The main thing I think of though, when I think back to those times were of an overriding stress and unhappiness that comes from competing like an alph...a-male and not succeeding. Another thing that made me stressed out was this racial competition that did not sit well with my deep down beliefs in racial equality. All of this made me really tired of the competition, really tired of trying to be an alpha male, and really tired of trying to prove that white guys were equal or better than black guys.. ‘I like a man who is strong in his convictions and will face whatever challenges there may be to his planned course of action. Therefore, you and Ritu have my permission and blessing to be married. I hope you will allow us to host your wedding. Finally, from what her mother tells me, I believe it would be wise if you and Ritu not delay in your wedding plans.’ He then stepped forward and hugged both Ritu and Jay. He firmly shook Jay’s hand before placing it in Ritu’s hand and squeezing them. "Elias, the trader, to see you, Vice-regent!" one of the scribes reported.Curiously, Macro bade him enter. Elias the slave trader was not a frequent visitor. While the other slavers had frequent business at the Vice-regent's palace to register slaves, Elias seemed to fade out of that business. With the pirates as prime supplier gone, the slave market in Tanitsar was drying up and the demand for free labourers was increasing. Elias, it seemed, had found it worthwhile to find work for labourers. Did a damn good job. A few puffs of his breath onmy toes to hasten the drying and then a bottle of deep scarlet appearedin his hand to be shaken very professionally. I kept my eyes closed andallowed myself to enjoy the feelings of the pungent lacquer beingapplied to my toes by my SON. I could feel Jim leaning back to admirehis handiwork. I caught his smile of accomplishment just as he said:"Take a look, Mom."It was a wonderful job. Better than I could do, not as good as aprofessional salon, but.