Timeless Love

[Sweetp4u]

ooc: This thread is for me and one other. If you would like the part then pm me first for approval.

This story is a love story of two soul mates fighting to be together for their lifetime. And in each lifetime there poses problems, and obsticles they both have to over come to reach the ultimate goal. The other with them forever. It just doesn't always work out the way we intended it to....

Introduction:

Aryn
18
Slave
Taken from a gypsy caravan late one night.
Setting: Ancient Arabia 346 A.D.


She was tugged along by a long woven rope. Her gown torn and dusty from being led along by her current owner. She was a virgin, and worth alot of gold to the right man. The camel stank as did she, but she could not complain or she would be lashed for her words. She knew where she was being taken. The Skiek. A man she was told was cruel and heartless. A man who would teach her the proper ways of a slave, or die learning.

She was afraid of this Shiek. She was afraid of all men. Her life was their's to control, forever. She fought the fear down, hoping some day to escape this life of drugery and pain.
"Aryn, we are almost apon the Skeik's home. Do not misbehave, I will beat you if I must!" He gave a good yank on the ropes and sent her sprawling to the ground on her stomach. She groaned out in pain, just another blue mark to add to the rest. The only reason she was safe from the man on the camel was because of the gold coins offered for virgins.

She was led in behind his smelly beast, the courtyard was beautiful. A large white sandstone fountain stood in the middle with an ancient god carved as the center piece. She quickly lowered her eyes as the guards walked by. She was not allowed to meet their gaze, she would be beaten. She was not allowed to raise her voice or speak her mind unless she was asked. Or she would be beaten. All these things were told to her time and time again on this long journey. She had most of them known my heart, but she wouldnt dare tell her owner that.

He led her inside and told her to kneel and keep her head down. She was not to speak durring negotiations, and she was not allowed a say so in this matter. She was his chattel, and would be sold. He even told her the gory details of what the Shiek would do with her. How he would take her in his room, lay on top of her and shove in and out of her body until he was satisfied, and send her back to the stables where she belonged.

She feared this also, more so than any known pain inflicted on her so far. What if she couldnt stand him on top of her like that? She closed her eyes, hoping she would not upset him or her current owner by crying. She fought back tears, knowing soon she would be the possesion of another.

She heard her owner speak finally, "Sheik, I have brought you a treasure from a distant land. Fair skin and perfectly shaped. Her virginity intact. I am but a poor man, and she is such a sweet treasure, I thought we could come to an understading, A bargain perhaps? She is worth the gold Sire, you can see for yourself."

She was told to stand, keep her eyes down and do as she was ordered by the Shiek. She waited, her breath held.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aryn

She stood there, her eyes meekly downcast as the Shiek walked around her. instructing her to lift her hair, checking for vermin. He inspected her ears, her teeth, her hands. He looked at her feet and made a tsking noise. He mumbled something about the callouses being removed. He stepped forward and opened her gown, looking her bare body up and down. He closed it and stepped back.
"We will talk, come with me." He turned from her and left with her current owner. A guard came up and told her to kneel once more. She would wait and see what would happen next. Would they barter over her? Would the skiek take her off of her owner's hands? She wasn't sure, but she hoped so. The man who owned her now was a cruel and heartless creature. She couldn't escape while he was around, maybe now she could get home?

 

[Forrester]

Shiek Jamil

"She is damaged," Jamil said to the trader. The trader in turn looked shocked. "I guarantee her virginity is..." and Jamil waved the comment away. "She is bruised. And I asked for a slave that was trainable. I intend to do the training myself and affairs of my kingdom are such that I cannot afford a lot of time. She is ready to bolt at the first unguarded moment. What good is a slave who has run away no matter how lovely or innocent?"

The two men were sitting down over drinks bargaining for the girl that was brought in. In truth he was inclined to buy her but he did not intend to let this man bilk him of coin or spread the word that he was an easy mark to other traders. Also, he spoke the truth when he told of the state of his kingdom. Someone was activly working to cause restlessness and dissent in the people and an investigation had revealed that it was someone close to the throne. He was a harsh ruler at times but never unfair no matter the rumors that were spread about him and there were many he knew. He idly wondered what this merchant had told the woman that was still kneeling in the other room.

"Fear is the best trainer," The man smiled and spoke in a silky voice and Jamil leaned forward his dark eyebrows drawing down and his dark eyes boring into the man. "Only if the fear is correctly used. If I wished to bed a woman that shrank from my touch I would simply take any woman off the street, rape her in my bed and then toss her back out again. A slave is of no use unless there is loyalty to her master and all I see is fear." Sitting back again he added,"Still I see some potiential. I will give you half of what you ask."

The merchant's face went white and he begin to stammer out all of the good qualities of the woman he had brought and Jamil sat back with a smile upon his face, waiting until the moment the merchant began to repeat himself before making only a marginally larger offer. Twenty minutes later the merchant left with less than he had asked but a feeling that he was lucky to have come away with that much.

With a huge sigh Shiek Jamil ran his fingers through his raven black hair and downed the last of his drink. "Fetch, Safia," He told a servant and the servant bowed low and hurried to do his bidding. Soon a woman wearing a veil and with long, greying hair entered the room and bowed before the shiek. Jamil smiled and gestured for her to rise and sit with him. Safia had been one of the first in his father's harem and, though not his mother, had almost raised Jamil from a baby as his mother had died in childbirth and therefore she was shown privelages not seen by others in the palace. Safia had outlived Jamil's father by the simple fact that he had been killed by a traitor's knife in his back. The traitor had never been caught and Jamil's anger had been great. The only one who could get close to him and advise him at that time had been Safia. It was her that had kept his sanity and anger in check and it was her that he turned to in times of trouble. He was aware that tongues wagged and eyebrows rose at his trust in a woman but those same people knew better than to do anything other than that.

"You have seen the girl," He said. It was a statement and not a question. He knew full well that Safia had been aware of everything that went on. A slight nod of her head and a smile of her still full lips confirmed this. "What are your thoughts?"

Safia's smile grew as she said,"She will test your limits. She is frightened and wanting to go home. She is in a strange land and now property of a man she does not know. Her beliefs are not ours and she will balk at many things. Your patience will be the first thing she tests."

Jamil's smile matched Safia's as he said,"But what do you really think?" Safia shrugged her shoulders in a graceful movement. "She will be worth the effort and time. But you must take the time. Are you sure you can?"

The shiek sat back in deep thought, his finger playing along his chin and there was silence between the two for quite some time. Finally his eyes turned to focus on hers and he said,"Take her and clean her up. Dress her as is appropriate and make sure you work your magic with the healing herbs you know so much about. Treat her wounds and scent her bath. Dress her hair and send her to my chambers. Make a pallet on the floor for her there and station a guard at my door. I will have her ankle bound to the floor by her bed but make sure the shackle does not bruise her flesh even more. I will be using it as a precaution until she understands that I require complete and total loyalty and devotion from my subjects."

Safia bowed low and then rose to go into the other room where Aryn still kneeled under guard. "And Safia," Jamil said as she began to leave causing the woman to turn back toward him,"Make sure she knows that is what I require but tell her nothing else about me. She will soon find out whether or not the rumors I am sure were told to her are true or not." Again Safia bowed and then left the room to attend to Aryn.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aryn

She was told to stand by a new person. She glanced up and met her stare. Some older woman was commanding her to rise and follow? She did not know what to do, but apparently she had been bought by this Sheik. She tried not to let the defiance and fear show through, and followed with her head down. Nothing was said as they walked slowly down cold marble hallways. She was stopped before a gold and white double doors, she looked up again to see two guards at the doors.
Were there guards everywhere? She had a sinking feeling there was, and she would not be able to escape as easily as she thought. The elder woman led her into a large room, and turned to face her.
"Strip out of those rags."
There was no nice nor mean in those words, just command. Everything Aryn believed in told her to defy the woman. But glancing around again, there was no way out except past those guards. She trembled a little as she brought her hands up and pulled off the rough dress. She stood now nude as the day she was born, and dirty from head to toe. The woman made a disgusted sound and turned from her.
"I.."
"Do not speak, just listen."
She held her tongue, glaring daggers at the old woman.
"Get into the bath, and get completely wet..."
She walked over to the square hole in the floor and saw there was indeed a large square sunk in bath. She stuck a foot in and found it was surprisingly warm. She almost moaned in pleasure, to be clean once again would be heaven sent.
Slowly she walked into the waist deep water, catching her breath she sank under and stayed until her lungs demanded air.
Rising back out of the tub, she brushed the water and matted hair out of her face. There stood the woman looking down at her. She raised her eyes, not longer looking at Aryn and called out some names.
Turning around to look where she was speaking, in walked four other females, all carrying various items. She couldn't idenitfy anything in their hands, but their looks were intent on Aryn. She looked around for an escape route and found none to be had. She hurried to cover her bare breasts and sink back into the water.
"Stand! You are filthy and must be prepared for the Sheik. Do not fight or I bring in the guards to hold you down and get this done." The threat hung in the air, what could she do but agree?
She was poked and proded and bosses around all morning long. First her hair was washed with some sweet smelling soaps, then her body. She was taken out and dried, then oiled down with two different bottles. Her hair was slowly combed until the length was tangle free and hanging down to her buttocks. They cleaned her nails, she bit back groans and screams of pain as they tormented her further. She glared often at some of them. She was 'cleaned' in a way she thought was crueler than death. They put something on her and ripped the hair off of her body. All was removed except for the hair on her head. She ached now, and stung all over. Her feet were next, the took these flat things to them and rubbed the dead skin away, making her feet hurt worse. Tears fell from her eyes often, and several times she was threatened with a stick if she didn't cooperate. She was begining to hate this place.
The dressed her in a thin silky material and put beads into her hair, when she was finished it was late. The elder woman looked her up and down and made some more noises.
"This will have to do for now, it will take time to bring you back from scrawny to beautiful once more..."
Aryn's eyes narrowed, that was very unkind and unfair. But she wouldn't argue. She didn't know what else to expect. That is when the strange woman led her out of the bath and down another long hallway to a larger room.
She stopped at the doorway, it was a bedroom. She glanced around noticing little things here and there that plainly said this was a man's room.
"Why am I here?" She turned to the elder woman, her voice quivering with her fear.
"This is where you sleep, this is what I was told and I serve and do as I am told. The same will be expected of you, and after tonight you will know this is your role in life. And young flower.. you will learn and will be much happier if you comply with all the rules you are given. We, the women in this palace, are here to serve... a role you now must also conceed to." She commanded the guards in a language Aryn did not know. She stepped backwards, ready to bolt from the room and hide somewhere. A guard must have seen the look, before she could move he had ahold of her arm.
"Gentle with her!" He eased his grip and led her to a bed on the floor. Plush pillows and blankets were placed in a wide area. She was forced to sit and her leg shackled to the wooden frame of the bed above her head.
"P-Please? Let me go! I was stolen from my home.. I just want to go home?" She whimpered a little, fear eating at her from the inside out. She had been told by her previous owner what would happen to her here in this palace and she didnt want any of it.
They ignored her words and walked quietly out of the room. She elder woman stopped before she closed the doors, looking over at her.
"If you are as wise as you appear young flower, you will not judge before you know." With that the door was shut and Aryn was left in silence and in an empty room.
She tugged the chain for a few minutes trying to get free, but when she couldnt began to swear under her breath.
Dont judge? She didn't need to judge, she had been told in detail how it would be here, and she still wanted none of it!

 

[Forrester]

Jamil

Jamil was walking down the corridor many hours later when he spied Safia. As she approached him he raised his eyebrows in a silent question. With a bow of respect she said,"The young one has been placed in your room as you directed. She is ready for your pleasure."

Jamil smiled sensing there was something left unsaid,"But?" He prompted. "She is but a child," Safia said falling into step to the side and slightly behind the shiek,"Her culture is not like ours where young marriages are sought after and ties between families bonded before the children are but days old." Jamil's smile faded for a moment and he said in a firm tone,"She will become a woman soon enough. And her culture is now our culture. I expect her to be treated as such. You will personally tutor her in our ways and in what is expected of her but, again, she is to hear nothing from you about me except as it pertains to her obedience. She will form her loyalty to me soley upon her experiences and nothing else." He stopped and gave Safia a mock glare,"You tend to be a bit biased and paint me as a soft man, Safia. Even though you know I am not. I am not a small boy sitting at your knee anymore and I need my subjects to look at me as a leader, decisive and bold. One tale from you and I would have respect from no one in the palace much less my slaves."

The shiek's comments did not seem to bother Safia who shrugged with her natural gracefullness,"It is the passion of a mother," She said with not a hint of sorrow in her voice,"Though you were not mine to bear you became mine at your birth. And my pride in you and your accomplishments are only natural."

Jamil sighed,"Accomplishments which will mean nothing if i do not route out and dispose of this trator who would see me die like my father." Safia bowed and said,"Such things are not for me to discuss with you but I would caution that you use care in dealing with all in the palace." Jamil laughed and said,"All but you?" And then before she could answer he added,"It is time to put affairs of state to the background for now. I believe I have another project waiting for me in my bedroom." With an affectionate smile to the older woman he dismissed her and let her go back to attending to her duties over the women of the palace as he continued to his chambers.

Upon reaching his chambers the guards there bowed and Jamil said,"Have food brought to my chambers. Make sure it is hot and aromatic. I wish for the bedroom to be filled with the odors of fresh meat, breads and other foods." One guard immediately left to comply as the other opened the door for him.

Entering the chambers a very different sight met Jamil's eyes. Safia had indeed worked her magic upon the girl and instead of a grimy, poorly clothed figure a beautiful woman sat on the floor before him. He smiled at the sight of her and he knew the smile was full of dark promise as his body responded to the picture before him. He was reminded just how long it had been since he had let himself be pulled away from his cares to indulge his basic needs where women were concerned and the thought crossed his mind that it would be very hard to train this girl if he found it impossible to control himself.

Frowning darkly he turned from her and went over to a bookshelf that covered all of one wall in the bed chambers. Picking out a book he went over to sit at the small table in the room and read, completely ignoring his new slave except for a glance from under his lashes at her every now and then to sometimes catch her glaring fiercely at him. He would simply smile and go on with his reading. She had spirit and he found himself looking forward to chaining that spirit to his will.

After a time there was a knock at the door and he sat down the book to call out the order to enter. The doors opened and three servants came in bearing trays of food and pitchers of juice, water and wine and began to set up the table before the shiek until it could not possibly hold more food or drink. The air was soon filled with the smell of the food and Jamil knew that the woman had to be feeling the sharp pangs of hunger even more now as he doubted she was fed well by the merchant. In fact her thinness spoke of her being deprived of it.

Filling his plate, Jamil began to eat and drink still ignoring the woman but keenly aware of her interest in the food even though she still glared daggers at him. It was a long time before he was done and stood from the table his hunger, at least for food, sated. Wiping his mouth almost delicatly he turned his attention fully upon Aryn for the first time that night. Picking up a small loaf of bread and walking toward her he stood just a few feet away from her and crossed his arms across his chest as he stared down at her his dark gaze meeting her frightened and yet defiant one.

"Lesson number one, zaza," He said to her smiling at her obvious confusion about the name that he had called her,"All your basic needs are fulfilled by me. I feed you, I cloth you and I shelter you both from the elements and others who would take advantage of your innocence. Nothing that you have now or will ever have is given to you except by my direct command." Holding the bread out to her hungry gaze but keeping it just beyond her reach he said in a firm and commanding tone,"Is that understood?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aryn

She sat in silence, glaring at her new 'owner' with a vengence. She still tugged on the chain now and then, wanting to be free to leave this place. She had to figure out a way to earn her freedom, but how? He owned her now, everything she would do to serve him would not be repaid with gold, but a demand of her. She was growing frustrated, and the scent of food did nothing to help her aching stomach.

She jerked her eyes up to him when he called out an order and the door parted. It was the first time since earlier she heard him speak. He seemed to have a cocky grin on his face when ever she glanced his way. He must know somewhere inside his narrow little mind she hated him and being a piece of property. He ate in silence, and she glared even more at him. She wanted a knife or some kind of weapon, wipe that arrogant look off of his face. She would rather die than let him touch her. She knew enough to know his touch would hurt her.

She scooted back when he suddenly turned and approached her. Her eyes widened a little, fear jumping in her heart. She did not know what to do, or where she could go. The chain held her in place. He handed her bread, but kept it out of her reach. His words were soft, but held a firmness she could hear clearly..

"Lesson number one, zaza, All your basic needs are fulfilled by me. I feed you, I cloth you and I shelter you both from the elements and others who would take advantage of your innocence. Nothing that you have now or will ever have is given to you except by my direct command. Is that understood?"

She was curious about what he called her, but didn't ask. She could hear a heavy panting and realized it was her. She took a deep breath to calm herself, her eyes holding his. She nodded her head in agreement. She couldn't bring herself to answer him, fear lodged her breathing and her voice. She wrapped her hands around her legs, lowering her eyes. Her knees pressed into her chest and she stayed back away. She no longer felt hungry, but afriad he would try and touch her.

She longed to go home, where she was safe and loved. All she had felt since she was taken from home was fear. It always left her crying and empty inside. She didn't glare at him, nor move to accept the bread. She was too tired to care about eating, but afraid to sleep. Her anger sparked in her body again, tensing her up. She wished she had been born a man, never to suffer these demeaning ways. But alas, she had no say in even that. She sighed heavily, he still stood over her. What did he want? What did he expect of her? She had agreed with him, even lowered her damned gaze. And yet he still stood there.

She didn't want to look up into his dark eyes, or even look at him further. She knew his attractiveness would only be a coating on the outside. She closed her eyes, trying not to tremble.
"Yes, Sir." She didn't know what else to say, so she addressed him as she had her father when ever she had gotten into trouble.

 

[Forrester]

Jamil

Jamil watched the girl with facination. He noted her trembling and fear of him and, contrary to her belief it did not please him. If any fear were installed it would be by his hand only not an incompetant merchant. He did not move though only stood above her as she seemed to recede into herself. He would not back down nor would he accept her silent answer. He would hear her agreement first.

"Yes, Sir," Her voice came small and frightened and he paused a moment before nodding,"That will do for your first time but from now on you will call me Master for that is what I am to you. I expect you to know and adhere to that." Letting the bread drop onto a nearby pillow, Jamil went to the table and poured a glass of juice and prepared a plate of meat, cheeses and fruits. Taking this to the Aryn he put them beside the pallet and commanded,"Eat! I have no use for you in this shape. You will have to put on weight before you can begin to bear my children."

Choosing to take no notice of her reaction to his words he began to undress and then put on a robe, his back to her the whole time. "As I said before, you will address me as Master as all my other slaves do. It is only fitting and any infraction of that rule will result in a lashing by my own hand. And, since I do not have the time to give out continual lashings, I suggest you get used to the title quite quickly."

"Your job is to serve me in any way I see fit. That is your only job and you will do it well or else the consequences will be severe. Safia, the woman who prepared you for me tonight, will be taking over your teachings in our ways. Our ways are now your ways and anything in your past is just that, in your past."

Having dressed fully for bed Jamil walked past Aryn and sat on the bed above her stretching out, propped against the pillows behind him. "Now, as you eat, tell me about yourself. Do not go into long boring details but I wish to know a bit about what your past life was like. Knowing how you were will help me to shape you into how you shall become."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aryn

She was amazed at his gall. She was to call him master? She almost stood up and told him where to shove his title. But wisely she held her tongue. She eyed the plate with interest but stopped at his next comment. Bare his children? Was he insane? He had to be, she would never bare his children! She wouldn't stay long enough to even accomplish that. She glared at him and pushed the food away.

She looked up to see him stripped bare before her. She felt the heat flush into her face, she was blushing still after he had put on a robe and moved out of her sight. She gulped down a dry lump in her throat. She had never seen an adult male naked. She wasn't supposed to until the day she married. Which had come and gone. She had been kidnapped three days before her wedding to another boy in their caravan. She felt a tear slip down her cheek, and quickly wiped it away.

She felt a hoplessness coming over her. She didn't want to learn their ways, she would never understand why one man needed fifty females locked in a room for his pleasure. She would never marry a man who had to have more than just her. He wanted her to talk about her past, but she couldn't bring up the painful past. It just made her long even more to return home.

She closed her eyes and breathed in and out a little, calming herself. She had to form the words, let him know she understood. She didn't understand alot of their words. Their language was so different than her's it was hard to master it. And the trader had only taught her a few commands in Arabic. She did wonder how he knew her language, but was afraid to speak more than what was required. He threatened to beat her if she didn't comply, and she did not doubt he would do it.

"Yes........ master..." She left the plate untouched and gripped her legs tighter to resist the urge to eat. Staying skinny would keep him away from her, so be it.
"I... grew up in a caravan. With my father and little brother..." She searched her mind for something else, but wasn't sure what he wanted to know. Quickly just adding in little bits and pieces, maybe he would fall asleep and leave her be.
"I was to be married, but I was taken a few days before I was able to. I healed the sick, and cooked the meals. Bargained with merchants. About it.. master.." She hated that word. She glared at the pillows by her feet, wanting to kick them, and him.
"If. you take me home? My father would pay you handsomely for me.... More than you paid even...." She waited for his answer, maybe gold would win out in the end, and he would consider taking her home in one piece?

 

[Forrester]

Jamil

Jamil sighed and got up from the bed to stand over her again. He was reminding himself of Safia's words to be patient but it was becoming difficult. "You are home," He said in a sure voice that booked no debate,"And this is where you will stay. I do not buy something I do not intend to fully use. Stand up, zaza!" He commanded her and, when she hesitated he reached down to pull her up. "When I command something I do not expect hesitancy. You will do as you are told the moment you are told to do it."

Moving up next to her as she stood there he stopped just before he touched her. He could almost feel her fear of him and the trembling which was plain to see. "It seems that you have an unreasonable fear of me and my touch. I do not know what that foolish merchant told you but I want you to put both his words and thoughts of your old life to rest. You are no longer who you were but you are now something more. The boy who would have married you is no longer part of your life. Fate has interviened and place you here where you belong. It is foolish to question it. Accept it and become comfortable in your new life."

Reaching out he slipped his hand under her hair and grasped her neck lightly with one hand while the other went about her waist in a firmer grip. Moving her toward him he stopped only when their bodies barely touched and he could feel her frightened breath upon his skin where his robe parted along his chest.

"You will soon learn my touch, zaza...little flower," Jamil said in a soft voice but one that never lost it's commanding tone as he bent his head toward her, his lips gliding down from her temple to her neck and shoulder as he spoke,"You will learn your place here as well as learn to be happy with that place. One day you will no longer long for that boy or your family and will understand that they no longer exist for you." His hand begin to glide down her waist to brush along her buttocks just enough to let her know where his hand was. "There will be pleasure when you come to my bed and anticipation as you await my order to lie beside me." His hand entwined in her hair and he moved her head to the side slightly in order to better his access to the creamy whiteness of it. "Put the fear aside and embrace the excitement that my touch can bring." His hand on her buttocks brushed even lower to trace down and along the backside of her thigh and his mouth moved up over her neck and cheek to finally settle in a possessive kiss upon her lips as he finally brought her all the way against him, his hand back on her waist and pressing her close to feel the physical presence of his own need. Breaking the kiss he looked down into her eyes, his own blazing with unreleased passion and he said,"But that will remain a lesson for another night."

Releasing her suddenly to have her stumble back and barely catch herself Jamil pointed to the pallet on the floor. "For now you will get some rest. You are no good to me in an unhealthy condition and I have much I have to do tomorrow which requires me to be refreshed myself."

Turning from her before he could act on the impulse to simply take her to his bed and damned the consequences, he moved back onto the bed and looked at Aryn once more. "I said sleep. That was a command."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aryn

She flinched when she heard his words. This was to be home, and she clearly wasn't allowed to bring that up again. She shivered slightly, then from the corner or her eye saw him move to stand over her. He commanded her to rise, but fear took hold of what he would do. She didn't move fast enough, nor at all. He reached down and lifted her up, she quickly used her legs to get herself upright. He was angry, she could feel it. She wanted to keep her eyes downcast and not look at him, but his robe was parted a little. Her eyes jerked up to meet his, not wanting to see more of him.

"It seems that you have an unreasonable fear of me and my touch. I do not know what that foolish merchant told you but I want you to put both his words and thoughts of your old life to rest. You are no longer who you were but you are now something more. The boy who would have married you is no longer part of your life. Fate has interviened and place you here where you belong. It is foolish to question it. Accept it and become comfortable in your new life."

She was trembling, she quickly tried to stop it. She wanted to badly to ask him why she had to accept it, but did not want to be punished. She nodded her head, unable to speak at the moment. Her eyes watered a little, but she did not cry. She did not look down either, he was standing so close to her. It wrecked havock on her senses, but she stood firm. She tried not to jerk away when his hand rose up, she gritted her teeth and stood her ground. Her eyes searching his for his intent. He only touched the back of her neck, brushing his fingertips across her sensitive skin. She shivered a little, but not from fear. The heat of his touch was surprisingly gentle, and comforting in a way.

She didn't want to think about that, she wanted freedom again. Freedom of choices in her life, not dictation. It was hard to stand her ground as he kept moving closer to her.

"You will soon learn my touch, zaza...little flower,"

He called her a flower? She went to ask why, but instead sucked in a deep breath as his lips touched her temple. She tensed up again, the kiss was soft, but the horrible nightmare was still painted in her mind. His kissed down her neck and over her shoulder, speaking softly to her, but still commanding. She couldn't really hear the words, her heart was beating so hard. She swallowed a lump in her throat and stood very still. This was all very new to her. No one had ever kissed her, except her father. And even that was only on her foreheadas a good night. This was very different, and even pleasant. But she wouldn't let on.

She bit her bottom lip as his hand slid over her backside and down her leg. Accepting his touch was one thing, he could command her, but never make her do anything. He pressed her close suddenly, his eyes looking into hers before he kissed her on the lips. She firmly kept her mouth shut, and stood very still. The only indication she gave was her wild heart beat and her panting breaths.

He released her unexpectedly and she nearly fell. She quickly caught herself, and stood there trembling. She felt like a trollop, she enjoyed his touch. She blushed and lowered her gaze. He moved to the bed, telling her to go to sleep. She stood there a moment, trembling and wondering how she would get out of this whole mess? He rose his voice again, "I said sleep. That was a command."

She quickly laid down, and curled into a ball. She felt a tear slide down her cheek. She could easily forget who she was to marry since she didn't feel love for that man, but her family would never be forgotten. She picked up a piece of cheese and nibbled on it, her stomach growling in protest for a second before settling. She finished the cheese and ate a little bread. Satisfied, she closed her yees to sleep until morning, and another trying day.

 

[Forrester]

Jamil

Jamil lay in the darkness staring at the ceiling only to get up when he heard the gentle sighs of Aryn's sleeping form to cover her with a blanket. The day in the deserts were hot and dry but the nights were just as dangerous as temperatures dipped well below freezing at times. Laying back in the bed with a sigh he covered himself up and wondered what he had done by aquiring this woman.

He was 26 and young for a shiek. Unlike his father he had not started his harem at a younger age choosing instead to work on his fighting skills and even go into battle against those that were skirmishing at the border of his father's kingdom. It was on one of these patrols that news of his father's death had come and he had been forced to assume the deceased sheik's place and deal with internal affairs that pushed everything in his personal life aside.

The women in his father's harem had fallen under his care but he had not taken any for himself. They were taken care of and any who professed a desire to break from the harem and seek lives elsewhere had been granted that desire. It was one of the first things he had done as Shiek. It had been looked down upon at the time but he had wanted to start fresh with those of his own choice and training. This woman was to be the first and Jamil wondered if he had taken on more challenge than he had bargained for. Shaking his head he thought about all the women of his own country he had turned down looking for that one that his heart told him was the right one. Would his own tendency to follow his feelings betray him this time? With these thoughts and questions he fell asleep.

When the morning sun arose so did Jamil. Throwing off the covers he gazed for a moment at his slave who lay on the floor at his feet. Going to the door he gave the guards a few commands in his own language and began to dress. Once dressed he went over to where Aryn lay sleeping and took a key and unlocked the shackle from her leg, rousing her as he did so.

"It is time for you to rise," He said,"I am going to take my breakfast outside and you will join me. I can call my guards in with shackles for your hands if I need to. I trust that will be unnecessary. Even if you did escape you would stick out among my people and there is nowhere to go but the desert and certain death. Come, I wish to show you something."

Letting her rise he walked to the door not looking back but expecting her to follow him. Walking along the corridors he was greeted with bows of respect and mumurred good mornings. Returning the greetings with a wave of his hand or a nod he eventually lead the way outside not into one of the desert areas that surrounded the palace but into a garden that sported a fountain and several species of plant and flowers. The place seemed alive with life as birds sprang from tree to tree and the air was rent with their songs.

Standing in the middle, Jamil spread his arms open wide and smiled. "Come, my flower, and look at all that is about you. Do you see what I have caused to grow here? Surrounded by the sands I have my very own oasis." Grasping Aryn's elbow with his hand he took her to one of the areas where flowers spread in an array of colors. Picking one of the flowers he placed it in her trembling hands for her to see. "In the desert life is precious. It is to be cherished even beyond gold and treasure. This flower's beauty defys the call of the desert sun to wither and die. It does so as long as I cause it to be taken care of. Because of me it thrives and grows to show it's beauty to the world." Taking the flower from her hand he placed it into her hair. "The life around you is worth more than any could pay. I would not accept the fortunes of two sheiks wealthier than I for this small spot of beauty. Now do you see why I will not sell you back to anyone? And why I call you my flower? And why I wish to see you thrive and grow and your beauty bloom?"

Running a finger along her face he looked at her with a smile. "I am a possessive man. When I find a rare and beautiful thing I tend to aquire it and horde it. To let no other touch what is mine. But that is only part of the reason I refuse your pleas. You are a rare flower, zaza, but you are only in the budding stage of your life. Soon you will open your petals and show both i and those around you your true beauty and you will have done it because I have taken care of you and nurtured you and guided you. And in doing so I will have grown myself. Stop resisting my care. You cannot wish to stay with your family forever. Eventually you would have moved on. Fate simply stepped in and chose a way other than what you had planned. It is time to leave your past behind you."

Walking over to the table that was set off to the side in a vantage point where the garden could be seen, Jamil sat down and pointed to a pillow at his feet. "Sit, you will eat this morning. I do punish disobedience but I do not punish unnecessarily. I am not a monster but I will not be defied. I cannot be for I must rule and to rule I must have respect and to have respect I must follow through with the rules that are set down." Pushing a plate across the table filled with fruits and sweet breads he began to eat his own breakfast not repeating his command but expecting her to obey.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aryn

She woke the second she felt the chain move on her ankle. Sitting up she stared at the Shiek wide eyed. The shackle was removed and she was 'asked' to follow. She walked quietly down the hallway, just behind the shiek. Men, women and even guards bowed before him as he passed. She was given several stares for she did not have her eyes down cast, but up and looking around in awed silence. The Palace was beautiful, beyond anything she had seen before. The design and the carvings had to have taken someone many months to accomplish.

She followed quietly, but the second she seen his 'little' oasis, she gasped in pleasure. It was magnificent, breath taking. She smiled a genuine smile of pleasure, looking around at all the various plants and flowers. This was heaven on earth to be sure. She knelt down and smelled one flower that caught her eye, a bright red and yellow mixture. She had never seen this one before.


"Come, my flower, and look at all that is about you. Do you see what I have caused to grow here? Surrounded by the sands I have my very own oasis."


She nodded in agreement, he had created something special in this sandy world. He grasped her elbow gently and moved her along to another area with even more flowers.

"In the desert life is precious. It is to be cherished even beyond gold and treasure. This flower's beauty defys the call of the desert sun to wither and die. It does so as long as I cause it to be taken care of. Because of me it thrives and grows to show it's beauty to the world."

He placed a flower into her cupped hands and she looked down at the plucked beauty. She smiled a soft smile to herself more than to him. He took it from her and put it into her hair, looking up at him with very curious eyes, she wondered why he would believe her to be a flower? She did not feel too much dismay that he would not sell her back, she knew before she asked him the night before.


"I am a possessive man. When I find a rare and beautiful thing I tend to aquire it and horde it. To let no other touch what is mine. But that is only part of the reason I refuse your pleas. You are a rare flower, zaza, but you are only in the budding stage of your life. Soon you will open your petals and show both i and those around you your true beauty and you will have done it because I have taken care of you and nurtured you and guided you. And in doing so I will have grown myself. Stop resisting my care. You cannot wish to stay with your family forever. Eventually you would have moved on. Fate simply stepped in and chose a way other than what you had planned. It is time to leave your past behind you."

Her heart sank a little, she would find it very hard to forget her family. She wasn't the one to leave, but was forced to go. She was given no choices, and that what made it so hard for her. She nodded her head in agreement. She could not battle him and win on this one, but she could still hope. She did not believe fate had stepped in, she knew an evil man had stepped in to ruin her life. And he was gone spending his money while she sat in a palace. She almost laughed. Her? In a palace? Who would have ever thoughts Aryn of the Gypsy's would be sitting in a garden with a Shiek having a morning meal?


Her voice was gentle and a little lost sound in it when she said, "Thank you for the flower.." she gave him a timid smile and moved along with him to the table. He motioned for her to sit by his feet on a huge stuffed pillow. She moved to sink down, she was not going to test him today. She closed her eyes a moment, and flashes of his eyes moved before her closed lids. She opened her eyes rather quickly, and sat in silence once more. He ordered her to eat this morning and basically said stop making his temper boil over. She nodded once more and sat eating in silence once more. It was all that was required of her so far, was to sit in silence.

She briefly wondered over who would teach her their ways and why she would have to learn them? She did not like the older woman, just because she was unknown to Aryn. She would have to be a little more friendly if she wanted friends here. She stared down at her hand in her lap as she chewed slowly, would she ever be happy here? The only thought in her mind so far was the Shiek had not hurt her, had done nothing but chain her. She really had no reason to be angry with him at the moment, her defiant nature was getting her into trouble again.

She sucked in a breath to get courage up, and without raising her eyes to him or speaking too loud she told him, "My name is Aryn.."

 

[Forrester]

Jamil

"My name is Aryn.." she said and Jamil looked down at her with an indulgent smile. "I prefer to think of you as Zaza or maybe even Jasmine. Yes, you do resemble that sought after flower with the sweet scent. I will not take that one remaining thing from your past but I will not address you as such."

At that moment a messanger brought word that there was a man requesting the Sheik's attention. He said he had information about who was spreading the rumors and causing dissent. The young boy glanced at Aryn once and spoke in the native tongue unsure if she should hear. Jamil frowned at the news and replied he would be there shortly. Finishing his meal he stood. "I have affairs of state to attend to. I will meet you for the noon meal." Signalling the guard who stood just outside of the garden he said,"She is to be allowed as much time as she wishes in this place. I will send Safia to her as companion for the day. If she attempts to flee you will find a shackle in my room and may use it but only if she tries to leave."

Looking down at Aryn he said,"Do not be foolish, zaza, enjoy your time in the garden and, if you need to be shown anything else in the palace, Safia will be your guide. Do not make it necessary for me to restrain you."

Reaching down and picking her up to stand on her feet he kissed her lips once and then left into the palace.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aryn

She sat back down after he parted her company, confused a little but no one to talk to either. The guard didn't look very friendly to her, and greatly annoyed to be watching a mere woman. She sat there a moment the stood up. She walked slowly around the garden taking in the different scents and sights. She stopped to study birds and smile at their lifting song. The guard was always a few feet behind her, watching her every move.

She wondered how for she didn't know how long, wondering if Safia was the woman from earlier or someone else from his harem? She moved back to the table, now cleared of food and sat down. She did not know what to do with her time, or if anything more than sitting was required of her?

A few minutes of sitting there silently musing Safia walked in accompanied by two more guards. She just stood watching Aryn from under her lashes. She wondered what the woman thought of her as a slave, but would not ask.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aryn

Safia sat in silence a moment then stood.
"Follow me, lessons are to begin while you bath and refresh for the day."
She stood and followed the elder woman down the hallways again to the huge bathing room. She undressed and stepped into the pool, this time without being told. She picked up the jasmine scented soap and began washing as Safia explained to her what she was allowed to do and not do.
"Firstly, when Shiek Jamil walks into the room, you kneel and bow, your forehead to the floor. No questions, it is his due respect.."
She looked up at Safia, "His name is Jamil?"
"Yes, but you never address him as such, you are to call him...."
"Master, I know.."
"Good, you are learning young one. Now, when in public, which isnt often.. you are to wear a veil. It will cover all of your face, but your eyes. And covers hair. No man is to see you but Jamil. Understood?"
She nodded her head, that was silly. But if she had to, so be it.
"You are never to speak unless spoken directly to. Never talk back or raise your voice. Always do as instructed. No man shall touch you but Jamil. No man can command you unless direct orders of Jamil. You are to sleep in his room until otherwise told. You will eventually be given a room in the Harem. But until then you must sleep where told and when."
She rolled her eyes, all these commands, was she ever allowed a moment when she could do as she pleased? She did not think that would ever happen.
"You eat after Jamil has eaten, and you serve him his meal. You sit at his feet and never meet any man eye to eye. It is considered ill mannered and can be punished for the indiscretion.
You help him bath if he requires thus of you. No questions asked, and dont argue! He is a patient man, but can be harsh if he has to. You are never to go anywhere in or out side of the palace with out and escort. You are to wear this golden bracelet on your upper left arm, it marks you as his property. It will keep you safe from harm. Any questions I am allowed to answer?"
She stopped washing as she tried to recall every single rule in her mind.
"No, I do not have any.. Well. Is Jamil.. I mean is the Master a cruel man to his wives?"
"That I can not tell, but he has no wives as of yet. Though he will marry soon to a suitable bride and produce heirs to his throne.. Already I have said more than I should, no more questions. You are to be silent and bath. Then we will return you to his rooms."
She felt her heart lurch a little, he was to be married. To someone suitable. Which would not be her.. But she was told she would bare his children by his own mouth. That was against her beliefs, everything she had ever been taught as she grew into adulthood. How would she ever look in the mirror and not feel shame if she allowed him to touch her? Allowed? She had no say so in any of this. She grew a little angry and threw the soap into the pool.
"Now you retreive it young one, and learn temper tantrums get you no where but punished. Wash your hair and let's be on our way." She clapped twice and two girls entered. Carrying towels and clean clothes for her. She quickly got the soap and washed her hair with the jasmine scented soaps. She was begining to hate all these rules.
"Quickly, out girl before you prune up like an old woman. We must rub you down with the oils and make you presentable for Jamil tonight. He has yet to make you his, and if he doesn't soon all in the palace will know he is displeased with you.. IT wont look good for you young one to displease him.."
She stepped out, and gave the elder woman a glare. Silent still, she dried off and was rubbed down with the oils, dressed and her hair arranged. She was led back down the hallway she recognized to his bedroom. She was told to sit on her pallat on the floor and a guard was posted inside the room. Safia left without a backward glance, knowing this young girl was going to be a trial for all around her.
Aryn's thoughts were on how would the whole palace know if he did not touch her?

 

[Forrester]

Jamil

Jamil made his way down the hall to his room. He had word that his slave had been prepared for him but his mind was on things other than pleasure right now. He also knew that his evening meal would have been sent to his chambers as well as he had ordered it but food was not high on the list of priorities either. He had just come away from a meeting with his advisors after he had gotten done speaking with the man who brought him information. The information was disturbing and, if true, would divide the palace as well as the people and that was something he did not need as his rule was in its infancy.

Entering his room he dismissed the guard that was there and went to sit down at the table but ignored the food completely. He barely took notice of Aryn's reluctant bow and her preparation for his food. He looked up at her as she begin to fill a plate and held his hand out to stop her. "No, zaza," He said in a voice that was very distracted,"I wish for no food. Take some and eat. I have more pressing things on my mind." He did pause to smile and add,"I see that Safia has been working with you today. You will learn much from her."

Getting up and going over to the bookshelf he leaned against it, deep in thought. His brow was furrowed and his dark eyes were distant. After long moments of silence he said,"This is doing me no good. I need to get away from the palace for a bit." Turning to Aryn he said,"You said you were with a caravan. I assume that means you know how to ride a horse. I wish to go for a ride but I do not wish to be alone. You will accompany me. I trust I have no reason to suspect you will run away or do I have to tell you how the desert kills with cold at night just like it kills with heat in the day?"

Going to the door he opened it and said to the guard,"Take my slave to Safia. She is to be outfited for an evening outside. Make sure the clothing is warm. Then have two horses prepared and waiting in the stables. I am going for a ride and my slave will accompany me." Turning to Aryn he said,"Go and prepare and the guard will show you the stables once you are done. Do not think me foolish enough to give you the reins once you are mounted. I will guide both horses."

Ushering her out he prepared himself for an evenings ride in an outfit of thick black material and warm boots. Once done he headed for the stables where they had saddled his favorite stallion, a large black horse who responded only to him. Patting him on the nose he talked to it in his own language as they saddled a smaller horse for Aryn.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aryn

She tried to serve him his meal as were her instructions, but he stopped her. His eyes looked worried, unsettled. She knew he must have a hard responcibility to his people to do what was right. She moved back and let him pace in silence. Setting his plate down on the table she turned to face him when he mentioned riding.
"Yes, I know how to ride."
He called a guard and asked him to take her to Safia. With his instructions, Aryn was led out his door and down the hallway to a huge set of doors. The guard motioned the other two guarding the new doors, and they opened them up. Inside was a very large room, all around inside were pillows and tables, daybeds, fountains. And females. The guard escorted her along until he found Safia sitting in her private rooms.
"The Master requires you dress her for a ride, warm clothing and hurry." She nodded to the guard, and eyed Aryn.
"Well young one? Did you succeed in getting him to take you home?" Safia knew the answer before she even answered.
"no." She whispered her answer, waiting.
"He won't return you anywhere but back to his rooms, I hope you see this now. And for your sake do not hurt him, and do not cause him any troubles." Her warning was taken and filed away.
"Mora, Leehah, bring some riding clothes."
Two of the woman moved off to do her bidding, Aryn stepped into her room and stripped down. She could hear several woman mumbling behind her and turned. Two older women looked her up and down, talking in a language she did not understand.
"What are they saying about me?"
Safia glanced up at the two and shoo'd them away.
"They were commenting on your large breasts, good for feeding sons. And how your hips are wide enough to bare many children for our master.."
Aryn blushed three shades of red, and turned back to Safia.
"I will not bare any children until I am married!" She was huffy but she meant her words.
The clothes arrived and without anymore words she was dressed and her hair braided and wrapped around the crown of her head. A veil was placed over her face and gloves on her hands. She bowed a little to Safia and turned when the guard came back for her. She was led in silence through the Harem and back into the hallway. This time she was led outside to the stables. As she approched she seen Jamil with a beautiful stallion, waiting astride. She looked at the mare he had selected, silenty wishing she was riding the stallion. She missed her own horse Night. her father had given her a gelded stallion at the age of 9 years. She had learned to ride and do tricks with acrobatic ease. She was assisted up onto the mare and the reins taken by Jamil.
He turned them and led them outside the palace gates. She inhailed the night air, and smiled. It was as close to freedom as she had been in many months.
She held her silence as they rode along, never once trying to cause trouble or escape. The look in his eyes had gotten to her heart and the ice had melted away a little. He had enough troubles haunting his life without her adding to it. At least for now she would cooperate.

 

[Forrester]

Jamil

Silence settled between them but it was not the uncomfortable silence that had been present before. Jamil closed his eyes and smiled as the cool breeze blew across his face as they rode out of the palace, through the city gates and into the desert itself. The moon above filled the sands around them with a strange luminessence and the picture it presented was breath taking. Jamil rode on with purpose, his mind set to where he wished to go and soon they arrived at a small oasis to the east of the city. There were a few palms, a pool of water and some grasses here. Not much but Jamil's face lit up as he approached it.

"Ah, it is deserted. Womderful. I was hoping no travelers would be camped here tonight." He said as the tied both horses to the palm tree and then helped Aryn down, his strong hands closing about her waist and setting her down on the ground, their bodies brushing close for a moment before he turned to walk toward the water.

Leaning against one of the palm trees he breathed deeply of the night air before turning to smile at Aryn. The look was almost boyish as he said,"This is my most favorite spot in the whole world, zaza. And do you know why?" When she shook her head he said,"For two reasons. First because it was a spot that I and my brother would come to often when we were children. It has been here for many years. We would sneak away from the palace grounds and come here to splash around in the water and climb the trees until Safia realized we were missing and sent guards out after us." He laughed the smile touching his dark eyes for a moemnt. "I do believe my brother and I gave Safia most of those grey hairs she has. Abdul was older by two years and would have been Shiek if not for..." His voice trailed away and a sadness entered his eyes but he shrugged it off. "Life offers us different paths. We each trod the one we were meant to the best that we can."

With a sigh he sank down on the ground gesturing for Aryn to come to him and pulling her into his lap when she did. Reaching up he pulled the veil from her face and undid her hair to let it fall down. Gently stroking her dark tresses he said,"No one is around and so you are allowed to be without your veil for now. As long as my eyes are the only ones to see you."

Pulling her body to his he seemed to take comfort in the closeness and closed his eyes as his hand begin to stroke her back, arms and hair. "The other reason that I love this spot so much is because the life here has grown and flourished in spite of the obsticles the desert has thrown in it's way. Do you not see this? My small oasis at the palace would wither and die were I not to have my personal gardener tend to it each day. It is beautiful and a pleasure to me but it is also delicate and will not survive adverse conditions."

Lifting her chin with his other hand he forced her eyes to meet his. "I have compared you to a delicate flower, zaza, but in truth you are much like this oasis. You have endured much and yet you still thrive and your spirit is still unbroken. We are much alike in that respect my little flower. Yet I cannot help but wonder how much more strife it will take to break me. I am in the position to destroy a man who has been close to me for a very long time. Since childhood in fact. All evidence points to this man being the head of a group trying to discredit me and even kill me. So what do I do? Do I follow my heart and disbelieve what has been presented to me or do I go with what my advisors tell me is so and punish him based on the evidence at hand." There was a sadness in his voice and he seemed to be speaking not so much in order to get her advise but to talk things out, needing only her company at this moment.

His hand left her chin and he ran it down her neck in a gentle caress, over her shoulder and along her breast letting it rest there while his thumb rubbed gently along the nipple. He made no more advances on her beyond this and seemed to just enjoy the contact of their bodies as he relaxed, far away from the decision that was warring within him at that moment.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aryn

She looked at the Oasis with interest. It was a beautiful sight in the middle of all the sand and empitness. He helped her down, her hands moving to his shoulders as he set her on her feet. Their bodies brushed together before he stepped away, leaving her a little breathless. She stood there gathering her thoughts while he moved to sit against a palm tree. He beconed her over and she came without question.

He looked weary and very tired, so she would not give him more grief tonight. Besides the tingling was still effecting her thinking. She sat down where he pulled her, on his lap. She blushed a little, but kept her eyes downcast. He reached up and pulled her viel off, then unbound her hair, letting it fall to her bottom. She turned her eyes to meet his, questioning why he did thus. But he explained within seconds. No one could see her right now, but him. So it was allowed. She nodded her head and rested against him, watching the light dance over the water of the oasis.

He started to speak, many questions in his mind. Just rambling on and on. Worried about his choices, the out come if he did act. Or if he didn't. She knew he did not seek her advice on this matter, because these matters were not a females place to advise. She spoke softly anyways, "Greed does things to people, even the closest of friends. Be careful." She sat in silence again, hoping she did not speak out of turn. She wanted to offer comfort, but was not good with this. It was her father always comforting her, not the other way around. And when she was feeling sad as a child he would hug her, tell her it would be alright.

She felt his touch on her breast, and did not say anything, nor pull away. It felt sinfully good to be touched there. She felt her body heat a little, she bit back a little moan of pleasure. She turned in his lap to face him, her eyes searching his features for a clue to what she was to do? She wrapped her arms carefully around his neck, moving very slowly. her eyes still holding his for some sign this was not allowed. She scooted a little closer, then her face came towards him. To some it may look like she was going to kiss him, but that was not her intention. She moved to the side and hugged him, her fingertips threading into the hair at the nape of his neck.
"It will be alright.....master.. " She held him close for a moment, until he finally returned her hug. She pulled back then and smiled at him.
It was true, her spirit hadn't been destroyed, and possibly never would be. But she was also wise beyond her years to know when humblness was best. She pulled back further to look into his eyes. They didn't seem to be too troubled now, but darker with something else? She let her hands fall from his shoulders, and folded them back into her lap, her eyes turning from his and looking down at her fingers.
Now what was she to do? She was a little lost, but she was begining to like sitting here on his lap in the middle of no where, and with no one hovering over her, watching. She was still a slave, but she was feeling more freedom being outside those high walls and big heavy doors.

 

[Forrester]

Jamil

Jamil sat there thinking over Aryn's soft words for a few moments, his fingers playing about her skin, enjoying the feel of her nipple hardening under his fingers and the softness of her skin. When she turned to face him he was a bit startled as it was a bold move but he did not stop her. He was actually curious as to what she would do.

He could feel her eyes on him and for a moment it seemed as if his breath was caught in his throat. Her arms went around his neck and he felt a shudder go through him as they brushed along his neck. He seemed spell bound by this slim girl and he did not move not even as she brought her face closer to his. "It will be alright...master," He heard her say softly into his ear as she hugged him, her fingertips playing through his hair and causing a stirring within him that he had not felt in a long time. He hesitated at first but then his arms encircled her waist and pulled her toward him in a warm embrace his nose buried in her scented hair.

By the time she pulled back to lock gazes with him, something she was not supposed to do but which Jamil could care less about at this point, the worry was gone from his eyes to be replaced by the desire he felt for her right then. Yet he had felt desire before and this seemed something more. Reaching out to cup her face in his hands as she dropped her gaze and turned her face up to him again.

"My little flower," He said his voice rough with his desire, "You amaze me. I am the one that should be assuring you that things will be alright and yet here you are taking me into your care and trying to soothe my worries though you do not understand them. What am I to do with you, zaza? I cannot hold out much longer in taking you to my bed or else there will be talk about a sheik who cannot control even a slave and yet I cannot bring myself to disregard your fear of me unreasonable as it may be. I do not want a slave that serves out of being terrified of me and for some strange reason I wish you to want my advances." He let out a long drawn out sigh. "I am too tenderhearted. I deliberatly let rumors of my cruelty go unrestrained so that people will not see me as a weak ruler. It is all Safia's fault, you know. She raised me. My mother died shortly after I was born and my father was too busy with the same things I am fighting now to pay me much attention. Besides, I was not meant to be Shiek my brother was."

Wrapping one arm about her waist he drew her slowly closer to him. His other hand moved behind her neck caressing the skin beneath her hair and he brought her face closer to his. "My little flower, my zaza," He said quietly as his lips touched hers softly, his tongue moving along them as he increased the kiss drawing her body close to him. His hand moved over her body in a soft caress as his mouth explored hers and soon he was kissing along her mouth, down her throat to where her clothing showed just a hint of cleavage.

"Ahh, zaza," He mumured against his skin, "Do you know how much you set my very soul on fire?" Then he stiffened and his head shot up as he looked out into the distance. Sounds of voices held low in the night came to him and he quickly stood pulling Aryn up with him. "Your veil," He hissed to her,"Replace it." There was a tenseness about him as he gazed into the distance. Maybe he was too parinoid with everything that was happening but there was something about men whispering in a desert at night. Why would someone whisper unless they did not wish to be heard and why would they think they might be heard as there was no reason for them to think the oasis was was occupied. There was no fire and the horses were both dark colored and hard to see in the night. The thought came to him that these men knew he was here and in fact were seeking him. A friend would have hailed him long ago. Only an enemy would come whispering into the night.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aryn

She smiled at his words, He held her close. Almost lovingly so, whispering to her his reasons for letting rumors run wild of his 'deeds'. She felt his touch, it sent shivers of pleasure down her spine. Something she did not wish to admit, but it did. His kiss sent her soaring even higher than before with just his touch. She moaned when he broke away, instinctively pulling closer to his body. He trailed kisses from her lips to her throat, ripples of tingling pleasure shot through her soul, and much deeper inside. She was litterally melting in bliss. She arched her head back, giving him more access, a long soft moan coming from her parted lips. She tightened her hold on his shoulders, not wanting the moment to end. She did not know what to expect next, but it felt wonderful to her.

He pulled back again, whispering.."Do you know how much you set my very soul on fire?" She went to answer him, reply she felt it too, but he moved away quickly.
He ordered her to replace her veil. She quickly threw it on and secured the ties. Her eyes darting here and there, her heart pounding in fear. She sensed something was wrong, but she did not know what it was.
She moved up behind him, "Jamil?" She used his given name, which was against the rules. But she was afraid.. For his life and her own. Something was terrible out there in the darkness, she could feel dread creeping up her spine.
"Let's return to the palace... please?" She pleaded softly in his ear, she did not want whoever was out there to hear her. She felt someone watching them, but had no weapon. She gripped his hand with one of her own, shaking with her fear.

 

[Guest]

Jamil

Jamil felt Aryn's fear and drew her close to him. His lips against her ear he said,"To the horses." Guiding her toward the two mounts he pauses as her horse whinnied. His own mount was too well trained to do so. He cursed in his own language as he heard the voices of the men pause and he picked Aryn up and mounted her on his own horse just as he head them exclaim,"There! He has to be there!" also in his own tongue.

Untying the mare from the palm he set it off in a direction straight across the paths of whomever was out there. The moon was hidden by clouds at that exact moment and so it could not be decerned if there were a rider or not. Taking advantage of the distraction he pulled himself up behind Aryn and headed off in the opposite direction. Having grown up in this area he knew the round about ways to and from the palace. In fact he was taking a route he and his brother had often taken when escaping from their caregivers.

Bending low in the saddle, he held Aryn tight against his chest letting his mount have his head and only guiding it with a firm hand when needed. They were close to the city, close to the palace when they heard the sound of pursuit behind them. Jamil frowned. He was already running the stallion into the ground as it was and they were still a ways from the secret entrance to the palace. Looking up he saw that the moon was still covered but would be moving from behind the clouds in just a few moments.

Leaning down he whispered to her, "Zaza, we come to the gates of the city. They can be reached by standing upon the horse and jumping at just the right time. Trust me on this. I will help steady you but you must jump when I tell you to, can you do this?" He was startled at her unhesitant nod but had no time to question it. Letting her crouch first he was surprised at the steadiness of her stance as if she had done something like this before. Still he held a steadying hand upon her until he came within a hairs breadth of the wall. "Now!" He said and watched as she sprung from the saddle to the wall scrambling on top of it. Forced to look ahead instead of back he narrowed his eyes as he heard their pursuers getting closer. Looking for the next break in the wall he removed his cloak, attatched it to the saddle horn and jumped catching onto the wall and moving over it as he had when a boy. He glanced breifly at his mount as it moved away, his cloak billowing behind it and making it seem as if there were still a rider upon it.

He crouched in the shadows until those who chased them had passed. Then he ran the length of the wall while keeping his balance to find Aryn again. "Zaza," He called out softly wondering if she had taken the chance and ran away.

 

[Forrester]

Yup thats me

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aryn

She listened to his intsructions and stood on the horse. She easily kept her balance, but did not move his hand away from her back side. She crouched a little, and when he said to, she jumped to the wall. Grabbing hold she swung herself up and landed crouched on the wall. Looking around she seen the other side had a shed against the wall and right below her feet. She jumped softly to the roof and crouched down just as horses rode past. The males on the horses were saying something in Arabic, she did not understand any of it. Cursing under her breath she dropped to the ground, and stood.
"Jamil?" She called softly, turning herself around to look along the wall. Where was he? She felt a fear pass down her spine that they might have gotten him when she heard him calling her. She sighed in relief.
"Over here.." She stood waiting for him. Why hadnt she dropped to the other side and ran? She had her chance, why didn't she take it? She had no idea, but the thought of leaving no longer seemed as appealing. Not after the feelings she felt when he touched her. He came up to her, and stood looking at the wall, he was thinking again. Wondering who was after him, or knowing. She wasnt too sure either way. She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his waist, pulling him to her body. She hugged him, her fear still great inside.
"I am glad you are safe." She wasn't sure if that was the right thing to say. He would know she was begining to feel something for him, and hinder her escape. If she did try that is. So far, she seen no reason to leave him and this beautiful haven in the desert.
"Can we go inside? They might be out here somewhere looking for us. Alert the guards perhaps?" She waited knowing she just said too much, it wasn't her place to offer advice.
"I am sorry Master." She fell silent, but did not step away from him.

 

[Guest]

Jamil

Jamil felt a sense of relief wash over him as he heard her voice and he quickly decended to the ground. Glancing back at the wall his thoughts whirled about him. He had recognized one of the men who chased after them and it made some things fall into place.

He felt her wrap her arms around him and his arm came down to pull her close. He smiled as she said,"I am glad you are safe" and he reached down to take her chin in hand and brush her lips with his own. "And I am overjoyed to see you safe, my flower," He said with meaning to the words.

"Yes, we must get to the palace but we cannot alert the guards. I am sure now that some of them are not to be trusted." He smiled then and pulled her even closer, kissing her deeply. "There is nothing to be sorry about, zaza. There is a time to ignore tradition and right now seems to be as good a time as any. Our one concern is not with titles and propriety it is with survival."

Taking her hand in his he began to walk down the street keeping to the shadows until they came to the entrance to the palace where two guards stood their watch. He frowned. He did not like the fact that even his guards may be against him but once he got into the palace he would change things.

Pointing to the left he took her around the separate wall that enclosed the palace until they could hear the sounds of song birds. They were near the private gardens. Feeling along the wall, Jamil found the crack he was looking for and, taking a key from his pocket, he placed it into the small crack, turned it and drew a section of the wall out to reveal a path moving up into the garden. Ushering Aryn onto the path he closed it and only felt better when he heard the click of the lock once again.

Wrapping his arm around her waist, Jamil took Aryn into the palace and down one of the hallways. He noticed that there were some startled looks on some of the guards' faces and made note of it. It seemed that some of them had not expected him to come back. Turning to Aryn he was about to instruct her to find Safia when the woman herself called out to him hurrying down the hallway, relief evident on her face.

"Jam...Master," She said her voice trembling with the relief of a mother who had found her child and she almost forgot to bow,"We had word that something had happened..."

"Something has happened," He said to her placing Aryn's hand into her own,"But it has only made things a bit clearer to me. I am about to take matters into my own hand. Things will get rather tense around here. I want you to take my slave and put her in the herem room. Give her her own quarters and make sure a guard you can trust is watching over both of you at all times. Post two more guards you have absolute faith in over the rest of the women there. None of them are to leave the room until I give the signal it is all clear and that means you too, Safia. What is to take place in the next few days will not endanger the women under my care."

Turning to Aryn he said,"You must do this. Safia will take care of you and I will rejoin you in a few days. We have things as yet unfinished, you and I."

"Safia," He addressed the older lady,"You are to let those around her know that she has in no way displeased me. In fact her actions tonight are beyond expectations."

Safia nodded and took Aryns hand as Jamil addressed a guard. "You! Gather my advisors. I will meet them in no less than a half hour in the meeting room!"