Spring in Cordoba

[SexyChele]

Jamilah’s life had always been sheltered, and her exercise consisted of walks around her father’s garden. Running to keep up with Ahled caused her heart to pound and her lung to ache. Just the act of keeping her skirts high enough to avoid any possibility of her tripping had been quite a bit of labor. Seeing the thieves had unsettled Jamilah – in her world, such people simply did not exist. Yet, at the same time, she felt sorry for their plight in life, and wondered at how people could arrive at such a place within their lives.

When they reached the garden, Jamilah was winded, her dresses were heavy, only adding to the labor of keeping up with Ahled. As they entered, Jamilah looked around her with pleasure. Beautiful trees, fragrant flowers, soft grass all combined for a wonderfully cooling effect. The bench they sat on was below an ancient tree, it’s shade protecting them from the harsh mid-afternoon sun.

Looking up, Jamilah saw that Ahled was staring at her. She blushed and felt her heart race.

“Is there a problem, Ahled?” The feel of saying his name rolled pleasantly from her lips, and she hoped she would have more reason to speak it.

“No, no problem at all, Jamilah. Though I do think this is a little off here.” He reached up to the circlet that held her veil in place and then looked awkwardly at her.

Laughing, Jamilah brushed his hand aside lightly, and put the circlet to rights, touching the veil to assure it still was placed correctly. Jamilah had caught her breath and looked at the people strolling along the path.

“Perhaps we have time for a stroll, Ahled? I do think there is a stream of some sort over there –“

Ahled smiled and stood, reaching for her hand. Jamilah looked around at several of the people walking and noted instantly the disapproving glances. For a moment she couldn’t think, and then it dawned her. She quickly removed her hand from Ahled’s, smiling up at him.

“I think it best if we follow society’s norms – at least while in the presence of society, yes?”

She blushed again, but the smile that still played on Ahled’s lips told her he understood perfectly. They wandered along a path that followed a small brook, and Jamilah took great delight in stepping close enough to watch the tiny, brightly colored fish darting just below the surface. Suddenly unmindful of the people around her, Jamilah turned once more into a child running along the bank, calling to Ahled to watch or view her latest discovery. As they ran and tripped through the grasses and reeds growing along the bank, their laughter was once more restored.

The heat of the sun made Jamilah aware that they were no longer in shade, and she looked up. Her heart pounded as she realized that they no longer seemed to be within the garden proper, but seemed to have wandered into field or meadow. Looking about, Jamilah noticed there were no people about. She looked up at Ahled, whose eyes were now burning into hers. Taking her hand, he brought it to his lips, and Jamilah felt her heart skip a beat.

“Oh, Ahled,” was all her breathing was capable of letting her say.

 

[Zamdrist]

Ahled

We found ourselves in a location that provided a relative seclusion from others. I wasn't sure how Jamilah might feel about that; she was a lady of up most purity.

Nevertheless I wasn't going to allow this time to pass without taking the initiative, and letting Jamilah know exactly how I felt. Taking her hand in mine, I turned it over and put her wrist to my mouth, kissing her soft skin.

"Oh, Ahled," Jamilah breathed.

Looking up from my kiss, our eyes searched the other. Did I see passion in those eyes, a need? Taking in her form, my eyes moved from her eyes down past her shoulders, and further down to her slim waist. How I wanted to hold this woman in my arms, her naked bosom beside mine!

"Allah save me, but Jamilah, I lust for you like no man has before." I said, my eyes back looking into hers for a similar lust.

"Such a beautiful woman have I never seen before, and I fear I would die if I would go on with my life without ever loving you!"

As I professed my feelings for Jamilah, I moved closer, my face close to hers. Firmly, with my hand slipping around the back of her neck, I kissed Jamilah. I left her no option but to succumb as I held her in my strong arms and pressed my lips to hers with a gentle strength. I felt Jamilah relax in my arms, so much so I feared she might swoon. I held her firmly around the waist in my arms as my mouth explored her soft, succulent lips. Small moans escaped each of us as our lips parted, ever so slowly, lingering.

Our eyes opened and again I searched them for the lust I felt, some sign she might feel as I do. I thought I sensed an inner struggle within Jamilah, as though she might be torn between propriety and base lust.

The kiss left me wanting more. I wanted to tear away her womanly trappings and ravish her, as any man would have wanted to do.

 

[SexyChele]

OOC: My apologies, Zamdrist, for my lack of attention to this thread! Please forgive!

IC:
Her heart thudded for joy at his words! She had heard fevered declarations of want before, but never had her heart welcomed such words as she did from Ahled.

Jamilah suddenly felt her breath taken as his face came closer to hers, filling completely her vision until he was all she could see. His hand lightly pressing against the back of her head, held her gently for she had no desire to flee. His lips were firm and soft and gentle, yet filled with need.

Jamilah followed Ahled's lead, letting her lips move against his, feeling the combined softness and strength within them. Suddenly his lips were still under hers, and she began to mimic his movements, her lips moving against his.

She heard his moan, and felt his arm about her body, holding her close. She raised her hands to his shoulders her fingers pressing into his shoulders. When at last their lips separated, he looked into her eyes. She knew he was searching for some answer, some hope.

She smiled up into his eyes, and raised her hand to his cheek. Stroking his face gently with her fingertips, she trailed a path from his temple to his jaw, and then to his ear. Running her fingers through his hair, she watched as his eyes closed a groan, escaping his lips.

When his eyes opened, Jamilah could see the lust burning within him. She felt her body drawn to this man, an almost primative yearning overcoming her. For a moment, she was frightened, but the look on his face comforted her. He took her hand, the one at his face, and brought the palm to his lips in a gently kiss.

"Ahled, my sweet Ahled. What are we to do now? For cannot deny the strong feelings I have for you. No, I could never deny them." Her face flushed, having revealed so much of herself to him. And yet, it felt right and good.

As she looked up at him, his lips met hers, and his arms enfolded her in a tight embrace.

 

[Zamdrist]

Ahled

As she looked up at him, his lips met hers, and his arms enfolded her in a tight embrace.

What little restraint I felt was quickly evaporating, especially at Jamilah's encouraging words and the way her body melted in my arms. I would have this woman, here and now amongst the tall grass, behind the bushes. Would such a fine lady succumb? If the talk amongst my older brothers was true, she would, eventually.

My hands roamed up and down Jamilah's back as we kissed, our lips locked, tongues exploring. I pressed her slim figure against mine, wanting her to feel my excitement. In my palms I held her bottom, the firm flesh underneath her clothing yielded willingly.

Still holding her bottom in my hands I bent my head down, parting from the kiss, to taste her neck and young flesh. My hands clenched her bottom in my strong hands, pulling her up against me, not really aware of the rhythm of our grinding.

Passion began to rule us both. The time was nigh, I was sure, to taste this woman's bare flesh!

 

[SexyChele]

Jamilah felt the press of his body against her own and was amazed at how tall he was. He had seemed slight of build, until he wrapped her in his arms. Now she felt enfolded, encased.

She felt his hands move lower, placed on a part of her body only other females had before touched her. As his lips sought her neck, Jamilah felt at once fear and....some other feeling she could not describe. But it felt pleasant, and she felt her body responding to his touch. Without thought, Jamilah moved her hands along Ahled's back, feeling the contour of his muscles under his clothing.

As he pressed her to him, Jamilah felt something else. A hard bulge pressed against her, that she clearly felt even through her layers of clothing. Jamilah was very naive in the ways between men and women, but she had seen animals rutting and knew the hardness pressing into could only mean one thing.

She began to struggle, the words of Nadab clearly in her brain, "Child, a woman has nothing if not her virtue. Guard it well, for once tis lost, it remains so forever - and no man will claim you for wife!"

Her mind and body were at struggle with one another. She knew she should fight, break free, run. Seek shelter even with strangers. All to preserve the fine line that held her maidenhood in place. Yet, her body was reacting to Ahled's kisses and caresses. Her hands pushed against his shoulders, but weakly, even as her lips gave into his. She moaned against him, trying to say what was one her mind, trying to find the words to tell him to stop, to let her go.

Suddenly, Ahled raised his head, and looked into her eyes. The intensity of his gaze, the caring - could it be love? - was such that she felt her resolve melt before him. Taking a cautious step back from him, Jamilah reached up and undid the veil that covered her neck, then removed the circlet and veil that hid her hair. Standing there, her hair shining raven black in the sun, she suddenly felt as though she were naked before this man. Her body shivered, even in the mid-afternoon heat.

She watched as his eyes drank in every move, and allowed her eyes to sink lower. As soon as she saw the obscene pitch to his clothing, she raised her eyes quickly. Yet, Ahled had seen her glance, and she saw the fire burning in his eyes.

In one fluid movement, she felt herself being swept from the ground, Ahled's arms holding her securely. She draped one arm about his shoulders as her other hand trailed the veiling that had covered her hair.

Ahled moved swiftly behind the tall bushes in the deep grass, and laid her gently on the soft earth. As his lips once more sought hers, she whispered into his mouth.

"Be gentle, dear Ahled, for I am virgin...."

 

[Zamdrist]

Ahled

My common sense fought with the lusting of youth. Jamilah removed her veils, and before me stood a simply ravishing young woman with the darkest, most luxurious midnight hair and fine complexion. Every time I looked upon her it seemed I was reminded once again how beautiful she was.

I swept Jamilah up in my arms and secreted her away to yet a more secluded spot amongst the bushes and tall grass. We were afforded some shade, a cool place away from the burning sun. I laid Jamilah down and I lied beside her on my elbow, leaning upon her.

Be gentle, dear Ahled, for I am virgin....

Wordlessly I nodded my understanding. Of course she was a virgin, here we were about to give in to our lusts and indulge ourselves in the ultimate act of intimacy. Was I destined to deflower Azam Mohlam daughter, my mentor, and my father's good friend?

I fear it was true, despite my better judgement and reasoning. Jamilah had a bewitching beauty about her, yet so unaware was she of her own beauty. She was all the more charming for it.

We kissed more, the kissing of two lovers, young lovers. While our lips lingered, my hands explored slowly, gently. My fingers found her neck and trailed slowly down her smooth skin, resting upon her shoulder. I may have lost all common sense, but I retained enough to understand that I must proceed slowly, and with gentle caution.

"Jamilah, whatever happens from here on out, I want you to know I love you like no man before. Your charm and beauty have struck me numb. I know not where this may lead, but whatever does happen, I will always protect you from harm and unhappiness."

As I professed this to Jamilah, I was unaware that my hand found her bosom. I became aware of the fact and almost jerked my hand away, like from a flame. Yet I could tell by the look in Jamilah's eyes that it was all right, and welcomed.

I very much wanted to tear away her clothing, but didn't want to ruin her finery. So ignorant I was in the ways of women, I knew not were to begin, so I might taste her bare flesh.

 

[SexyChele]

As his lips explored hers and his hand ran over her body, Jamilah felt her body begiin to tingle. She knew she should hold back, she should not allow him these liberties.

Then, his words professing his love and devotion fell on her ears as delightful as his kisses. She looked deeply into his eyes, memorizing the way he looked. She felt the warmth of his hand on her breast, then suddenly felt it jerk away.

Still looking at him, her eyes now filled with a mixture of want, desire, and love, she took his hand and, turning it, kissed the palm lightly. She placed it on her breast, then wrapped her arms about his neck, pulling him to her. She felt his weight - uncomfortable at first, then slowly her body welcomed him. His kisses became more fervant, and Jamiliah could feel the bulge from his loins pressing against her. It was almost as though she could feel its need, though she had yet to see it.

She ran her hands down Ahled's back, feeling the strength of his vitality under his clothing. A strange headiness overcame her and she felt herself start to flush. She caressed the sides of his face, then pulled him from her.

"Ahled, I want you to open me. I want to discover the delights between man and woman with you." Even as she spoke these words, she felt her body flush. She saw the fire burning in his eyes.

She felt his hand moving along her body, trying to raise her skirts, and she giggled slightly.

"I'm afraid a woman's clothing is quite prepared to keep men at bay, my dearest Ahled!"

He looked at her startled, then grinned.

"Perhaps you can show me?"

It was then she knew he was equal to her in knowledge. Neither one having enjoyed the pleasures of the other. Jamilah was about to speak, when suddenly the pounding of hooves was not too far off. Jamilah froze, as Ahled quickly peeked about. A group of 3 riders pulled up into the meadow, and got down off their horses to give them water. Ahled looked at Jamilah with a finger crossing his lips.

Jamilah dared not breathe, but clutched Ahled's hand. They could vaguely hear the conversation of the riders, and Jamilah was glad she had not given in too quickly.

Soon, they heard the riders leave, and Ahled looked once more at Jamilah. His look was one of eagerness.

Jamilah gently stroked his face, and looked into his eyes.

"Ahled, this - time - that we are to share. It should be special for both, yes?" She smiled at him reassuringly. "Ahled, the sun is sinking, and I will be missed if not home shortly. But tonight, when the moon is high, come to me, my love. I shall make ready for you and the night shall be our own!"

 

[Zamdrist]

Ahled

I made a rather futile attempt at raising the ends of Jamilah's dress. The material was thick and layered however and she giggled at my ignorance.

I blushed but smiled, and Jamilah explained how an unmarried woman's clothing was designed to keep me at bay! Of course! I thought.

It was then that the rider’s hooves sound loudly on the soft turf. We were both relieved matters had not gone further. I nodded at Jamilah's suggestion I come to her at the latest hour of the evening. My head swam with the possibilities!

The riders left and I lent a hand to Jamilah, helping her up. We exited the grove with some decorum and made our way carefully along the street. Fortune shone upon us as I realized we were not far at all from Azam's estate. We took a less traveled route through the alleys again, to avoid being seen by anyone that might recognize Azam's daughter.

We returned to the grounds of the courtyard by the way that we had come. We were about to head across the grounds when we both spied Nadab! She was looking about the garden, in a poor mood, hands on hips looking about, as though she was looking for someone.

Both Jamilah and I hid behind some foliage, concealed, and spoke in hushed tones, discussing this latest set back and how best to talk ourselves out it!

 

[SexyChele]

The journey back to her father's house was silent. Yet, the silence was comfortable, even if there were a tense undercurrent riding between Jamilah and Ahled. As they entered the garden, Jamilah drew to a halt - Nadab! Yes, it was later than she'd thought! Nadab was already back from market, and looking none too pleased.

Grabbing Ahled's arm, Jamilah reached up and whispered into his ear.

"Stay, my love, and hide here. Do not come into the house until 5 minutes have passed. I shall see you when the moon is full."

And with a fleeting kiss to his cheek, she slid past him. Coming into the sunshine, Jamilah squinted her eyes and walked towards Nadab.

"Jamilah! And just where were you? I've been calling and calling!"

"Nadab! I thought I heard you. I, uh, wandered out here just a few hours ago, and became tired. I just awoke, over there, beyond that jasmine bush."

"Jamilah, do you really expect me to believe that? That you fell asleep on the grass like some homeless waif? Jamilah!"

"Nadab, I care not whether you believe me or not, for tis what happened." Jamilah made a show of not being believed by walking past Nadab and towards the house.

"Jamilah! Wait!"

She froze in her tracks, somehow fearful that Nadab had discovered her secret.

"What is this on your dress? This, back here? Why, it appears to be grass and dirt stains! Jamilah, how could you? Wearing such a fine dress only to lay in the dirt."

Jamilah breathed a sigh of relief. "See? I told you I was telling the truth!"

Jamily felt a tingle run down her spine. She had lied to Nadab before - what young girl had not told lies to her maid? But nothing this serious, not by far. Jamilah walked into the house on legs that were shaking, and headed for the stairs to change into clean clothing.

"Jamilah, your father will not be home this evening. In his absence, I do not believe you should be dining alone in the company of a strange man. I will have your dinner served to you in your room. The stranger may eat alone."

Jamilah turned towards her maid, fire in her eyes.

"Is that truly hospitable, Nadab? That he should eat by himself, while I am locked in my tower?"

"Hush, child! You know what is appropriate and what isn't!"

Jamilah walked to her room, and did not bother changing. Rather, she sat in her window and watched as the sun set over the city of Cordoba. She thought back on Ahled's touch, his lips, and she ran her hands down over her body. Tonight she would become a woman. Was she ready for that? Would she change in some way? Would she be different?

Soon Nadab arrived with her evening meal, but Jamilah had found she lost her appetite. She tried to nibble so as not to receive a lecture from Nadab, but she was too nervous to attempt anything more than a few mouthfuls.

Finally, the hour had come. Nadab walked into her chamber, and pulled the covers from her bed, pulling the curtains around her bed, leaving only opening. Jamilah began to shake as a bride on her wedding night.

Nadab looked closely at her as she removed the outer dress, then shook her head. Jamilah stood still as the two underdresses were removed, and she slide the shoes from her feet. Feeling the soft silk of the lacey nightdress float around her, made Jamilah smile. Would Ahled like such a thing? Or do men not care for such niceties?

Nadab slipped on the dark blue velvel robe and sashed it tightly about Jamilah's waist. Walking to her table, Jamilah sat down, and Nadab went to work on her hair. Nadab brushed Jamilah's hair until it shone in the candlelight. It's thickness provided a comfortable weight for Jamilah, and she looked at herself in the mirror on her table. She had to admit that, in the candlelight, she appeared almost luminous. And her hair about her face and shoulders only highlighted er beauty.

After a while, Nadab was finished and she put down the brush.

"Good night, my child. Have a good rest. I shall see you on the morrow." Nadab went towards the door, then stopped. "And, Jamilah? No wandering out in the garden as you did last night! Remember, there is a strange man in the house, and you have no father to protect you!" With that Nadab closed the door.

Jamilah blushed at the thought that Nadab had seen her last night. How much had she seen? It seemed only herself.

Jamilah moved to the window, and sat on the sill. She watched the nighttime sky, awaiting the moon's arrival. Would he come? Would he be pleased? Would he find her beautiful and desirable?

Jamilah began to dream and wonder, until the soft rays of the full moon struck her face, pulling her from her reverie. She looked at the door, wondering if he would indeed come to her.

 

[Zamdrist]

After returning to my bedroom I was relieved to learn that Azam had been away all afternoon, and was not expected to return again until next morning.

Cloba prepared a bath for me, for which I was thankful for and in much need of! I dined in the kitchen with Cloba. We spoke little and I feared he sensed something had transpired this day. I attempted to make small talk but failed to draw him into a meaningful conversation. Just how loyal was this slave to his master? I suspect very much!

Before long I retired to my chambers for the evening, and once again opened my book and read by the light of an oil lamp.

My thoughts inevitably wandered, and then lingered on Jamilah. I was awfully tentative about entering her sleeping chambers. Not only was that a women's domain, but the daughter of my mentor! There was no doubt that Jamilah's servant would be especially watchful over the vivacious young lady with a young man about.

Looking out my window I could see that the moon was nearly at its apex and I had to make a decision. Surely her door would be watched over, I assumed. Besides, old woman, such as was her servant had an uncanny sense of hearing. I dared not approach her door.

I would have to slip out my bedroom window, which I managed without too much of a problem. By my estimation I figured Jamilah's room would be the one across the courtyard, on the second floor. I made my way there, as furtively as possible, careful to avoid walking in the moon's light beaming down in the courtyard.

Fortunate had it that a decorative wooden lattice adorned the wall of the area around the window I sought on the second floor. It wouldn't be much of a feat to climb at all. Well-tended vines wove their way around and through the white lattice workings. Convenient handholds presented themselves. Before long I was making my way up the improvised ladder and up closer to the window.

It occurred to me that I could be mistaken as to which window was Jamilah's. This occurred to me only as I clung to the side of the wall. I looked upwards and could spy someone near the window. By the shape of the shadow, it could only be Jamilah! I breathed a sigh of relief.

I whispered, "Jamilah. Jamilah, it's me Aheld..."

 

[SexyChele]

She heard his voice, a soft whisper on the night air. Looking next to her window, Jamilah saw him - there in the vines. She stood and smiled at him.

"Ahled! Quick, inside!"

She hurried to the door, quietly locking it from the inside, just in case Nadab had any ideas of making a late night visit. When she turned towards the window, Ahled was just making his way in through the window. Lifting her heavy robe, she almost ran to him, a smile playing on her lips. His hands reached out and grasped her arms, his smile was deep and happy.

"Ahled, even thought it has only been but a few hours, I've missed you so."

She felt his arms enveloping her, holding her close. She could feel his heart beating, and felt his hands stroke her hair. Suddenly she felt - something - for this man, though she didn't know what.

Leaning back, she looked up into his eyes, and smiled. She watched as he slowly lowered his lips towards hers.

 

[Zamdrist]

Ahled

I encircled Jamilah in my arms embracing her tightly. Her thick robe felt soft against my hands; her slim form relenting and willing to mine.

Moonlight shone though her window and illuminated one side of Jamilah's face, darkening the other. The effect was intoxicating, for before me was clearly a woman, not a girl but a woman on the cusp of early maturity.

Our lips found each other instinctively, comfortably. Our lips lingered upon the other's. We shared a passionate, needful kiss that was to set the tone for the rest of the evening.

My hands found the tie of Jamilah's robe at her waist, which I loosened, opening her robe. I held her fine form up against me and ran my hands around her waist. My hands found only softness and silkiness. Our lips continued to find one another, as my hands explored her soft form beneath her robe.

"Oh Jamilah..." I breathed.

 

[SexyChele]

Jamilah responded to his kiss almost instinctively. The warmth, the tenderness, and yet the strength all surprised and wondered her. She feared her inexperience would disappoint Ahled, yet as his arms drew her near she eased her mind.

Slowly she ran her hands up his arms, feeling the strength in them, her fingers running over the material that covered him. When her fingers reached his neck, she played with the fine hairs that covered the nape and felt him shiver. Moving upwards, her fingers sank into the thick dark hair, and she was surprised at the silkiness of its texture.

Jamilah felt her lips parted, and gasped slightly as she felt Ahled's tongue slide across her lips. Her mind frantic, she allowed herself to do what she felt she wanted. Her tongue began to dance with his, and she felt him pull her closer to him.

His body was firm and strong, yet the clothing he wore made her impatient. She wanted to feel all of him, to touch his skin, to make him shiver and tremble - as he was doing to her.

Pulling from him slightly, she reached her hands to his shirt and began to undo the ties. She glanced into his face, and noticed a slight grin, and felt the blood rise to her cheeks. She was about to discontinue, when she felt his hand on her cheek, and she smiled up at him. As she released his shirt, she ran her hands along his chest, then slowly lowered her face to him, wanting to feel the warmth of him against her lips. She felt his fingers in her hair, pulling her closer even as her fingers played along his spine.