Chapter 5

     Thera finally returned to her own house and bed. She was a daughter in her mother's house, but she was the mistress of her own home. She found her modest house warm and inviting on the eve of her departure. Thera drank some wine and feasted on apples, dates, raisins and pomegranates left for her by one of the Queen's staff members who saw to the domestic accoutrement's of life. Her soft feather bed was dressed in crisp, white, fine cotton sheets the fabric imported up from Egypt. Fresh vases of gardenias, hyacinths and lilacs permeated the air with a sweet floral scent. Thera found, on the marble and iron table beside her bed, a few small clay jars which were painted bright blue and red. Uncorking the little jars she found a mixture of, Shea butter, lemon zest and honey, in one a rich moisturizing lotion for her skin. The second contained a mixture of beeswax and peppermint oil, this was to keep her lips soft and smooth on the long ride to Sparta.
     Happy for the presents left for her she rubbed some of the balm on her lips, the peppermint cooling her pink lips instantly. Thera lit a few oil lamps then strode out to the balcony of her home; which sat on a small hill overlooking the Queen's Castle and the Temple of Apollo. The city was quiet at this hour everyone getting a good nights rest before their long travel and release from duty. This was a time, for those who were partaking in the breeding season, to put aside their work and forget their tasks. The only duty required of the ladies during this break was to procreate. Thera thought of the other 211 women who lie in their beds at this hour dreaming of the days and nights to come with much anticipation. Here Thera gave pause in this line of thought as she gazed up at the bright stars in the dark night, the moon waning, in a giant silver crescent hanging low in the western horizon.
     Thera said a silent prayer to Artemis, her Goddess the Moon. Thera asked of her 'Watch over me and protect me oh Artemis! Keep me out of the hands of Love, and let these men have my body, but do not let my poor heart fall victim to their sweetness and words of promises and poetry and kisses on the mouth and the warm, deep embrace. I pray you guide me safely on the long, hot, nights. For I, your humble servant, only wish to serve you. May your brother Apollo light my way in the Day! May you, oh Artemis watch over me and keep me safe in the Night. For I have promised all to breed for you.' Thera stopped in her prayer as she felt as though she were being watched. Looking up she noticed a large grey owl sitting in the newly budding branches of the cherry tree next to her balcony. The old owl turned it's head towards her looking down with it's large orange eyes through the bright pink blossoms. Thera here felt a strange sensation run up and down the length of her back, her skin felt cold, even though the night air was very warm. Thera stood there frozen in the moment as the terrible sense of foreboding returned once more to her mind troubling her heart and thoughts. The fruit and wine she had devoured now turned in her stomach and she suddenly felt quite ill. Now if Thera fell ill she would not be allowed to travel and travel she must. She was ready for the campaign to Sparta to begin and she would not let anything impede her progress.
     "Goodnight wise Owl." Thera whispered to the bird as she slowly stepped back into her bedchamber and curled up, naked, in her bed for she would need a good rest for the long day to come. Morpheus came quickly wrapping his arms of deep slumber around Thera and here, deep in sleep, she dreamed a dream; in which she was on the ocean in a ship with no sails upon the quiet sea.