Quote from: Chris in Prague on June 24, 2024, 07:26:40 PMThings will calm down again soon, David.

Oh ..... schucks! 

PARENTAL GUIDANCE STRONGLY ADVISED

They stood before each other in contrasting underwear, Giles in his bright white briefs, sharing a moment of quiet mutual admiration. The room seemed to hum with the promise of what lay ahead, a symphony of unspoken emotions filling the air. Giles leaned in, his lips brushing against Eli's in a gentle kiss yet charged with longing. Their connection intensified as they drew closer, poised to explore the depths of their newfound intimacy together. As they embraced, Eli felt a profound sense of closeness, their emotional bond deepening and bringing her warmth, safety, and joy. Being near someone she cared for so deeply excited and fulfilled her.

Eli and Giles noticed that the album titled "Ray Charles", often referred to as "Rock & Roll", was now playing on the digital soundtrack specially curated by Susan. The soulful strains of "Ain't That Love", the opening track from Ray Charles's 1957 debut album, filled the room, tugging at their heartstrings with its tale of love and longing. As Ray Charles's emotive voice resonated through the space, they exchanged knowing glances, appreciating the timeless quality of the music. The melody enveloped them, bridging the gap between their different ages.

"Now, baby when you sigh", Ray crooned, "I wanna sigh with you". Eli glanced at Giles, her heart fluttering. They had shared countless sighs—the quiet ones after whispered secrets, the contented ones during intimate moments of pleasure, and the bittersweet ones when life threw unexpected challenges their way.

"When you cry", Ray continued, "I wanna cry some, too". Giles reached for Eli's hand, their fingers entwining. They had weathered life's storms—the loss of loved ones, the symphony of life's crescendos and diminuendos. Their tears, salty and cathartic, shed in the safety of Eli's attic studio, had harmonised them, creating a steadfast bond as they stood united against the dissonance of the world.

"Now, ain't that love?" Ray's soulful voice soared, "Oh, ain't that love that I feel in my heart for you". Eli, her cornflower blue eyes moist, rested her head on Giles' shoulder, the warmth of the recording seeping into their souls. Love was not just about grand gestures; it was reflected in Susan's thoughtful choice of this album for them and how their breaths synchronised, creating a rhythm of togetherness.

"If you ever", Ray sang, "Ever need a friend, I'll be with you, yes, until the end". Giles had become more than that friend, her unexpected muse, inspiring her to paint the melodies he played on her heartstrings.

"Ain't that love?" Eli whispered, her voice echoing Ray's refrain. Giles nodded, his eyes reflecting the flickering firelight. "Yes," he murmured, "it truly is."

In the secluded room, Eli and Giles listened to a song that seemed written for them—a love that transcended time, carried by hidden digital speakers and etched into their souls.

As the song ended, they kissed again and held each other, gazing into each other's tear-filled eyes. Then, with a heartwarming smile, Eli slowly removed Giles' briefs, gently pulling them down his legs and off as he stepped out of them, leaving him bare. For a long moment, she delighted in the sight before her. Eli studied Giles not merely with a lover's admiration but with the vision of a painter, mentally composing brushstrokes to create a portrait worthy of his complexity. Then, with a sigh of wonder, she gently instructed him to sit on the chaise. As he complied, she knelt and removed his elegant black silk socks, revealing his perfectly toned feet. When Eli finished undressing him, Giles felt excitement and anticipation for what came next. While he sat, she ran her fingers over his body again, relishing the feel of his lean muscles.

Their lips met again in a deep, passionate kiss. Giles gently guided Eli onto the deep-pile rug, its softness a caress on her flushed skin. The lush fabric cradled their bodies as they lay down together, their naked forms pressing against each other, filled with arousal and anticipation. Tender touches and lingering kisses conveyed months of unspoken desire. They savoured each moment, exploring each other slowly, each caress and kiss carrying the weight of pent-up longing and newfound intimacy.

Their eyes locked, revealing depths of emotion that transcended words. In Giles' gaze, Eli saw desire, tenderness, and profound love that made her heart soar. They lost themselves in each other's presence, their bodies moving in perfect harmony as Giles' strong arms enveloped her. His embrace left her breathless, igniting a fire that grew with each moment.

Running her fingers through his dark hair, Eli drew Giles closer, seeking the warmth of his lips in another passionate kiss. As she pressed herself against him, she savoured his expert touch, melting into his embrace. Each caress sent shivers of pleasure through her body, the contrast of his firm body against her intensifying their connection.

Giles' skilled hands roamed her body, evoking soft gasps of pleasure from Eli as they traced her curves. He savoured the softness of her skin beneath his touch, sensing the subtle response of her muscles to his gentle exploration.

Meanwhile, Eli's fingers traced the contours of Giles' back, admiring the strength she found there. Each caress and shared breath seemed to strengthen their connection. The rich burgundy of her lingerie provided a striking contrast against their intertwined bodies, visually reflecting the passion they shared.

Their hands explored each other's bodies, fingers caressing sensitive areas, evoking moans of pleasure as they melded in their ecstatic embrace. Moving deliberately, he ventured further, attuned to her responses. He felt her body react to his touch, her skin flushing with arousal. Lower still, his fingers brushed intimately, eliciting a low moan as she arched towards him, responding to his expert touch.

After a long, passionate kiss, Eli's lips journeyed from Giles' mouth to his chin, chest, and abdomen. Pausing to kiss his belly button, she continued her exploration, fingers trailing lightly over his skin. Giles moaned softly, shivers coursing through him at Eli's touch.

In this intimate embrace, Eli felt truly seen and cherished. Giles' gentle strength and unwavering devotion washed away years of fear and doubt, filling her with a profound sense of security and belonging she had never known.

"I feel safe with you, Giles. Like I never have before."

In wordless answer, Giles's lips trailed from her mouth to her neck, planting soft, sucking kisses that sent delightful shivers down Eli's spine. Arching her back, she pressed her body ever closer to Giles, feeling the firm muscles of his back beneath her hands. As their passion intensified, Giles's kisses descended lower, teasing and nibbling at her collarbone, evoking soft moans of pleasure from Eli.

Soft gasps and whispered endearments filled the air as they moved together, their bodies finding a perfect rhythm. In perfect synchronicity, the world around them seemed to fade away. Only this moment existed, this intimate connection they had yearned for so long. The lamplight enveloped them in a warm glow, accentuating the sheen of perspiration on their skin.

In their moment of ultimate vulnerability and connection, Eli and Giles felt truly united. Their lovemaking blossomed into a beautiful culmination of their deep emotional bond, each touch and movement infused with tenderness and passion. As they neared the peak of their shared pleasure, Eli sensed a profound sense of belonging and homecoming. Happiness flooded her as they expressed their innermost feelings, their union transcending mere physical pleasure to become an exquisite expression of their deep connection and overwhelming love.

 

Quote from: dannyboy on June 25, 2024, 08:54:25 AM

You may well need to reuse that symbol after the next instalment, David.

As they lay on the rug, panting and spent, Giles pulled Eli close, embracing her tightly as they savoured the lingering warmth of their passion. They lingered in each other's arms for a long while, their bodies entwined, lost in the intimacy of the moment. Then, in the tender aftermath, Eli trembled in Giles' embrace, tears flowing freely for the first time in years.

"I'm sorry", she whispered, her voice muffled against his chest. "I don't know why I'm crying like this."

Giles gently stroked her auburn hair, which glowed in the firelight. "Don't apologise, dearest Eli. You're safe here. Remember: 'When you cry, I wanna cry some, too'". Giles reached for Eli's hand, their fingers entwining, before stating, "'Oh, ain't that love that I feel in my heart for you'".

His words seemed to unlock a floodgate. Eli's body shook with sobs, years of pent-up emotion pouring out of her. Giles held her steadfastly, his presence a silent anchor amidst the storm of her feelings.

As her tears subsided, Eli took a shaky breath. "My father..." she began, then faltered.

Giles squeezed her hand encouragingly. "You can tell me anything, Eli. I'm here. 'If you ever, ever need a friend, I'll be with you, yes, until the end.'"

Haltingly, Eli spoke of her childhood – of a father whose drunken rages had taught her to guard herself fiercely against men.

"I built walls around my heart", she said softly, her voice etched with old pain. "I thought they'd keep me safe from men like him, but they just kept me lonely."

She paused, looking up at Giles with vulnerability in her azure eyes. "You're the first man I've ever let in."

Giles listened without judgment, his thumb tracing soothing circles on her freckled hand. When she finished, he kissed her forehead gently. "Thank you for sharing this with me, Eli."

Eli looked up at him, her eyes shining with tears and newfound openness. "Only Sylvie knows everything", she whispered. "There's so much I've kept hidden, even from you, my love."

Giles held her gaze, his expression open and understanding. "I'm here to listen, whenever you're ready."

Eli took a deep breath. "There was someone before Sylvie... Elaouen. A woman older than me, a Breton painter, an amateur, yes, but a highly skilled one. When I was growing up in the village, she became my protector, my mentor, and... more." Her voice trembled slightly. "Only Sylvie knows about her."

"I'm honoured that you trust me with this, Eli", Giles murmured. "You don't have to be afraid anymore. We're in this together now, and I'm here for all of you – your past, your present, and our future, together."

In that moment, wrapped in each other's arms, they felt something shift. The walls they had built over years of self-protection began to crumble, replaced by a tentative but growing trust.

As the night deepened around them, Eli and Giles remained entwined, whispering truths long held secret. With each shared confession and gentle touch, they stepped into a new chapter of their lives—one where vulnerability was no longer a weakness but a strength they could share.

Finally, Giles gently disentangled himself from the soundly sleeping Eli. He carried her to the waiting bed and gently laid her down, his heart full of excitement for what they had experienced and anticipation for what was to come. He knew this was only the beginning of their life together and could not wait to experience all they would now share.

I hope Mary Whitehouse isn't reading this LOL!

 

Quote from: Moonglum on June 25, 2024, 07:29:21 PMI hope Mary Whitehouse isn't reading this LOL!

Thanks. 8-) I think Mary Whitehouse was mentioned in a previous Trevelver Castle story.

I try to write those passages in the style of adult romantic (as opposed to erotic) fiction which leaves just enough to the reader's imagination.

Quote from: Chris in Prague on June 25, 2024, 07:30:34 PMwhich leaves just enough to the reader's imagination.

I sometimes wish I wasn't so imaginative! 

AN EXTENDED REWRITE:

The Great Hall, adorned with twinkling coloured lights and evergreen garlands, held its breath—a timeless dance. Couples swayed to soft melodies, laughter echoing off the walls—a symphony of joy and stolen moments.

After a refreshing nap, Giles and Eli returned, arm in arm and clearly deliriously in love. Lady Trevelver idly caressed the stem of her crystal glass, the rich bouquet of the '45 Bordeaux mingling with the scent of pine and spiced orange that perfumed the air. Stored well in the castle's cool, dark cellar with stable humidity, by 1962, its flavours had mellowed, and the wine exhibited more subtle nuances, making it a memorable experience for a connoisseur.

Her gaze, regularly traversing the room, settled on Eli and Giles' arrival. They stepped across the threshold, their footsteps echoing in the hallowed space. No longer two people painfully hesitant to reveal their true feelings, they were a striking couple lost in each other's eyes. The night had been a whirlwind—a dance of stolen glances, whispered confessions, and promises made under the moon's watchful eye.

As they moved toward the centre, Eli's midnight blue gown—a masterpiece of silk and tulle—clung to her like a second skin, shimmering like starlight on a moonless night. Her bright blue eyes sparkled, reflecting the fire's glow, and her laughter danced like notes from a forgotten sonnet.

Beside her, Giles stood tall, his usual stoic demeanour softened by a tenderness that made Lady Trevelver's heart ache with joy. His cravat was slightly askew, and there was a hint of disarray in his hair—evidence of their passionate night. His hand rested on Eli's waist, possessive yet gentle, as if he feared she might vanish like a dream.

The chandeliers cast golden shadows on the parquet floor—a dance of warmth and elegance. Giles and Eli, their love newly kindled, moved through the crowd like celestial bodies drawn together by gravity. Eli's gown and auburn hair caught the light as she spun, and Giles, the stoic gentleman, revealed a vulnerability that only Eli had witnessed before.

As the orchestra struck up a lively rendition of "Moon River", Lady Trevelver rose, her emerald silk taffeta rustling like whispered secrets. She moved across the parquet floor, each step measured yet eager, feeling the eyes of the assembled gentry upon her.

"My dear children", she said, her voice carrying the weight of years and the lightness of hope. "In you, I see a love that defies the very stones of this castle. May it weather all storms and shine through every shadow."

Eli's cheeks flushed a becoming pink, while Giles' grin was reminiscent of the boy who once snuck extra pudding from the Great Kitchen. Lady Trevelver enfolded them in an embrace that spoke volumes more than words ever could.

As they swayed to the music, Lady Trevelver allowed herself a moment of concern. The world beyond the castle walls could be cruel to young love. But looking at Eli and Giles, she saw a strength that could move mountains.

"Remember, my darlings", she whispered, her words nearly lost in the swelling music, "love is not just a gift, but a responsibility. Cherish it, nurture it, and let it be your guiding star."

In that moment, as the chandeliers cast their warm glow and the portraits of ancestors looked on, Lady Trevelver knew she was witnessing not just a union of hearts, but the beginning of a new chapter in the grand story of Trevelver Castle.

The night had woven its magic around them, leaving no room for doubt or hesitation. They swayed together as the Christmas Ball continued into the early hours. The world outside ceased to exist; only the two of them remained—a constellation of love against the canvas of time.

Lady Trevelver's heart was filled with joy, knowing that this night would linger forever, etched in memory—the joining of two hearts. Outside, snowflakes pirouetted in the moonlight, and the world beyond the Great Hall faded away. In this suspended reality, true love bloomed—a fragile rose in winter's grasp. As the clock neared midnight, Giles leaned down to kiss Eli, sealing their promises to each other beneath one of the many hanging bunches of mistletoe.

In the Great Hall, standing next to Jeremy, Sylvia softly asks, you know that record my mother is so fond of, Jeremy, Sarah Vaughan singing "Make Yourself Comfortable", recorded in 1954?"

"Ah, yes, my dear. Is that the one with the lines: 'Take off your shoesies, dear, And loosen up your tie'?"

"Yes, that's the one! She goes on to sing, 'I'll turn the lights low, While you make yourself comfortable, baby'.

"Ah, yes," Jeremy replied, recognition dawning. "And if memory serves me right, 'Why did we hurry through our dinner, hurry through the dance, to leave some time for this, to hug-a hug-a kiss and so now, mmmmm mmmmmm, make yourself comfortable'," he grinned broadly.

Sylvia leaned in close, her lips brushing Jeremy's ear as she murmured in a voice thick with unspoken promises. "I see you got the message! My dear, the night holds cosmic delights that we have scarcely begun to sample. Perhaps you might accompany me on a private tour of the alcoves? I yearn to explore... intimacies meant for you and me alone."

Her fingers traced a featherlight path down his arm, raising delicious pinpricks of anticipation. "There are rapturous secrets only you can unlock within the sheltered shadows. Whispers and caresses reserved for us alone to share, away from prying eyes."

A delicate flush stained her cheeks as she met his gaze boldly. "Unless you find the prospect too tempting to entertain, my heart? I'm quite at your mercy when it comes to resisting these... primal callings between us."

The heated promise in her words and the longing in her dark brown eyes made the delicious implications awaiting behind the alcove's curtained seclusion unmistakable. It was an invitation Jeremy could scarcely ignore unless his willpower was infinitely strong.

Jeremy's penetrating gaze smouldered over Sylvia's flushed features as if committing every plane and curve to memory. His broad chest rose and fell with accelerated breaths, willpower visibly fraying against the raging tides of desire she so skilfully stoked.

"You tempt forces beyond the ability of mere mortals to resist, my love", he rasped, his voice a gravelly timbre thick with yearning. Familiar fingers traced delirious, featherlight patterns along her jaw and throat, raising delicious tingles in their wake.

"Talk more about revealing these 'rapturous secrets' in hidden corners, and I might lose myself completely, overwhelmed by forces too powerful to resist", he grinned.

Sylvia arched subtly into his smouldering proximity like a flower seeking the sun's radiant touch. Her lush, reddened lips, slightly parted on a tremulous inhalation, held the unspoken promise of soul-searing kisses yet to be exchanged.

"Then let the universe watch as we transcend boundaries meant for ordinary unions", she whispered, letting her delicious curves brush against him. "I long to explore every part of you, my love – to discover your depths with lips and hands and rituals of passion unknown to mortals."

Instinctively, she let her eyes travel down, pause in delight, and then slowly climb back up his strong frame. "Undo me, Jeremy", she whispered huskily. "Take me to the edge where we merge completely, and any separation between us disappears."

The electrically charged space between them thrummed with fading restraint and rising desire. If they gave in to this heady sensation, overwhelming ecstasy would inevitably follow, altering their reality with its intensity.

Jeremy's sea-green eyes blazed with unmistakable intent as they met Sylvia's. A heated undercurrent vibrated between them, the air thick with unspoken promises and cosmic temptations straining to be unleashed.

Turning to their smiling companions—Eli and Giles sharing an intimate look, Amanda and Andy another—Jeremy murmured something low amid the swirling revelries. Sylvia felt the weight of that molten timbre ripple deliciously through her tingling body.

Their friends' expressions underwent a nearly imperceptible shift—a private understanding passing between them. Eli's gaze sparkled with undisguised feminine glee while Giles and Andy eyed Jeremy with a clear appreciation of the passionate pleasures their friends intended to pursue. As Jeremy led Sylvia out of the Great Hall, Giles, standing at the buffet table, subtly raised his hand to give Jeremy a clandestine thumbs up. Their shared history and unspoken understanding conveyed more than words ever could—a silent encouragement for what was about to transpire.

With a last enigmatic look and an impish quirk of her mouth, Sylvia took Jeremy's arm in a delicate but insistent grip. "Until later, my dears", she purred, making their destination and intentions crystal clear as the pair turned for the exit to the back stairs.

Jeremy threw one last look over his shoulder—a primal, heated promise to test the limits of even her cosmic constitution before the night concluded.

Their friends' expressions mirrored reciprocal delight, amusement, and vivid longing as they watched Sylvia and Jeremy hasten toward the shadows, where transcendent explorations awaited them.

Quote from: dannyboy on June 24, 2024, 07:44:32 PM

Quote from: Chris in Prague on June 24, 2024, 07:26:40 PMThings will calm down again soon, David.

Oh ..... schucks! 

Things are about to heat up again, David. 8-)

The narrow back stairs proved a relatively discreet and shadow-draped route to the first-floor alcoves. Jeremy's heart raced as he led Sylvia along the crimson-carpeted corridor, her hand warm in his. They paused at each heavy-curtained enclave just long enough to listen for any occupants before continuing their quest for the most secluded, unoccupied nook.

In the soft lamplight, Sylvia was a vision in her crimson Givenchy ballgown, its strapless bodice accentuating her figure in a way that made Jeremy's breath catch. The sumptuous folds of her custom gown caressed every delicious curve, with delicate ruched detailing and precise pintucks accentuating the lush swell of her bosom and her cinched waist. The antique Trevelver locket glinted at her slim throat, a reminder of the legacy she carried.

As Sylvia strode alongside him, Jeremy's gaze followed the gown's dramatic cowl dipping low down her graceful back, tracing the irresistible lines of her shoulders and spine. The silk pooled in rivulets at her feet, a river of crimson liquid fire that shimmered and cast bewitching refractions upon her tawny, olive-toned skin. Her elbow-length satin gloves and a strand of pearls lent an air of sophisticated allure.

In that moment, Sylvia epitomised bold, seductive mystique—a dazzling vision of unbridled confidence and desire manifested in sumptuous designer silk. Jeremy's breath caught at the tantalising glimpses of soft curves and skin revealed by the daring design. She was an intoxicating temptress in that gown, awakening fevered desires and cosmic urgings he could scarcely control.

Finally, they found an empty and unused alcove, far from prying eyes and distractions, and gratefully slipped into its shadowy interior. The heavy curtains fell closed behind them, muffling the distant sounds of revelry and sealing Sylvia and Jeremy into their own private space, where only primal cosmic forces held sway.

Jeremy's restraint frayed like an elemental force straining against its cosmic tethers. With a low, guttural sound of longing, he surrendered, pulling Sylvia flush against him, moulding her soft curves to the unyielding planes of his body. In the shadowed seclusion, he marvelled at how the silk of her gown whispered against his dinner jacket.

Sylvia shuddered at the exquisite friction of Jeremy's powerful frame pressed flush against her slighter curves. With trembling fingers, she traced the contours of his chest and shoulders, marvelling at the virile masculinity so tantalisingly close yet obscured by elaborate coverings. Her eyes fluttered closed as Jeremy's mouth scorched lower, his teeth grazing the fevered pulse at her throat in a way that threatened to unravel her completely.

His mouth found hers in a searing, soul-scorching kiss that transcended mere earthly passion. Sylvia's fingers tangled in Jeremy's hair as she pressed closer, her curves fitting perfectly against him. Their lips moved in an ancient danse erotique, like universes colliding and detonating in a supernova of rapturous sensation. Sylvia arched against Jeremy with a shuddering cry, her fingers tangling in the fabric at his back, anchoring them against the elemental forces threatening to tear them asunder. Every nerve ending felt electrified, alive with primal fire and the promise of greater cosmic turmoil to come.

Where his hands wandered, rapture blossomed. Under his skilled touch, Sylvia's body arched and moved in quiet entreaty, rendering conscious thought an impossible luxury. In that moment, all that existed was the intense present, the deeply desired sensations, and the undeniable feeling that boundaries were dissolving under the force of their passion.

As Jeremy's mouth moved down her heated throat, Sylvia released a deep moan that felt like it echoed through multiple dimensions. If they continued down this intense path, the explosive energy of their combined essences could disrupt the very fabric of spacetime.

When his eager palms cradled her face with rapturous reverence, she leaned into his touch with a soft cry of entreaty. Needing no further persuasion, his deft hands sought out the tiny buttons that kept frustrating swathes of tempting skin from his view. He parted each barrier one by one until the rich fabric pooled in whispers around Sylvia's feet, leaving her graceful contours softly illuminated by the alcove's subdued light.

20 Guests, a new record?

Now showing 22! Make that 27!!

Quote from: dannyboy on June 27, 2024, 07:46:19 PMNow showing 22! Make that 27!!

That's great. I do hope they will make a 'thank you' donation.

Now, 40!