Tony and Cleop Act Two Scene Two Sub-Scene Two

 

Act Two

Scene Two

Sub-Scene Two

Rome needed the bosses.

 

The Romans sat at the library, Caesar was behind the desk, and Mark Antony sat opposite Caesar. Enobarbus and Lepidus stood at the fireplace. Maecenas was there, but he stood by himself at the other corner. No wine or cigars were offered, but an expressionless stare took place. There was another who remained inconspicuous in the other corner, named Agrippa.

“I hear that you take things as offensive that are not intended to be... or if they are offensive, they have nothing to do with you.” Caesar spoke then. “Lucius and Fulvia were on their own. “

“If I had not retaliated, I would make myself a laughingstock, nor was I offended over nothing or over a small matter, and most of all, not in dealings with you. I would deserve even greater mockery if I spoke badly of you once, when it is no business of mine to speak about you at all.”

“What concern is it of yours if I am in Egypt? You did send me there as your emissary.” Mark said the first words, then.

“No more than you are living here in Rome or Egypt. If you had plotted against me while you were there, I would have taken the needed caution there.”

“Did I plot?" Mark Antony was on the offensive.

“Your wife and brother waged war against me, and they intended for you to join them. They fought in your name.” Cesar looked at Mark.

“You are mistaken about what happened. I learned the truth from reliable sources that they were on their own. Lucius undermined my authority as well as yours, and his fight was against me, too, since I was on your side. I told you all this in my letters earlier. If you want to pick a fight, even if you have enough other reasons to fight with me, it cannot be about this.” Mark was agitated.

“Do not try to make yourself look better by saying I was right, but you are coming up with poor excuses for yourself. And for Fulvia. She had disliked me.” Caesar looked at Mark.

“It is not true. I am with the new Triumvirate, as I was with Julius and Crassus. We are for Rome. Lucius envied us and was the reason his sister fought. Cicero did him injustice also. Your aides could have told you that.” Mark looked at Caesar. “As for Fulvia, I wish you could find a spirit like hers in another woman. She saw my banishment. Yes, it was a banishment to her. Her husband was sent away by Caesar: The Romans holds more than half of the city. The other bosses feared you. Your words were a command to them. If you want to, you can subdue it easily, but you could not so easily subdue a woman like Fulvia. She wanted me back, even if she was to wage war.”

“I wish my wives were like Fulvia, so that men could go to battle accompanied by women! And not tailoring at holes.” Enobarbus said, but he was ignored.

“Fulvia was difficult to restrain, Caesar. She waged battles out of boredom or love, but not entirely without good strategy. She knew her influence and how to do it. I may be the leader at times, but compared to her, I am just the soldier. I do apologetically admit that she caused you too much disturbance. In return, you must admit that I could not prevent it.”

“I wrote to you while you were entertaining yourself in Egypt. I sent messengers. You ignored my letters and taunted my messengers.”

“Caesar, your messengers arrived and were met. Their timing was poor. I was at banquets with other dignitaries or bosses, whatever you may name them. I was building bridges with them for us. They came, waited, and left with pleasant feelings that we are not a threat to them. Jeeves was the last, and he waited to tell me of Fulvia. I had just been at dinner with ....... others, and I was not feeling quite myself in the morning. But the next day I explained my situation to him, which was as good as asking him to pardon me. Do not let this person add to our quarrels. If we are going to fight, keep him out of it.”

Caesar knew those were lies.

“I …… No, you have broken the terms of your promise, and that is something you will never be able to accuse me of being upset.” Caesar looked at Mark. “I am Caesar and yet you……”

“Hold on, Caesar.” Lepidus cut in.

“No, Lepidus, let him speak. Caesar is speaking about my honour now, and my honour is sacred, even if he thinks that I lack it.” Mark stopped Lepidus.

“As a member of the Triumvirate, you were to lend me weapons and help when I needed them, both of which you denied to me.” Caesar spat it out.

“I did not deny it; I just neglected to do it ……. and that was only when an illness kept me from thinking clearly. I will apologize to you as much as I can, but my honesty in this matter does not diminish my greatness towards Rome, and I will never use my power without honesty.” Mark explained himself. “It is true that Fulvia went to war here to draw me away from Egypt. I was to join her but did not. I …… stayed away. For that, I am to be blamed. I seek your forgiveness, just because it is fitting for my honour to humble myself in a situation like this. You are still Caesar.”

“Nobly said and done.” Lepidus smiled.

“If we all agreed to stop fighting about your past grievances, then forgetting those grievances entirely would be a good way of remembering that you ought to be friends in this current crisis.” Maecenas said.

“Well said, Maecenas.” Lepidus smiled.

“Let us be friends then. We have a war now. Once we defeat Pompey Jr …... the new Pompey, we can resume here again. There may be nothing to argue about then.” Enobarbus added his line of wisdom.

“All of you are lieutenants. Do not speak or interrupt here.” Mark cautioned the others. “This is between me and Caesar.”

“Our strength is often composed of the weakness that we are damned if we're going to show.” (Mignon McLaughlin) Enobarbus muttered.

“Fine, then. I will be silent and obedient as a stone.” Enobarbus spoke out clearly for all to hear.

“I can accept those words from them. No matter how they may say it, it is impossible for us to remain friends since our temperaments differ and affect how we act. But if I knew of something that would keep us strong allies, I would pursue it from one end of the world to the other." Caesar said.

 

 

 

 

Tony and Cleop Act Two Scene Two Sub-Scene One

 

Act Two

Scene Two

Sub-Scene One

Caesar meets Mark Antony.

 

Lepidus was there to greet the arrival of Enobarbus at the palace. He saw the loyal soldier of Mark Antony climb out of the vehicle. He was told that the latter took a long ride—by rail and roads, and then the rails—before the final leg by road.

“Where is Mark Antony?” Enobarbus asked.

“He stopped over to pay respect to Fulvia’s grave. He was heartbroken by her death.” Enobarbus explained. “How did she die?”

“A critical illness. She could not survive and died on the bed.” Lepidus said. “Caesar, send for her body to be brought to Rome and arrange all the rites.”

“I am thankful for him. Should we go in? Caesar does not like to wait.” Lepidus motioned for Enobarbus to go into the mansion.

“We will wait in the library.” Enobarbus told Lepidus. When they reached there and were served wine, they stood before the fireplace and spoke.

“Do you think you could speak to...” Enobarbus was cut off by Lepidus.

“The boss held his own words. I did talk to him to be nice, but silence greeted me.”

“I will urge him to speak like himself. I knew Mark Antony; he will speak his mind as Julius Caesar did then.”

“Enobarbus, it was the reason Julius was killed. I trust Mark Antony will be wiser.” Lepidus placed on the weak smile.

“Then let Antony ignore Caesar and answer as fiercely as possible. If I were able to look as heroic as Antony, I would try to do so today.” Enobarbus smiled.

“This is not the time to deal with private arguments. Or ego.” Lepidus reminded Enobarbus. “It’s not a fuck.”

“Every time is a good time to deal with the matters that arise in that moment.” Enobarbus said. “But small matters should be put aside so we can deal with more important ones.”

“But not if the small matters occur first.” Enobarbus added.

“You are letting your emotions run away with you. Fights happened because of it. Here comes the noble Antony.” Lepidus looked at the vehicle that was on the driveway. Mark Antony arrived with Ventidus, a loyal soldier who sided with other. He served with Julius Caesar before and later with Mark Antony. He stood with Mark Antony, battling the conflict with the Parthian clans. He earned their respect for his bravery.

During the walk to the mansion, Mark Antony whispered to Ventidus, “If we come to an agreement here, the next stop is the Parthian clans. Pay heed.”

It was then that Caesar appeared at the library.

“My guest...” Caesar then saw the entry of Mark Antony. “Greetings, Mark Antony. We are noble friends; the cause that brought us together was a great one, and we should not let less important matters tear us apart.”

Mark Antony remained silent and looked at Caesar, who was still talking.

“We can have a civilized discussion about the things that have gone wrong. When we make a big deal over trivial matters, we cause great harm by trying to fix a small problem. So, noble partners, I urge you instead to use the kindest words to talk about the most troubling issues, and do not make matters worse by losing your tempers.”

Mark Antony remain silent.

“Enough said. Even if we were in front of our armies and we were about to fight, I offered my friendship once again.” Caesar smiled. “Welcome back to Rome.”

“Thank you.” Mark Antony replied dryly.

 

I am away from the keyboard for the week

 Hi All, 

I will be undergoing my next stage of srugery on my right eye tomorrow. I will not be online for the one week. Please do take care and see you all then. 

Cheers

Tony and Cleop Act Two Scene One Sub-Scene One

 Act Two

Scene One

Sub-Scene One

Pompey

 

As the offspring of a hitman, Pompey Jr was into guns at an early age. He had lost his mother when he was three and has been raised by his father, Genous Pompey since. He used to clean the guns that his father carried. He fired his first shot at nine.

“Roaches, Dad.” Pompey Jr told his dad.

“Shot them well. Do not waste bullets.” Pompey Jr was told.

Soon, Pompey Jr joined the army and was given the task of running. He rose to prominence serving the general and resigned with the rank of sergeant. He returned to take part in the family business, earning him the nickname ‘Pompous Jr’ and later the hitman in the civil war between families. He was not a consul then, but he followed his father to the Senate. He served as a commander in the Sector War, the Third Wave, and various other military campaigns. Pompey Genous’ early success earned him the nickname “Pompous the Great." His son, Junior was with him then and his adversaries gave him the nickname ‘adulescentulus’ carnifex ("teenage butcher") for his ruthlessness.

Later, Pompey joined Crassus and Caesar in an alliance known as the First Triumvirate, cemented by Pompey's marriage to Caesar's daughter, Julia. After the deaths of Julia and Crassus, Pompey switched to the other political faction known as the Optimates, or conservative elders. Caesar and him led the New Civil War, but Pompey was defeated, and he sought refuge in the sea ports, where he reigns till his betrayal and was killed by Mark Antony.

“If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me; (Jeremiah 29:13).” Pompey Jr was seated on the chair behind his desk. The desk was cluttered with papers and reports that he had yet to read. “If God says that, he will assist the actions of the most honest men. But we are not at all honest.”

Pompey Jr told his companion where they sat after lunch. It was a simple meal: grilled fresh fish and some chips with the white wine.

“You may be wrong on the honest part, worthy Pompey.” As Junior was then to inherit his father’s name. “That just because God is slow to do something does not mean he would not do it. In all honesty, I will say,” Menas, the lieutenant in the Roman’s gang, smiled. He is a loyal soldier, but his beliefs took precedent. That was not so with Pompey.

“While we spend time praying to Him like honest men for help, the thing we could pray for then loses its value.” Pompey Jr was sceptical.

“We do not know ourselves well enough; most of us do not. Well, most of us do pray for something more, so when we need God, it may be withheld for our own good. So, we are often better off when our prayers are not answered.” Menas smiled. Many times, he had put to rest the ones who pleaded for God to intervene. He told them they were too late to repent.

“Not for me. I will do well. The boys love me as they did with my father, and I have regained control of the ports. My might is increasing, and all my knowledge tells me that it will reach its full bloom soon. Is there a full bloom at all? I guess to me, it will always be blooming.” Pompey was always proud of his achievements.

“The Consul himself was still enjoying himself in Egypt, and he would not fight any battles except inside the Queen’s chamber. There is also the saying that Caesar loses the people's loyalty by taxing them to raise money. Lepidus flatters them both and is flattened by both, but he does not love either of them, and neither of them cares for him. He is there for his own protection.” Pompey summed up his opponents.

“I need to caution you there. Julius Caesar once has Mark Antony, and Lepidus on the battlefield. They massed the boys well. It is a powerful army.”  Menas had taken the liberty of the cigar there on the side table and seated himself by the fireplace. “They still do.”

“False! Where did you hear that? From some whores?”

“From Silvius, Boss.” Menas replied. “He is better than any whore. He is the pimp.”

“That pimp, as you called him, dreams it all. I know of Lepidus; he is looking for Mark Antony. But I hope lustful Cleop the vixen keeps that other there in Egypt.” Pompey laughed. “I met the lady once. She is not young anymore, but she could put any virgin to shame with her body, her charm, and... I wish Julius had told me how she was in bed. I was told that she may have used witchcraft besides her beauty, and may both arouse Antony's lust.”

“She could keep him occupied with feast after feast, keeping him from thinking clearly. I would if I were him.” Pompey laughed louder. “May decadent cooks increase his appetite with pleasing sauces so that sleeping and eating will make him forgetful, until he forgets his duties completely. Let Rome burn without him.”

Pompey’s laughter was interrupted by the arrival of another of his loyal aides.

“What is going on, Varrius?”

“Mark Antony is expected to arrive in Rome any minute now. Enough time has passed since he left Egypt that he could have travelled an even greater distance.” Varrius reported.

“I had wanted to hear better news, but it was not so. Menas, I did not think that lover boy would put on his helmet to join in such a minor war. He is a better soldier than the other two; he kills better and harder. Now we will have to increase our caution with what we have done with the return of Mark Antony. I had lewd thoughts that he would never be tired of the Queen, but I am wrong.” 

“I do not think that Lepidus and Antony will greet each other with appreciation. Fulvia, Mark Antony’s wife... Or rather, the late wife opposed the New Triumvirate, and Lucius, the brother, declared war on them as he did with Caesar before. They wage the war alone without Mark Antony, but they are still family. Lucius was pardoned by Caesar and sent overseas. He had since returned.”

“I would not know, Menas, whether our threat will outweigh their menial disagreements. Families have always conflicted over the years, and then it will all be calm with the bosses stepping in. Our rivalry might not be overlooked, for it is a big one... a mutiny, if I may say.”

“A hurtful selection of words...” Menas smiled.

“An egg is still an egg, although the ostrich may lay them bigger.” Pompey Jr laughed. “If it were not for us that we are opposing all of them, it is most unlikely that they would fight amongst themselves since they have enough reasons to draw their guns, but it is possible their fear of our forces will heal the breach between them and end their small disagreements. Let it be for God to decide.”

“If only God would listen to the honest ones.” Menas stood up. “I am to go to pray now, but if I may suggest, shall we meet with Mark Antony.”

“Getting into the arena with them? A threesome against whom? Lions and Bears?” Pompey was questioning.

“A bed, Boss. It may be satisfying to all.” Menas said.

“No, I will prefer Mark Antony to myself. One cannot be choosy at times.” Pompey sighed. “Get boys ready for battle.”

 

 

 

Tony and Cleop Act Zero Scene Two

 Act Zero

Scene Two

Sex and power go together.

 

“Caesar …...”

“You may call me Julius, my love.” The older man held the lady, who was twice as young to hm. Julius Caesar of Rome was the grand master of the empire, and from his influence and power, he made Rome the leader of the crime world. He was then in Egypt, a smaller territory that came to his attention when his rival, Pompey Senior, took shelter there. Caesar had pursued the other, but Pompey was murdered by the Egyptian boys on the order of the boss there.

“We have shot Pompey in the head.” Ptolemy, the boss there, told Julius Caesar. “We have served his corpse to the crocodiles.”

Julius Caesar heard of the so-named crocodiles, which were alligators, but whatever happens in Egypt stays in Egypt. He was more entranced by the appearance of Ptolemy’s sister, Cleop. He stayed on to consolidate his influence and assisted Ptolemy in expanding the territory. It was also to be near Cleop. He hardly sees her, except in the company of Ptolemy.

Until then.

“Why do you detest your brother?” Julius Caesar asked her. She had sneaked into his chamber, carried by her servants with the bed wraps there. If it was not love at first sight, then it was a fuck available. She told him he was her first, and that cemented their affair. Ptolemy knew of the affair and challenged Caesar. It was a weak battle, for Julius had a better commander in the appearance of Mark Antony. The latter cornered Ptolemy on the Nile. It was not known what the real event was, but Ptolemy was said to have been killed and eaten by the crocodiles.

Cleop and Julius Caesar were together until the moment when Julius made his return to Rome due to the issues there. It was in Rome when Julius was killed by Brutus, then a Consul of Rome. Brutus fled Rome after the killing and was pursued by the new Caesar, Octavius and Mark Antony. He died on his own two hands after being cornered.

That ended the affair between Cleop and Julius.

Cleop returned to Egypt to be named Queen. It was not long when Mark Antony arrived there.

“I am sent by Caesar to look after Julius’s interest.” Mark told the Queen.

“The new Caesar?” Cleop asked. “How will you served me then?”

Mark Antony did that, and he soon shared Cleop’ bed too.

It was the tale that the maids knew in Egypt.

“God, I wish she would get over it with Mark Antony.” Charmian flopped her tired body onto the bedding. She shared the chamber with Iras and Alexas. There was the rope with the bell that the Queen would pull to summon them.

“She still thinks of him. He is gone, married, and fucking the other woman.” Charmian cried out.

“She loved him. “Alexas spoke from her side of the bed. They shared the main bedding, while Iras has her own single bedding on the side.

“Love is a splendorous thing, but when apart, the love dwindles.” Charmian sighed. She had never known love in her life; she has some lovers, and they all fucked and left. She felt herself devoid of the need, for her fingers could do the task better.

“Tell that to Iras. I think she is in love.” Alexas, being the oldest among them, herself was nearing forty and smiled. “I saw the way she looked at Mardian.”

“The Eunuch? You are wrong, Alexas. Iras loved the fuck, but not the wedding. Mardian could not give her the family she wanted.” Charmian said. It was then that Iras returned to the chamber. She looked like she had run the marathon then.

“How is the bitch?” Iras removed her clothes before she washed her body.

“The bitch is fine. She thinks of Mark Antony.” Charmian sighed. “Nothing excites her anymore. My tongue and fingers are all tired.”

“What happened to you, Iras? Was Mardian rough again?” Alexas saw the bruises on Ira's back.

“Nope, he was good. We have our work, and it was satisfying. I am telling you that brute force is a force to be reckoned.” Iras laughed. “He could last the hour, and all I ever had to do was move my body to his needs.”

“I am sure.” Charmian smiled. “You wanted it forceful.”

“It was better than to put on a performance for the bitch. She ought to have her fuck by Mardian, and she will not remember Mark Antony anymore.” Iras smiled.

“The bitch does not like... She once told me,” Alexas said. “He feared them since he was young. Ptolemy used to tease her about them violating her. If you hadn't noticed, only Mardian was near her. The others are kept below deck.”

“The bitch is the Queen. She can decide what and who.” Iras said. “Me, I am content with my fuck. Not a messy pregnancy.”

“Have you asked Mardian if he ever wanted a family?’ Alexas asked.

“Never and would never ever. I like to keep things the way they are now. Sex and more sex.” Iras smiled. “More to it, Mardian is the power among the others. No one dares touch me. He will squeeze their balls if anyone tries.”

“So, sex and power matter, huh?” Charmian laughed. “Me? I am taking a good rest now. Anyone care to diddle me to sleep?”

“Fuck yourself.” Iras replied.

 

 

 

 

 

Tony and Cleop Act One Scene Four Sub-Scene Three

 Act One

Scene Four

Sub-Scene Three

The Queen desires

 

Mardian dressed in the loose pants and his chest bared, without sandals; his usual dressing at the palace had brought with him the tray of fruits. He was to bring it to the Queen for her daily treat of fruits. She preferred the fresh grapes and other Mediterranean fruits. He, himself of northern African descent, had favoured the dried fruits. He recalled his youth, when his mother would serve him it daily. It was his youth, just before puberty. When he was of age, he had followed his father to the large city to Baghdad their items, the dried dates from the harsh lands where Mardian was brought up.

They trade that for other items like barley or corn, but mostly seeds. He was young and adventurous, making his way around Baghdad. It only took a moment of carelessness, and he was kidnapped then. He found himself with other children about his age and was shipped by sea. It was a long journey, and then the ordeal began. He was sold as a slave to the others and toiled in the fields. It was a few years later that he was traded to other masters and then ended up in the ports. He was still rebellious, and he paid the price for his brazen behaviour. He found himself at the hands of the whorehouses. The masters there castrated him for fear he would seduce the ladies.

It was the most humiliating act for him. His anger made him more reliant on himself to defend himself. He killed his masters and escaped then. He had lived on the street as a killer for hire; the Dark One was his name. He found his way to Egypt and remained there for some time, Mark Antony in his ascent to the rank of head.

His given name then was Mardian.

“Mardian, my love. Thank you for bringing the fruit.” The Queen was in the van in the living area. She was dressed in a skimpy outfit and was in the company of her pets, the insufferable long-tailed monkeys. She has three of them on leash there: Tom, Dick, and Hairy.

“My pets need their fruits.” The Queen smiled. Mardian handed the tray towards her and watched the monkeys rush over to grab their shares of it.

“Greedy pets, they are.” The Queen laughed. She then looked at Mardian. “You did well with the East Side. I was told they had pulled back to their borders. Internally, the Lieutenants are in the chaos to be the boss.”

Mardian did not answer and stepped to the side. He saw Iras, who was arranging the cushions in the other van. He liked her but knew that his affection for her was limited to his libido. He could stay erect, but there were no descendants of his to share with. She was insatiable at times, despite his prolonged efforts, but he disliked her for trying to lick him there. He knew that she was taunting him for his missing appendage and took his wrath with the hard hammering at her from the rear. Iras liked the pain and discomfort more than the sex.

“Charmian!” The Queen called out. “Give me my mandragora to drink.”

Mandragora, or mandrake, is a plant that could be used as a powerful narcotic, emetic, sedative, and hallucinogen; its poisons could easily lead to death. For centuries, it was believed that the mandrake herb, known for its medicinal and psychoactive properties, is a magical plant that shrieks when it is uprooted. While the scream of the mandrake is a mere legend, scientists have now discovered that plants do indeed emit screams when they are cut or are dehydrated.

Mandrakes were believed to be a stimulant to help with fertility and conception in barren women.

“Why, madam?” Charmain asked. “You think about him too much.”

“Oh, that is treasonous to say! I do not.” The Queen snapped at the maid. “How dare you?”

“My Queen, I trust that it is not.” Charmian replied. “I spoke because of your well-being.”

“You, Mardian the eunuch!” The Queen called to the other.

“My Queen. What does your highness want?”

“I do not wish to hear you sing right now. I know you had a good voice and, as Iras will say, a hard phallus. I do not take pleasure in anything that a eunuch has.” The Queen spread her legs to taunt the eunuch. “It is lucky for you, since you have been castrated, that your fantasies don't involve anything outside of Egypt. Do you have desires?”

“Yes, my Queen. Madian replied. Due to his dark expression, the Queen may not see the redness in his cheeks.

“Truly?”

“No, my Queen. It was more of an indeed since I cannot do anything except what I lack to do. But I still have strong desires, and I think about what Venus did with Mars.”

According to myth, Venus is married to Vulcan, the god of the forge and fire. Unfortunately, Vulcan is considered the ugliest god! So, despite their marriage, Venus took the ever-passionate Mars as a lover. Venus and Mars' many trysts eventually caught up with them, as Vulcan found out!

“Vulcan was...” The Queen displayed her last finger toward Mardian. She then turned to Charmian.

“Oh Charmian, where do you think he is now? Is he standing or sitting? Or is he walking? Or is he fucking his wife? Oh, I forgot. She is dead. Nasty of me. He may be just jacking off to her memory.” The Queen laughed while imitating the action.

“Mark Antony was a stud. He was Mark Antony on top. Run with style and courage, stud, for do you know whom you are riding then?” The Queen laughed louder while she was pointing her finger at Iras. The other blushed and tried to focus on the work.

“Mark Antony was like the demi-Atlas of this earth, the champion and guardian of humankind. Perhaps he is speaking now, or murmuring, "Where's my serpent lair of Nile?" That is what he calls me. I will say slither into me.” The Queen then sighed.

“I cheer myself up with delicious thoughts of the thing that pains me most. Think about me, whose skin is dark from the sun's loving beams and wrinkled with old age. Once, I had Julius Caesar wide-breasted looking at me when he was still alive. I was magnificent enough, even for a great monarch like him. And once Pompey met me, he would stand and gaze for hours at my forehead. Or was it my breasts? There he would fix his gaze and rather die from looking at the woman who sustained his life. Julius will have his eyes gouged out then.”

“They all feared Julius, but he is gone now.”

It was then that Alexas entered the area, bearing more drinks.

“My Queen.” Alexas greeted the Queen. “The Queen of Egypt.”

“Yes, no, King. How very unlike Mark Antony if he were one.”

“I met him recently.” Alexas said. “You asked me to see him.”

“Oh, you did. How is he? I can see his greatness rub off on you. Did you get fucked?” The Queen was on her bitter side. “How is my brave Mark Antony doing?”

“The last thing he did, dear Queen, was to kiss... the last kiss of many such kisses...”

“Your arse, I think.” The Queen laughed.

“No, he kissed this pearl from India. He gives a pearl.” Alexas handed the pearl to the Queen. “His parting words stuck in my mind.”

“I must hear them from you.” The Queen looked at the pearl.

"Good friend," he said, "say that the stalwart Roman sends this treasure from an oyster to the great Queen of Egypt, at whose feet... to improve this meagre present. I will lay kingdoms to add glory to her splendid throne. Tell her that all the East will call her their Queen." So, he nodded and sombrely mounted a thin, spirited warhorse, who neighed so loudly that the reply I would have made was drowned out by the beast.” Alexas bowed to the Queen. “His words.”

“What mood was he in, sad or happy?” The Queen had sobbed up then.

“Like the midpoint of the year between extreme heat and extreme cold, he was neither sad nor happy.”

“Oh, well-balanced temperament! Take notice of that, good Charmian; that is exactly how the man should be away from you. He takes notice of nothing but you. He may not be sad because he wanted to look cheerfully at those people whose moods depend on his. He was not merry, which seems to say that he was remembering me and his joy, but he was between sorrow and merriment.”

“Oh, heavenly mixture! Whether you are sad or happy, the extreme of either emotion suits you as it suits no other man.” The Queen was gaily then. “Did you encounter my messengers? 

“Yes, my Queen, twenty different messengers. Why did you send so many?”

“Whoever is born on the day that I forget to write to Mark, his calendar that he will die a beggar that day. Bring me ink and paper, Charmian.”

“Did I, Charmian, ever love Caesar this much?”

“Oh, that brave Caesar!” Charmian played to the Queen’s tune.

“May you choke if you ever say such a thing again! Say, "the brave Mark Antony." The Queen reprimanded her.

“The valiant Caesar!” Charmian tempts her fate then.

“I swear by Isis, I will strike you in the mouth if you compare Caesar again with my man, who surpasses all other men.”

“I beg your pardon, my Queen. I am only repeating what you said.” The Queen was awed by the previous Caesar, Julius Caesar, when they were together. It was before she met Mark Antony.

“It was in the days of my youth, when I was inexperienced and my emotions were not very strong, and that's the only reason I said such things then.” The Queen sighed. She gave up her maidenhood to Caesar then. “I was young... very young... but come, away.”

“Like Fulvia, he is dead.” The Queen looked at Charmian. “Get me ink and paper. Mark Antony will have a new greeting every day, even if I must send more messengers to send them.”

“The Queen is mad.” Iras whispered to Mardian after they left the area.

“No, she is in love.” Mardian said. “Are you?”

“No, I am for the fuck only.”

 

 

X X X X .....I had to get the eyes upgraded......

 Pardon me, readers. I  had toget my eyes done last Tuesday to remove the cataract.and the next week the other eye. You could see me potraing the role of the Pirate Captain.....eye patch and with both legs though...

Buy here are some new chapters to CLEOP and TONY.... cataract foes not keep the sex aside..... perhaps more indepth 

Tony and Cleop Act One Scene Four Sub-Scene Two

 This is a work of fiction. Unless otherwise indicated, all the names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents in this book are either the product of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

And the contents here are erotic / violent and may not be suitable for the unprepared generations. 

Act One

Scene Four

Sub-Scene Three

The Queen desires

 

Mardian dressed in the loose pants and his chest bared, without sandals; his usual dressing at the palace had brought with him the tray of fruits. He was to bring it to the Queen for her daily treat of fruits. She preferred the fresh grapes and other Mediterranean fruits. He, himself of northern African descent, had favoured the dried fruits. He recalled his youth, when his mother would serve him it daily. It was his youth, just before puberty. When he was of age, he had followed his father to the large city to Baghdad their items, the dried dates from the harsh lands where Mardian was brought up.

They trade that for other items like barley or corn, but mostly seeds. He was young and adventurous, making his way around Baghdad. It only took a moment of carelessness, and he was kidnapped then. He found himself with other children about his age and was shipped by sea. It was a long journey, and then the ordeal began. He was sold as a slave to the others and toiled in the fields. It was a few years later that he was traded to other masters and then ended up in the ports. He was still rebellious, and he paid the price for his brazen behaviour. He found himself at the hands of the whorehouses. The masters there castrated him for fear he would seduce the ladies.

It was the most humiliating act for him. His anger made him more reliant on himself to defend himself. He killed his masters and escaped then. He had lived on the street as a killer for hire; the Dark One was his name. He found his way to Egypt and remained there for some time, Mark Antony in his ascent to the rank of head.

His given name then was Mardian.

“Mardian, my love. Thank you for bringing the fruit.” The Queen was in the van in the living area. She was dressed in a skimpy outfit and was in the company of her pets, the insufferable long-tailed monkeys. She has three of them on leash there: Tom, Dick, and Hairy.

“My pets need their fruits.” The Queen smiled. Mardian handed the tray towards her and watched the monkeys rush over to grab their shares of it.

“Greedy pets, they are.” The Queen laughed. She then looked at Mardian. “You did well with the East Side. I was told they had pulled back to their borders. Internally, the Lieutenants are in the chaos to be the boss.”

Mardian did not answer and stepped to the side. He saw Iras, who was arranging the cushions in the other van. He liked her but knew that his affection for her was limited to his libido. He could stay erect, but there were no descendants of his to share with. She was insatiable at times, despite his prolonged efforts, but he disliked her for trying to lick him there. He knew that she was taunting him for his missing appendage and took his wrath with the hard hammering at her from the rear. Iras liked the pain and discomfort more than the sex.

“Charmian!” The Queen called out. “Give me my mandragora to drink.”

Mandragora, or mandrake, is a plant that could be used as a powerful narcotic, emetic, sedative, and hallucinogen; its poisons could easily lead to death. For centuries, it was believed that the mandrake herb, known for its medicinal and psychoactive properties, is a magical plant that shrieks when it is uprooted. While the scream of the mandrake is a mere legend, scientists have now discovered that plants do indeed emit screams when they are cut or are dehydrated.

Mandrakes were believed to be a stimulant to help with fertility and conception in barren women.

“Why, madam?” Charmain asked. “You think about him too much.”

“Oh, that is treasonous to say! I do not.” The Queen snapped at the maid. “How dare you?”

“My Queen, I trust that it is not.” Charmian replied. “I spoke because of your well-being.”

“You, Mardian the eunuch!” The Queen called to the other.

“My Queen. What does your highness want?”

“I do not wish to hear you sing right now. I know you had a good voice and, as Iras will say, a hard phallus. I do not take pleasure in anything that a eunuch has.” The Queen spread her legs to taunt the eunuch. “It is lucky for you, since you have been castrated, that your fantasies don't involve anything outside of Egypt. Do you have desires?”

“Yes, my Queen. Madian replied. Due to his dark expression, the Queen may not see the redness in his cheeks.

“Truly?”

“No, my Queen. It was more of an indeed since I cannot do anything except what I lack to do. But I still have strong desires, and I think about what Venus did with Mars.”

According to myth, Venus is married to Vulcan, the god of the forge and fire. Unfortunately, Vulcan is considered the ugliest god! So, despite their marriage, Venus took the ever-passionate Mars as a lover. Venus and Mars' many trysts eventually caught up with them, as Vulcan found out!

“Vulcan was...” The Queen displayed her last finger toward Mardian. She then turned to Charmian.

“Oh Charmian, where do you think he is now? Is he standing or sitting? Or is he walking? Or is he fucking his wife? Oh, I forgot. She is dead. Nasty of me. He may be just jacking off to her memory.” The Queen laughed while imitating the action.

“Mark Antony was a stud. He was Mark Antony on top. Run with style and courage, stud, for do you know whom you are riding then?” The Queen laughed louder while she was pointing her finger at Iras. The other blushed and tried to focus on the work.

“Mark Antony was like the demi-Atlas of this earth, the champion and guardian of humankind. Perhaps he is speaking now, or murmuring, "Where's my serpent lair of Nile?" That is what he calls me. I will say slither into me.” The Queen then sighed.

“I cheer myself up with delicious thoughts of the thing that pains me most. Think about me, whose skin is dark from the sun's loving beams and wrinkled with old age. Once, I had Julius Caesar wide-breasted looking at me when he was still alive. I was magnificent enough, even for a great monarch like him. And once Pompey met me, he would stand and gaze for hours at my forehead. Or was it my breasts? There he would fix his gaze and rather die from looking at the woman who sustained his life. Julius will have his eyes gouged out then.”

“They all feared Julius, but he is gone now.”

It was then that Alexas entered the area, bearing more drinks.

“My Queen.” Alexas greeted the Queen. “The Queen of Egypt.”

“Yes, no, King. How very unlike Mark Antony if he were one.”

“I met him recently.” Alexas said. “You asked me to see him.”

“Oh, you did. How is he? I can see his greatness rub off on you. Did you get fucked?” The Queen was on her bitter side. “How is my brave Mark Antony doing?”

“The last thing he did, dear Queen, was to kiss... the last kiss of many such kisses...”

“Your arse, I think.” The Queen laughed.

“No, he kissed this pearl from India. He gives a pearl.” Alexas handed the pearl to the Queen. “His parting words stuck in my mind.”

“I must hear them from you.” The Queen looked at the pearl.

"Good friend," he said, "say that the stalwart Roman sends this treasure from an oyster to the great Queen of Egypt, at whose feet... to improve this meagre present. I will lay kingdoms to add glory to her splendid throne. Tell her that all the East will call her their Queen." So, he nodded and sombrely mounted a thin, spirited warhorse, who neighed so loudly that the reply I would have made was drowned out by the beast.” Alexas bowed to the Queen. “His words.”

“What mood was he in, sad or happy?” The Queen had sobbed up then.

“Like the midpoint of the year between extreme heat and extreme cold, he was neither sad nor happy.”

“Oh, well-balanced temperament! Take notice of that, good Charmian; that is exactly how the man should be away from you. He takes notice of nothing but you. He may not be sad because he wanted to look cheerfully at those people whose moods depend on his. He was not merry, which seems to say that he was remembering me and his joy, but he was between sorrow and merriment.”

“Oh, heavenly mixture! Whether you are sad or happy, the extreme of either emotion suits you as it suits no other man.” The Queen was gaily then. “Did you encounter my messengers? 

“Yes, my Queen, twenty different messengers. Why did you send so many?”

“Whoever is born on the day that I forget to write to Mark, his calendar that he will die a beggar that day. Bring me ink and paper, Charmian.”

“Did I, Charmian, ever love Caesar this much?”

“Oh, that brave Caesar!” Charmian played to the Queen’s tune.

“May you choke if you ever say such a thing again! Say, "the brave Mark Antony." The Queen reprimanded her.

“The valiant Caesar!” Charmian tempts her fate then.

“I swear by Isis, I will strike you in the mouth if you compare Caesar again with my man, who surpasses all other men.”

“I beg your pardon, my Queen. I am only repeating what you said.” The Queen was awed by the previous Caesar, Julius Caesar, when they were together. It was before she met Mark Antony.

“It was in the days of my youth, when I was inexperienced and my emotions were not very strong, and that's the only reason I said such things then.” The Queen sighed. She gave up her maidenhood to Caesar then. “I was young... very young... but come, away.”

“Like Fulvia, he is dead.” The Queen looked at Charmian. “Get me ink and paper. Mark Antony will have a new greeting every day, even if I must send more messengers to send them.”

“The Queen is mad.” Iras whispered to Mardian after they left the area.

“No, she is in love.” Mardian said. “Are you?”

“No, I am for the fuck only.”

 

 

 

Tony and Cleop Act One Scene Four Sub-Scene Two

 This is a work of fiction. Unless otherwise indicated, all the names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents in this book are either the product of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

And the contents here are erotic / violent and may not be suitable for the unprepared generations. 

Act One

Scene Four

Sub-Scene Two

Mark Antony, where art thee?

 

Jeeves walked into the library. He greeted Caesar with a bow and then turned toward Lepidus.

“How was...” Lepidus bit his tongue. He was to say something lewd.

“Fine, Commander. I met the Consul.” Jeeves replied. He was still in his dark suit. “I arrived late at night. The train was...”

“His reply, Jeeves.” Caesar was impatient.

“I delivered your message, most noble Caesar. Mark Antony did not tell me much, but I was told he may return.”

“May return? What does he take me for? His wife?” Caesar was upset.

“I heard other reports, Great Caesar. Pompey Jr. has a strong buildup to his boys; the tardiness of the state in handling the last war returnees had forced many of them to join us, or rather Pompey Jr. ……”

“Address him as Pompey. He lives with his father’s name and no longer will call Junior.” Caesar cut in. “As I am Caesar, and the previous Caesar was ranked though his name was Julius. I was Octavius but Caesar I am now.”

“Yes, Caesar.” Jeeves nodded. “Pompey with his promise of lands and money. He thinks our boys are following us because they do not fear you, Caesar. Some left for Pompey, saying that they felt more appreciated by the other.” Jeeves stood to attention when he spoke. “I never believe a single word spoken.”

“Do not be peckish on that. I am... I should have guessed this would happen. It is all fair in the tussle for power. The boys always wish for their leaders to gain power until they have done so. Then the defeated leaders become... or rather are no longer worth loving, soon to be ignored because they are defeated. Once we called the boys, many are like a loose piece of cloth on a stream, going back and forth, following the changing tides, and ruining itself by constantly moving and changing.”

Another messenger arrived then.

“Grear Caesar, I have brought you grave news. Menecrates and Menas, those famous pirates—I meant robbers—have heist over the other sea ports with the help of Pompey, which they held at ransom of every kind. They are coming into Rome controlled ports by truckloads. The local boys are not brave enough to stop them or jump ship, and spirited young men revolt and join them to battle us. No ship is allowed to unload without permission or risk being captured as soon as it is seen. Some said it was the works of Pompey to terrify them.”

“Leave us.” Caesar told the second messenger.

“Mark Antony, come away from your hallucinations’ dreams. Once you were defeated at Modena, where you slew the brothers Hirtius and Pansa at the last war, you were beset by the lack of supply; ammo was low, and you fought against it with more endurance than someone used to living in the wild, even though you had been brought up in luxury.”

“You retreated and then consolidated your boys. You drank piss and ate stale food that the homeless would not touch. You were willing to eat the toughest jerky from the cases. I knew it was winter then, and even the bark of the tree was not spared.” Caesar praised the man who was once a Major of the Army, fighting a biting winter while digging the trenches. “You were there looking at the Alps, smiling at the days when you were there to celebrate Thanksgiving, but there were none then. It was a blow to you then as their leader, but you bore it so much like a soldier that your cheek did not even grow hollow from hunger or exhaustion. They glowed with pride.”

“Yes, he was the officer. Compared to then, his current state is a great pity. His belly was filled, but his mind was devoid of bravery.” Lepidus sighed.

“I hope he will sober on that and quickly return to Rome. It is time for us to appear on the battlefield, and for that purpose, I am calling a council immediately. Pompey thrives while we continue to do nothing.” Caesar was desperate. “Our allies need to show their true loyalty.”

“Tomorrow, Caesar, I'll be able to tell you accurately what troops I will be able to assemble to face the enemy now.” Lepidus stood up. “I will live beyond the age of sixty.”

“And until we do face him, assembling the boys is my business too. Farewell.” Caesar smiled. He felt gratitude for the man who stood by him in the conflict.