The Lounge's Summer Pool Party!!

[DesEsseintes]

Sidney, I have not take diving lessons, no. I find most Olympic divers absurdly hide-bound by convention. I merely draw on my years with the Bolshoi to inspire me. <Nonchalantly crossed legs perform a subtle plie, as if unconsciously.>

 

[Sidney_1]

Sidney, I have not take diving lessons, no. I find most Olympic divers absurdly hide-bound by convention. I merely draw on my years with the Bolshoi to inspire me. <Nonchalantly crossed legs perform a subtle plie, as if unconsciously.>

Well, I look forward to hearing you narrate and execute more of your dives.

<I plie and raise my arms and shenae turn to relay my understanding.>

 

[DesEsseintes]

You are very kind. But I shall leave diving for a while, since my previous efforts led to such disapprobation. I think it would be best if I merely ordered another Martini or seven, and sat quietly watching the moon flirt with the water.

 

[prettyserpentine]

sits down next to Jean, the truffles on her lap

Then I'll join you. We can muse on how the moonlight glints off the surface of the water.

And eat all these truffles.

Coincidentally, I have that Dylan Moran show on DVD. It's one of my favourite standups. I really enjoy Bill Bailey too.

 

[DesEsseintes]

Ms. Serpentine, I shall be delighted - though I fear I must leave soon. I, too, love Mr Bailey's work, which is why Black Books was such a delight. With Spaced And Green Wing, perhaps the only sitcoms I'd happily watch again and again (I don't think The Thick of It counts as a sitcom, does it?).

Poor old moon. Every night, for billions of years, she seeks to draw the oceans to her. And every night the seas swell and curve towards her, teasingly, and then at last fall back into the arms of Earth.

Will she ever learn, I wonder?

 

[DesEsseintes]

Well, it's sundown somewhere in the Empire. I think, Monroe, I'm feeling tropical. I'll have a Singapore Sling, please.

<Checks carefully for ducks. Then climbs the 10m diving platform, walks to the end, and slowly performs a count of three a handstand. His lithe form hurtles into the air, before he tucks his legs straight between his tightly outstretched arms and spins once, twice, three times. At last, only 2-3 metres from the expectant pool, he unfolds himself to plunge, arrow-straight, into the water's welcoming embrace. Swimming underwater, he emerges triumphant by the giant fern at the southern end of the pool, to be met by an impassive barman holding an immaculate Singapore Sling.>

Monroe, has anyone ever told you your timing is superb?

 

[TechnoGeek]

-peeks head in and waves to those he knows, spying around for his Pretty one-

 

[Britwitch]

strolls in, long black dress skimming her curves and showing a rather generous amount of her cleavage, smoky make up highlighting the brightness of her eyes and lips fixed in an apparently permanent grin

a nod to Munroe and a perfectly mixed G&T arrives in her hand, the scent of lime drifting up to her nose as she sips it with a sigh of satisfaction before continuing her path out to the edge of the decking and sitting with bare feet in the sea, beneath the twinkling lights and flickering lanterns

 

[DesEsseintes]

Good evening, Brit. You are looking especially splendid tonight, may I say?

There is a delicious coolness in the breeze tonight, is there not? I think I shall accentuate it with a few laps of your lovely pool. No diving now - I am feeling too tranquil. I trust my strokes will not disturb you?

<Slips into pool with a suppressed gasp as the cool water enrobes his body. Then slides under water and begins to swim, steadily, the sound faintly pulsing in the quiet air like the steady beat of a Roman galley.>

 

[Britwitch]

Why, thank you very much...

a nod of her head and a rise of her glass as she watches him slip into the water with a smile, waiting until he pauses with his head above water to speak to him

Always a pleasure to see you here, Jean. I hope your weekend is starting well...?

 

[DesEsseintes]

It has begun well, and unexpectedly so, thank you - a spontaneous meal with the neighbours in our garden which began around 5.00 and finished less than an hour ago. I like those kind of evenings. How about you?

 

[Britwitch]

This week is drawing to a very pleasant conclusion, I must admit.

A smile flickers over her lips before she drains the last of her drink from her glass.

A busy weekend ahead but not unpleasantly so, celebrating milestones with friends we don't get to see very often at all but who live a long way from where we currently are, and then onto the in laws.

The smile falters slightly but she shakes it off.

Anyway, the hour grows late here and a trip to the Midlands awaits us tomorrow so I should probably head to bed after having had a somewhat sleepless night last night. Again, not unpleasantly so.

She blushes now, rising from the decking and brushing down her dress.

But, do enjoy the remains of your evening, sir, and I hope the enjoyment flows into your weekend proper.

 

[DesEsseintes]

I shall enjoy the night's slow decay with the relish I reserve for all entropy in action - and the more so since it has been enlivened by your presence. Good luck with your weekend, both the friends and in-laws part. May the friends feel like family, and the family be friendly.

 

[DesEsseintes]

<Des Esseintes strolls through the yew tree archway into the pool area, to find a sad chill like a weight, pressing down every chair and tree until they are a little flatter - a little more dimensionless, against the immensity of the steel-grey sky. The pool itself is hidden in a shroud of brittle leaves, with the water peering out here and there behind the lattice of decay. Even Monroe, ramrod stiff as ever, seems a little dusty, like a mannequin in a long-closed shop.>

I hope this lovely place will not be allowed to fester. Is there no-one who will share a drink, or a little light conversation, or even a swim?

<The trees, somewhat closer now in their neglect, dull the words so that they drop, lifeless, to the floor. Even the scurrying ants, hurtling in immemorial fashion from leaf to stone to nest, seem freighted with cares beyond the strength of their tiny frames. An abandoned champagne flute, frosted with dew, bears sullen witness to last night's rain.>

 

[Britwitch]

Fester?

Brit bursts out from behind a conveniently placed palm tree

Fester?! I shall have nothing of the sort. I'll admit, I've had a...rough...couple of days but some time by the sea is just what I need!

A click of her fingers and Munroe, smiling as always, seems to suddenly come back to life and brings a chilled G&T with lime to rest near her on the bar.

And you, Jean? Can I tempt you to partake of some refreshment while you're here.

 

[DesEsseintes]

Fester?

Brit bursts out from behind a conveniently placed palm tree

Fester?! I shall have nothing of the sort. I'll admit, I've had a...rough...couple of days but some time by the sea is just what I need!

A click of her fingers and Munroe, smiling as always, seems to suddenly come back to life and brings a chilled G&T with lime to rest near her on the bar.

And you, Jean? Can I tempt you to partake of some refreshment while you're here.

Well, it was all looking a little bit...

But it is delightful to see you again, Brit - though I am sorry to hear that your days have been anything other than seamlessly glorious. In-laws proving troublesome, or something entirely unrelated? Or I could mind my own business, of course. Always an option.

You do have a way with Monroe. He wasn't responding to me. I'm feeling rather Bridesheady this evening. I think I shall have a Brandy Alexander.

 

[Britwitch]

Not at all, my in-laws are thoroughly ghastly people - my mother-in-law triply so! - and should count themselves lucky to still be alive given all that's happened since our arrival.

A rather large sip of her drink is taken and swallowed with a louder than usual exclamation of enjoyment.

But enough of their frustrating ways...I need to escape and this is the perfect place to do it. Although, it needs a little...something...

A grin, a wink and a twitch of her nose and all at once the lanterns are burning, the fairy lights twinkling and some suitably soft music floats on the breeze.

Well, I am a witch, after all.

 

[DesEsseintes]

A grin, a wink and a twitch of her nose and all at once the lanterns are burning, the fairy lights twinkling and some suitably soft music floats on the breeze.

Well, I am a witch, after all.

I knew I'd seen you somewhere before...

 

[Britwitch]

She giggles, taking her drink to sit by the now illuminated pool. Legs dipping under the surface with her sundress bunched around her knees. Patting the area beside her in a silent invitation for him to join her should he wish.

I try to keep my powers for special occasions and emergencies.

She explains with mock seriousness in her voice.

 

[Essie1]

Wanders onto the deck and stands by the edge of the pool, wind gently ruffling her skirt and hair. Monroe appears and wraps a warm shawl around her shoulders to keep out the chill, handing her a jam jar glass full of gin and lemonade with fresh mint and lemon to give it extra tang.

You are a true gem, Monroe, and never let anyone tell you different.

Taking a large sip of the drink, Essie pulls the shawl tighter and tries to regulate her breathing in time with the pulsing of the waves, whispering quietly to herself.

Two more sleeps ...inhale... just relax ...exhale... two more sleeps ...inhale... step by step ...exhale...

 

[Niceandbrutal]

Comes out of the showers, still dripping with water. Bubblequack runs around my legs in circles and quacks excitedly.

"Yes Bubbles, you can swim in the pool."

The little duckling sprints towards the pool and lands with splayed feet in the water. He starts swimming around, quacking contentedly.

Smiling at my little feathered friend, I towel myself off and walk up to the bar. A tall glass with a non-alcoholic strawberry and basil drink awaits me.

"The service here is top notch."

 

[Essie1]

Smiling delightedly at Bubbles' joyful leap into the water.

You are such a little sweetheart, Bubblequack! Now stay away from the edge so we can see you, okay? Good ducky.

Wanders over to the bar and greets a slightly soggy Nice

Lovely to see you, my friend. How are things in your neck of the woods? Thank you for bringing Bubbles along, he does make me smile.

 

[pussycraver54]

Arrival

The middle of the pool begins to swirl and flash sevral diffrent colors as a man standing on a raft appears in a unbuttoned flanel sleevless shirt and a tight fitting pair of blue jeans. He is holding a single red rose and a bottle of well aged brandy as he ask, " Is the witch of the pool in?"

 

[Essie1]

Runs over to pool and scoops out a distraught little Bubblequack, whose time in the pool has yet again been disrupted by sudden arrivals

It's okay, ducky, Essie's got you.

Warily eyeing the newcomer

Brit's not here at the moment but if you'd like to leave a message with Monroe the bartender, I'm sure he'll pass it on.

Taking softly quacking Bubbles to the bar, where Monroe gives him a little bowl of corn and some water to soothe his ruffled feathers

 

[TinyDuchess]

"Poor itty bitty Bubbles!" Stroking the duckling cradled in Essie's hand. "Why do these meanies keep scaring you?!"