Walking out the door of the mansion, I look around the grounds, seeing secluded bungalows scattered among the trees, colorful flowers and exotic looking plants growing in profusion in front of them. Each looks to be of a different architecture. Interesting, no two alike. Just like the people who will one day inhabit them.
Wandering along the grass, looking at each one, avoiding the ones that already have the look of occupation about them, I come across one set apart from the rest of them, but still close and open enough to be welcoming to the others. It has a wide, deep porch, and the open door shows that no personal belongings reside there. Smiling, I think to myself that the porch is easily deep enough to house my chair, and yet still protect it from all but the most viscious storms.
I think to myself that I may have found a new home for myself. Walking through the door, I see a delicately carved four poster bed, a ceiling fan circling lazily above it. Walking over to the french windows, I throw them open, finding that through the trees beyond, I can see the ocean just beyond. Smiling, I leave the windows open, and sit on the porch, waiting for the moving men with my chair to show up.
He woke up and slipped his arms around the warm body beside him. He saw that Katerinna was still asleep and kissed her face gently. Slipping up from the bed, he grabbed a pen and a blank page from one of his sketchbooks and wrote a quick note which he set on the pillow.
Kat,
I have gone downstairs to explore or just sit around... I will return soon. If you awaken before I get back, stay as long as you like, or go find your own room. Thank you for the company last night... it is always wonderful to have a warm body beside you.
G.
With that done, he placed another kiss on her forehead, took a quick shower, dressed in a black t-shirt and jeans and headed downstairs.
Half asleep in the warm sunshine, I wonder what could be taking the movers so long. Just three things to move, it doesn't seem like it should take this long. Shaking my head, I figure that they must have their own ways of doing things, and settle my back against the door, my legs stretched out in front of me. Well, at least it is sunny and warm here. That is something.
As I am about to doze off, I hear the rumble of a big truck coming along the road. Opening my eyes, I see the two men I had hired this morning drive up. Jumping up, I run to the truck as it stops, and tell them where to take the things they have brought. The Coke machine and my chair I have placed on the porch of the bungalow I have chosen for myself, and I have them put Angel's chair in front of the mansion. I know she must have made it here before me, but I don't know which room is hers. We should be able to get someone to move her chair for her later. Maybe that big man asking for passwords. Yes, that will work.
After signing the paperwork that they hold out for me, I take the money out of my purse to pay them for the move, and thank them. As they drive off, I smile to myself. Work done, now maybe we can find some fun lurking about.
My body starts to relax as I sink back further into my chair. My mind trying to piece together the complete mess my life has just become. A tear escapse from the corner of my eye. My life........no.....my love life.......shattered. "WHY ME!!" I cry out .........
I dash up the stairs in pursuit of my chair and find Aaron and the movers standing in my room debating about where it should go.
Would you please put it out on the porch... I measured and I think it will fit perfectly right there in that corner. *pointing*
They obligingly carry out my wishes and I tip then generously, happy to have the chair back with me.
I am also delighted to see that while I have been at the Cove my platform bed has arrived and has been set up by some crew that Aaron has magically produced. It is simply a 3' high oak platform with a narrow lower step, 1½’ high, that has been built all the way around except at the head. A thick queen-size mattress rests on top and is covered with pale green sheets and a white duvet.
Like my former room, this one is also soft and light, though the walls here are white for now. My white gauze drapes are attached to the tops of the French doors but are permanently pulled back so that I may enjoy an unobstructed view. Happily, my light oak dresser and bedside tables match the oak doors perfectly.
Matching drapes are suspended from the ceiling and can be arranged to completely hide the bed when I feel the need for a hidden oasis. For now, these are pulled back to the head of the bed and secured with long green ribbons. Matching plush pillows rest against the wall and serve as a headboard. My friend Tex has built drawers into the platform below the bed, and in these I have placed my treasures and books.
Candles and lanterns occupy almost every available surface, but the rest of my things had been given away before my move and now I must find other items to reflect the person I have now become.
But it is, and always will be, a room that looks mystical, magical and feminine… the room of a dreamer.
I go out onto the porch and sink into the chair in which I sat so many times at the Pearl... by myself and sometimes with the quiet one... and remember the company of friends.
After waking and not disturbing Faith, I silently set about hanging my rapiers over the small fire place. Pulling out my thngs and settling in to my new chamber.
Quietly, I shut the door behind me and head downstairs for a drink.
The chill of the air awakens me and I realize that I have been dozing in the chair on the porch for several hours. Stiffly I arise from the ungodly position into which my body has been forced and go into my bathroom to splash some water on my face.
After pinning up my hair, I change into something more comfortable and decide to go downstairs and see if Phillip has any food left over as I missed dinner and am suddenly quite hungry.
Locking the door behind me, I make my way through the dark silent hall... the ghost suddenly on my mind again.
I come awake. For a moment I don't know where I am...Sitting up I look around. The room is beautiful. The teak wood bed is huge. Looking closer I see a sea bag....a gentle smile crosses my lips...
"Swash"
The name comes out as little more than a whisper in the silence of the room. Sliding out of the bed, the open window draws my attention...
"Leave it to a pirate to pick a room with the best view"
Looking out I can see the garden and the cove...Picking up a pieces of paper I write a note...
Dear Swash,
Thank you for watching over me.
love
faith
Laying it on the desk I head out the door... time to go exploring
Slipping into a nightgown of pale green silk with tiny ribbons for straps, I open the French doors and leave them that way for the night. I step out onto the porch again for one last look around and notice the dried seaweed in the corner. I check to make sure that there's no one below and then fling it over the rail, wondering if I'll find more of it on my floor tomorrow.
I climb up onto my wonderful platform bed and and sink down into the deep mattress, pulling the duvet over me. Already the room feels like home and I feel protected and content. The old house creaks, the moon casts mysterious shadows on the walls, the wind sings a song through the branches and leaves of the ancient oak trees, and the sea beckons to me.
Struggling to stay awake a little while longer to see if I can catch sight of the elusive Blackbeard, I finally give up as my eyes grow heavy... and I soon succumb to the dreams that await.
Cracking the door open with my toe I find that Faith has left my bed. Mixxed feelings of relief twinged with a lament wash my mind at that.
I lay Tehari's sweet, slumbering nudity upon my sheets softly. noticing a note on my seachest. Pausing to read it in the moonlight. I fold it in half and smile out the window tothe sea. "Beloved Faith," I whisper ot the wind before returning it to the chest and sliding into bed with Tehari.
Thoughts of burried treasure and more tangible treasures of desire filling my mind as I cup one of her breasts and drift out on the tides of sleep....
I awaken slowly and wonder for an instant where I am. Ah, yes... in my room at Queen Anne's Revenge. I am momentarily disappointed for Blackbeard did not invade my dreams. In fact, I had no dreams at all... a most unusual phenomenon. As I step out onto my porch I quickly scan the hardwood floors to see if there is any seaweed lying about. Nothing.
The day is beautiful... sunny, with a slight breeze, and the waves look non-threatening at the moment. Perfect for a picnic... I'm pleased that I had the foresight to ask Phillip to prepare a basket for me.
Hurrying through my morning ablutions, I step into a deep rose dress, pick up my straw hat and bag, and hurry downstairs.
She rolls over and the crinkle of paper makes her bolt up in bed.
"No! I wont sign..." Blinking back into reality she looks under her and sees the now crumpled paper with gages handwritting on it.
She read the note and chuckled, shaking her head and slipping out of bed "Whatever suits you Mr." Slipping on her clothes she took the paper, turned it around and wrote a little note back.
Well Gage : A girl is more than happy to Oblige. Im sure you know that we love a warm companion too at night. If I miss you the rest of the day I hope your exploring is fun.. and you have a lovely time of it.
Sincerely
Kat
She tugged her shoes on and stretched, running her fingers in her knotted mass of hair. She opened the door to his rooms and stiffling a yawn, peeked up and down the hall. She slipped outside and slowly shut the door, hearing a muffled click she grinned crookedly and then ran her shoulders in a circle, peeking about the hall.
She tried to remember "8 I think.. wasnt it?" She started looking at the rooms and smiled when she saw a broze plaque with the number 8 Engraved on it. Well enough, when she tried to turn the key it worked, and her smile grew even more as she pushed the door open.
Her eyes grew wide, her mouth parting as she saw the wonder inside the room. It was.. so.. beautiful..
Dark blue velvet curtains at every window, lent a view to the sea. The pale beaches splashed with waves, the sound of the water smooth and peaceful. White walls, with oiled and well kept wood trim, and the odds and ends of furniture. An Armoire, a table, 4 chairs, a writting desk.. all in the same lovely polished wood. She walked in, shutting the door quietly behind her and walked to the armoire, running her hands slowly over the smooth wood surface..
The bathroom was even more wonderful. As she peeked inside she saw the blue and white tiles that made the walls and the large mahogany and marble bath. She simply hopped around the room in glee til she stopped at the bed. Large canopy of dark blue. The sheets on the bed black and blue, made of the softest silk.. Ooh she was going to have fun in this room.
She set her things in a corner and headed out the room to go downstairs.. She couldnt wait to show Gage..
After I slept awhile......I decided to go exploring.
I noticed another Beach House and I began to wonder if it was occupied. The door was locked and all the blinds pulled down so I could not see inside. I knocked on the door; "Hello! Anybody!"....there was no answer right away.
Watchign the sunset over the cove, its long shadows falling over the waves. I notice a small boat struggling against the tide. The straw hatted woman was trying futilily to control the craft.
Suddenly a large swell toppled her boat, pitchign her into the sea. Grabbign my spy glass I searched the water. She bobbed up and grabbed the side of the boat. The current carrying her to the far side of the cove.
I quickly grabbed my old campaign cloak and a bottle of brandy adn raced from my room banging the door behind me..
He turned the key for her and they went inside. It was dim and his eyes couldn't make out the shapes in the room very well. He helped her in, not knowing if she was feeling the effects of the alcohol or not. He stepped in carefully and made out the outline of the bed. He went over to it and sat, taking off his shoes and socks. He looked up at her and smiled.
Care to shed some light, beautiful?
He took the bottle from her gentle grasp and sat it on a nearby table, along with the glasses.
Chuckling at him already on the bed she nods "sure thing handsome"
Quickly flicking teh switch she covers her eyes against the light "Mmmm.. bright in here" she pads over to him and leans over the bed, crawling up into it and towards him. Kicking her shoes off she purrs, licking at his neck.
He smiles and kisses her face, starting at her temple and moving down her cheek to her chin and then her lips... he takes a moment to breathe the sweet breath from her mouth and then kisses her fully. His hands find their way to her back, and one slips down to again rub her thigh.
Have to pick up where we left off, right?
He kissed her soft face again and then dragged his mouth down her throat, pausing to suckle on the hollow halfway down and then moved his teeth silently over her collarbone. He looked into her beautiful eyes and smiled.
Laughs and tosses her head back, caressing his hair and ears, murring at his touches. She straddles his thigh and sighs softly, happily as she reaches a hand inside his shirt to caress his back
"youll hear no complaints from me" was all she could muster, her mind completely on his delicious touch
"you keep touching me like that and youll see what im capable of"
His hand moved up to very high on her inner thigh. Gently tickling and stroking her flesh. His lips played on her skin and his other hand gently squeezed her rump. He began to feel his body respond to her and he looked into her eyes again.
She grins and slowly moves over his body, Her thighs rubbing over his as he touches her. Tugging his shirt free she begins to play them over his hot skin, leaning forward to nibble on his ear as she whispers "I think.. You should stop asking what I have in mind.. and trust what my body wants.. just let it react to you"
He nods silently and raises his arms over his head to get the shirt off. He then undresses her, slowly, taking off each garment as if it were in itself a sexual act. His hands play over her skin like she is delicate and yet he is unable to draw them away. His lips play over her skin as he removes his jeans and shorts, and then just enjoys for a moment, the two of them in the glory of their forms. He kisses her deeply and then runs a hand through her hair before leaning her back on the bed. His hands runs down her body and he again kisses his way from her lips to her navel, paushing to tease her breasts with his lips, tongue and teeth. He will be silent now, and he kisses her body deeply, not just with his lips, but with his soul.
Rolling over and hugging a pillow to myself, I crack an eye open. It is still quite grey outside, which means if I hurry, I can greet the day on the beach, something I have been dying to do.
Hopping out of bed, I pull on a rust colored dress, and quickly brush my teeth, and then my hair, pulling it back away from my face and into a ponytail. Then I run out the door, headed for the mansion to grab some orange juice to take to the cove with me.
Back in my room, I fold Swash’s cloak and place it over the back of a chair. The breeze coming in through the French doors causes me to shiver, and I quickly close them and light the fire along with several candles and the two oil lamps from Safe Harbor.
Minutes later, I’m almost completely submerged in the hot, steamy bath water and sigh in contentment. I realize that I might have overdone it with the bubbles when I see a mound of them escaping and cascading over the side.
Oooh, I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed a bath so much!
An image from another place, another time pops into my mind, and I giggle.
Okay, maybe there was another bath that was a little more memorable!
Lying with my head resting on the back edge of the tub, I drowsily watch the play of shadows on the wall, and hope that I don’t fall asleep for I am sooo relaxed after this amazing day of adventure.