"You're totally serious, aren't you?" Azdrubaal's head tilted to the side and he smiled a smile such as Bacchus had never seen on that face. "Aye, my friend. Completely. "Are you sure you're in love and not in lust?" Bacchus laughed. "This just isn't like you, Ba'al. Quitting the sea. Leaving your homeland. I can barely believe what I'm hearing." "Believe it, Bacchus. She's worth it all, and I don't want to be around here when the war breaks out. It's coming - trust me. You and Dido should come with us." Azdrubaal patted Bacchus' arm. "I wish you would at least consider it, dear brother. Solomon will still be running the other ship, maybe. At least until the Romans make it as far as Tangier, Gadez, and Masillia. I suspect Masillia will fall long before Gadez and Tangier do." "What about my dogs, Ba'al?" Bacchus pulled at his chin and frowned. "I don't want to leave them behind." "We've already got one. What's two more? I just hope they don't get seasick all over the place," Azdrubaal laughed. "I know. You've put a lot of time into them. It would be a shame to leave them...and all things considered, the more guard dogs, the better." "I'll speak to Dido and see what she says. Where are you staying?" Azdrubaal told him how to get there. "Come and see us. Meet Domna. You'll approve, I'm sure." "You going to see the Egyptian when you leave here?" Azdrubaal nodded. "Give him my regards. I'll see if we can't come out there on first-day. Is she a good cook?" "She does everything good," Azdrubaal smiled and stood up. "Hope we see you, then brother. Take care." "Always. I'll see you out and don't be such a stanger, Ba'al." Azdrubaal grunted a laugh. "If you come with us you'll be sick of my face after two weeks." ***** Trying some more umbrous lighting here. Still not very good at it. They ended up with glowing navels for some reason, which I thought was rather hilarious. I uh, toned them down a bit. Have a great week and thanks for looking! Rayvn