Here Thera did not reply she merely continued eating the succulent, juicy lamb that was braised in garlic, rosemary and olive oil. All feasted and continued their discussions that warm spring evening in the walled cities of their home, there beside the Black Sea, all but Thera. Her mind turned over many thoughts as she sat at the head of the long middle table.
She knew she did not want to partake in the breeding season, but partake she must. Though Thera was a skilled warrior and killed countless men who tried to take her people's lives and land, and though she had led many successful raids and brought back mountains of stolen gold for the treasury, if she could not bring forth a daughter for her society, than all her achievements were totally and utterly without meaning. Now this fact, which had plagued her now lo these many months, brought a pain to her head and an ache in her heart.
Thera recalled her time in Thrace as Odessa sat over to her right watching Thera who was deep in thought. In her mind's eye she could see very clearly the long dark night in that bed in Thrace. He was very tall and very brave. A General in the King's army, a veteran of many glorious battles. His eyes were dark, as dark as that night. Artemis had hidden her face on that night from this sight. No candles were lit only the dark shades of grey and black. His skin was deep rich golden tanned, smooth as silk. As they each stood there naked in front of one another he had reached out and pulled her closer as he kissed her. Thera did not like this sensation so she bit him slightly causing his upper lip to bleed. Now little did she realize he took this as a signal to be rough and aggressive; which clearly was not her intention, so he fell upon her with irresistible force, wrestling with her, throwing her on the bed. Though Thera struggled he managed to slip deep inside of her and Thera did not appreciate his passionate play and so, as he brought himself to bare upon her, Thera managed to free her hands and she wrapped her strong hands around his throat and choked the life out of him as he came into her, Thera had wrapped her long muscular thighs around his torso, pinning his arms to his chest as she compressed all the air from his lungs. She could hear, and feel, as a few of his lower ribs snapped in half.
"Commander Thera?" Odessa asked as she touched Thera on the elbow. "What thoughts are you lost in?" Odessa asked having a strong feeling she knew. For it was she herself who had been in the next room that terrible evening when she had heard the commotion. Odessa left her lover's bed and found Thera there on the floor panting like a tiger as the body of the great General Pelopidas, former leader of the Sacred Band, victor at the Battle of Leuctra, lay dead in his bed. Odessa and Thera were in a great panic as they stole away swimming over to the North Shore of the River Danube in fear for their lives. Now Odessa was caught in the thought of that night and both she and Thera shared a knowing look and spoke no further. Instead of filling their mouth's with their words, they filled their mouths with the vegetables and meat and the red wine which was sweet.
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