Mira and the Dancer

Life returned to normal for Mira and her family after their return from the Caucasus Mountains. Spring was in full swing, the weather was hot, the shine was bright, and the city of Kiev was bustling again. Mira spent most of her days at home with her daughter Katarina. Rarely did Mira put on her warrior garb. She was content just spending time with her family. After all the recent events, she wanted nothing more than a quiet existence. With that in mind, one day Mira and Katarina decided to go for a walk through the forest.

Mira and Katarina waved goodbye to their family as they exited the backdoor of her wooden manor. Irina and Lidia were out shopping at the market while Romanos was at home feeding the horses, repairing his armor, and sharpening his weapons. Everyone was busy. Today, Mira wore a simple grey shirt that hugged her gravid curves well. It had a deep V neckline and the collar was trimmed in red and white patterned squares. She wore tight fitting pale trousers and soft, plain shoes she had purchased from a Middle Eastern merchant. Her boots had done a number to her swollen feet so she retired them for now. She completed her attire with a light, grey overcoat that ended behind her knees. Its cuffs were pure white with a black Greek cross pattern. It was a gift from Romanos.

Katarina wore a simple, long, tan tunic that went to her feet. Her mother tied a red ribbon around her daughter’s waist for a belt. Simple shoes, like her mother’s and black undershirt was all she needed. As always, Mira brought her saber out of sheer habit and caution. Much like her mother’s habit, Katarina had formed a habit of bringing her Orthodox prayer robe with her wherever she went. With her sheathed saber in her right hand and Katarina’s right hand firmly grasped by her left, Mira and her daughter continued their walk. A few moments in their walk and Mira, heavily pregnant as she was, needed a rest. So Mira found a large rock that sat in the sunlight that broke through the forest canopy. Katarina curled up on her mother’s side.

“Aw, you’re a good girl. Are you going to help mommy with the new baby?” Mira asks to her blonde haired daughter. Katarina nods and lays her head on her mother’s belly. Mira closes her azure eyes and leans forward a bit. Her unbound blonde hair falls around her.

“Oh, the little one is kicking.” Mira starts as she opens her eyes and peers down.

“Where, where, I wanna feel!” Katarina quips to her mother with excitement in her voice.

“Calm yourself, child. Here.” Mira responds with a faint laughter. She lifts her shirt from around her belly. She takes her daughter’s hands and places them on the right side of her belly. Within moments, little movements ripple across Mira’s skin. Katarina giggles with content.

“Is there any way to figure out if you’re having a girl or a boy?” Katarina asks as she continues to feel her sibling’s movements.

“Bah, not that I know of. Well…some odd practices claim to be able to figure that out but again, that stuff is more fake than real.” Mira says as she places her right hand atop Katarina’s head and runs her fingers through her daughter’s hair. Katarina smiles and snuggles back up against her mother’s right side. However, as she does, a large commotion can be heard approaching.

“Hm? What’s that?” Katarina questions aloud.

“Not sure…stay close.” Mira says as she lowers her right hand, slides her saber closer, and surveys the area. Katarina begins to run her prayer robe through her fingers with anxiety. The loud noise eventually makes itself known. From down the rarely traveled forest road, several horse drawn carriages roll up rapidly. They stop and their drivers point to Mira and call out in some unknown language. Mira immediately hops off the rock, draws her saber with her right hand, cups her belly with her left and nudges Katarina behind her.

“Mommy…” Katarina squeals.

“Fret not child, mother is here.” Mira says as she leers towards the odd caravan. The driver continues to shout at Mira in a language she has no understanding of. Eventually the other carriage driver begins to scream at the first one in a bizarre back and forth.

“Grrr.” Mira growls as she lowers her shirt, composes herself, and wraps both hands around her saber, slowly lowering it. Eventually a man exits the wagon and begins to shout further at the drivers, eventually silencing them. He is not tall, wears a green tunic, and black head scarf. His hair is a matte black, he has a full black beard that goes down to the center of his chest. His eyes are slightly slanted. He walks towards Mira and calls out in her native tongue.

“Pardon us ma’am, we be lookin for K-Keev? Kiev? Um…” The foreigner says, albeit with some difficulty.

“You know Slavonic? Odd…and yes, Kiev. It’s not terribly far from here….” Mira says as she points towards the city with a nudge of her sword.

“Aw Hell, I knew we were going around in circles!” The man laments aloud. As he does a woman wearing a turquoise robe steps out from the carriage. She calls out to the man in the unknown tongue. Her hair is bound in a black scarf. Her frame is obscured by her robe which causes Mira some discomfort.

“What is this one wearing? Hmmmm.” Mira ponders in her head keeping her eyes on the foreigners. This time she reaches for her scabbard and sheaths her sword. Katarina walks out in front of her mother and takes a look.

“Mommy, she’s like you!” Katarina says with a smile, pointing at the lady who exited the carriage.

“Yes, I am child.” The woman remarks, pulling her robe tight which accentuates her pregnant center beneath.

“Amazing…well, get going, Kiev is not far.” Mira says with a belligerent tone.

“It seems your mother is not very fond of us, is she young Slav?” The woman says as she walks towards Mira and Katarina.

“Hey, she has a name.” Mira says, rage now beginning to swell.

“Yeah, I’m Katarina, who are you?!” She says as she points out again with her right hand, her prayer robe dangles from around her wrist.

“I know your kind, I know of your tongue because of Haydar here.” The unknown pregnant woman says pointing to the man who initially conversed with Mira.

“My daughter asked you your name, now speak it. Also, I know of you too, Saracen.” Mira says as she walks in front of Katarina, now only a few feet away from the unknown woman.

“Turk. I am no Saracen, you…you dirty Rus’. And my name is Şehrazad.” The woman replies, obviously irate towards Mira.

“Dirty!? How dare you?!” Mira says as she hands her sword to her daughter and walks right up to Şehrazad. Mira is only a few inches taller than the Turkish woman. Şehrazad has slightly slanted eyes, deep brown irises, and a thin face. Her skin is darker than Mira’s and she possesses a beauty mark on her left cheek, above her mouth. She smiles without revealing her teeth and raises her eyebrows in a cocky manner towards Mira.

“Şehrazad! Enough, let’s go. Leave the poor lady alone.” Haydar says as he runs to the side of the leering mothers. Şehrazad nods in agreement and back away from Mira.

“Yeah, I don’t want to stress you out too much lady. Might break your water.” Şehrazad says as she turns her back to Mira and walks towards her carriage.

“Oh you’re one to talk!” Mira bellows back, stomping her right foot and flailing her arms to her side. Şehrazad simply waves back without turning around as she climbs into the carriage.

“Many apologies ma’am. She is not easy to work with, let alone get along with. Thank you for directions!” Haydar says as he bows before yelling at the drivers again in what is now known to be Turkish. He jumps into the same carriage Şehrazad climbed into and the Turks race off towards Kiev.

“M-mommy…what just happened?” Katarina says as she walks up to her mother, dragging her mom’s saber as best she can. Mira reaches down and scoops up her daughter in her right arm while taking her saber in her left.

“That was a very rude woman and a man trying to be polite for himself and to make up for that…woman.” Mira says as she walks towards the city as well.

“We’re going home, almost time for dinner anyways.” Mira says with a smile before kissing her daughter’s cheek.

“That man and lady talked funny. Where are they from?” Katarina questions.

“Central Asia…far away from here.” Mira replies, her tone has now returned to its normal, cheerful state.

“Um…” Katarina stumbles over her mother’s answer.

“Worry not for now. Let’s go home.” Mira says. Katarina wraps her arms around her mom and they continue along the old path to their manor. As they do so, Mira can’t help shake off the bad feelings she got from that mysteriously woman. Mira and Katarina return home. Katarina and Lidia play out front under the watchful eye of Romanos, who is still hard at work. Mira helps Irina finish dinner. After dinner the family retires for the night. She briefly voices her discontent to Romanos, who simply says Mira is overreacting.

The next day the family rises and makes plans to end into town for some fun. The weather was especially warm for the area and word had spread of traveling troupes of performers from all around the Black Sea had come in. Many were entertaining the more active elites. Though Romanos and Mira were Boyars themselves, they found little in common with their wealthy landowning brethren. What performers weren’t at the Grand Prince’s court or at some other Boyar’s mansion, were out performing for the public. Irina and Romanos wanted to take the children; Mira on the other hand was far from thrilled with the idea. After much goading, Mira finally got dressed and accompanied her family.

Arriving in downtown Kiev, Mira and her well-dressed family melded into the crowds. Romanos wore a fine, baggy blue shirt, black baggy pants, his expensive boots, and carried a small arming sword for safety’s sake. Irina wore a long, thin black dress and allowed her shoulder length black hair to trail freely. Lidia and Katarina wore matching grey dresses and both had their hair braided into long ponytails. It was becoming common place for the two girls to dress alike. Mira wore a baggy light blue shirt with sleeves that trailed past her arms. Black trousers covered her legs while the aforementioned comfortable shoes wrapped around Mira’s feet.

The family ran into Alwin and his pregnant wife Gwen, doing some shopping. They were not interested in the hustle and bustle of the town and returned to their home. After the encounter, Mira took a seat on a church’s steps. A short distance away stood a makeshift stage on which the performers were soon to play. Romanos carried Katarina over his shoulders while Irina held Lidia close. They walked into the gathering crowd near the stage. Mira chose to remain on the church’s stone steps and look from a far. She could see the girls above the sea of heads and thus settled down to enjoy the weather and what solitude she had on the steps.

“Gather round everyone, gather round!” A man shouts from atop the stage. Mira leans up a bit and notices it is the Turkish man from earlier, Haydar.

“Oh great, this should be interesting.” Mira says as she continues to look from afar.

“I am Haydar and I am proud to bring with me some of the most exotic music, talent, dancing…and beauty of the Middle East! I hope you show us hospitality and enjoy the show.” Haydar continues on.

“Look at that ridiculous get up he’s in. That’s turban is outlandishly big. He must be trying to get people’s attention.” Mira ponders within her mind. She takes her eyes off the flamboyant performer to look for her family. Katarina and Lidia appear to be enjoying themselves and that’s what’s important.

Haydar as he gestures towards three women, he then calls out to them in their native tongue. They ascend the stage wearing long black robes that hide their entire body save for their faces. He then shouts towards a group of musicians who begin to play their various instruments ranging from strings, woodwinds, and percussion. The music pleases the crowd and lures more people to the spectacle. Mira nods her head in a motion of approval for the foreign music. She leans back against the church wall and takes another look at her family.

“Good, the girls seem to be enjoying themselves. I guess I’ll just rest here till the shows over.” Mira says as she closes her weary eyes and tunes into the music.

“And now, let the show begin.” Haydar says to the crowd before issuing the final command to the three girls in Turkish. Immediately they toss off their long robes, revealing their skimpy clothing beneath. Each girl is wearing a dark red brassiere. Gold talismans dangle from around the ends of the brassieres while a dark red skirt line with small bells hugs their feminine curves. The girls have their hair braided into long ponytails. They begin to dance, shaking their hips in a rhythmic manner. The crowd begins to cheer wildly. This catches Mira’s attention.

“The Hell is…oh…oh my.” Mira says as she opens her eyes and looks onto the stage. She sees the young women performing their belly dancing and quickly glances to Romanos and the others. He and Irina set the girls down and begin to leave the lewd event. As they do, Haydar shouts another command in Turkish and a final woman takes the stage. She casts off her turquoise robe and begins to dance alongside the girls. Romanos stops dead in his tracks and turns to fully face the event.

“Dammit all to Hell!!” Mira shouts as she slowly rouses herself. She manages to climb off the stairs and dashes into the crowd.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, behold,  Şehrazad and her fertile crescent!!!!” Haydar joyfully shouts. Indeed, it is Şehrazad, the rude pregnant Turk whom Mira encountered the day before. She is wearing lighter red attire compared to the other three dancers. Her long, black hair is not bound and flows freely back and forth with the motions. She wears a long sleeved top that is held together in the front by a golden clasp by her breasts. A red skirt lined with similar bells to the others and a bright yellow sash hug her hips. The three girls join her in shaking their hips and performing their exotic dance.

“Girls, let’s go. Romanos, you….oh.” Irina says as she gestures towards the children who are now standing on their own and much too short to see the dancing. However, Irina has noticed Romanos’s gaze and knows all too well what this means. Just then Mira blasts through the wall of horny men and bedazzled women to where her family stands.

“Hey! Stop!” Mira shouts forcefully to Romanos who snaps back into reality and turns around. His face is a burning red. Mira walks up close to him, puts her face in his face but before she can say anything she hears some shouting.

“Look everyone, a lesser woman!” Şehrazad shouts pointing at Mira as she makes a pass on the stage.

“WHAT?!” Mira says turning her attention now to the pregnant belly dancer.

“Real women have curves lady. Maybe if you weren’t wearing a sack around your body, we’d invite you to dance but… then again, this takes some training.” Şehrazad continues to harass Mira from the stage. Many people in the crowd are laughing and pointing at Mira.

“I’m going to kill her.” Mira moans in a deep, furious tone as she bites her lower lip and clenches her fists till they turn white. Romanos puts his hands on Mira’s shoulders from behind and whispers into her ear.

“Mira, not now, please. Let it go, I’m sorry.” Romanos says with an extreme sincerity that snaps Mira back to reality. She looks him in his repentant eyes but then turns back to Şehrazad.

“Yes Mira, calm down.” Irina adds.

“No sword with you today? I doubt you even know how to really use one.” Şehrazad continues as she takes a break from dancing to walk over to where Haydar is. She grabs an exceptionally curved sword, removes it from its scabbard and begins to twirl with it around her body and curves, obviously taunting Mira. She is ignorant to what she has just started.

“That’s it! I’ll show you, I’m Mira and I will not tolerate your rudeness!!” Mira shouts at the top of her lungs. Instantly the crowd shudders and slowly grows still. The Turkish performs slow down and look on with confused expressions. The crowd then begins to put space between themselves and Mira. Her reputation is well known but her reclusive nature has left many to not know her appearance. It matters not, the name alone brings meaning.

“Mira? What’s so important about you?” Şehrazad says as she leans over the stage, bearing a good portion of her cleavage.

“Like what you see?” Şehrazad calls out in a high pitch tone towards Romanos who perks up and backs up from Mira. Mira turns back and leers at her husband before walking towards the stage and addressing Şehrazad.

“You want to know who I am? You wouldn’t by any chance be giving another show tonight when the sun goes down…are you?” Mira says with a smirk. She lowers her eyebrows and places both fists on her hips, sticking out her own chest and belly towards Şehrazad.

“Why yes we are. Don’t tell me you’re going to join us? I don’t think you could handle it.” Şehrazad says as she stands straight and walks away from Mira again, shaking her rear in an exaggerated manner.

“You’ll see. Just remember what you said because when I’m done with you.” Mira says only to be interrupted again.

“Mira…stop.” Irina attempts to console her raging friend.

“Evet hamile salak. I mean, yes, sure.” Şehrazad says turning to face Mira one last time, first murmuring an obvious insult in her native tongue, then dismissing Mira again. She gestures to the band and the others to start back up and the performance continues. Mira stands there, her arms out to her side in an obvious display of contempt, her mouth agape. She stands there for a moment or two before turning around and storming off with her family. The crowd fills the gaps and continues to enjoy the performance.

After returning home, Mira retires to her bedroom alone. Irina and Romanos prepare dinner while the children play. Eventually, Mira resurfaces for dinner. It is quiet and awkward. Romanos knows what’s coming. After dinner, the girls get cleaned up, say their evening prayers and head to bed. Irina stays up because she too, knows what’s coming. Sitting in the living room in her favorite armchair, Mira calls Romanos to sit on the adjacent chair. He calmly sits down and leans forward. Mira is sitting with her left leg folder, her right knee pointing into the air. Her left elbow rests on the arm of the chair as her fist holds her head up. Her right hand taps away impatiently.

“Do you know why I’m angry at you?” Mira asks in a monotone.

“I do…that dancer. I…” Romanos says only to be interrupted by Irina.

“It’s not his fault! He can’t help it!” Irina says as she jumps onto the couch, pointing her left hand at Mira and wagging it in disapproval. The little house domovoi jumps onto the couch too, mimicking Irina.

“Stay out of this!” Mira snarls back. The domovoi jumps startled and leaps back towards the kitchen before returning to listen in on the conversation.

“Both of you, calm down.” Romanos says as he stands and walks towards Mira. He kneels down before her and places his head on her pregnant belly. Mira sighs and places her right hand on his head.

“Mira, I’m sorry. Don’t be jealous. She’s not my wife. You are. She’s not the mother of my children, you are.” Romanos says with a gentle tone. Mira lowers her head and softly strokes Romanos’s hair.

“I’m sorry. That girl, that…ugh. She just gets under my skin and seeing you look at her made me so jealous.” Mira says, her tone now changed to a calmer one.

“Don’t worry. You’re more beautiful than her anyways.” Romanos says with a laugh.

“Yeah, well, I’m going to suit up and teach her a lesson now.” Mira says as she reaches down with her left hand and with both her hands, lifts Romanos’s head off her belly. The domovoi giggles at the thought of the gravid Mira heading out for a duel between bellies.

“You can’t kill her, you know, right?” Romanos says with a hesitant tone.

“Yeah Mira, she’s not evil, just rude.” Irina says as she sits back on the couch.

“And arrogant and ignorant.” Mira adds on.

“Irina…will you watch the girls?” Mira then asks her friend.

“Aww, come on, I want to see how this ends!” Irina says as she kicks her feet in excitement.

“I’ll watch them.” Romanos says as she stands up.

“No way, you’re coming. You’re going to see your wife best that sassy brat. Though you will run over to Ace and Gwen’s and see if they can come over for a bit.” Mira commands her husband as she too stands. He stretches out his arms and helps Mira stand up, nods in acceptance of her order and leaves immediately. Not long later, Gwen and her husband, Alwin ( known as Ace by her friends) arrive.

“So, I will watch the girls why you go out and deal with this pregnant belly dancer?” Gwen questions, turning to her husband.

“Aw, I can’t go?” Ace asks with a sullen tone.

“No, you can go. Just don’t drink. Come back here sober and don’t get into a fight, even if Mira starts one.” Gwen says as she points to Mira with her right hand while laying her left on her own growing pregnancy. Alwin nods, embraces his wife, and kisses her.

“Thanks for doing this on such short notice Gwen.” Mira says as she walks into her bedroom where Katarina and Lidia are both sleeping. Romanos and the domovoi follow. Romanos grabs both girls, still heavily asleep and places them on the couch for Gwen to watch. She sets up some pillows and puts a blanket over them and takes a seat in Mira’s big armchair, putting her feet up on the ottoman.

Mira quickly kicks the domovoi out bedroom so she can change. He grunts in disappointment before dashing upstairs. Mira strips and cleans herself up. She sits on the edge of her bed, naked, combing her long, blonde hair. Romanos knocks before entering.

“You need help?” Romanos asks.

“Yeah, help me. Get my stuff out of the armoire.” Mira says with a smile. Romanos complies and brings Mira’s gear to her. She quickly slips on her rabbit fur lined leather bikini. It hugs her wide hips comfortably. Next, Romanos brings Mira her brassier. She puts it on and he ties it in the back for her. He then ties Mira’s hair in a red ribbon, as she usually does. She turns, kisses him and puts on her Slavic fertility rune armlet. She adjusts her Slavic time necklace then grabs her gloves, and then finally Romanos helps her into her boots.

“Excellent.” Mira says as she wraps her embroidered crimson cloak around her body. She grabs her saber and ties it around her oddly shaped maternal waist then she attaches her dagger to her right thigh. She folds the cloak around entirely and turns to Romanos.

“No weapons for you. You’re just watching.” Mira says as she lifts her hood, hiding her face.

“Seriously, you’re not going to maim her or anything are you?” Romanos says with a very concerned tone, raising his eyebrows eye.

“No, no, no, I have something planned; it’ll humiliate and humble her a bit. Don’t worry. This will be fun, having you, Irina, and Ace watch. He better retell it to Gwen.” Mira says as she waltz’s across her bedroom, letting her cloak flow with the movement.

“Jesus…yeah, ok, let’s do this.” Romanos says as he puts his face in both his palms for a moment before walking to the door.

“Can I at least have a drink out there?” Romanos says as he grasps the doorknob.

“Sure but don’t be too drunk you don’t remember anything.” Mira says as she wraps her arms around her husband from behind. Her bounteous breasts and ample belly press up against Romanos.

“See…I do it better.” Mira whispers in a seductive tone before they exit the door. After kissing the girls as they sleep and bidding farewell to Gwen, the group of Mira, Irina, Romanos, and Ace, set out to the center of town for the second showing of the day.

The night life of Kiev was in full swing. The warm spring time air provided a good atmosphere. Vendors of meets, alcohols, and various trinkets lined the streets. Royal guards restricted access in some areas but for the most part, the whole of downtown Kiev was open to all. In the center of town, the Turkish performers were setting up again, just as Şehrazad had mentioned. Haydar was up there helping the musicians set up while the dancing girls were below the stage warming up. Şehrazad is nowhere to be found.

Mira and the others split up to seek their own desires amongst the vendors. Romanos and Ace walk over towards a local vodka vendor while Mira and Irina seek out some food. Within a few minutes they regroup near the church where Mira attempted to peacefully listen to the Turkish music earlier today. Ace and Romanos are just finishing their drinks when Mira and Irina walk by carrying food. Mira has six lamb sticks while Irina carries a small plate of fried dough drenched in honey.

“Six? Why so many, there’s only four of us.” Romanos questions his wife as she hands him a stick of lamb. She then passes one to Ace.

“Because I’m hungry and might want something after I ruin that Şehrazad’s performance.” Mira says as she then passes one to Irina while taking a bite of one of her remaining three.

“Well…I also got us something sweet for dessert. But..um, could someone hold it while I break off a piece?” Irina says, turning red and nodding her head towards her lower right arm.

“Oh, I’m so sorry, here Irina.” Romanos says as he takes the plate of dough in his spare hand, allowing Irina to break off a piece.

“Thank you.” Irina replies before she downs the sweet snack. As she does the music begins to play. Haydar takes the stage in his exaggerated ethnic costume and addresses the crowd, which for the most part, consists of drunkards, rowdy youths, and young men looking for a preamble to their night with the ladies.

“Good, now all I need to do is wait…” Mira says as she hands the rest of the food off to Romanos before disappearing into the crowd.

“Christ, here we go.” Romanos says with a heavy heart.

“What is she up to anyways?” Ace asks.

“No clue.” Romanos says.

“Oh you have a clue, don’t be dumb. Mira will just embarrass the girl or something.” Irina says as she nudges Romanos’s shoulder.

“Well yeah but…Mira isn’t exactly calm and collected.” Romanos replies as he scans the crowd for Mira’s crimson hooded cloak.

“Keep your eyes out for her.” Romanos says as he starts to walk into the crowd. Ace and Irina follow suit and are careful not to get split up.

Haydar gestures the dancing girls to ascend the stage and they begin their routine to the rapid rhythms of the Turkish instruments. Mira slowly makes her way closer to the stage while Romanos and the others fail to find her within the nighttime crowd. Eventually, Şehrazad takes the stage. She quickly leaps up the stairs and begins twirling with the other girls. This time she is wearing a bright sky blue ensemble. Her long black sways and flows with each of her seductive movements. Her see-through blue skirt twirls with her movements. Her black underwear is clearly a crowd pleaser. Her blue top has no sleeves this time and is simply nothing more than a silk brassiere tied together in the center by another piece of red silk. She wears a light blue, see-through veil around her lower face and various silver bells and chimes ring the ends of her skirt. Finally, a black sash around her waist hugs her pregnant waistline as best it can.

“There she is!” Mira says under her breath. Mira begins to walk closer to the stage, pushing people out of the way as she goes. She eventually makes it to the very edge of the stage and observes Şehrazad. Mira waits for the opportune time to act. She takes a moment to look back to see where Romanos and the others are.

“Good, they don’t see me but they have a good spot to watch from.” Mira thinks inwardly as a toothy grin slides across her lips. She then lowers her hood and stands tall, rising her eyebrows eye.

“Soooo, you just shake around up there and move your hips huh?” Mira says as Şehrazad gets close. Şehrazad slows her pace down but doesn’t stop before Mira.

“Oh look, it’s Mira, right? Mira? Yeah, whatever. Why you here? What’s up with the huge red robe you’re wearing? Is that supposed to be sexy?” Şehrazad taunts Mira while maintaining her dance moves.

“Get that sword of yours, you’re going to need it.” Mira says with a bit of a teasing tone.

“Why? Did you like my sword dance? Or perhaps your man liked it?” Şehrazad replies. She stops for a moment to catch her breath then she walks over to the edge of the stage and grabs her sword from earlier, sheath and all, and walks back towards Mira. She kneels down and leans towards Mira.

“This? You want me to use this?” She continues on, goading Mira. Mira simply lets out a little chuckle before undoing the tie that holds her cloak on.

“Indeed.” Mira says to Şehrazad. There is a brief stare down that ends when Mira tosses off her cloak in one motion and leaps to the stage with little effort. Şehrazad tumbles back on her rear and the other dancers stop but the music continues. Mira stands tall above Şehrazad. The lanterns light Mira’s pregnant figure, which casts a shadow of the downed Turk.

“I haven’t had an occasion to put my old warrior garb on lately but for you, for you…I will indulge you.” Mira says as she unsheathes her long, curved saber. Şehrazad stumbles to her feet and draws her sword in reply.

“You interrupt my dance, interrupt our show for this? Oh you’re so done.” Şehrazad says in anger as she takes a swing at Mira with her own saber, which Mira bats away with a backhand from her left arm. Sparks fly as Mira’s gauntlet strikes Şehrazad’s sword. Şehrazad tumbles back from the momentum of Mira’s swing.

“I, unlike you, am not a dancer. I am a warrior. I’ve been at this for years!” Mira says as she stomps on the stage.

“What is she up to?” Irina says as she makes her way to the edge of the stage, Romanos and Ace trailing behind her.

“Come on, get up, I’m not done yet.” Mira says, teasing Şehrazad to rise to her feet.

“Mira! Stop!” Romanos shouts as he comes up to the stage.

“You already showed her that you’re strong, you’ve shown off y-your curves, can we just go home now? Let them resume their show.” Romanos continues to plead Mira, who continues her grandstanding. However, Şehrazad leaps to her feet, wrapping both hands around her saber, and takes another swing at Mira who deftly repels the slash with her own sword. Şehrazad tears off her veil and continues with her wild, angry swings. Mira side steps a vertical swing then hops over a low horizontal. This goes on for several minutes with the crowd cheering it.

“Wow! Look at them things bounce!” Some drunken man shouts from the crowd, drawing Romanos’s attention. He turns and shoots the man an insulted stare. The drunkard backs further into the crowd. Meanwhile, Mira and Şehrazad continue their back and forth.

“See, you may be a good dancer, I’m not denying that. But you talk toooo much. You presume toooo much.” Mira says as she counterattacks again. She quickly draws her dagger, slips it through Şehrazad’s black sash, skirt, and underwear, and in one clean motion, she slices through them. Şehrazad’s entire lower region is exposed as the clothing falls to the stage below.

“Eeeeehh!” Şehrazad screams as she drops her sword, which clangs loudly on the stage. She quickly drops to the ground, grabs her skirt and attempts to tie it around her waist. The crowd bursts into laughter and cheers. Haydar stands with the other dancers, his face buried deep in both his palms.

“Now this is a show!” Mira shouts as she raises her hands high and slowly walks back towards the edge of the stage facing the crowd. As she walks she exaggerates the swaying of her hips, in an obvious attempt to irritate Şehrazad. Şehrazad sits on the ground, her face unbearably red, and her hair a frazzled mess.

“Mira, are you done now?” Romanos says as he waves his hands toward Mira, who now stands at the edge of the stage.

“Yeah, I’m done. She’s been humbled.” Mira says as she sheaths her dagger and saber.

“Mira that was…just wow.” Irina says as she catches up to Romanos. She and Ace continue to laugh with the crowd at Şehrazad’s predicament.

“Curse you! Curse you!!!” Şehrazad screams as she throws her useless clothes to the side, grabs her saber and dashes at Mira. The entire crowd gasps. Romanos lifts his eyebrows and begins to climb the stage but before her can, Mira turns around, draws her saber and slices straight up.

“Slow.” Mira says as she twirls her saber back into its sheath. As she does Şehrazad’s brassiere is sliced right near the cleavage. Her large, maternal breasts break free from their thin cloth prison.

“Ahhhhhh!!” Şehrazad squeals as she drops her saber again and this time does her best to cover up not only her lower privates but her breasts as well. Haydar and the other girls rush to Şehrazad with a blanket and wrap it around her.

“I’m done here. Şehrazad, remember not to bully others so much. You might run into someone like me again.” Mira says as she cocks her head to the right, raises her blonde eyebrows, and curves her lips into a prominent smirk. Şehrazad nods and scrambles off the stage. The other musicians do their best to restart the show with the other, non-pregnant dancers. The crowd stays and continues to watch while Mira and her friends and family return home.

After recounting the story to Gwen, she and Ace return home. Katarina and Lidia are still fast asleep. Irina takes her daughter and heads to their upstairs bedroom. Mira changes into a simple black nightgown while Romanos discards his tunic for something less warm. As Mira returns to the living room to lock up the front door, there is a knock just then. Mira slowly walks to it and opens it just a bit.

“Can I…oh, you.” Mira says, irritated at the sight of Şehrazad, who is now wearing her long turquoise robe and hijab.

“Um…Lady Mira, I humbly apologize for my…my rudeness.” Şehrazad says as she lowers her head in shame.

“Relax child, now you know how it feels to be insulted. Continue your dancing while you can. Soon you will be a full-time mother. You must learn humility and patience.” Mira says as she opens the door fully, steps outside, and closes it behind her.

“Again…I am sorry.” Şehrazad repeats herself with bland tone.

“I know you are. I do respect your dancing and the display of femininity you and your fellow dancers showcase but you really need to remember that you will be the prime example of conduct for your child. Be kind, don’t be arrogant or rude. I had to learn these things years ago and I struggle with them still. Be a good mother, I have nothing more to tell you.” Mira says as she leans against the wooden doorframe.

“T-thank you. Ironically, you ruined my dance tonight but we made a lot more money tonight then we did this afternoon. I guess you really won the show, here.” Şehrazad says as she hands a bag of coins to Mira.

“No, no, no, I have enough money. Keep your coin, use it to return home or buy a new one somewhere else.” Mira says as she waves her hands. Şehrazad nods and pulls her hands back.

“Well, I will take my leave then.” She says with a final bow before walking away from Mira’s front porch.

“Şehrazad, next time you’re in town, let me know.” Mira says as she waves a farewell gesture towards Şehrazad, who bashfully waves back to Mira before hurrying herself back towards town.

“Bah, that was fun. I hope she shapes up.” Mira says through quiet giggles. She turns, opens her door and enters her home. Her show is over for now.