Coffee and Houris
Few historians focus on the fact that the history of our Universe was forever re-written by Jessica Atreides' unbidden act of love and disobedience.
— DARWI ODRADE, BENE GESSERIT CODA
"Ecath, what was that about?" asked Walli as the Sisters sat on mats by the coffee seller in a shady area between giant acacia trees. The adrenaline rush had made way to a quiet waiting, then slowly the carefree chatter had resumed, thanks to the shallow plexi cups and the warm, scented coffee they were sipping. Sheeana could taste barley, guarana, and robusta. It was once again an enjoyable sunny afternoon. Their guide's eyes were distant, returned to focus on the group after a sip.
"Did you notice the lady's necklaces?" continued the ever-knowledgeable Ecath. "The white pearls, they are tiny larvae and mussel flesh fed with a variety of potent drugs, then dried in the sun. You can see those ladies chew them at every hour of the day, the color of the pearl related to the service they are called to perform, an enchantment, an act of seduction, or to coerce a confession from a lover."
"Useful as ever, my dear Ecath, but who are these ladies?" asked Sheeana.
"The Goddess' Houris, from Kef. White and red dresses, distinctive face makeup."
"Are they love… experts?"
"Among other things. Ancient order, very influential here," replied the guide with a murmur, "Dates back to the God Emperor's times, they say. The oral history says Dur himself kept a few Houris to be entertained. Very skilled women, when it comes to business and politics. Do you know how they are selected? Their recruiters go village by village. You have to be either a beautiful virgin, or the love worker most in demand. They trained them on a distant planet, and sent back to their home planet to conduct business."
"What business specifically?" asked Walli, who overheard. If love is not the Matres' monopoly here, we may be in a good sector, reflected Sheeana.
"They often contract to be mistresses for executives, diplomats, and traders. Term contracts, or can become permanent concubines when the need arises."
"And what needs may arise?" continued Sheeana.
"The Houris are highly educated, fit to keep kings company, and are everywhere in high society and government. I have seen them serve as government functionaries. When the local politics are favorable to their Order. But sometimes a Houri keeps her own male harem, I am told." she added conspiratorially.
This Ecath is a knowledgeable one, thought Sheeana. And these houris! Sisterhood-like patterns in the Scattering. How many variants of the Mother-Maiden-Meretrix are out there?
"Ecath, we are really enjoying your company."
"I am grateful for yours, kind ladies."
"And I am grateful that you got us out of a tight corner back at the market. How did you do it? Did you know the Houri?"
"Oh no, madam. But see, the Houris are recruited from the villages and then sent back home. But see, they change when they acquire their education. None of them ever goes back to visit their home village. To what end? They have left behind their families and small-town life. So I thought, I bet she would not recognize her sister if she saw her. Any woman your age in a village here is sister of kin. You cannot ignore the bond. You cannot defy it, not when surrounded by the common folk like we were back there. The ladies' strength comes from the aristocrats they follow, but they have to walk carefully among city folk. I took a gamble," she smiled.
"For us? We paid you in advance. What prompted you to protect a pack of strangers?"
"Strangers are sacred, madam. Hajj pilgrims."
"Why? What was the worst that could have happened to me? Being recruited and sent off to a distant planet to get the same education?"
"Nine-tail cat lashes would break anybody. And my heart tells me you need no training, madam. There is a wonderful electricity around you, I sense it. And you are young. Compared to this one. You know if my daughter were still alive, she would be your age." A shadow clouded her eyes.
"I am sorry to hear about your daughter." A pause, then Sheeana continued: "Would you tell me more about her?"
"Nothing that would please you madam. She died as a pearl diver in the great ocean. Proud. Tense. With a bigger purpose in mind."
"Do you think I have a purpose in mind, then?"
"I see you on the edge of great depths."
Is there any deeper meaning in this?, thought Sheeana.
"Take my hands, Ecath". She clasped hands together with the old guide, and let eyes make contact. It was a long, direct stare, hands trembling a little at first touch, the two directly probing each other's depths. Then Sheeana felt it. It was not like the Sharing of two Reverend Mothers, but a passage of energy that lasted a single moment. This is what happens when two hearts touch. Sheeana felt an incredible force, a warmth, a loving care from this stranger woman, felt directedness, ingenuity. A hint of darkness somewhere, hers or mine? And then below, she sensed steadfast ground, a person who accepted herself fully. Not even Reverend Mothers could always pride themselves of that. Feeling transparent, all her emotions transparent to the guide. Then the moment evaporated away. They unlocked gazes. Ecath recomposed herself, kicked back a tear. "I see you, madam Sheeana. I am touched and I have touched you. Let us be friends today, if you allow it."
Sheeana laughed gently with joy. "Ecath, my friend of today and of tomorrow. Your sincerity brings me joy. And now, my girls here are giddy with excitement and are strong with the drink you gave us. I hear the music that announces the celebrations. Take us to dance!"