voluptuous figure would make her greatly desired in Italy, but here, makes her feel like a tall, ugly troll hidden under a blanket. Antonella is also jealous of your smaller stature- ironic, since by most standards, there is no denying that Antonella is quite beautiful, moreso than you- but Nadi is easier to take it out on. Kemal sighs, and kisses her. "I will speak to her. I must go, Antonella. You and Agnes...enjoy your day, I will speak more to both of you when I return." He looks at you sadly. "Sure we will," Antonella mutters, giving him a distracted kiss back, then dropping down onto the couch in the den, with a sulky pout. <><><><><> Agnes gives Kemal a kiss, sadness in her eyes too. "Until you return then." She waits until he's gone, and then sits on the couch regarding Antonella. She waits a moment, forcing herself to set aside the resentment - almost anger - she feels for the spoiled brat. Once she has calmed herself somewhat, she says, "Nadi! Come sit by me for a moment. I have something to say to Antonella that I want you to hear." She waits for the girl to sit down, and then looks at Antonella. "I am disappointed, Antonella. I had thought that having been a slave yourself, and having been physically abused with a whip whilst a captive, you would have some compassion for others. You abuse Nadi with your tongue more than anyone ever mistreated you. At least the attacks on you lasted but a day or two. For Nadi, there appears to be no end to the torture that you heap upon her." "As for the way you treat our husband ... " She turns to look at Nadi, and takes her hand. "You looked after ibn-Hakim before we arrived - in all ways. Once we are gone, look after him in all ways again, with my blessing. She looks back at Antonella. "You have worn us down with your moods and your sullenness. You have won. I will take you back to Rome." <><><><><> [GM] Both Nadi and Antonella look at you in startlement. Nadi merely stares at you, confused and shocked. Antonella's mouth gapes open. "What? But- but-" She blinks. "What do you mean how I treat Kemal? We're going back? Wait, is Kemal sending me away!?" She looks at Nadi, and back at you, too stunned to make up her mind whether to be happy or not. <><><><><> [Agnes] "We are both going to go back to Rome, Antonella." She looks at Nadi, "And Nadi is staying to look after Kemal." Returning her gaze to Antonella, she continues, "And since she is going to look after Kemal, I would rather you no longer made her life miserable. No doubt after Kemal returns to night, we can discuss timescales and arrangements. I suppose we ought to go to the soukh to choose items for our journey." <><><><><> [GM] "Yes Sayidda," Nadi says, eyes downcast. Antonella follows you out of the room, still somewhat in a state of shock. "But- but- I thought you were happy here! This is so sudden! I never said I wanted to go back!" She chews on her lip, and her eyes go misty as she begins to really consider the prospect. "What about Kemal?" she asks softly. "Won't he miss us?" She looks at you thoughtfully. "Or are you simply taking me home, and then going to return to Ifriquiya?" <><><><><> [Agnes] She ignores that shaft of hurt that Antonella has unintentionally inflicted upon her with the question. "Oh, Kemal will miss us for a bit, no doubt." she replies with a brave face. "But remember, he his rather old, and we are but a short part of his life: 2 years in over 200. I'm sure he'll get over us." She forces a small smile. "No, I will be relieved to get away from arab society too. I will stay a while in Italy, or maybe travel onwards from Rome. Sancho still has my armour and broken sword. I will need to look him up, if only to let him know I'm still alive." "Right," she says, trying to get activity to obscure her sadness. "Neither of us has anything to wear, suitable for Italy. And I doubt that the soukh has anything. So. We will buy suitable material and make our own clothes, and boots, so we are not completely out of place when we return to Rome. You can always buy something more befitting when you get there. But you can hardly go home wearing that." She nods at Antonella's thin silk blouse and wrap around skirt. "Come on then." She gets up and gets out her black outside clothes. "Come on Nadi, you come too." Shivers run down he spine and she quickly quells a desire to burst into tears. "Let's get you something nice to wear." <><><><><> [GM] Nadi is surprised at your request, and Antonella none too pleased. But the slave-girl dons her robes and veil also, and follows you two to the Soukh. She's always been timid- an easy victim for Antonella- and it's hard to get her to admit to having a preference for any of the fabrics on display at the soukh. Antonella begins browsing eagerly; despite her misgivings about the sudden news, it's clear she's getting into the spirit of a trip home very quickly. She'll get over Kemal a lot faster than Kemal will get over her- or you. On the way back home, her renewed enthusiasm shows by all the questions that come again. "How are we going to get home?" "Wasn't Sancho that merchant you said you accompanied, as a wife? Won't he have left Rome by now? What will he think of Kemal? Are you going to tell him? Are you going to go back to him?" "Will you ever see Kemal again?" "Are there other immortals in Italy?" She has enough sense to ask that when Nadi is not within hearing range. "What will I tell my family?" "I still don't know how to make a life for myself!" she half-wails. "My father will still want to marry me, but I can't be married now, because- because- well, you know." She sniffs. "I know how to ride, and fight, and barter, and cook, and sew, and read Arabic....I don't know how that will make me more desirable, though." "Will you move on immediately after taking me home?" "How soon are we leaving?" In a more contemplative mood, she says softly, "I will miss Kemal." She looks at you. "Are you angry at me, Agnes? Oh, I would so much like to be Kemal's wife...if only it wasn't *here*!" <><><><><> [Agnes] She spends some time taking care to buy some outfits for Nadi that she knows Kemal will like. "These are only for after we are gone," she tells the girl. A disproportionate amount of time she spends at the goldsmiths, haggling over an interlocking ring of 4 bands, made of gold, which she slides onto the ring finger of her left hand, a place where there had been but a token before sufficient and no more to meet Muslim expectations. She answers Antonella's torrent of questions as best she can. "I presume we will go by boat to Palermo or Syracuse in Sicily and then to the mainland somewhere. Kemal suggested that he could arrange such a thing back when he released us from slavery." "Sancho is a friend, and we had an arrangement whereby I acted as his wife. He probably won't be anywhere near Rome when we get there. But I can wait, and no doubt he'll turn up eventually. I may go back to travelling with him - we'll see. But I shall certainly tell him about Kemal." Her eyes gain a far away look, as she thinks of him. "Yes. I will see Kemal again." Coming back to her senses with Antonella's further questioning, she replies, "Yes, there are other immortals in Italy, although I barely met the ones in Rome. As to what to tell your family ... well, let us moderate the truth. Let us leave the story as it happened, but say that only I married Kemal, keeping you safe by having you as my maid. And let us say that my husband died, and I used the money he set aside for his widow to get us both back to Rome. As for your virginity, well as only a future husband will know about it, I leave it to you to think up a convincing story. Of course, you don't have to cast yourself back into your family's marriage plans. You could set up in business on your own: a seamstress maybe, if you don't want to be a merchant. There is more to life than just being desirable." She smiles a knowing smile. "And somehow, Antonella, I suspect that your return to your family will not be the bed of roses you think it will be. This has been a relatively easy life here, and you family's expectations of an 18 year old daughter may be quite different to those for a 16 year old one." "Don't worry, I'll stay in Rome a while to make sure you are all right." She indicates the bolts of cloth they have just purchased. "We won't be going anywhere until these have been turned into clothes by our own fair hands. And, of course, Kemal has to arrange things." <><><><><> [GM] "Easy?" Antonella protests. "You call the past two years easy? And that horrible expedition with Kemal's army, and being captured by Berbers? And having to wear these terrible gowns and veils, and the heat and sand getting *everywhere*...." "The *only* good thing about this place is Kemal!" she finishes, finally letting her true feelings out all at once. "And much as I love him, I'd love him a lot more if he'd take us somewhere that at least has green hillsides...and where women are allowed to talk, and be seen." "After two years, you still do not understand Islam," Nadi says quietly, then flinches as Antonella turns and glares at her. You are entering the courtyard of your house. The girl bows her head, but stubbornly adds, "You will not find a better man, Christian or Muslim, as master or husband, than Kemal ibn-Hakim ibn-Daud. I will not pretend I am sorry you are leaving, but how can you treat him thus?" "Why you-!" Antonella lunges at the slave, who gasps and ducks behind you. <><><><><> [Agnes] "ANTONELLA!!!!!" "ENOUGH!!" She seizes the Antonella, anger in her voice, and visible in her features, were it not for the veil. "You will not maltreat Nadi in any way. Do you understand? Do so and I will walk away - and never come back. I will abandon you here in the land you despise." "Nadi speaks the truth about you, and you know it." She takes off her robes, and angrily throws them into a corner. "Go and do something useful like sorting out the cloth! Nadi - Go and make lunch!" Sweeping her sword out of the scabbard at her waist she vents anger at the straw dummy in the courtyard. Never have they seen her so angry. <><><><><> [GM] "You...you wouldn't!" Antonella quavers, lower lip trembling. She backs away when you release her, and then turns and flees to her room. Nadi quietly slinks away also, to go prepare lunch as ordered. Antonella still has not emerged when Kemal returns home. Nadi and the other servants have been treading very carefully about the house, giving you a wide berth. Kemal greets you warmly, with an embrace and a kiss, then asks mildly, "Is something the matter? The mood of the household seems unusually....subdued." Of course he has noticed that Antonella hasn't emerged to greet him either. <><><><><> [Agnes] She hugs him tightly, not letting him go for long moments. "I told them Antonella and I were going to return to Rome. After a trip to the soukh she was acting like a spoiled brat again. I got angry and shouted at her ..... maybe more than she deserved." She holds him close again. "I'm sorry. It's not her fault, but if it wasn't for her I would be staying here with you." She releases him and returns his kiss. "I should appologise to her." She takes his hand and walks to Antonella's room. <><><><><> [GM] Kemal follows you, with a sigh and a wistful smile. "She is only eighteen," he repeats, probably reminding himself more than you. "Surely you were not this troublesome as a child?" he asks, half-joking, squeezing your hand. Antonella doesn't respond at first to the knock on her door. Then she says "Go away!" "Antonella!" Kemal says, firmly. After a short silence, you hear footsteps, and Antonella opens the door ajar, looking at the two of you with a sullen pout. Her eyes aren't red, so she must have stopped crying fairly quickly. "I'm sorry, I didn't know it was you, husband," she says quietly, and opens the door all the way to let you in. "So you are only rude to your senior wife when I am not around?" Kemal asks, as both of you enter. Antonella doesn't seem to have an answer for that, just sits down on the edge of her bed, and clasps her hands, in her lap, looking up at the two of you. <><><><><> [Agnes] She enters the room and sits on the bed beside Antonella. "Antonella. I'm sorry I shouted at you, and that I have been in a miserable mood all day." She takes one of Antonella's hands and clasps it in hers. She looks at her husband. "Kemal, we have bought some material, and we shall make ourselves some clothes suitable for Italy in the next few weeks. What would be the best way for your two wives to return to Italy, and when do you think we will be able to start?" <><><><><> [GM] Antonella just looks down, holding your hand. An apology in return from her would probably be in order, and she knows it, but she's too embarrassed to speak. Or perhaps cowed. It can be hard being a veritable child married to a man over two centuries old, and a co-wife old enough to be her great-grandmother. Kemal kneels in front of both of you, and takes each of your hands. "I will accompany you personally to Palermo," he says softly. "It is the only way to ensure your safety. I did tell you, when I first found you there, that other Muslim immortals dwell on Sicily, or at least pass through there, and most of them will show little mercy to an infidel, even a woman." "From there, we can find a merchant who is sailing to the mainland. The Aghlabids and the Sicilian corsairs are still raiding southern Italy, but not so much that it has ended commerce. Ostia is probably a safe port at the moment, though we'll learn how hazardous the region around Rome might be to you once we return to Sicily and can ask-" Antonella had begun trembling slightly as Kemal spoke, and sniffles became more frequent as he went on. Suddenly she breaks into tears, and pulls her hands free to cover her face as she sobs. "I'm sorry!" she mumbles. <><><><><> [Agnes] She pulls her sobbing co-wife close, giving her a shoulder to cry on. "It's all right Antonella." she tells her quietly. She looks at Kemal. "Thank you Kemal, for offering to see us safely to Sicily." Stroking Antonella's head, as she cradles it against her shoulder, she says, "Come on then, Antonella, let's decide what we are going to make in the way of clothes for ourselves. I can make a start in the evening, while you spend time with Kemal." It pained her to say it, but an evening with Kemal would be better for Antonella than an evening on her own, despite the fact that she herself wanted to spend every evening and night with him before they parted. She begaan to steel herself to a quiet early evening sewing with Antonella, followed by a quiet time sewing alone. "The sooner we make something to wear, the sooner you will be home." She stands, smiling, and wrappiung an arm round Kemal's waist, helps Antonella to her feet. <><><><><> [GM] "Yes, listen to Agnes," Kemal says. As usual, he's a bit baffled at how to deal with feminine tears, but tries to adjust. He has no interest in watching the two of you sew, however, so he kisses you both before going elsewhere in the house, to do whatever he does on his own- usually reading the Quran, or other religious writings, if not practicing with his sword. Antonella is sullen and subdued as you begin work on your clothes. "I haven't meant to be a bad wife," she mutters, sniffling, at last. "I really do love Kemal. But I just...I just hate it here so much! What is the point of learning how to fight, and survive in the wilds, if I'm going to be shut inside for most of the rest of my life anyway? I look forward to spending nights with our husband, but then I dread the mornings, when he leaves and I'm left alone with you." She looks up, blushing. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it that way." She looks back down at her sewing- she chose some colorful, even glaring, bolts of fabric with which to stitch a bright, light blouse. "It's probably easier for you, if you know however long you stay in one place, you'll always have time to go somewhere else eventually." <><><><><> [Agnes] She fights internally to maintain her determination to not act as god, and tell Antonella what fate has determined for her, and succeeds. "Antonella. Two years ago I would have said there was no need for you to be able to defend your own home in Rome. I have a very different opinion now. I mean - Rome. If you aren't safe in Rome, you cannot be sure to be safe anywhere else in Italy. At least now, you will be able to help protect your family rather than see them all taken into slavery, and probably be a lot less fortunate than we were in meeting Kemal." Agnes contents herself with making a start to creating a thick, plain riding skirt, with thick shirt and jacket. If she has time she'll make some trousers too. It was a long time since she'd made clothes from scratch - patch and mend had been too easy a habit to get into. "Why are you determined to be shut inside for the rest of your life Antonella? You don't have to be. It is your choice. You can travel: be a trader, or entertainer, or whatever else you fancy. If you want to travel, then say so. We can call in at your family, whilst I see what I can arrange, and then travel together if you want." Agnes is resigned. She won't be returning to Kemal until some years after Antonella dies. She can just as easily spend the time travelling with her eas she can spend it setting up in business in Rome. <><><><><> [GM] "I don't know what I want to do," Antonella says. She sighs. "Once I check in with my family, *they* certainly won't be eager for me to go off traveling again." The next few weeks pass much too quickly. You get some outfits made, and Kemal makes preparations to take his leave of Tunis, and escort you back to Carthage, and then by ship to Palermo. You spend as many nights as you can with Kemal, but reluctantly cede a fair share to Antonella. She remains both excited, nervous and saddened by the preparations to return home. As much as she may dislike Tunis, this has been her home for two years, and she does have at least one powerful positive experience associated with it; her husband. She even makes a few of her typically unrealistic suggestions- that Kemal might come with you to Italy, or you could all go somewhere else in Europe- that Kemal could convert to Christianity (!)....but even she knows this is just idle wishing. You are in Kemal's arms, for your last night in Tunis. Tomorrow morning you set off for Carthage. He holds you tightly, and whispers things in your ear, and the two of you enjoy the time together. Although you will still have a few more nights together, between now and your boarding the ship that will carry you from Palermo back to Italy, it won't be quite the same. You won't be "home" anymore. "I must return to Tunis after I see you off," he says. "But I will wait in Palermo as long as I can- you can send a letter, by merchant, to me to let me know you have arrived in Rome safely." "I can stay in Tunis for ten or twenty years. After that, I do not know, but I will find a way we can be together again, I swear it. Antonella should have died her first death by then anyway. And then she will be more ready to choose her own path." He kisses you passionately. "I have never known anyone like you, my beloved wife. I wish it was not God's will we be separated." <><><><><> [Agnes] Tears trickle down her cheeks. "Thank you, my belovéd. You are the kindest man I have ever known. I will find you again, and you can show me the pyramids and Jerusalem, and all those other places you have told me about." She wipes away the tears with the back of her hand. "I will write once we are in Italy, my love." She holds him tight and sobs into his shoulder. "I will miss you, Kemal." Come the morning, she has started the mental transition that she knows she must make. Before donning her robes and veil, she buckles on her sword-belt. to it she fits two long knives a puch of stones and her sling. She makes sure her hiorse has her shield as well as a bow and arrows, and a day's worth of food and water. Mentally, she is forcing herself to act and prepare as she would once she and Antonella are alone, and Kemal's protection is absent. She finds it all rather stressful, and fails to suppress the sniffles a few times during the preparation. <><><><><> [GM] Your trek to Carthage is uneventful; the same trip you made two years ago, in reverse, and while the land is no more inviting, you are now riding alongside the man you love, and not a stern, humorless captor. Kemal has warned you not to leave his sight, once you arrive in Palermo. Should you encounter any other immortals there, he has every intention of interposing himself between you, and making sure that no one gets to try taking your head without taking his first. Antonella shivers slightly, commenting "It must be dreadful, always worrying about other immortals coming for your head." You and Kemal exchange looks. In Carthage, the possibility also exists of encountering Muslim immortals, so you and Antonella don't stray too far from Kemal's side, but the girl does want to do some shopping in the market, becoming a little more cheerful as Rome seems to be getting closer...though still sad because you'll be leaving Kemal. As the two of you walk, side by side, robed and veiled through the ancient port town, Antonella clears her throat. "Agnes, I've been wondering.....if all you want is to send me back to Rome, why don't you just sail back to Palermo and rejoin Kemal, once you've seen me safely to my home? I know you don't want to leave Kemal-" You stop paying attention to her words as an ominous tingling works its way down your spine. Ominous because you're somehow sure it's not Kemal, who is a few blocks away, conversing with shipowners at the docks. You were to meet back there in about half an hour. A man in dark black robes, which cover him from head to foot, leaving only his eyes exposed, is standing at the edge of the marketplace, staring at you and Antonella. <><><><><> [Agnes] "Well, Antonella, not only do I want to see you safely home, I want to be there for you to turn to if things do not work out for you. I think I can afford a year or two to wait and see you settled down from your adventure." An ominous shiver runs down her spine as she feels the quickening ... She stops concentrating on Antonella, and without drawing attention to herself, glances around for possible sources. She feels a sense of dread, when she sees the man in black, staring at them. Looking anything but the friendly merchant. Their eyes meet, and she looks away. "Antonella," she says quietly, "let us be quick with our shopping." She considers calling a halt to it there and then, and hurrying back to Kemal, but that is something she will not be able to do for very much longer. She might as well get used to looking after herself again ... and her pupil. "There is *another* here, nearby." she continues. "Let's get what we want and return to Kemal, before he makes any decisions one way or another." <><><><><> [GM] "Another immortal?" Antonella gasps. She looks around. The dark-robed figure has disappeared, the next time you look in his direction, but you still feel the Quickening. Try as you might, you can't spot him anywhere around the soukh, though. <><><><><> [Agnes] "Come on Antonella, let's get your shopping," Agnes says, maintaining an air of calm for the benefit of her pupil. "He's probably gone now," she lies. She slips her hand inside her robes, seeking the comforting feel of the hilt of her sword and of her dagger. She keeps looking round and about. Given the Sheyk's example she wouldn't put it past some Arabs to attack her without warning - even here in the middle of the Soukh. As the trip progresses, she gets progressively more jumpy, totally ignoring the stalls, and giving distracted answers to Antonella's questions about mundane things. <><><><><> [GM] Antonella seems to be taking an interminable length of time to choose what color she wants for a shawl, and haggling inexpertly over a small gold bracelet. You know it's the constant, warning buzz of the other immortal making it seem to take so long, though. At last you finish, and begin walking back towards the docks. Making sure to avoid any side streets that would be suitable for an ambush, you stay on main streets, with other people always in sight. Yet the buzzing persists. Glances over your shoulder does not reveal the black-robed immortal, just normal foot-traffic, vendors, sailors, a couple of soldiers and other townsfolk, none of whom seem to be paying you much attention, except for the usual curious glances at the very tall, robed and veiled woman next to you. <><><><><> [Agnes] She is still tense and alert - too long under Kemal's protection, she probably over compensates now. Her furtive glances in all directions continue as they return to the dockside. She has no intention of relaxing until she stands beside Kemal. <><><><><> [GM] "What's wrong?" Antonella whispers, and suddenly you see the man in black robes behind you, following about twenty paces behind. The docks are just ahead, and you can see Kemal standing there, talking to another man. <><><><><> [Agnes] She stops and says to Antonella as she keeps an eye on the man, "Nothing, Antonella. You go on to Kemal, I'll catch up. Go on." She locks eyes with the man that has been following them. "Why are you followin us?" she says loudly in Arabic. "We are married women, shopping for our husband." <><><><><> [GM] Antonella hesitates, unwilling to leave you. "What if it's one of those immortals, trying to take your head?" she whispers. "I don't want to leave you alone!" The man comes to a halt, regarding the two of you, as Antonella picks this inopportune time to be stubbornly loyal. <><><><><> [Agnes] She turns to her, "Antonella. Do as I say!" she hisses. She turns back and stares back at him. "Well?" she says to him. <><><><><> Antonella stares at you, over her veil, and for a moment is obviously considering continued defiance. Then, reluctantly, she turns and hurries off towards Kemal. As you hoped, your confronting this stranger is starting to attract some attention from passersby, though no one is actively intervening yet. The robed man is too far away to converse with except in loud tones. He glances left and right, and then ducks into a side street, so quickly you'd have missed it if you'd blinked. <><><><><> [Agnes] As soon as the other immortal has gone, she turns and runs after Antonella. She is not going to allow her pupil to be the target of the man's attention. As she gets alongside, she puts her hand on Antonella's arm. "Thank you, Antonella. Now let's get back to Kemal." <><><><><> [GM] Antonella frowns at you. "You weren't telling the truth!" she says accusingly. "You said nothing was wrong. That WAS another immortal, wasn't it?" Kemal has finished talking to the other man, and stands on the dock waiting for you, with a small smile. The smile fades as you come closer- even beneath your veils, he can read alarm and wariness in your eyes and in your stride. <><><><><> [Agnes] She blushes at Antonella's comment, and feels her cheeks radiate heat. **You have been learning, haven't you?** she thinks to herself. "Yes, Antonella, I lied," she replies as they reach Kemal. "He was an immortal, and I was trying to send you away from him, in case you got caught up in something." She turns to Kemal. "There is someone else here." <><><><><> [GM] Kemal's face grows more serious, and his hand instinctively drops to his sword hilt. "What did he look like?" he asks. He looks around, and lays his other hand gently on your shoulder, ushering you and Antonella forward, towards the residential district, where the three of you are guests at the home of some minor government official. There is also a mosque near there, where Kemal may be planning to send you and Antonella. <><><><><> [Agnes] She describes him, and how he avoided talking to her in the street when she started to make a scene. "Let's just avoid him, Kemal." She comments as they walk towards the residential district. <><><><><> [GM] Actually, there isn't much description you can give, since all you saw was his robes, and his eyes beneath his cowl. Kemal nods. "We shall. I do not wish to endanger you or the girl." Another few steps in silence, and then Antonella says, in a quiet but indignant tone, "I'm *not* a girl! I am your wife, I should be treated as such! I *hate* being called 'the girl'!" Kemal slows, you don't know whether to apologize or chastise Antonella for her insolence. Then you feel the third Quickening again, and see a man in dark robes waiting on the street ahead of you. <><><><><> [Agnes] She flinches slightly, as she feels the quickening from the additional immortal, and looks up to see him ahead in the crowd. "That's him in the black robes," she comments to Kemal. <><><><><> [GM] "So I surmised," Kemal comments wryly. He draws his sword and steps forward, as if he's willing to engage the other immortal right here on the street, heedless of the mortals passing back and forth and now stopping to look at the impending confrontation. "I am Kemal ibn-Hakim ibn-Daud Hajji!" he proclaims loudly. "You have been stalking my wives. I will not permit that. If you do not explain yourself immediately, I *will* take your head here and now!" Antonella gasps. She leans towards you and whispers "Is he bluffing?" The robed immortal reaches up slowly, to pull his hood and veil back. "Wives? Why you rascal, Kemal!" The face the stranger reveals looks more European than Arab or Berber, though his skin is somewhat swarthy. He has a thick but neatly trimmed beard and mustache. His appearance is bland, but not unpleasant. Kemal lowers his sword slowly, staring. "Master?" <><><><><> [Agnes] "No, Antonella," she whispers, "I don't think he is bluffing. Even though this is far from the ideal spot for two immortals to fight." She watches the man pull off his hood, and studies him a few moments. Kemal's reaction takes her completely by surprise. She turns to stare at him, and then back at the 'stranger'. She waits, **As a dutiful Arab wife should.** she tells herself, suppressing the urge to walk forward and introduce herself. **In a few weeks .... **, and then realises that she has caught herself looking forward to leaving Africa again. She takes her hand out of her pocket, leaving her sword in its scabbard under her robe, and awaits events. <><><><><> [GM] The two men walk forward, and embrace. Then Kemal turns towards you and Antonella. It is not customary for a Muslim man to introduce his wives, especially on the street. You are supposed to remain discretely behind your husband, invisible and silent. Kemal breaks convention somewhat by saying, "Master, these are my wives..." His voice trails off, as he obviously feels awkward about it. "Will you come with us to where we are staying, so we can speak more freely?" The man your husband calls 'Master' nods understandingly. "Certainly." He does address the two of you directly first. Meeting your eyes, he says "I'm sorry, I really wasn't trying to frighten you, Sayidda. But...well, we both know the need for caution. I was hoping to find a better place to speak than on the street, but you made it difficult." He chuckles. <><><><><> [Agnes] She relaxes as Kemal and his 'master' embrace. She feels somehow out of place. She knows that she and Peter would have had much to talk about if this had been them. "Perhaps Antonella and I can continue shopping, whilst you speak with your master, Kemal? I suspect you woould rather not have two women around whilst you talk of the past, of the present and of the future. We can join you both later." <><><><><> [GM] Kemal and the other immortal look at one another. The newcomer tilts his head to the side. Kemal clears his throat. "I would very much like you to meet my mentor, Agnes, and Antonella. But that is very kind of you, I would also like to have some time to speak to him in private first." He glances at the other man. "There are no other immortals about, are there?" The other man shakes his head. "Not that I'm aware of." Kemal turns back to you and smiles. "Will you return to our temporary abode before sundown, my dear wives? And please purchase enough food for a real feast. I am hardly prepared to host my mentor in the manner he deserves, but I will provide as much hospitality as I am able." "That's not necessary, Kemal," the other man says, as Kemal hands you a few more coins. But Kemal shakes his head. "But it is. By God, it has been almost sixty years since I saw you last! This calls for a celebration!" <><><><><> [Agnes] She takes the coins, and somehow it causes more pang of longing for Europe. "We shall see you both later then. Come on, Antonella." And then Agnes drifts into thought, as they make their way back to the market. **It had been easy here, I haven't had to work for my living - it had been provided. Kemal had provided for me and Antonella. And now, somehow, now that I am so close to having to be independent again, it seems wrong that he had been working whilst Antonella and I had shopped and trained. It wasn't as if running the household took very much effort, so I could hardly claim I have been paid for that.** It strikes her how much Kemal has done for them, and she feels humble. She tries to brighten up, as they push through the crowded market and as Antonella and her think up a menu of dishes for Kemal's feast. **This could be my last meal with Kemal in Africa,** she suddenly realises. **We must make it one to remember, especially with his mentor here.** She haggles with renewed vigour, trying to get the most out of Kemal's money. Eventually, with everything bought, and being taken back with them, by a porter, they return homewards. The shadows are lengthening, and the sun appears to be touching the hill-tops to the west. <><><><><> [GM] Antonella continues to natter on, now rather curious about this other man. "So he's the man who taught Kemal?" she asks. "Kemal is over two hundred years old- how old must HIS teacher be? He didn't look like an Arab, though he was dressed like a Berber. Kemal could have at least told us his name! What a coincidence, meeting him here in Carthage." Back at the home you are staying at, you find Kemal and his mysterious mentor seated comfortably on sofas, drinking rosewater and talking. The older immortal rises to his feet as you enter. Kemal, Muslim-fashion, remains seated, but smiles and gestures for you to come sit next to him on the sofa. Antonella loses no time in doing so, and is even more delighted when Kemal indicates that you may remove your veils. "Agnes, Antonella....this is my mentor, my teacher...the greatest man I have ever known, save for the Prophet himself." Kemal's mentor looks slightly embarrassed. He smiles at you in friendly manner, and seems to have a very casual manner about him. "Please just call me Techo," he says, answering the question that both you and Antonella were withholding. "A pleasure to meet you both. And again, I *am* sorry for spooking you on the street. I know I probably appeared to be stalking you, but I was actually hoping to find Kemal here. Approaching a female immortal in Muslim lands is a rather difficult proposition, though, and when you threatened to cause a scene, of course you had your intended effect- I withdrew rather than having too much attention brought to bear. Until I learned you were associated with Kemal, after all, I couldn't have known *your* disposition...." Remarkably, Kemal seems perfectly at ease with his wives unveiling and speaking conversationally with another man, a definite indicator of the esteem in which he holds Techo. <><><><><> [Agnes] She takes off her veil. She hesitates a moment, considering, and then noting how relaxed Kemal is, takes off her robe too, revealing her light and casual - but not too revealing house clothes. It also reveals the scabbarded sword at her hip, which she unbuckles and lays down. She moves to Kemal's sofa, and sits on the other side of him from Antonella. "Hello, Techo," she says at last. "I am pleased to meet Kemal's mentor." <><><><><> [GM] Techo proves to be an entertaining guest- he can speak at length about every land you've ever heard of, and countless lands you haven't. You thought Peter and Kemal were both well-traveled, but it seems Techo has been to every city in the world at least once. Kemal had already told him something of your background, and he relates tales of a few of his trips to Britain...the first of which apparently took place long before the arrival of the Romans. From Techo's point of view, you are a descendant of newcomers to that island. He also speaks about Antonella's ancestors, the Romans and the Etruscans. He's not very specific about his role during the time periods he speaks of, but you quickly gather that Techo is one of those truly ancient immortals Peter told you about. If everything he's telling you is actual first-hand reminiscing, then he must predate not only Christianity, but the Roman Empire! And he knew Peter. "I met him at least once, before he converted to Christianity," Techo says. "His Goths, along with your Saxon ancestors, were the Vikings of his day. The Goths terrorized Italy and Iberia, and the Angles and Saxons terrorized Britain. Now your people are the civilized ones, being terrorized by the Vikings, and Antonella probably has more than a little Goth blood in her veins." Antonella sniffs disdainfully at that notion. "Anyway, he'd been immortal for over two hundred years when he converted. I saw him again in Constantinople, about the middle of the sixth century, before he went north to convert the Slavs. He did that for a few decades, and then sailed to Britain about...oh, 620 anna domina, or thereabouts. He followed right after the first missionaries that came to convert the Saxon tribes, and stayed there the rest of his life. I met him for the last time while he was in London, with that big fellow, Hwullf or whatever he's calling himself now....I guess that would have been just a decade or two before he met you." Techo looks at you sympathetically. "He was a good man. I'm sorry to hear he lost his head." He doesn't say anything about his own beliefs, but you suspect he's not Muslim. He didn't blink when you removed your veils and robes. (Kemal looked uncomfortable for a moment, but then smiled, indicating it was all right.) Kemal last saw him in 789, while you were still mortal. At that time, these older immortals were in Damascus. Techo then went south, and has apparently spent the last five decades in Africa, south of the great desert. Antonella is fascinated and incredulous when Techo tells her that all of Africa is NOT sand and rock, that there are stretches of thick, lush jungle to the south, so enormous that Italy and Britain could both be swallowed up in the green vastness. "So you are returning to Rome, eh?" Techo asks. He glances at Kemal, as a shadow passes over his face. But then Kemal squeezes your hand. "Master Techo and I were talking," he says. "And if it acceptable to you, he has kindly agreed to see you safely to Rome, from Palermo." "I haven't been to Rome in over two centuries," Techo says. "And I always like visiting her, because she's one of the few places where I can still find a lot of familiar sights, a city still being dwelled in much as she was a thousand years ago." Antonella has been wide-eyed throughout Techo's narratives, and finally says "Just how old ARE you, Techo?" Kemal's face darkens, and he scowls at his younger wife, but Techo just chuckles. "Very, very old," he says. <><><><><> [Agnes] As she sits beside Kemal, and feels her husband's relaxed mood, she too relaxes. She pulls her feet onto the couch to adopt a semi-reclined pose and lean her head against her husband's shoulder. She listens to her husband talk with his mentor, savouring this opportunity to be with him, and also to hear Techo's tales. She is shaken by the fact that he knew Peter, and shaken even more when he proves to know more about him than she ever knew, despite her being with him all those years. She listens to his tales of far away places with interest. **Maybe one day I will visit them,** she muses. "Uh... yes," she replies to Techo's question, "Antonella and I are returning to Rome." Kemal's comforting grasp somehow makes their impending parting more able to be talked about. "Given the dangers that Kemal has indicated exist between here and Rome, Antonella and would welcome your company." After Techo's reply to Antonella, Agnes comments, "From what you have said already, Techo, you must have been born before Our Lord Jesus. Before Rome was founded?" she queries, "before Athens?" <><><><><> [GM] "Before all of them," Techo agrees. He sighs, suddenly seeming very old. "I watched Athens being built. I wasn't there to watch Rome being founded....she was over a century old before anyone in the civilized world took much notice of her. But I saw *this* city being built-" he gestures around, indicating where you are now, Carthage. "Or at least, the old Carthage. This city isn't even on quite the same spot, and all they did was create a new city and give it the name of the old one." "Master Techo was there when Carthage fell to the Romans," Kemal says quietly. Techo sighs again. "Yes. I was there at the beginning, and there at the end, and there most of the time in-between. I never stayed in one place that long, before or since." He smiles. "May you all live long enough to see as many cities rise and fall as I have." Antonella seems to have almost shrunk into the sofa, huddled against Kemal and staring at Techo with something like awe, and perhaps something else. The girl looks as if she's feeling very small right now, in the company of three immortals. Kemal coughs, and Techo suddenly looks guilty, his eyes flickering to Antonella as he realizes his slip. "Well, I have been talking all night, and I could talk for another forty nights....that's what happens when you build up a score of centuries of stories. But we are sailing tomorrow, no? I imagine you all will want to get a good night's rest." Actually, he can probably imagine what you all really want, but he keeps any suggestiveness out of his tone. He rises and says "I've traveled quite far, the last few weeks, so I am going to take advantage of these comfortable surroundings myself. I will see you tomorrow, at sunup." The ancient immortal withdraws to the room provided for him, leaving Kemal with you leaning against him from one side, Antonella from the other. His hand rests lightly on your shoulder, and his other strokes Antonella's hair gently. No one wants to move. <><><><><> [Agnes] She remains where she is, comfortable, and slightly overawed. "You were lucky to have Techo as your mentor, Kemal. He has been here so long, that he must have had so much experience to pass on to you. And of course he is still here, to visit you, talk of old times and pass on new things, and to show each other respect. I hope it will be the same for me, with any pupil I should have," she adds, clasping Kemal's hand and smiling at him. She continues to lie against him on the sofa, holding his hand, feeling his hand on her shoulder and the slight movement as he strokes Antonella's hair. "This is our last night all together in Africa," she comments, quietly. "I would like to remember us like this, all three of us together, Antonella and I both having a part of your attention, not competing, not forcing you to choose between us. All three of us relaxed." "Thank you, Kemal, for looking after us, and taking us under your wing, back in Palermo. And for looking after us as your slaves and then as your wives." She clasps his hand tightly, as she knows she is getting emotional. "Thank you." <><><><><> [GM] Kemal pulls you both close. "Many times, over the years, I have been....lonely. It is not always easy, being immortal." He looks in the direction his mentor retired. "I can only imagine how it must be for my master, who has lived ten times as long as me." He kisses you, then Antonella. "You have given me more happiness than I have known in two-hundred and forty-seven years. You are my beloved wives, now and forever." Antonella starts crying, and throws her arms around him. "I don't want to leave you, Kemal!" she sobs. "Agnes will get to see you again, but I won't! It's not fair!" Kemal smooths her hair, sighing. He looks at you, then smiles down at his younger wife. "Antonella, no one can say what the future will bring. We....may-" He takes a breath. "Agnes is going with you back to Rome. You know you want to return home. If after a year or two, you find you miss Ifriquiya, I will welcome you both back. But right now, you are too restless and homesick, and if you stay, you will regret it in a matter of weeks. Come now." He kisses her again. "Stop crying. Do not make this last night filled with sadness and tears." Antonella lays her head on her husband's chest, sniffling. "mmsorry" she mumbles. The girl drifts off to sleep. Kemal caresses her cheek, gently. "So young," he whispers. "I don't know how you have put up with her sudden, infuriating mood changes. She is self-centered and vain, spoiled and immature....but she still has an innocence about her, and she has a good heart." His tone is loving. "Take care of her, Agnes. Protect her well. And yourself. I want you both to return to me, no matter how long it takes." <><><><><> "Thank you, Kemal," she replies. "You will always be my husband." After Antonella drifts off to sleep , Agnes continues to lie against her husband, feeling him breathe, feeling the touch of his hand on her cheek. "I will take care of her. I will come back to you, and I'm sure, in time, Antonella will too. Time will wear down her vanity, I'm sure." She feels so comfortable in his presence, that with him, the buzzing of immortality is almost forgotten. **It will be strange being without it having had it as a companion for these past two years. ... Only two years? Is it really that short a time that we have been together?** She turns her head and kisses him on the lips, as she guides his hand to her bosom. She wanted to make her last night in Africa a memorable one. <><><><><> [GM] Kemal slides his hand under your housecoat gently, and begins fondling your breasts while your kissing becomes more passionate. But this makes him uncomfortably aware of Antonella's weight against him. "We are still in the main room," he protests, quietly. "And the girl will wake up." Antonella murmurs in her sleep, and cuddles up against him more snugly. <><><><><> [Agnes] Aroused beneath his hands now, and not going to let little details get in her way, she replies, "Well, carry her to bed, and take me to yours." She runs her hand up between his thighs, all the way to the top,, to encourage him. <><><><><> [GM] Kemal flushes just a little; he's never become entirely used to the boldness of his two infidel wives....not that he's ever objected much. With difficulty, he withdraws his hand and turns away, to very carefully and gently scoop Antonella up and lift her from the couch. But she stirs, looks up at her husband and smiles, then throws her arms around his neck and sleepily presses her lips to his. Kemal finally begins walking forward again, towards her room, but you can see she's becoming quite amorous herself. <><><><><> [Agnes] "The sly little vixen," she says quietly, getting up and following her husband. She watches them progress towards Antonella's room, and sighs. She knew what would happen. As Kemal laid her down on the bed, Antonella would pull him down on top of her, and he wouldn't get up until she was finished. She smiled to herself. It was a ploy she'd used herself one night when Antonella thought she'd won. "Maybe I'm not a bad teacher after all." she muses. She retired to her own bedroom, aching for her husband to finish with her co-wife and visit her, as she felt sure he would. <><><><><> [GM] Kemal does take a while to return to your room. As he lays down next to you, and resumes what he was doing before, he murmurs "You women think you are very clever....do you think I've been unaware of this game you've been playing, the last two years?" He laughs as he kisses you. "How I love you both!" His voice becomes softer. "But you, Agnes....I would never let Antonella know this, but she is still just a girl....a lovely, delightful girl...but in fairness, it will take many years before she can truly compete with you, and in my heart, there is no contest." <><><><><> [Agnes] She smiles a winning smile. "Us? Clever? Oh, husband," she replies in a mocking, but humourous tone, "This hasn't been a game. I have been educating her." She laughs and hugs him close. "I didn't think you would remain unaware of what was going on for very long, especially with Antonella's more outrageous ploys." "You say and do the sweetest things to me, Kemal. I shall love you always, no matter how far apart we are." She proceeds to demonstrate how much she loves him, well into the night.