Azdrubaal had acquired a new habit. It was a good one, as far as he was concerned because of the smiles it brought...and in Domna's case, other pleasant things. It was something he'd never really done before, but he did it now with great gusto - buying presents. They were mostly clothes and little things, since they were leaving soon. He decided since they had company coming on first-day that he'd buy some new clothes for Celus and Shu-shu as well while he was in the city. Gods knew Shu-shu needed new clothes! All she had were the ones she arrived in. And Celus...well he was just a very plain sort of man who never really did anything with himself. It was time that changed. It was time a lot of things changed! He didn't give Shu-shu or Celus their clothes until last-day and they were both commanded (nicely) to clean up and wash their hair. On the morning of first-day, Domna called Shu-shu into the spare chamber across from their room upstairs. She told her to choose one of her new things to wear. Domna was wearing a new dress herself - a beautiful dress from Chine fit for a queen. To say she loved it was an understatement. The smile on Baal's face and gleam in his eyes when he saw her in it didn't hurt either. After Shu-shu got dressed, Domna made her take her hair down, cut off the raggedy ends and brushed it out. She put a little makeup on her too. Domna took Shu-shu before her polished silver mirror her father had made for her long ago for a present so she could see herself. Of course Koji had to come with them. Shu-shu's reaction was immediate and one of complete shock. "This is me?" She looked back and forth between Domna and the mirror, her mouth hanging open. Tears pooled in the corners of her eyes. "That's me - Shu-shu...ugly girl?" "You're not ugly Shu-shu. You're very pretty...when you do something with yourself. I guess you don't really know about all that, do you dear? Who in Goddess' name told you that you were ugly?" "Slavers said it. They call me bad names all the time." "Well, you're not ugly at all, so get over that idea right now!" Domna smiled. "I suppose we should get downstairs and to the cooking. Master Azdrubaal put the meat on the spit when we got up, so that's going but we need to fix the rest." "Yes, Mistress Domna. Thank you!" Impulsively Shu-shu grabbed Domna and hugged her sniffling, then pulled back. "Nobody ever so nice to me. I love you and Master!! I serve you all my life! Can I give him hug - again - for making me pretty too?" "Of course, dearest. Thank you for asking though. I appreciate that. We would be glad to have you and Koji with us always." At that moment Domna realized how 'motherly' she felt toward the girl. Shu-shu was like the daughter she never had but a bit older. ***** Thanks my friends for coming and having a look and your comments! Rayvn