The Lounge's Summer Pool Party!!

[Essie1]

They don't mean to scare him, just an unfortunate series of coincidences, I suppose.

Holding Bubbles closer, feeling his fluffy wings curling around my hand

It's okay, little guy, I'll keep you safe and you keep me safe, deal? Deal.

 

[DesEsseintes]

<Strides in wearing cheerful tweeds and stout brogues, with a Purdey shotgun broken over his shoulder.>

When does duck-hunting season start, again? Oh - hello Essie. Hello - duck. Didn't see you there.

Can I get a drink for anyone? Or some aquatic insects, perhaps?

 

[Britwitch]

A strapless black and white striped sun dress showing tanned shoulders is her choice for today.

Strolling to the water's edge and sitting with her feet in the cool water, she sighs quietly

Peace at last. Or, at least, for a little while.

 

[DesEsseintes]

<Des Esseintes has changed into cream linens, contrasted with duck-egg blue boating shoes.>

Good morning, Brit. Are you relatively trouble free now (see what I did there)? Or, as your words indicate, does this take the form merely of a brief respite?

Are you a tea or coffee person at this hour? Or shall I pick some verbena and mint from the garden for an infusion?

 

[Britwitch]

She can't help but laugh

I did. And sadly my liberation from my hosts is still a few days away.
But I can steal a little time for myself now and then...to the coast!
Where I will valiantly rally against the desire to push certain people into the harbour.

A thoroughly mischievous giggle escapes next

And tea would be wonderful, thank you.

 

[DesEsseintes]

<Bustles about for a few minutes, before returning with a somewhat faded but still elegant silver tea set.>

It'll need a few minutes. I hope Earl Grey is alright - if not I've some interesting Oolong and various kinds of white tea, but they're not very breakfasty.

I pushed my little sister into the sea once. I was eight at the time, and it was only from a bathing platform. Still, it was immensely satisfying.

 

[Britwitch]

The temptation to do it is a very powerful thing, because I know how great it will feel!
And that's perfect, thank you good sir, and my sincerest apologies for not yet asking about yourself.
However, let me remedy that now, how are things in your part of the green and pleasant land?

 

[DesEsseintes]

Not at all, dear Brit - no apologies required. Things in the sunny south are very pleasant indeed though, after several hot and rainless days, not quite so green. I may have to press the old water-butt into action for the first time - though I am tempted to wait for what we are promised will be rains of Biblical proportion at the weekend.

Will you have a little toast? There's Cooper's Vintage Oxford on the left, greengage over here, or I think I have some lemon curd lying around somewhere.

 

[Britwitch]

Oooh toast, yes please, although just butter is enough for me this morning I think.

And the sun is out up here, hence the drive Eastwards today, forecasters say it could reach 30 so sun cream and sun hats at the ready.

But it does sound like our drive South on Saturday could be an interesting one, weather wise!

sips her tea with a smile

Any plans for your weekend?

 

[DesEsseintes]

I'm off to that there London on Saturday for my mother's birthday, and meeting my sister who lives there - a late lunch and then a wander around Broadway Market and Spitalfields, followed perhaps by cinema. We were going to go to one of the pop-up open air jobs, but the weather seems to preclude that. Sunday remains a blank canvas, to be filled with wine and sofas, I hope.

Good luck with your journey down. I hope you manage to miss the worst of the weather.

 

[Britwitch]

That there London, eh?

giggles with another sip of tea

Sounds fun. I have to say its been far too long since I visited the capital myself, except to change planes and so on. I think I will have to change that during our next trip. The theatre, good food and a stroll in a park would be wonderful and seriously overdue.

nods, making the decision for herself

But I hope your weekend turns out to be just as you'd hope and that the downpours miss you as much as they can.

 

[Essie1]

Sneaks in to give Brit an overdue hug and congratulations for not committing matricide-in-law

 

[Britwitch]

hugs Essie back, warmly, with a smile

Thanks, lovely.

 

[DesEsseintes]

Hello, Essie! And if Brit were to give in to her urges I'm sure no court in the land would convict her.

 

[CapnCuddly]

*splashes in a giant cannonball*

 

[Britwitch]

laughs at Jean's suggestion

I think I'd have to have someone like you as my defence!

But I'm sure the evidence that I was provoked would be more than enough to help get the jury on my side.

snickers into her tea before dodging the splash

 

[CapnCuddly]

Tea is one of three beverages that is also a letter.

 

[Britwitch]

You make an interesting point.

grins and stands, brushing off her dress

But, time for me to go to another coastal destination. Thank you, for the company and the tea...now to go and wrestle with desires I must not give in to!

 

[Essie1]

But I'm sure the evidence that I was provoked would be more than enough to help get the jury on my side.

whispers

I have a degree in criminology, I know how to make it look like an accident.... just saying....

Must go, Japan awaits - safe trip home to the land of fins, Brit

 

[DesEsseintes]

Just remember, Brit, that as Mr Bumble so eloquently put it, "The Law is an Ass, sir!"

Have a safe trip, and I hope your lip remains unbitten.

 

[Essie1]

Tea is one of three beverages that is also a letter.

Sipping a cold pineapple juice and conferring quietly with Monroe...

I can only think of one other thing you could drink that's also a letter.... but I wouldn't want to drink it

Cautious rustling and questioning soft quack from nearby palm tree

Coast is clear, little Bubblequack. You and your friends can go in the pool. First sign of trouble, take no prisoners...

 

[prettyserpentine]

wanders out past the bar in a polka dot summer dress, getting a blank look from the bartender

It's alright. I'm perfectly capable of making my own, thank you.

slips behind the bar and makes a nice tall glass of iced herbal tea, before wandering to a deck chair and looking disappointedly at the pool full of ducks

Well now. Guess I won't be swimming today.

 

[DesEsseintes]

Um...right. The pool appears to have turned into a pond. A very lovely pond, no doubt, but still...

Ah well. Now wrong with a spot of sunbathing until the ducks get sleepy, I suppose.

 

[Essie1]

Okay, chaps, into the Jacuzzi you go...

All you have to do is ask nicely

 

[DesEsseintes]

Okay, chaps, into the Jacuzzi you go...

All you have to do is ask nicely

Sink or swim, eh?

<A profound silence settles over the space. One of the ducks fixes Des Esseintes with a contemptuous glare.>

Oh. Sorry. I'd get my coat if I'd brought it with me.