Isabella Awakening Ch. 08

When she turned to the women in the bath, Kahlia met her eyes with a smile. Amalia and Marlesa were locked in a passionate kiss, their heads just out of the water while their entwined bodies and limbs moved urgently beneath. Kahlia motioned her to come forward and Isabella undid the three buttons of her blouse as she did so. Slipping her harem pants off and leaving her clothing in pile beside the bath, she slipped into the cool water beside Kahlia.

Seated on a shelf or step together like that, Isabella's head barely came above Kahlia's shoulder. The Black girl slipped a powerful arm around her waist and lifted Isabella onto her lap. Isabella allowed her own knees to part over Kahlia's thighs and she laid her head back onto Kahlia's shoulder, feeling her large breasts and hard nipples pressed to her back. They sat like that, with Kahlia's hands playing over Isabella's tummy and breasts, while they watched Amalia and Marlesa reach almost simultaneous orgasms at each other's hands. They seemed to float just beneath the surface of the water, their bodies separating as they came and floating, shaking and arching as they parted.

Eventually Marlesa and then Amalia broke the surface, gasping for air and flinging their long hair back from their faces. They moved together again and kissed before turning, smiling widely to Isabella and Kahlia.

"How many is that today?" asked Kahlia.

"Five!" panted Marlesa, "three this morning and two just now."

"Gabrielle will be pleased," said Kahlia, nodding. Then speaking to Isabella's ear, she explained, "Marlesa is hoping to become pregnant. Gabrielle has pledged the Bey to abstinence while he is away and prescribed Marlesa at least five orgasms a day to shake loose her eggs. We are hoping their reunion will be productive."

Isabella raised her eyebrows and smiled. "Have any of you had children before?" she asked. The two Arab girls laughed.

"I think you already met my oldest daughter, Ashanti, last evening," said Amalia. "I have five children, three girls and two boys."

Isabella must have looked shocked because Amalia smiled and added, "We do not make such an issue of having children as you Europeans. We simply bear them, give birth and get on with our lives."

Marlesa then spoke, "My next baby will be my third," she said. I have a boy of seven and girl of eleven. "I hope this one is another girl," she placed a hand on her tummy as if she was already impregnated.

Kahlia said, "I have given birth once, but the baby died. Jax would never consider such a thing and Gabrielle is too busy with her science and medicine."

"I am sorry that you lost a child," said Isabella quietly, finding Kahlia's hand on her right breast and intertwining their fingers. Then turning to the others, "But where are the children? Who raises them?"

"Well, we all raise them," said Marlesa, as if the answer were obvious. "They stay with us in the house until they are two or three and finished at the breast and then they move to the compound next door with the others. We do see them every day, but they have servants and tutors to guide and prepare them for life. The Bey himself takes great interest in their education and development and he visits for at least an hour each day he is here. Of course, the children can call for any of us if they have needs."

Amalia continued, "Ours are the Bey's legitimate children, born in marriage. His others mostly live together with them in the compound, although a few have stayed with their mothers in Algiers or Cairo. We have twelve here altogether, from two years old to Ashanti, who will be seventeen in two weeks time. We love them all and are very proud."

Isabella took all this in with fascination. She knew that Mohammedans took many wives but had never considered the complexities that involved. "So," said Isabella, carefully framing her next question, "are you all married to the Bey?"

Kahlia laughed. "No, my dear, not all. Marlesa, Amalia and myself are the Bey's wives. Jax and Gabrielle are simply concubines!" The three women laughed. "You see, as a Patron, the Bey has certain obligations. He provides a home for Gabrielle and Jax, as well as certain more personal services, in exchange for their skills and advice. We all came here originally under the same arrangement but the three of us decided that a formal Arab marriage was the best way to ensure the safety of the children. The Bey is not a possessive man, but he is a kind and intelligent one. There is no real difference in status or duties or obligation between any of us."

Isabella nodded her, at least partial, understanding. Amalia and Marlesa moved to the seat beside Kahlia and Isabella and their hands started to glide over the women's contrasting dark and white skin. Isabella felt at least three hands on her thighs and bottom and allowed her own hands to find the softness between Amalia's and Marlesa's legs. Kahlia lifted her by the waist and turned her, the other women carefully guiding her legs up and over Kahlia's knees. As the black woman took her mouth between her lips, a hand found Isabella's swollen pussy and stroked its length. The Arab women moved closer, supporting and caressing Isabella and joining the kiss.

"Now, Sisters," said Amalia quietly, moving her mouth to Kahlia's ear "I do not wish to sound hypocritical, but we should really save our energy and passion for tonight. I would hate for Isabella to collapse from exhaustion before we complete our performance."

Kahlia's eyes widened as she growled and made a teasing biting motion towards Amalia, who fell backwards and squealed, splashing into the water, her legs flailing and bumping Isabella's hip. Isabella felt herself slipping off Kahlia's thighs and tried to grasp the slick breasts in front of her as she slid sideways towards Marlesa. The erotic tableau the four had so recently formed, fell like a child's block tower as they slipped and splashed and squealed, confounding each other's attempts to regain their feet and balance. Isabella did not know who giggled first. It may even have been her. The epidemic took them all quickly and made the slipping and splashing all the worse.

It was an outside force that intervened to halt them. Isabella looked up and saw Jax standing a few yards away, arms folded and shaking her head. Isabella gulped and fought back another wave of giggles but was only able to say, "Hello Jax!" before collapsing again, slipping completely under the water and taking Amalia down with her. Kahlia eventually grabbed them both by an arm and hauled them, soaking and coughing, to their feet. She held them, like a constable between two drunks, until they had almost regained their composure.

Jax said nothing until the giggling and coughing finally subsided. "Isabella darling," she said coolly, "I'm so glad you are having fun, but I'd like to talk to you about this letter." Jax's serious demeanor suddenly dissolved as she broke into a broad smile. She turned her back, tossed her head and huffed "Keira, give me strength!" and walked off to the sunken lounge on the level below.

The four naked wet women were finally rescued by the lumbering eunuch Arness who clucked and t'sked his way up the stairs carrying an armful of towels. He said something to Marlesa, who hung her head momentarily before poking her tongue at him. Each woman grabbed for a towel and stepped out of the bath. They dried themselves and each other and the two Arab women walked naked up the stairs. Kahlia retrieved her clothing from a table nearby but Isabella found that hers had been soaked, the floor being awash with the water splashed from the bath. She wrapped the towel around her body and kissed Kahlia, saying "I hope we can get together later, Kahlia."

"I have no doubt we will," said Kahlia, smiling and stroking Isabella's cheek. "If not, we will certainly find each other tomorrow. I will find you a robe. There's no need to dress for tonight's festivities anyway. It would be a waste of time," She winked.

Kahlia climbed the stairs and Isabella made her way down to Jax, who was leaning over some papers on a small table in front of her couch. Isabella sat beside her and Jax's hand immediately and, apparently without any thought on Jax's part, sought her thigh high under the flap of the towel. "Calmer now, my dear?" she smiled.

Isabella noticed how slender Jax's hand was, so delicate and small compared to Kahlia's. "I'm calm now, Jax, but if your hand goes any higher on my leg, I may not be able to concentrate on your letter," said Isabella.

"Oh, of course," said Jax, moving her hand down to mid thigh. "Later," She smiled.

Jax rearranged the papers in front of her and selected a single sheet, handing it to Isabella. "It's a draft, Isabella. I'll rewrite it a more masculine hand when we've settled the text. Please feel free to make suggestions."

Isabella read the letter. It was addressed to her father. It was written as if from Thomas, who introduced himself as Isabella's fellow passenger on the Della. The letter assumed that Alberto and Marisa had already received news from Captain Bertrand of their abduction and this letter professed to sadly inform the Silverto parents of Isabella's fate at the hands of the terrible janissaries in Tunis. It was beautifully and sensitively written. Had she not known the truth, Isabella herself would have cried at the description of her stoic resistance and eventual imprisonment. Thomas sadly informed the Silvertos that Isabella had been bound and abused before being driven in chains with a hundred others, including nuns of his own order, to the slave markets inland.

Jax explained the implications of the inland slave market. Effectively, she said, Isabella was lost to the European world, being sold into servitude or as a concubine in the richer African kingdoms or even, if she survived, to the still thriving slave market in the Spanish New World. The chances of a European woman being recovered from the African markets were so slight as to be considered impossible.

Isabella nodded and read on; Thomas's respect for Isabella's serenity and courage, her love for her fine Christian family, his certainty of the purity of her everlasting soul and her protection by the Mother Church - not, Isabella noted the Holy Mother Church.

Isabella finished reading and looked up at Jax. "An excellent and moving letter, thank you Jax."

"Any suggestions?" said Jax, retrieving the letter and taking up a stylus, which she dipped in ink.

"Perhaps a mention of my uncle Anton. We were close and he is frail. I would like my mother to let him know I am safe and happy," said Isabella thoughtfully.

"An excellent suggestion, Isabella dear." Jax smiled and ran her hand back under Isabella's towel. "No more concentration needed for now, my lovely."

At that moment, the front doors of the Sanctuary opened and four eunuchs bearing platters and jugs entered singing in their high voices. It was like a choir of enormous children bringing them their dinner. Jax kissed Isabella on the mouth and withdrew her hand from her crotch. They both rose and followed the food to an area set up earlier by 'the boys', as Jax called the eunuchs.

Kahlia came down the stairs, wearing only a short pale green robe that displayed her long legs almost to her pussy. She carried a dark blue silk robe in one hand and passed it Isabella. Isabella examined the fabric and admired the fine embroidered flowers on the sleeves. "Its from the Japans," said Kahlia. "A gift from one of Jax's admirers that she passed onto me. Try it on."

Isabella let her towel slip to the floor and unfolded the fine silk robe and put it on. The broad embroidered sash sat just above her hips.

"Lovely!" said Kahlia.

Jax moved close and slipped a hand into the front of the robe, cupping one of Isabella's breasts and sending a pleasant shiver through her body. "Yes, truly lovely," she sighed.

Gabrielle joined the three, stepping from the side entrance wearing a robe similar to Kahlia's and a satisfied smile. She joined them at the buffet and gave them each a kiss.

"Natalia seems to have made great progress, I'm happy to say. I even asked her to join us for while this evening, but she's still too tired. I hope she'll visit tomorrow."

"Is she back on her elixir yet?" asked Kahlia, taking a small savory pastry and popping it into her mouth.

"Oh yes. You can't keep a good woman down." smiled Gabrielle, wiping her lips with a napkin before helping herself to some food.

The four stood, eating and talking for a few minutes, Kahlia pouring each a goblet of wine. The sun had set and that the room was now lit with many lanterns.

"Will Amalia and Marlesa be joining us soon?" asked Isabella.

"Not before the concert," replied Jax. "Nerves. Not long now. They'll join us for the main course afterwards."

"Tell me, Jax," piped Gabrielle, "Have you told Isabella about your latest conquest in Tripoli?"

"Not yet. But I have had a wicked idea. I was thinking of staging a dramatic re-enactment. Tonight, if there is time."

Kahlia nearly choked on a mouthful of food and even Gabrielle looked a little shocked.

"But who will play the divine but naïve young Alicia?" said Gabrielle.

"I was thinking Isabella might like to try her hand at the role," grinned Jax. "I have a costume and wig that would fit her." She ran a dainty hand over Isabella's bottom as she spoke.

"And will one of the boys play her father?" asked Kahlia.

"I will ask for a volunteer after dinner. I expect I'll be knocked over in the rush," smiled Jax.

The women nodded and smiled at Isabella. "You will enjoy it, darling," comforted Gabrielle on seeing Isabella's look of concern. "It will be naughty, but fun."

Isabella felt that she had just been drafted, but decided to go along with the women. She had felt no threat or danger since arriving at the Bey's palace and knew that her new friends were as committed to her protection and safety as was Thomas. The simple thought of him sent a shudder through her abdomen. She was missing him terribly, despite having her day filled with new information and erotic contact with her new friends. She wondered how she'd feel in three days.

"Gabrielle," said Isabella, remembering a question she'd not had opportunity to ask earlier, "the toast that you all made earlier - to Orgasta? ... and Clitoria?. I've never heard those names before. Are they related to the school in some way?"

"Well, in a way. They are characters in a myth that one of Keira's contemporaries uncovered. Minor deities of Asgard, the Norse realm of the gods. Haven't you read the story in 'Secret Knowledge'?"

Isabella remembered the book that Beatrice had presented her with in Palermo. "I started it on board ship, but I've only read the first chapter, regrettably: Keira's story. I have been so busy since Beatrice gave it to me, that I have not had the opportunity to continue."

"Yes," interrupted Jax sympathetically, patting her on the shoulder "Its so hard to keep your place when you are fucking, isn't it dear?"

Isabella laughed. "I'll get back to it as soon as I can," she promised.

As they had been chatting and helping themselves to the plates of small foods, three of the boys had set up a large carpet in front of the couches and were now arranging five chairs and music stands in an informal semicircle. Kahlia motioned for the women to take their places as an audience and the four descended to the sunken lounge and took positions on the couches.

One of the boys dimmed several of the lanterns and placed three more, barely flickering, on the floor in front of the carpet. He then raised his arms for silence, an unnecessary but dramatic gesture to herald the arrival of the quintet, Marlesa and Amalia leading three eunuchs to the arc of chairs. Each carried an instrument. Amalia had a violin and Marlesa a black flute. The boys held lyre, mandolin and a frame arrayed with rectangular wooden blocks of different lengths that Isabella thought must be a kind of percussion instrument. They assembled themselves and took up their instruments, the frame being positioned on four legs and the player, Aron, taking up two dainty mallets and standing behind it. The rest of the ensemble sat and waited for a signal from Amalia before beginning their strange and haunting music.

They began slowly, just the flute and lyre for several bars before the violin joined them with its almost human voice. The melody was taken by the lyre and Aron began to gently cuff the wooden keys with a mallet. Isabella had never heard such music; complex, lyrical and exotic. The chords themselves and their unusual combinations reminded her of Gypsy music, but also of Arab and other Eastern modulations. And yet the violin remained pure to its European roots, singing its clear voice within the framework of the classic symphonies and operas familiar to Isabella. The wooden instrument added an even more foreign sound, something primitive and visceral. It was beautiful.

Isabella soon abandoned all attempt at analysis and simply allowed herself to drift and flow with the music. She felt herself carried along on invisible hands, through mists and cloud forests, across green seas and endless beaches. The music rose and so did she. Up and over the human world to a place of light and pure sound.

A soprano began a single note, then another. A second voice, just as sweet, began a slow progression. The boys were singing. But the violin maintained its position as the narrator, the male, the gently driving force of the music. The boys' voices followed and obeyed the violin. The flute began to disappear amongst the rising soprano voices. Isabella opened her eyes briefly to see Marlesa placing the instrument at her feet.

Then a new sound, female, a sighing, responding to the caresses of the violin. They rose and fell together, the lyre and mandolin serenading the lovers while their heartbeats quickened. Isabella saw Marlesa remove her robe and stroke her abdomen and breasts, eliciting a new and more passionate sound, still a sigh but more strident in response to the caresses and whispers of the violin. Isabella remembered her own erotic musical evening when the great Pergolisi played her body like a 'cello. Here again the sensuality of the music was being given a voice through a woman. Marlesa grew in passion and there was a subtle shift in the lead, from the violin to the woman, from Amalia to Marlesa, and the others followed, the cadences and tempo aligning with her sighs and moans.

Faster and harder they played, exploring each other's responses, sometimes moving together and sometimes shifting to new patterns. Marlesa had arched her back now and one hand stoked and plied her pussy. Gasps, exhalations, murmured assent. It was a music of vowels and gentle progressions, rising in pace as Marlesa's release beckoned. The violin pounded a single chord, over and over and the woman allowed a long high note to escape and urged her lover on. Harder still, the pounding of the mallets and the urgency of the strings becoming a single pulsing driving note, primitive, primordial. Then, a single moment of silence, peace, till Marlesa screamed and the violin exploded in a violent tumble of notes and thrusting bow. They rose and fell together, still pounding, still screaming, the heart beats fast, loud. Until Marlesa inhaled and allowed a sigh of contentment to bring the instruments together again, their harmony restored and strengthened, their bonds played out in intersecting harmonies and sweet sounds of common elements repeated and varied as they wound down to a gentle, regular, simple tune of violin and gentle sighs. Then they stopped.

The room was silent, musicians with their heads bent and the audience staring at them open-mouthed. A full minute passed. It was Kahlia who moved first, murmuring "Oh Wonderful! Beautiful!" over an over and clapping her hands. The others broke their fixed stares and joined her, all of them standing and applauding the performers until their hands hurt. The audience moved forward as one to embrace Amalia and Marlesa and then each of the boys, congratulating them individually and lauding the performance. Marlesa was standing naked, covered in sweat and shaking, as she accepted their hugs and praise. Isabella kissed her and felt her own heart recovering from her total engagement in the performance. Everyone, the ensemble and the audience, glowed.