~ * ~

Thursday, July 20, 2006

Stiletto : Variations on a Theme

These two pieces of flash prose (each less than 500 words) were entries into Desdmona's Stiletto Flash contest. The first, Memento, won an honorable mention. You may recognize the theme in the second, Timeless, if you're a fan of Arthurian legend. Peace, y’all.

~ Alessia

Variations on a theme

[ I ]
Memento

Father Secco paused in his preparation for Sunday’s sermon when the recently-hired cleaning girl appeared in his peripheral vision. “Yes, Carlotta? What is it?” he asked without looking up.

“Please to excuse, padre.” Her voice dropped an octave, “Is this.”

It took him a moment to decipher what sounded like ees dees before lifting just his eyes to discover Carlotta holding a plastic grocery bag at arm’s length from her body as if its contents might suddenly explode. As he met her gaze, a blush crept up her neck and lit upon her full cheeks, making her appear even younger.

Father Secco rose and circled his desk, relieving Carlotta of the bag. Free of its burden, her body immediately relaxed, and her hands clasped one another just below her ample bosom.

“I…I found eet in the confessional,” she stammered, “just like the other.”

He took a quick peek into the bag, nodded once, and thanked Carlotta for bringing it to his attention. “There’s no need to bother anyone else about this,” he cautioned as he herded her toward the door. “I’ll take care of it.”

Carlotta crossed herself and muttered, “Sí, padre. Gracias.”

His heart racing, Father Secco closed the door to his office and pressed the knob’s button to lock it. He placed the bag on his desk and fetched a small key from the compartment of a hollow crucifix—one which once held a small vial of holy water. Taking a deep breath to quell the tremor in his hands, he inserted the key into the upper left desk drawer and slowly pulled it open. Her perfume—the vanilla musk—greeted him, flooding his mind with memories of that Saturday morning when he first heard her confession.

The black patent leather stiletto—never worn, from the look of its sole—had the drawer to itself, which was quite an honor considering the substantial clutter elsewhere. On the instep in flowing red script, a simple query:

Remember me?

Indeed, he did. In fact, he dreamt of her often; his seed soaking the sheets as he slept. How could he possibly forget the whisper rasp of her hands against the fabric of her clothes, the husky guttural sound of her voice as she climaxed, and the overwhelmingly enticing scent of her arousal in the close confines of the confessional? Odd that, in spite of what they’d shared, he wouldn’t recognize her if they passed on the street.

The bag contained the shoe’s mate—with one significant addition. He removed it gingerly, pinched between thumb and forefinger, and held it at eye level. Its message, in the same red ink, sent a shiver through him:

Until next time,

But it was the scent–her scent—which produced an instant erection. The heel glistened with her juices. Still wet. He brought the stiletto nearer his face and inhaled deeply. As he extended his tongue to taste of her, the remainder of her message came into view:

padre.



[ II ]
Timeless

First light peeks through the drapery sheers, appearing as a raspberry blush through closed eyelids. Their pale bodies lie atop the soft taupe bedspread, naked limbs entwined in a deeply sated slumber. Lance smiles softly without opening his eyes, remembering that the woman he loves is—against all odds—finally by his side. His beard is still redolent with her essence, and his hips ache with the memory of passion lasting far into the night. Into the pre-dawn hours, if truth be told.

Truth. If defined as the absence of pretense, he muses, then their love is most assuredly true. Truer, in fact, than any bound by the arbitrary constructs of sin and salvation. Call it destiny, if needs be, or call it lust. Both may be true, but neither matters when the silky skin of her thighs rests atop his groin. Their rhythmic union declares itself beyond the reach of definition, of mere words—timeless in its systolic perfection.

Gwen stirs—whimpers as if an unpleasant dream disturbs her sleep—and he kisses her forehead to smooth her brow. The ding of an elevator carries through the heavy door, accompanied by muffled voices from another realm, another reality. The wheels of a pulled suitcase echo as retreating hoof beats against the tiled floor.

He is painfully aware that the universe has but one such night set aside for them, and it is not without risk to their lives, their loves, and their cause. Yet her insistent kisses vanquish all doubt. Her hot tongue upon his cock eclipses even the threat of death, and her touch sears his very soul. There is no price too steep for this moment.

Opening his eyes, Lance drinks the sight of her face. Fair lashes rest against porcelain cheeks still flushed with sex. Her breath teases his mouth, and he moves closer to inhale the air once inside her—as if in so doing, part of her will forever be in his blood. She smiles as his tongue then traces the outline of her lips, and her eyes—bluest fields deep—slowly open.

Their kiss deepens, and their bodies move together—closing the narrow space. He feels the cold steel just as Gwen gasps. Neither recoils. They know—without looking—what lies between them, and their eyes lock in silent understanding. Time’s up. The stiletto’s ornate handle protrudes from the mattress, its blade embedded as they slept.

Together, their fingers grip the shaft to extract the blade, and they read the words engraved upon it. Timeless words for a timeless quest. On one side: Take Me Up. On the other: Cast Me Away.

~ ~ ~

Saturday, July 15, 2006

A-Musement

This is a fun little piece I wrote a while back as part of a challenge (all dialogue, no tags): Conversation with a Muse©.

* * *

Ahoy, mate!

"Lemme guess. I'm a pirate today. Writing a new story?"

Aye.

"You sure mix it up, Ms. Brio."

Don't wanna get bored. It's MY imagination, after all. You up for it?

"Always – and all ways. You know that."

That's why I keep you around.

"Gee, and I thought it was my sharp wit and rakish good looks."

That, too. Not to mention your incredible mainmast.

"So, can I play in your poop deck today?"

You know that's not my thing.

"Can't blame a guy for trying. Okay, then how about some reverse cowgirl?"

Possibly, but you know it makes me feel like the busty figurehead on the prow of an old sailing ship – and the last time we broke the rungs on that chair.

"But I love watching your ass slam into me. And it was YOU who cracked those rungs. My feet were firmly planted on the deck."

A technicality, as it was your fault I was bracing myself on them in the first place.

"You were lovin' it. Don't even TRY to pretend otherwise. This 'old sailing
ship' can still give good plank."

Another reason I keep you around. If my ass is what you most want to see, I'd prefer doggie style.

"Works for me – but then your hands aren't free."

Are we gonna debate positions, or are we gonna fuck?

"Your fantasy, dear. You decide."

Of course. However, it'd be much more fun with an enthusiastic partner.

"Like you had yesterday?"

Do I detect a note of jealousy in your voice?

"No! Well, maybe. Okay, yes."

Let go of that right now. I will NOT have my muses competing with one another.

"You looked like you were having such an extraordinarily good time with her."

I was – just as I intend to do with you. Did you enjoy watching?

"Naturally. Did you enjoy being watched?"

I wasn't aware of it at the time, but I like the image of you standing there, cock in hand.

"It was."

Was what?

"In hand."

Show me.

"With pleasure, lass."

Lass? Oh, the pirate thing. I'd shifted gears already.

"Well, you should let a guy know."

Can't you read my mind? You're IN it, after all.

"Takes the fun out of it."

You can't be serious! Most guys would love to know what a woman is really thinking. You can do it and choose not to?

"Feels like cheating."

Ah, a man of principle. But of course, I'd conjure nothing less. Hey! You're left handed.

"No, I'm ambidextrous – or hadn't you noticed?"

Show me.

"Come closer, sugar. My fingers wanna do some walking."

Your mast is looking quite sturdy. Do you always stroke yourself so slowly?

"No. I'll pick up speed in a bit. I'd prefer a bit of something slippery to make it more enjoyable, though."

I think I can accommodate you, but you're gonna have to work for it.

"I'm up for the challenge, so to speak."

I've no doubt you'll succeed admirably. You have incredible hands and very agile fingers. That feels quite....

"Quite? Did you lose your voice, dear?"

Oh! Damn you. That's...

"That's what? Finish your sentences!"

... quite....

"You said that already. Having problems concentrating?"

You know what that does to me – that bowling ball thing.

"Of course. That's why I'm doing it. Switching hands, though."

I see what you mean – about having something slippery.

"And you're about as slippery as they come. No pun intended."

Not coming yet, but I will be if you keep doing... THAT.

"As will I, undoubtedly."

Does your right hand know what your left hand is doing?

"Are you kidding? My right hand is insanely jealous of my left hand – as are my cock and my tongue."

Well, we wouldn't want them to feel left out, now would we?

"I'll take that as in invitation!"

As intended.

"Which first?"

Take me right to the edge with your tongue, and then impale me on your cock as I'm coming.

"Sounds like a plan. I'll get right on it."

Spin around this way if you want me to tend your mast.

"Uh uh. Too distracting."

For whom?

"For me. I wanna be focused on your cunt, not on what you're doing to my cock."

Understood and... mmmm... appreciated.

"I love it when you shave here."

Feels nice, huh?

"Sure does. Tastes damned good, too."

I can barely keep from touching myself after a close shave. Damn, I love your tongue.

"And it loves you. How 'bout my lips?"

Ah, yes. Just a little... faster.

"Fingers?"

Rrrrrright... there. Just two. Yes!

"Other hand?"

Ass.

"With pleasure. Now, are your lovely tits feeling neglected?"

(pause)

"Alessia?"

Hmm?

"Your tits? Oh, never mind. I see you're... um... handling that for me."

It won't be long now. Still up for it?

"Just tell me when."

You'll know. Oh, d-damn.

"Wow! When did you get your nipple pierced?"

A couple weeks ago. It feels...

"I love it!"

... absolutely... incredible!

"It's been too long, lover. Your tits should never be away from my mouth for that long."

If you'll recall, we were in too much of a hurry the... Oh! Oh, yes! – last time to even bother getting my shirt off. Suck my clit. Yeah. Just... like... that.

"Your legs are shaking."

Now, lover. Fuck me now!

"Gladly."

*gasp*

"I'm not gonna last long. You're so... hot... inside!"

Thanks to you. Harder, p-please.

"Oh, that's.... Yeah. Oh, yeah."

Come with me, lover.

"Mmmmm. Yes!"

I... agree... completely.

"I love it when you wrap your legs around me like that. I can drive deeper."

Yeah, but I can't push back if I don't have my feet braced against something.

"Well, you can make up for that in round two. I want you on top."

Sounds good to me, but it's gonna have to wait 'til next time. I have to get going. Real life calls.

"Shit! Oh, well. Come back soon, gorgeous."

Count on it.

* * *

5Impressive
11/01/04 by mismused

An absolutely Impressive story. Fantastically written, and very different. What a writer! mismused

4imp,
11/01/04 by

Quite good. Now, don't be lazy and add the details! Oh, I dug the (pause) thing, btw. :D

5I'm chuckling, but
11/01/04 by matriarch

wow, another gem. I don't know where you are finding them Imp, but keep bringing them out. The combination of humour, lightheartedness and blatent sexiness produces a highly acceptable result. Phew. A woman could wish for muses like yours. Great work. Mat xx

5*grin*
11/01/04 by Anonymous in USA

Delightful!

5You did it again!
11/02/04 by Anonymous in USA

Another IMPressive triumph! I can't wait for your next "conversation."

5That's a fun one...
11/08/04 by Belegon in Southern California

...and I like the all dialouge thing.might have to try it myself sometime.

5Delightful!
12/12/04 by LadyJeanne

And devilishly clever. And proves the mind is the most erogenous zone of all.

5You...
07/12/06 by ABSTRUSE

Never cease to amaze me. Abs. *kiss*

5Another interesting approach...
03/09/07 by amicus in Oregon

A curious experiment of creating a muse to talk with and interact with, which of course one does in a way, and then again, sometimes the muse makes an abrupt departure for reasons sometimes not understood. Well done. amicus...

Monday, July 10, 2006

The Seven : Revisited

NOW AVAILABLE AS AN AMAZON SHORT!

The Seven: Revisited

Below are the public comments left by readers while the first draft of The Seven: Revisited was posted on Literotica:

5good job imp
11/11/05 by dreampilot79
Another stellar job Imp!

5as always, carefully prepared and informative...
11/11/05 by sack in USA
Good luck...this deserves to place!

5Well whaddya know....
11/11/05 by Extreme Bohunk in usa
In spite of all odds, I learned something new. Thanks.

5...
11/11/05 by Elizabetht in SouthWest
As soon as I read the first name I knew where the names were from. As an African American woman the names resonant with me as the time for our celebrating comes close at hand. These are principals that more people should try and emulate. Always E

5Good one imp.
11/11/05 by rgraham666 in Canada
Very realistic. Frightening, sad and uplifting by turns. Well done.

5Moving
11/11/05 by hugo_sam
A truly moving emotionally wrenching story with a message for us all. wonderful. Thanks

5Seven
11/11/05 by My Erotic Tale
Impressive as always Imp, I even got flash backs from last years read, a very indepth and moving tale, and up swing ending after a twist and turn ride on your write, Merry Christmas and Good Luck...Art~ (~_~)

5A beautifully
11/11/05 by Daniellekitten in Michigan
written and emotionally overwhelming story. I love the poignant passing and the rebirth of Kuji. You stand by your name Imp..

5Impressive
11/11/05 by Black Tulip
story. I especially liked the rebirthing. This kind of symbolism should not be limited to the Holiday Season. Good luck. Black Tulip

5Beautiful
11/11/05 by SelenaKittyn
There is a particular tone to this piece that carries a quiet dignity and calm, in spite of the surrounding action. I really enjoyed this, I'm going back to read the first. Good luck!

5Well done
11/16/05 by Rumple Foreskin in a state of collapse
agree with Selena about the tone, but I also thought the pacing and rythm of the piece was very effective. Good writing. Rumple

5Incredible.
11/19/05 by ABSTRUSE
I'm so happy you continued the Seven. What a moving piece and a delight to read. An early Christmas gift. Abs.

5Mistress of her Craft
11/19/05 by Colleen Thomas in USA
Everything you write is good, but these stories have a particular resonance and power. In them you display the kind of storytelling skill we all aspire too. -Colly

5thank you
11/20/05 by Honey123
for continuing to write these stories the way only you can! ~Honey

5No words...
11/20/05 by cookiejar in USA
Can even begin to tell you how your story affected me. What a truly beautiful piece of work. Good luck! Cookie :)

5Powerful!
11/20/05 by Unsung Muse
I can't wait to go back and read the first piece. Best of luck to you in the contest!

5It's lovely...
11/21/05 by Belegon in SoCal
...both the story and to see you branching out. You're a wonderful writer Imp. (sorry it took me a while to get here...been nano'ing ya know *wink*)

5Imp...
11/21/05 by MistressJett
A well-written, bittersweet tale. Like some of the others, I need to go back and read the first now. Best of luck in the contest!

5Excellent.
11/23/05 by vella_ms
but then i expect nothing more than excellence from you. my hope is that you continue with this saga. v~

5Heartbreaking
11/23/05 by Aurora Black in Greece
I was moved to tears, Imp. You did great.

5Well done
11/28/05 by Anonymous in USA
Tear jerking and bittersweet, worthy of an award!

5Unexpected
12/04/05 by lil_elvis in USA
Not what I expected, but very glad that I read it.

5Powerful, and moving
12/04/05 by Alex De Kok in UK
Not sure if I actually 'enjoyed' it, as enjoyment is a term I reserve for lighter things, but it certainly stirred me. Compulsive reading, a story beautifully told. Well done. Alex

5Powerful and moving
12/05/05 by cloudy
Please continue with the story of these people, and their triumphs....I want more! Well done.

4Good story...
12/05/05 by Anonymous in USA
I like it...it was educational and hot.

3Great story
12/05/05 by Anonymous
Good luck in the contest ~rum

5wow...
12/06/05 by gotwood49 in Florida
This was totally unlike anything I've read on Lit before. I didn't know what to expect, but you've certainly spurred my mind to thought, imp. An excellent effort. Thank you for the chance to experience this!

5I have to agree...
12/07/05 by Louise Brown
...with many of the other comments here, Imp. I was drawn in and would've loved the story to have been longer. Nice to end it in the hope of the season though. Best of luck!

5good showing
12/07/05 by CrimsonMaiden
of the spirit we are supposed to have during the holiday season and hopefully throughout the entire year. Well done.

~ ~ ~

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

The Seven

NOW AVAILABLE AS AN AMAZON SHORT!

The Seven
Below are the public comments left by readers while the first draft of The Seven was posted on Literotica:

5Very Impressive~
11/11/04 by My Erotic Tail
Clever and witty tale, I was enlightened and didn't even know it. Your a zen master of pen! good luck and Happy Holidays Art~

1I don't understand
11/12/04 by Anonymous
I have no idea why anyone would like this story. Sorry, but it's boring and poorly written. Don't just describe; tell a story next time, okay?

5Exceptional
11/12/04 by Anonymous
Sometimes you have to be clever enough to interpret the meaning. Happy Holidays impressive and thank you!

5The Medium is the Message
11/12/04 by oggbashan
I appreciated this story. I think it is appropriate to the season yet I would have liked more personal interaction between the characters. I thought it could benefitted by being developed into a longer story about the trials of obtaining the supplies. Some conflict about the claims of charity against commercial considerations and how the difficulties were overcome by co-operation between the seven playing on each others' strengths could have helped. Og

4A very intriguing read
11/13/04 by Rumple Foreskin in Freedonia
I agree with Og that while this story is good, it could be even better. But you deserve a lot of credit for tackling something out of the ordinary, especially for Lit, and for the quality of your prose. Rumple

5Agreeing
11/14/04 by Black Tulip
I enjoyed reading this story and think it's very appropriate to the season. But I have to agree with Og and Rumple, more interaction would make it an even better story. Good luck.

4more please...
11/15/04 by sack in USA
This is an excellent premise for a longer story. Flesh out the characters more, have something happen beyond the ordinary, and you are all set! Good start!

5Very deep...
11/16/04 by cookiejar in USA
But truly lovely writing. I hope it gets the votes it deserves. Good luck!

2And the point is?
11/16/04 by Anonymous in USA
I simply couldn't enjoy this story. For one thing, there was far too much description without the support of dialogue to get a feel for the characters. Despite the emotional message of the story, it lacks a feeling of actual human emotion. For another, it's completely out of place. No offense, but this IS a site for erotica. You would be better off putting this on a normal story site.

5I liked it
11/16/04 by ravenmx
I agree with most of the other comments, it would be nice if it was longer with more interaction between the characters and the trials and tribualtions that it takes to obtain supplies and keep the shelter open for that amount of people. However it is a great holiday story in the sheer fact that it is all very true. To many people go hungry and without shelter, especially around the holidays.

5Thanks hun
11/16/04 by Colleen Thomas in USA
The key to any story in the holiday contest is to address the many feelings the holiday season conjures. This one approached part of it that I didn't know much about. Despite that, the very things you stress by down playing, warm food, shelter, family, are the things that mean the most at this time of year. -Colly

5nice
11/17/04 by Anonymous in Chicago
all the best.

5Impressive!
11/20/04 by Virtual_Burlesque
You have lived up to your name with this allegorical narrative, so appropriate at Christmas time.

5:)
11/23/04 by CharleyH
Quite a beautiful tale, and very well written. Kudos.

5IMP.....
11/24/04 by ABSTRUSE
You made me feel human emotions and despite the fact that one sad soul missed the whole point, I found that you've touched on a very important part of what the spirit is about and then using Kwanzaa as your base, brilliant. I learned something new today, thank you.

5Quite unusual...
12/01/04 by Goldie Munro
and lovely! Well done.

5Brilliant
12/03/04 by doormouse in Australia
That was simply fantastic!!!! It's good to see a story targeted at the unfortunate and the people who work effortlessly to give them some kind of shelter/normality to their lives. Christmas is a time for giving. Well done for getting that message across. I loved this one. And Imp, merry christmas to you and your family xoxoxoxox

5Ambitious
12/07/04 by Anonymous in the void
but flawed. There are clumsy parts in the narration, superfluities. It needs polishing. Anonymous the first's comment about lack of characterization isn't quite accurate, and he has no call to say where you place your story. But it ought to involve the reader immediately; dialogue might be a good help toward that. You could begin with her hands being warmed inside, perhaps, or throw a quick scene of dialogue with one of the beggars you "tell, but not show." Show us more, tell us less often. consider each clause: is this necessary? and pare down. Once it's tight, a final edit to keep the symbols straight, an edit for no other purpose. You'll find that it will ring more clearly. I know you fought a deadline, but that's over. Polish and resubmit. This one could be one which would interest a print market. Magazines always need words, more words, and the holidays send them looking for the fresh. Don't send them this version when you can do much better.

5I agree with several of these comments
12/07/04 by cantdog in Maine
including the void fellow. It is good to make a holiday story in a less bourgeois-comfy setting, among the homeless and the wretched where love is the more real for its shining from the rough. Your intent was very creative, but again, maybe the void guy has a point or two. This is a good solid idea, imp. You want any specific help? I am your servant. love cantdog

~ ~ ~