Surrender

[macmillian]

"It's OK Cassi, Jenny is up there watching down on us. We made a promise and You and I will keep it together. David will grow up to be a fine man with your help."

Cassi blushed at the compliment and yet looked out over the plains as the grass was getting higher and higher. It seemed that they were traveling over watery seas of green. Cassi rested her hand on her chest as if making sure her heart was still beating or was it moving lower to touch the slight swell of a full belly?

Cassi felt his eyes and glanced up to his face, dropping her hand to his leg.

"Cassi, Now that we are getting closer to the end of our journey, I have to ask you a very important question."

"Question?" Cassi looked at him with slight confusion.

"Which would you rather have first. ..... A nice big inside stove to cook on! Or a big ole bed for us to make love on!"

Cassi blinked... oh that was so unfair as she would love to have a good cooking stove but a bed.. like one from that motel... Cassi nervously nibbled her bottom lip almost ready to cry.

"I know that this a hard choice for you to make, but I'd be leaving it up to you to make the choice. I want my very special gal to always be happy and when possible for me to give her what you want."

Cassi nodded quietly. "Yes Masser Alex."

Cassi pondered on that thought for another two hours and finally after much heartache she chose necessity over luxury. "Masser Alex... I was thinkin maybee a cookin stove would be best... cause it can bake, and boil...an heat a home when it's too cold....."

Her words fluttered off as the fluttery feeling gave a sound thump to her side and Cassi jumped leaning into Alex's body as the tiny foot banged again. Right where Cassi and Alex rubbed against each other, right in the side.

Alex .... "Cassi, you were saying a cooking stove. Was there something else you wanted to say." I asked as she seemed to jump and lean closer into me. "Is everything alright Cassi, you seem a little nervous or distracted today." I reached out with my one hand and gently squeezed your knee. "You don't have to worry now, you are with me and you are safe. I'll make sure of that." I took your hand and held it and then I placed my arm across your shoulders and drew you in closer and turned and kissed you on your rich full lips. "That's for encouragement Cassi, help you get throught the day untill we stop tonight."

I let you go and returned to watching where we were going. The trail was now much less traveled and I had to be careful that we stayed on the straight and narrow. We rode along in silence for a little while. "You know Cassi, you want the stove and I want the bed. I guess we will just have to get both. Or I can build the frame and buy the bedding we need. But it will be a big one just the same." I smiled and turned again towards you and I could see that you were pleased with my suggestion.

 

[landiek]

"Cassi, you were saying a cooking stove. Was there something else you wanted to say." I asked .

"I's jus happy yore askin me, Masser Alex." Cassi replied softly.

"Is everything alright Cassi, you seem a little nervous or distracted today."

"I's jus gots a twinge in my side...." Still her words trailed off from admitting she knew a life was growing inside of her belly for certain.

"You don't have to worry now, you are with me and you are safe. I'll make sure of that."

Cassi leaned on his shoulder and looked out over the terrain. There was so much vast land, that she wondered how Masser Alex knew where this land he wanted was at out here. Then her heart fluttered from being pressed to his lips, that lead to her wanting him.. wanting him so bad her chest was aching for relief.

"That's for encouragement Cassi, help you get through the day until we stop tonight."

"Yes Sir, Masser Alex.. i's be waitin for the night too." Cassi replied as that heat flowed between her legs. Still she had to be patient, they would stop for the night and then she would have her time in his arms and full of his cock.

"You know Cassi, you want the stove and I want the bed. I guess we will just have to get both. Or I can build the frame and buy the bedding we need. But it will be a big one just the same." I smiled.

Cassi was thrilled that he gave room for both and she couldn't help but grin ear to ear. "I's be shor ta bakes the best cakes ever."

 

[macmillian]

Alex & Cassi

Alex .... "I would be happy just to have you cook my meals. You're a good cook and they say that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. You have won me there already, I love your cooking. Your lovemaking ain't bad either. Tonight when we stop, I want you Cassi, I need you very much." I placed my arm around her waist and gave a gentle squeeze. I could feel her through our clothes and I had a feeling she couldn't wait for tonight.

"There seems to be a stream or some water up ahead. IF there is, I going to stop there for the day. Make camp a little earlier and settle in for a quiet night.

Alex .... "Luke, Ride out to those trees and brush and see if there is any water there. If there is we'll stop for the day."

Luke .... "OK Alex, Come on Ava, Let's take us a little ride. Alex wants to know if there is any water ahead." They gave a lille wave and rode off.

Alex .... "Well Cassi we're getting close to where I would like to settle. See those hills out there, the ones with the purple haze, I would like to see. If there's good water and a town. That may just be what we are looking for."

 

[landiek]

Cassi

"I would be happy just to have you cook my meals. You're a good cook and they say that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. You have won me there already, I love your cooking. Your lovemaking ain't bad either. Tonight when we stop, I want you Cassi, I need you very much."

"I's feelin the same way Masser Alex." Cassi admitted with a smile.

"There seems to be a stream or some water up ahead. IF there is, I going to stop there for the day. Make camp a little earlier and settle in for a quiet night."

Cassi felt anxious silently praying that Alex was right about the water. Cassi longed to bathe for at least long enough to get the sweat scent off her body. Even little David would enjoy a cool bath. "That would be plum wonderfull Masser Alex."

"Luke, Ride out to those trees and brush and see if there is any water there. If there is we'll stop for the day."

Cassi watched as Luke turned and answered. It fastenated her how easy it looked but she still would never say so openly.

"OK Alex, Come on Ava, Let's take us a little ride. Alex wants to know if there is any water ahead."

"Them two shore makes a nice pair." Cassi uttered after they were out of her sight.

"Well Cassi we're getting close to where I would like to settle. See those hills out there, the ones with the purple haze, I would like to see. If there's good water and a town. That may just be what we are looking for."

"Out here in the open Masser Alex!" Cassi become nervous but excited as their traveling would come to an end. "We's shore gonna have a good farm and lots of chickens."

 

[macmillian]

Cassi .... "Out here in the open Masser Alex?"

Alex .... "No Cassi, I think up there in those hills we will find plenty of fresh water, woods, land to farm and raise cattle. Maybe even a child or two to make the place complete to go along with David." The wagon hit a rut and tossed Cassi into me and I had to catch her. "Easy there Cassi, you alright."

Luke .... "Ye Haaa!" I yell out riding up to the wagon. "Alex there sure is plenty of water over there. A small river. There's a nice camp over among those trees. People have camped there before. It's real nice. Follow me". I turned my horse and a few hundred feet down the road I led the wagon down a path into the trees sitting by the river.

Alex .... "You were right Luke, this here is a right nice place. Here we are Cassi. I noticed several lean-tos around, maybe we can make use of them." I get down and turn and help you down. You leave David because he is still asleep. Luke and I take care of the horses and then return to help set up camp. "Luke, we'll bring the horses in earl tonight and picket them between the wagon and the river. Cassi, What have you got for me to do?"

 

[landiek]

"No Cassi, I think up there in those hills we will find plenty of fresh water, woods, land to farm and raise cattle. Maybe even a child or two to make the place complete to go along with David."

Cassi blushed fiercely at the mention of more children. Cassi felt her heart soaring in the heavens as the babe in her belly kicked into her side for attention. The justling of the bump spilled her out of her seat and into his arms.

"Easy there Cassi, you alright."

"Yes Masser Alex."

"Ye Haaa!" Luke hollers out. "Alex there sure is plenty of water over there. A small river. There's a nice camp over among those trees. People have camped there before. It's real nice. Follow me"

Cassi gulped hard as she felt the urge to use a bush. "Recken we cans stop for a bit.. I's needs to use a privy spot."

"You were right Luke, this here is a right nice place. Here we are Cassi. I noticed several lean-tos around, maybe we can make use of them."


Cassi vanished for a while taking care of herself then slipped back to the wagon grabbing some string to try to fish in the stream while the men folk finish with chores. A few hours later she was walking back to the wagon with a string of fish.

"Luke, we'll bring the horses in early tonight and picket them between the wagon and the river. Cassi, What have you got for me to do?"

Cassi handed him the string then rushed behind the wagon retching as the smell suddenly sent a huge wave of illness thru her middle.

 

[andygorn]

Clayton satred down into her wonderful eyes, drinking in the sight of Julia as she wreithed in the throies of her tumultuous climax.
He found that he positively revelled in watching his love's body respond as pleasure took it's hold of her and refused to let go until she had taken her fill of it.
Kissing Julia through her climax, feeding off her orgasm, had spurred him on to greater depths of passion and the feeling of her body rocking beneath him as she held him tight was truly out of this world.
Whe he came, it felt like never before...every climax with his love seemed to be better than the last...his heart sang at the thought of being with her forever and his deep brown eyes communicated this to Julia perfectly.

His orgasm rushed thrughout his entire body like an raging river, surging throughout the entire core of his being, knowing that he had found his soul-mate.

Returning her deep kiss with the same level of passion and excitement, his tongue instantly finding Julia's own, Clayton replied "And I love you too, my sweet angel..."
He shifted his body slightly, ensuring that she was not bearing the weight of him, so that she could move if she wanted to.

Gaxzing tenderly back into the soft pools of her beautiful eyes, Clayton said softly as he stroked her luxurious hair:
"I never get tired of making love to you, my Princess Julia...every time feels like my first time with you...I am filled with wonder and admiration for your beauty and your kindness and your warm, loving heart.
"Yet every time seems to be better and deeper than the last; you are a very special woman and I will never tire of being in your company, nor in your service as a lover...."
He kised her softly upon her forehead, tasting the slight sheen of sweet perspiration upon her brow, lost in the loveliness of this amazing lady...

 

[macmillian]

Cassi handed me the string of fish and then ran off behind the wagon. I could here her getting sick. I hung the fish on a near by tree branch and walked around the wagon and could see you by a tree holding on so as not to fall.

Alex .... "Cassi, Are you OK", speaking as I walked up behind you. "Talk to me Cassi, is something wrong?" I took your small free hand into mine and just held it gently. My mind was of racing in a hundred different directions all at once. I didn't know what to make of what was happening and I was afraid of the worst.

Luke .... "Alex, Alex where are you! The horses are done."

Alex .... "OK Luke, I'll be there shortly. See if you can help Ava. I'll be along directly." I turned back to you and placed my hand gently on your shoulder. "Don't you be worring or upset about anything. Our journey is almost over and then we can begin building our new life together."

 

[rvplymates]

Clayton satred down into her wonderful eyes, drinking in the sight of Julia as she wreithed in the throies of her tumultuous climax.
He found that he positively revelled in watching his love's body respond as pleasure took it's hold of her and refused to let go until she had taken her fill of it.
Kissing Julia through her climax, feeding off her orgasm, had spurred him on to greater depths of passion and the feeling of her body rocking beneath him as she held him tight was truly out of this world.
Whe he came, it felt like never before...every climax with his love seemed to be better than the last...his heart sang at the thought of being with her forever and his deep brown eyes communicated this to Julia perfectly.

His orgasm rushed thrughout his entire body like an raging river, surging throughout the entire core of his being, knowing that he had found his soul-mate.

Returning her deep kiss with the same level of passion and excitement, his tongue instantly finding Julia's own, Clayton replied "And I love you too, my sweet angel..."
He shifted his body slightly, ensuring that she was not bearing the weight of him, so that she could move if she wanted to.

Gaxzing tenderly back into the soft pools of her beautiful eyes, Clayton said softly as he stroked her luxurious hair:
"I never get tired of making love to you, my Princess Julia...every time feels like my first time with you...I am filled with wonder and admiration for your beauty and your kindness and your warm, loving heart.
"Yet every time seems to be better and deeper than the last; you are a very special woman and I will never tire of being in your company, nor in your service as a lover...."
He kised her softly upon her forehead, tasting the slight sheen of sweet perspiration upon her brow, lost in the loveliness of this amazing lady...

Needing to give Clayton as much pleasure as he always gave her, Julia matched his thrusts with all the love she felt in her heart for him. When he came he fill her fully with every pump of his hips she could feel his seed bath her from within. Julia held Clayton closely as she kissed his chest tenderly then looked into his eyes.

She listened to his words of love, her eyes filled with love. His lips on her forehead made her smile.

"I love you Clayton, you fill my life with meaning and purpose. I cannot ever let you go, your gentleness blends wonderfully with your strength. We will have a most wonderful life together"

 

[landiek]

Cassi felt the wooziness slowly subside as she took big gulps of air. She never suffered so badly when she was expecting before.

"Cassi, Are you OK",

Cassi started to stammer. "I'.... I's will be be alrite real soo soon.... Mas Masser Alex."

"Talk to me Cassi, is something wrong?"

"It's just the motherin sickness." Cassi replied as her face flushed pale. Cassi felt so weak in the knees and found herself wanting to fall to the ground to get the spinning to stop.

"Alex, Alex where are you! The horses are done."

Cassi jerked looking up at her Lover. What would he say to Luke and Miz Ava.. would he tell them that Cassi was carrying his baby? Cassi felt her hands begin to sweat and start to become clammy, this was becoming scary as she felt new sensations compared to her last time when she carried a child .

"OK Luke, I'll be there shortly. See if you can help Ava. I'll be along directly."

Cassi felt her eyes watering as Alex shooed off Masser Luke.

"Don't you be worring or upset about anything. Our journey is almost over and then we can begin building our new life together."

"Yes Masser ALex... I's will try hard not to be so sick." Cassi explained as David decided he needed to eat too.

 

[macmillian]

Alex .... "Cassi, What's motherin sickness?" I placed my arms aroud you and helped you to kneel on the ground. "Cassi, you have me scared and I don't know about what it is." About this time David woke up and announced his rising. The older they get the more demanding they are for your time and attention. "Do you want to rest a few minutes and I'll go get David ."

I knew something was not right and Cassi had tried to tell me and I didn't understand what you were trying to tell me. My one arm still rested around your shoulders, trying to reasure you everythong was OK.

 

[landiek]

"Cassi, What's motherin sickness?"

Cassi eased down and took deep breathes hoping to alleviate the feelings of nausea

"Cassi, you have me scared and I don't know about what it is."

Cassi looked into his eyes with her carmel ones and replied. "Somethin that comes when yore gonna mother a babe."

"Do you want to rest a few minutes and I'll go get David ."

"Yes please Masser Alex... Is needs a little time." Cassi answered. As he walked about the wagon Cassi realized that ALex had no clue she was carrying his child and she decided that maybe it would be best to keep it secret for a while longer til they got to buildin a home.

 

[macmillian]

Alex .... I left you kneeling by the tree and walked around the wagon and climbed up and took David down from his sleeping place. I got a big smile from the little guy when I picked him up and stepped down. I stopped dead in my tracks when the words that you spoke finaly registered. "Somethin that comes when yore gonna mother a babe.", was what she said.

I turned and looked back at you still kneeling by the tree with your head slightly bowed. So that's what you have been keeping from me. Your ashamed that your are expecting and are afraid I would not understand. You are still the person I love regardless. I will have to tell her tonight and that I do and will be understanding. I walked to the fireplace and sat with David and bounced him, keeping him amused until Cassi would come and take care of him.

 

[landiek]

A few gulps of air later Cassi walked over to where Alex was bouncing David. Cassi smiled as she listened to his bright, happy laughter. Her mind played scenes of tawny children being bounced upon his knee and happy laughter of a family. "someday some.. someday soon."

Cassi took David and began to fix him some mush to eat while Alex could finish the fish for the rest of them to eat. "Iffin you puts them fish on the fire, by the time I's gets done with David.. they wills be ready."

 

[macmillian]

Alex ....I quickly cleaned the fish and had them in the pan cooking very quickly. I set up some beans and and put them on to cook. I also worked at putting together bisquits and soon they too were on the fire.

Alex .... "Come and Get it. Lunch is ready." I called out to the camp. Cassi arrived with David on her hip and Ava and Luke sat down and we all ate. Cassi ate a little and she was feeling better. I cleaned up the camp and washed everything while Cassi took care of David.

I checked several lean-tos and found a large one and I cleaned it up and reparied it also. I moved Cassi and my equipment in, some extra blankets and Davids Craddel. Ava and Luke go off and I sat and rested with Cassi and David.

"Cassi, You are expecting a baby, aren't you ? From what you said earlier today and seeing you sick I was able to put things together. I don't care how or where it happened, we are together that is what's important. So there will be another youngin on our ranch. That makes me feel good..."
What do you have to say Cassi. Do you know who the father is or was it something while youwere a slave.."

 

[landiek]

"Come and Get it. Lunch is ready."

Cassi was thankful that Masser Alex took care of most everything giving her the time to spend with David. She marveled at how much he had grown over the time they had been traveling and knew in her heart that he would be loving. Cassi even let him play in the grass while Alex and Luke were busy tending to camp matters.

After a while Cassi walked over to the lean-to and put David in his cradle, letting him nap before Cassi would be tending to the evening meal for her family. Cassi was lying next to Masser Alex with smiles as the midday breeze was stirring the scent of wildflowers thru the valley.

"Cassi, You are expecting a baby, aren't you? From what you said earlier today and seeing you sick I was able to put things together. I don't care how or where it happened, we are together that is what's important. So there will be another youngin on our ranch. That makes me feel good..."

"Yes Masser Alex." Cassi replied honestly.

"What do you have to say Cassi. Do you know who the father is or was it something while you were a slave.."

Cassi stared at him and then bit her lip. He was questioning the parentage and that made her bite her tongue. What if it was an other's child.... and who's

Cassi turned over and curled in his arm, she was thinking back to her days on the slave farm. She knew it couldn't have been Barl's babe cause he hadn't touched her for over a year. And her old Master was too shriveled from age to even make a baby, but he had three sons that pestered her a great deal. what if it was one of them.. but then if it was.. wouldn't she be birthing by now..... this gnawed at her heart, the joy she felt knowing she was carrying a child in her belly now became a blot as she doubted her own heart that told her that she was carrying Masser Alex's child.

Now Cassi cried softly as she felt she was betraying Masser Alex by having a child growing inside, one that she didn't know who fathered.

 

[macmillian]

Alex .... I held you in my arms and spoke softly to you. "Cassi, we never asked each other about times before we met. I didn't mean to do that now. I only know one thing my love and that is I love you for who you are. A kind and lovable woman who is also in love with me. What ever has happened before will never affect how I feel or love you." I kiss the top of your head and gently stroke your hair. I was quiet for a few minutes and thought about our future.

"Cassi, It's plain to me that we will have to build a little larger house then I was first planing on. Instead of just two main rooms we are going to need three or maybe even four. The main room with your own big iron cooking stove and cooking and eating area. Our own private bedroom and a bedroom to hold the youngins." I explained all this to you and you seemed to settle down. "Tell me Cassi, how do you feel about a large family? Would you have more children by me, because I know in my own heart that I am this baby's daddy."

 

[andygorn]

Following their tumultuous orgasm, he was reluctant to let her go, as he was so enjoying the feeling of being cradled between her warm thighs.
Gazing fondly back into his lover's eyes -the words coming easily as though he had known them all of his life- Clayton replied: "Julia, you are the light of my life - I cannot wait to live with you on our ranch and to be together forever."
Rolling off her so that she was free to move, Clayton remained lying by her side, enveloping her within the warmth of his strong arms.
She was his ideal woman in every way: beautiful, very intelligent and as brave as a lion, yet tender as a lamb.
Taking in the beauty of her every curve and delighting in every movement of her body, he watched her eyes intently, knowing that both of them could see into each other's soul.

 

[rvplymates]

Julia smiled at his words, her arms tightened around his neck as she leaned toward him and kissed him passionately. Her tongue intertwined with his. As the kiss ended she rested back down.

"Ah Clayton my heart is so full of love for you, you are my night, my day, my everything, I cannot imagine life without you. Our days will be full of love and work as we tend to our ranch together. We will have many children, Clayton and they will all be free, I know that makes you happy. I think we have to hurry on our way sweetheart as I think I am with child already. If I am, we should be settled before the child comes, Don't you think"

She smiled at him radiantly as he rolled off of her and pulled her into his muscular strong arms. He looked at her lovingly but did not say anything about what she suspected. His eyes roamed her body taking in every curve as she reached up and touched his face.

"I love you, Clayton"

She pressed her body against his as he held her tightly.

 

[landiek]

"Cassi, we never asked each other about times before we met. I didn't mean to do that now. I only know one thing my love and that is I love you for who you are. A kind and lovable woman who is also in love with me. What ever has happened before will never affect how I feel or love you."

Cassi remained quiet for a long while as her mind replayed all the events in the last six months. She tried to picture things she worked hard to blot from her memory. All the fighting and dying of young and old men alike, woimen being raped by lost soldiers all because of the war. How many times had she fallen to being manhandled by Union Soldiers before finally running for her life as the plantation was burned and some slaves burned alive trying to save family treasures still inside. Even before the fire she was under the lustful eye of her Master's sons and used often as they sought their carnal pleasures but Cassi still wanted to beleive that her mind was not right in thinking that another man filled her belly with child.

Gawd in dem heavens.. do you answer dem that flee their massers Cassi prayed in her heart as she looked to the sky above.

"Cassi, It's plain to me that we will have to build a little larger house then I was first planing on. Instead of just two main rooms we are going to need three or maybe even four. The main room with your own big iron cooking stove and cooking and eating area. Our own private bedroom and a bedroom to hold the youngins."

Cassi turned back to look into his eyes. Had her prayer been answered in a way she wasn't seeing? Masser Alex always knew what to say to her and even now his words brought her comfort.

"Tell me Cassi, how do you feel about a large family?"

"I's cam from nine." Cassi admitted freely.

" Would you have more children by me, because I know in my own heart that I am this baby's daddy."

Her heart jumped and her fears were squashed. "Oh Masser Alex I's loves you wit all mys heart."

If Alex didn't know better he would have said that Cassi actually ravished him, stripping off every scrap of clothing between them after getting his cock harder then a rail and climbed abroad, thus starting to ride on his shaft, bouncing over the thickness that drove higher into her womanly flesh, staking it to her need to wash away all doubts and be baptized in his waves of firy jism.

 

[macmillian]

Cassi .... "Oh Masser Alex I"s loves you wit all mys heart."

I was totally unprepared for what you did and completely unexpected. One minuet you are upset and crying and the next we are naked and your are lowing yourself unto my manhood. Mind now, I am not compaining, but woman are sure hard to figurer out and to understand.

And so it was a night of total lovemaking between Cassi and I. We were "Man & Woman" and "Husband & Wife". We didn't need a preacher or a piece of paper to prove what we knew in our hearts.

I was deep into Cassi as she rode me up and down while she astride me. I totally new concept and feeling. I lifted my hips to meet her on the downward slide, mashing our hot tormented bodies together. Cassi who knew what sex was and Alex who was making up for lost time and chances. Cassi had brought goodness and love into to my life and quieted my hate a little. I owed her so very much.

 

[landiek]

Cassi was a mixed lover, sometimes quiet and other times moaning loudly to near screaming as she came.

Her body was absorbed into Masser Alex's love and the many times they drove into the bliss of flooding her cavity only made her rest a while and start up wanting to be taken aloft again.

It had been over an hour since her last orgasm as she laid on his chest filled with hie pumping organ when she whispered. "I'z wants a whole passel of youn en's."

 

[macmillian]

Cassi .... "I'z wants a whole passel of youn in's" You whispered to me.

Alex .... I was so happy, I was going to be a father, a daddy to my own. We both loved David, but one of our own was like a miracle. This is what I always thought loving a woman would be like. Highs and lows, of hot passion and consuming lust. Everything A man needs and his woman is willing to give.

"Cassi, you can have all the children that we can handle for as long as you want to. Our home will be filled with love and more love. OHHHHHHHHH Cassi , I do love you so much. Your mine is all I want to know." I kissed you hard and long and still my cock was hard inside you and I thrust it forward once more.

 

[landiek]

"Cassi, you can have all the children that we can handle for as long as you want to. Our home will be filled with love and more love. OHHHHHHHHH Cassi , I do love you so much. Your mine is all I want to know."

Cassi bucked on his cock and then started wobbling her butt on his waist. Her heart was pounding a mile a minute as she wanted to be filled with his love once more before giving into to the limits of her endurance.

 

[macmillian]

You didn't speak to me, but answered with your body instead. You moved against me with renewed energy, forcing me deeper inside of you and then throwing your hips from side to side, moveing me around inside you soft and velvet love tunnel. It was such a great feeling and I knew that this would be the last for the night. I was still feeling strong like a bull, but mother nature had other ideas.

It started from way down inside of me and was slowly building with heat and intensity. It was coming from deep within me, from the pit of my stomach to my toes and from the hair on my head. This was consuming all of me and I was going to give it all to you to show you my love. My balls grew tight and then expanded as they filled with my very soul.

"Drive Cassie" I whispered in her ear and then bit her neck and shoulder and I raised my hips to drive forward again. "Ohhhhh Cassie! Now my love, drive yourself onto me! Nowwwwwwwwww"