Colchester Conquest

Lieutenant Tendai Moyo attended every lecture.

Adanna noticed—it was impossible not to. The thick Zimbabwean soldier sat in the front row, taking notes, asking questions that showed real understanding.

"You're very dedicated," Adanna observed after her fifth lecture on Roman military tactics.

"I believe in learning from the past." Those dark eyes held something more. "And from exceptional teachers."

Coffee became dinner became late-night discussions.

Tendai's knowledge impressed Adanna. Her presence overwhelmed her.

"Why military history?" Adanna asked.

"Because strategy fascinates me. The patience to wait. The courage to act. The wisdom to know the difference."

"And in your personal life?"

"I'm learning patience. But I think the moment to act is approaching."

The museum closed at 10 PM.

Adanna stayed late for research. Tendai stayed late for her.

"I should tell you something," Tendai said. "I didn't come to these lectures for the history."

"No?"

"I came because I saw your photo on the website and couldn't look away. The history was just justification."

"And now?"

"Now I want to stop justifying and start acting."

In the Roman gallery, surrounded by ancient conquests, they created their own.

Tendai's soldier's hands were surprisingly gentle. She mapped Adanna's thick body like terrain to be cherished, not conquered.

"You're beautiful," Tendai murmured. "Every inch."

"Less strategy. More action."

"Yes ma'am."

They made love against display cases housing artifacts of empire.

Adanna came with Tendai's name on her lips, history forgotten in favor of the present.

"That was—"

"A successful campaign?" Tendai grinned.

"Something like that."

The relationship that followed was built on mutual respect.

Two strong women who understood discipline, patience, and passion.

"Best student I ever had," Adanna said.

"Best conquest I ever made," Tendai replied.

Colchester's ancient walls had seen many invasions.

But never one so thoroughly welcome.