Nadira held Pylaemenes in her arms and sighed ruefully. The poor man had allowed his nerves to get the better of him. This certainly called for a softer approach, though her blood was singing with the heat from his kisses and her body was warmed by the touch of his flesh against hers. Gently, she lifted his head up and stroked his face softly, wiping drops of water from his brow.

"My dear Py, look at me," she said. His head rose slowly and his eyes came to rest on hers. "Perhaps you are right and this is not the place. I wouldn't want you to die of fear right here in the bath! Whatever would Morga think then?"

She laughed lightly and held him close, reining in her passion so that he would relax and enjoy. Her belief had always been that the ways of intimacy between a man and a woman should be ways of mutual pleasure. No force. No coercion. A willing and free choice of both parties involved.

Watching as his breathing slowed and his fear receded, with a reassuring tone, she added, "My room upstairs is most private and comfortable, Py. Let us make our way there and I promise I'll be gentle. Really, I will be. We'll both enjoy it and we both know we want it."

Pylaemenes nodded his head without too much thought. His body was still echoing to the effects of Nadira's kisses and caresses.

"I'm sorry, Nadira, for acting the fool. But, you...you are so assertive, so passionate. Frankly, this is something new to me. And I...I....," he trailed off as he looked deep into her eyes. So bright they were, so warm, so full of mysteries he had never thought to encounter. He finally admitted to himself that he wanted her, wanted her as he had not wanted a woman in so very long. Sighing, he leaned over and kissed her softly. "Perhaps your gentleness will make all the world of difference, Nadira." A faint smile crossed his face, almost self-mocking, almost slightly mischievous.

She couldn't tell which it was. She didn't know him well enough yet. Something that would come in time perhaps.

"Come then!"

They both arose and found some huge, soft towels nearby to wrap themselves in. "No need to dress, Py. Just grab our clothes and we'll run upstairs. No one will see us!" she said, and giggled at the image of them running up the stairs like little children trying not to be caught in a prank by the adults. He finally seemed to be getting into the proper spirit as he caught up their clothes and took her hand in his, smiling at her with a greater hint of mischievousness coming through. He bowed with a gallant flourish and said, "Lead on, oh fiery one!"

Quickly they made their way to Nadira's room; they arrrived somewhat breathless and giddy from the combination of their passion, the heat of the bath, and their run up the stairs.

When Shani saw the state of their dress, or rather un-dress, her eyes bulged slightly. Without any other sign of her surprise, she muttered something about having chores to do and left promptly. Once out the door, she started laughing softly. It seemed her mistress had things firmly in hand. Yes, most firmly in hand. Walking off, her laugh grew until it filled the hallway.

Nadira grinned at the closed door for a moment then made her way to stand at her bedside. Turning to look back at Pylaemenes, without uttering a word, she slowly unwrapped the towel and let it drop to the floor.