More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged & Valerian)
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Valerian on 28-03-2008, 03:56:12</h2>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>28-03-2008, 03:56:12</strong>
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				With a skill that spoke of long practice, Elizabeth Carlisle hid a yawn behind one small gloved hand, yet her polite smile never seemed to waver for an instant, and her clear blue eyes held nothing but polite interest.&nbsp; Miss Bates was an excellent woman, everyone agreed on that -- she was thoughtful and kind to everyone, and generous to a fault.&nbsp; Unfortunately, she was generous not only with her money and time, but with her conversation as well.&nbsp; Once she started talking, it was extremely difficult to get her to stop.<br><br>But today at least, Elizabeth had the perfect excuse, all the better because it was true.&nbsp; She was expected home any moment, and was needed to help prepare for the guests her mother was having to tea that day.&nbsp; These guests would be even more tedious than Miss Bates on her worst day, she was sure, but that couldn't be helped.&nbsp; It was just another usual day, and as dull and predictable as it would be, it was all the life she'd ever known.<br><br>Finally extricating herself from the conversation, she continued on her way home, lifting her skirts deftly around each mud puddle, of which there were many.&nbsp; She smiled and nodded to all the usual people, each of them going about the same tasks she'd seen them do a thousand times.&nbsp; No, nothing ever truly changed here, no matter how much she longed for adventure.&nbsp; She'd lived eighteen years in this little town without anything like adventure, and she was almost resigned to never having any.&nbsp; Almost.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>28-03-2008, 17:10:09</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Most of the other young ladies in town envied Elizabeth her father.&nbsp; He was distant, but all fathers were, really, preferring to focus on their sons.&nbsp; But Elizabeth's father, Michael, was also quite lenient, letting his wife control the children; and Alice Carlisle was, if anything, even more generous and kind than Miss Bates herself.&nbsp; She did much of the housework herself, leaving the heavier jobs to the housekeeper, and only the very lightest of tasks to the younger children.&nbsp; So as the eldest, Elizabeth was quite free to do as she chose most of the day, with only the occasional event like this gathering requiring her help.<br><br>But Elizabeth would rather have been kept under stricter control, quite frankly.&nbsp; With her days largely empty of the chores the other girls had to do, she found herself bored more often than not.&nbsp; For a time, she'd been quite mischievous, getting into all sorts of minor trouble with playing jokes and hiding for hours on end.&nbsp; But her mother's very real worry had struck her as a palpable thing each time, and finally she'd had to give up those diversions out of guilt.&nbsp; These days she was a model daughter, and her mother was always pleased with her.<br><br>Now she was busily arranging plates full of little sandwiches, crustless and filled with cucumber and watercress and other delicacies; and other plates covered with cookies and tiny pieces of cake.&nbsp; Her father did expect these gatherings, which he had at least once a month, to be run smoothly and impressively.&nbsp; He was the town's only banker, and as such felt he had a definite position in society that had to be kept up at all times.&nbsp; When she was done here, Elizabeth would retire to put on a nice dress, style her beautiful long blonde hair (she wasn't sure her face was any more than pleasant, but her hair won her compliments nearly every day), and prepare to entertain as sweetly and politely as she could, gritting her teeth all the while.<br><br>She heard a whisper behind her then, something unintelligible and brief, and turned automatically.&nbsp; Her mother was there, though her back was turned as she arranged some flowers on a side table.&nbsp; "Did you say something, Mother?" she asked, frowning very slightly.<br><br>"No, dear."&nbsp; Alice turned, then smiled at the plates.&nbsp; "Those look lovely.&nbsp; Go get ready now, I can finish up the last details."<br><br>Elizabeth nodded and went to obey.&nbsp; This was not the first time she'd heard such a whisper, but now they seemed to come more often.&nbsp; As much as she'd wished for something to break the monotony, this wasn't what she'd had in mind.&nbsp; Each time she'd been able to convince herself it was something quite normal.&nbsp; A breeze through the leaves, someone whispering to themselves without being aware of it, or simply her own exhaustion, sometimes... but each time, the words that she could never quite grasp always seemed directed at her, and the sensation was quite, quite unnerving...
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>31-03-2008, 21:51:22</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				In the middle of all this carefully-ordered chaos, Elizabeth was dutifully helping her mother greet each guest with all the scrupulous politeness that was expected of them.&nbsp; Strict as it was, it came naturally to her after having grown up with it, and she could manage the task easily.&nbsp; There was never any rush at these gatherings, every sentence measured and expected, even if also genuinely friendly.&nbsp; That grated on her the most, perhaps -- the sameness of it all, even particular friends only marked out by the most subtle gestures, a hand held a bit longer than the rest, a bit more solicitousness in providing refreshment.&nbsp; Otherwise she might as well have been a waxwork, a mechanical doll doing and saying the same things over and over.<br><br>Again as though to scold her for wishing the monotony broken, another one of those whispers sounded -- closer this time, the faintest of breaths whispering over her ear and sending a small but intense shiver down her body.&nbsp; Long practice at not reacting to anything untoward, especially in public, kept her face straight, but her knees were going weak.&nbsp; It was a bit crowded, but as etiquette dictated, no one was close enough to her, either behind or before, for her to have felt that tiny rush of moving air.&nbsp; It was simply not possible.<br><br>A draft, she told herself, an unexpected breeze as one of the guests passed by, perhaps.&nbsp; It had felt a little cool, not really warm enough for anyone's breath.&nbsp; Yes, that must be it.&nbsp; The fact that it had sounded to her ear like incomprehensible words was mere coincidence.&nbsp; Just like all the other times such things had happened...<br><br>She made her smile brighter, forcing calm enough to finish this task.&nbsp; There would be less conversation expected of her after everyone was settled in, and she would be fine.&nbsp; She had to be.&nbsp; Half the town was there, and basically everyone who mattered to her parents.&nbsp; If she showed weakness here, it would cause a terrible fuss -- especially this sort of weakness.<br><br>Her dress was now a finer one, of pale pink silk -- her mother didn't believe in young ladies wearing anything but such light colors until they were married, or (heaven forbid) in mourning.&nbsp; But Elizabeth longed for deep shades, and envied the matrons their wine-red gowns, royal blues, and greens ranging from spring leaves to the color of the darkest fir trees.&nbsp; Still, she did like this particular dress, especially the fine lace that edged collar and cuffs, and the lovely little cameo pinned above her breast, of the same shade of delicate pink.<br><br>She spotted a kindred spirit then, at least of a kind.&nbsp; One of the newer members of the elite... Place, she remembered a moment later, Emma Place.&nbsp; Not such old money as her family, viewed as something of an upstart clan, she suspected.&nbsp; But though she hardly knew the girl, they were much the same age.&nbsp; If anyone would understand some portion of her restless boredom, of how beautifully trapped she felt, it would be someone like Emma Place.&nbsp; Now, at least, she felt her smile relax more, become more genuinely welcoming under the cool, distant veneer of Manners, and she held out her hand to the girl for the proper greeting, less a handshake than a delicate squeezing of gloved fingertips, and the usual pleasantries and thanks.&nbsp; All just as usual...
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>02-04-2008, 15:52:22</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The moment Emma took her hand, the voices in Elizabeth's head, or over her shoulder, or wherever they really were, went quite mad.&nbsp; They didn't get any louder, but certainly more insistent, and now there were several at once, which had never happened before.&nbsp; She tensed, just as frozen as the other girl seemed to be, fighting for composure.<br><br>Then the girl spoke, and her words were so far off-script that it was all Elizabeth could do not to laugh, loudly and hysterically, something she might never have lived down.&nbsp; As it was, she grinned rather than smiled, a definite faux pas, but fortunately a much less noticeable one.&nbsp; "Thank you," she said, brightly, still much too close to nervous laughter.&nbsp; "You're very pretty yourself."<br><br>She blushed in sympathy, seeing that Emma was equally flustered.&nbsp; "Please do come in," she said, slipping back into the routine.&nbsp; "We're so very glad you and your mother could join us today."&nbsp; Now her smile was a bt more relaxed, genuine and warm, as she ushered the girl inside.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>02-04-2008, 18:25:24</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Now they were well back on the usual subjects of conversation, though somehow, to Elizabeth at least, they seemed different, a little more real.&nbsp; She was not as poised as Emma, who seemed to move with a thoughtless ease that Elizabeth envied a trifle; but Emma also seemed more lost as far as small talk.&nbsp; This was a small blessing, though, as Emma also seemed blissfully oblivious to any strange pauses in Elizabeth's conversation.&nbsp; Try as she might, she could not quite wrench her mind away from those sounds, which were sounding disturbingly more and more like words.&nbsp; If they were, they were in some language she could not understand, yet it seemed utterly familiar, and sometimes made a strange sort of sense to her.&nbsp; Those were the moments when her composure suffered the most.<br><br>Emma had quite attached herself to her, though she often had to pause to exchange words with some other guest as part of her duties.&nbsp; But Emma didn't seem to mind, and Elizabeth had to admit that her presence, though it had made the voices chatter alarmingly, was really quite soothing, on the whole.<br><br>"The harpist should be getting ready over there," she replied, nodding to the little white gazebo.&nbsp; There was only one harp player within a hundred miles, perhaps, but she was an excellent musician, much in demand for such gatherings.&nbsp; "Then the usual piano performances from the ladies once we all move inside.&nbsp; My mother wants to try some dramatic readings, but she also wants me to begin them, and I'm not sure I'll find the courage," she admitted.&nbsp; She did fine with mingling, but standing before an audience was another matter -- especially with those voices still murmuring in her ears.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>02-04-2008, 21:08:47</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Strangely, though she was used to catching every nuance of every word, Elizabeth didn't quite notice Emma's informality.&nbsp; Still, she managed to appreciate it on some level, as it soothed her somehow, and she smiled at the other girl's concern.&nbsp; Then Emma made her rather shocking little joke, and Elizabeth's blue eyes grew as wide as Emma's green ones.&nbsp; She shook her head, torn between amazement and amusement.<br><br>"Are you allowed to joke this way at home?" she asked, not quite keeping a straight face.&nbsp; "If so, I think I'd prefer to live there."&nbsp; She took up a cup of punch, using that as cover to take a discreet look, to make sure no one could overhear.&nbsp; There was no one very near, thankfully, but still those voices echoed, and now she was beginning to feel quite overwhelmed, in spite of the strange but very welcome comfort Emma's presence gave her.<br><br><span style="font-size: 7pt;" class="bbc_size"><em>Move away.</em></span>&nbsp; Someone spoke the words, she was sure, and she flinched as she turned to find their source.&nbsp; But still there was no one, and she grew cold to think that her voices now spoke English.&nbsp; Then she realized that the language had been as incomprehensible as ever, yet it had still somehow conveyed that idea to her.&nbsp; <span style="font-size: 8pt;" class="bbc_size"><em>Move away,</em></span> it said again, more insistently, and again she flinched, turning to look at Emma with eyes now wide with fear.&nbsp; <span style="font-size: 8pt;" class="bbc_size"><em>Take her with you,</em></span> a different voice said, soothingly, and Elizabeth reached out a shaking hand to Emma, unable to speak.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>02-04-2008, 22:00:11</strong>
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				Elizabeth saw the suddenly multiplied treat, but the fact of it didn't quite register, her eyes only staring blankly.&nbsp; "I believe I need to sit down," she murmured.&nbsp; Long instinct made her look to see if she was inconveniencing any of the guests, but again her mind made little sense of anything she saw.<br><br>Shakily, she turned her steps towards a bench not too far away, a white-painted, wrought-iron construction tucked into the shade of a willow tree.&nbsp; Her hand still gripped Emma's, though she seemed also unaware of that fact.&nbsp; All she could think of was taking that strangely-given advice, and getting away from the crowd for a while.&nbsp; Perhaps the voices didn't mean her any harm, even if they were signs of madness, or perhaps proof of the ghost stories one of her younger brothers so liked to tell.&nbsp; "Just for a moment," she added, still uneasy, though now more settled -- and more embarrassed as well.&nbsp; Getting out of sight sounded a wonderful treat...
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				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>03-04-2008, 16:01:13</strong>
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				Elizabeth shook her head, waving away the offer of a fan.&nbsp; "No, it isn't the heat -- well, not only the heat," she amended, realizing that the shade was in fact very welcome.&nbsp; She'd gotten warmer than she'd realized, walking in the sun.&nbsp; "But my head..."<br><br>She trailed off, realizing that now she had a difficult, desperate choice to make.&nbsp; There was still time to claim a simple headache, sit for a moment, then rejoin the party, pretending nothing at all odd was happening.&nbsp; A safer choice, perhaps, but an exhausting one.&nbsp; She imagined her composure cracking, herself suddenly giving way, even screaming with terror or confusion, and shuddered.<br><br>Or, she could turn to this girl next to her, try to explain, and trust that she would not flee from her in a panic.&nbsp; That was a ridiculous idea on the surface -- but who else could she speak to?&nbsp; She had no truly close friends, her mother would only send her to the doctor, and her siblings were all too young for such matters.&nbsp; There was a connection of some kind between her and Emma, it was true, but she wasn't sure she dared risk it.&nbsp; It was a new and fragile friendship, and would scarcely survive such a revelation.<br><br><em>Tell her,</em> a voice said, and though she tensed faintly, this time she didn't bother to look around for a&nbsp; source, though it was now more real and solid than ever.&nbsp; It was the more commanding voice she'd heard earlier, a man's voice, not so much stern as simply used to being obeyed.<br><br>And she did obey.&nbsp; Illusion or no, she had to decide now, and perhaps his advice was as good as any.&nbsp; The story poured out of her, hesitant and stammering at first, then gaining strength.&nbsp; She could not look at her confidante as she spoke of the voices, of the strange words that she now, somehow, understood; but her grip on the girl's hand never faltered.<br><br>Then she stopped, abruptly, not quite willing to explain that a voice had commanded her to speak just now, though she couldn't imagine why she would hesitate there.&nbsp; Still she didn't look up, staring at their joined hands, shivering with fear.
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				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>03-04-2008, 22:22:48</strong>
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				Of all the myriad things Emma could have said just then, none could have astonished Elizabeth more.&nbsp; <em>I believe you.</em>&nbsp; The words echoed in her ears, for a moment drowning the murmur of voices, even the very real sounds of the guests beyond the branches.&nbsp; Her face turned, her eyes met Emma's, and she stared, in wide-eyed amazement.&nbsp; "You..." she ventured, then stopped herself.&nbsp; For a moment, she thought wildly that everyone heard such voices as hers, all the time, and she had somehow been left out of the secret.<br><br>But no, it is was simple as it seemed -- Emma just believed her, without evidence, without logic.&nbsp; Elizabeth was quite sure she was going to burst into tears, and blinked hard to fight them back.&nbsp; She leaned closer, unconsciously, craving some of the quiet strength that seemed to hide inside this petite, pretty young woman, so unlike any of the other such young women in this town.&nbsp; Emma was real.<br><br>"I... I don't see how you can believe me.&nbsp; But thank you for doing so."&nbsp; She barely whispered the words, but they were intense, as were her eyes as they studied Emma's face.&nbsp; "I don't know what to do," she said then, the words slipping out from lips made pale by worry, before she could think better of it.&nbsp; It was unfair to expect anything beyond understanding.&nbsp; That alone was more than she could have hoped for -- a solution would be a miracle beyond measure.
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				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>07-04-2008, 16:12:26</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Elizabeth, too, seemed to snap to attention at the sound, returning to her usual perfect, upright posture that her mother had so carefully drilled into her daughter.&nbsp; This girl was a stranger, and Elizabeth had obviously embarrassed poor Emma, with her confessions and her proximity.&nbsp; Both were simply not done, except between the oldest of friends, or family.&nbsp; Or between courting couples, though that idea made her blush, and she couldn't imagine why she'd thought it.<br><br>"Oh, I am sorry," she said, flustered in spite of the long years of training.&nbsp; "Please forgive me.&nbsp; And excuse me -- I really must go back and help my mother.&nbsp; I'm sorry I-- sorry I bothered you."&nbsp; She didn't let go of Emma's hand, fearing being rude -- or rather, more rude -- but even aside from that, she found that the more she reminded herself of what she must do, the less she wanted to do it.&nbsp; This was wildly unlike her, and she could only assume it was because of the deep sympathy and understanding she felt from Emma.&nbsp; There even seemed to be friendship there already, something solid and lasting.<br><br>Her voices all chattered at once now, and she could make nothing of any of them.&nbsp; She grimaced again, a very unladylike expression, she was sure, and looked at Emma helplessly.&nbsp; "Perhaps later, during the music?" she asked, hopefully, though she had no real idea of what she was hoping for, precisely.
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				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>09-04-2008, 15:06:23</strong>
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				The truth was, Elizabeth hardly even knew where to look.&nbsp; She glanced frequently to make sure that she knew where Emma was, but actual eye contact seemed like a bad idea somehow, though she could not pinpoint why.&nbsp; Perhaps it was as simple as fearing a blush that would be difficult to explain.&nbsp; The constant murmur in her head was enough to deal with, in any case, and it was vital to seem as normal as possible.<br><br>It was becoming easier to focus on a single voice, to pick a certain one out of the 'crowd' and listen to it without the rest getting in the way.&nbsp; And she understood them more and more now, though she was uncertain as to whether that was a good sign or a terrible one.&nbsp; They told her many things in the next hour or two, about her friends and neighbors gathered there, and she knew that some of them were true, or at least commonly whispered about.&nbsp; There were other, more outlandish and frightening tales, too, and she couldn't help but wonder if those were true, too.<br><br>Finally everyone began drifting to their places for the music.&nbsp; Elizabeth helped seat everyone, wondering if she seemed as disconnected as she felt.&nbsp; And as the first few notes sounded, she slipped away without thinking twice, some instinct -- and the urgings, both subtle and otherwise, of several voices -- pulling her along to meet Emma, and perhaps Fate as well.
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				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>14-04-2008, 15:41:12</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Elizabeth played along smoothly with Emma's excuse about the china -- it was her mother's pride and joy, and she would likely not object to a private viewing in the slightest, as long as the girls didn't touch it.&nbsp; That wasn't allowed, though she trusted Elizabeth with nearly everything else.<br><br>"Sneak off?" Elizabeth echoed, alarmed at this suggestion.&nbsp; Retiring to the house was one thing, but to go that far... still, privacy would be better, and others might also go into the house.&nbsp; "Well, I couldn't stay long..."&nbsp; She knew very well that she was letting Emma's enthusiasm persuade her into something quite selfish and naughty, but she simply couldn't face the party yet anyway, or indeed anyone except her new friend.&nbsp; And she'd been a model daughter for so, so long, she must have earned a little misbehavior...<br><br>"Just as long as we don't stay too terribly long," she said, trying not to let her smile become a grin.&nbsp; She wasn't quite sure she wanted to answer all Emma's questions, and was very sure she wouldn't be able to answer them all, but for the girl's sake, she would do her best.&nbsp; Perhaps it would be good for her.<br><br>She led the way to the orchard, keeping hold of Emma's hand.&nbsp; The last of the petals were all but gone, replaced by the beginnings of what promised to be a fine crop of apples.&nbsp; She knew from experience that if one stayed towards the center, the oldest part of the orchard, it wasn't easy to be spotted there, and she made a beeline to that area, specifically a little hollow in the ground between a couple of trees that were particularly close together.&nbsp; She'd sometimes hidden there as a child, and somehow longed for the comfort of that small space now.<br><br>Sitting carefully, mindful of her dress, she invited Emma to sit beside her.&nbsp; She felt comfortable to sit in silence, but looked expectantly at Emma, sure the girl would soon bubble over with questions.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>15-04-2008, 16:13:25</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				There were many things for Elizabeth to think about.&nbsp; She had to keep track of the time and not risk staying away too long.&nbsp; It would also be prudent to keep an ear out for anyone else approaching, and the lovely day was its own distraction.&nbsp; She had also not realized at all what it would feel like to have Emma sitting so closely -- the shared warmth was comforting, of course, but also had an alarming tendency to make her forget all the things she needed very much to remember.<br><br>Then Emma handed her the little fan she'd been toying with.&nbsp; A simple gesture, but Elizabeth stared and blinked in blank confusion.&nbsp; Emma's fan was in her hand now... but there was a second fan, still in Emma's grip, identical to the first.&nbsp; Or was it the second that Elizabeth held?&nbsp; She looked from one to the other, slowly, carefully, studying each detail.&nbsp; Then her eyes turned to Emma's face, and she nodded slowly.&nbsp; "I-- I see," she said, but those simple words held a wealth of understanding and amazement.<br><br>She studied Emma's face a moment longer, her head tilting, then let her gaze fall back to the fans.&nbsp; "You... this is why you pray so much?" she asked, hesitantly, clearly afraid of offending.&nbsp; Her free hand sought Emma's, squeezing it absently, again feeling that strange but so very welcome comfort.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>16-04-2008, 16:08:56</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Elizabeth nodded, slowly, almost absently, listening as much as thinking.&nbsp; Now she realized that Emma's little demonstration had caused a great furor among her voices, some arguing, some rejoicing, some just curious.&nbsp; It seemed as though she was getting better every moment at understanding what they were saying, but all this was simply too much to handle, and she quickly gave up.<br><br>She was as unaware of Emma's stroking as Emma herself, though it was having an effect on her just the same.&nbsp; In some ways, she felt more and more relaxed, while in other ways, she was tense and fidgety, waiting impatiently for some unknown thing to happen.<br><br>Elizabeth shook her head, then frowned slightly and shrugged, a gesture of which her mother would not have approved.&nbsp; "I suppose I've heard them for a while now... but it was easier to pretend.&nbsp; Most of the time, I could convince myself that it was something else I was hearing.&nbsp; A trick of the wind, or someone murmuring to himself nearby... there were always excuses, even if they were terrible ones."<br><br>She smiled wryly, shivering now, blaming it on the slight breeze.&nbsp; "They've been worse lately, and today... well, I'm not sure how I would have made it through without you.&nbsp; Now it isn't so bad, now that I have someone to talk to."&nbsp; Her smile was wondering now, amazed, a little shy, but radiantly happy.<br><br>"How long have you been able to do this?" she asked, lifting up the fan in her free hand.&nbsp; "Does it work on anything?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>22-04-2008, 16:26:00</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Though she herself had used the word 'anything', Elizabeth hadn't really thought of living things when she'd asked her question.&nbsp; But there it was, an industrious, living little insect made into two, each looking and acting just as a ladybug should.&nbsp; A new voice, or at least one she hadn't noticed before, roared that this was the devil's work, and for an instant, she was inclined to agree.<br><br>Green eyes met blue ones, and she was unable to quite suppress a shiver.&nbsp; But it was impossible to think devilish things of her new friend, and she willed the angry voice quiet.&nbsp; To her surprise, it stopped instantly, and another voice giggled approvingly.&nbsp; <span style="font-size: 9pt;" class="bbc_size">"There's nothing to fear,"</span> murmured a third, kindly voice, and Elizabeth instantly knew that this was true.&nbsp; Emma's ability raised more awkward questions than simply hearing spirit voices, perhaps, but like a gun or knife, the real danger lay in the person wielding it.&nbsp; And there was no danger here.<br><br>"Best just to say it," she said, smiling wryly as she realized that Emma was now searching for words.&nbsp; "It seems silly to hold anything else back now.&nbsp; We're well past the point of caution, I'm afraid."&nbsp; Now she almost laughed, squeezing Emma's hand affectionately.&nbsp; "Go on," she urged gently, leaning closer to invite whispered confidences.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>23-04-2008, 15:48:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Now that the stroking had stopped, Elizabeth felt a little bereft, though it took her a moment to realize the problem.&nbsp; But why was she so disappointed?&nbsp; Probably she just needed the soothing, but that didn't seem the entire reason by any means.<br><br>She set that problem aside for the moment, realizing Emma's sudden tension.&nbsp; It was tempting simply to ask what was wrong, but something told her that would only fluster the girl more.&nbsp; So she held Emma's hand a little more tightly and just explained.&nbsp; "They sound like all different people -- just like a crowd of ordinary people, talking all at once sometimes.&nbsp; Sometimes they talk to each other, and I'm only listening.&nbsp; They even argue with each other."&nbsp; She smiled a little, hoping she was soothing at least some of Emma's uneasiness.<br><br>"I think they must be spirits, perhaps... lost souls, left behind here for some reason," she added, more pensively.&nbsp; "They must pay attention to what goes on, though... it was one of them that reminded me of how often you go to church.&nbsp; And I've heard them say other things about what people do when no one's looking.&nbsp; I don't know if they're true.&nbsp; I hope some of them aren't."&nbsp; She bit her lip, shivering slightly, and again leaned closer to Emma, unconsciously.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>23-04-2008, 17:23:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Yes, argue -- just as any group of people will, I imagine, if they talk long enough.&nbsp; But I'm beginning to wonder if anyone ever has any real privacy," she added ruefully, and more than a little nervously.&nbsp; That was a distinctly unsettling thought.&nbsp; "I suppose one can get used to nearly anything, but all the same..."<br><br>She trailed off, just as Emma rose to leave.&nbsp; "Oh... Oh, yes, you're quite right, I'm afraid.&nbsp; My mother must be--"&nbsp; She broke off and turned, smiling wryly.&nbsp; "Yes, I'm told she is looking for me," she added.&nbsp; "But the party will end eventually, no matter how interminable it seems."&nbsp; She stood as well, not letting go of Emma's hand yet.&nbsp; "We can meet afterwards, and talk more."&nbsp; Her voice sounded hopeful, almost pleading, to her own ears, and she hoped she didn't sound too -- well, pathetic and clingy.&nbsp; But the truth was, whatever this strange but wonderful time together truly meant, she didn't want it to end.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>24-04-2008, 20:03:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Thank you very much for coming," Elizabeth said, with perfect thoughtful politness, her face almost gravely serious.&nbsp; Only a very close observer would have noticed the sparkle in her eyes.&nbsp; "I'm so glad you enjoyed yourself," she added, just as though Emma had offered up the usual praises for a lovely and pleasant gathering.<br><br>Though not at such a loss for words, Elizabeth was no less overhelmed, and she hesitated faintly, trying to think and plan calmly.&nbsp; "I have something else to tell you," she whispered, leaning as close as she dared.&nbsp; "Can you get away in half an hour?&nbsp; I can meet you then, in the orchard, and we can talk all we like."&nbsp; She smiled, now dispensing with mere politeness, as her face lit up with hopeful radiance.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>25-04-2008, 15:13:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Oh, of course."&nbsp; Elizabeth blushed faintly, remembering how far away Emma lived.&nbsp; She'd let herself get too caught up in the moment, which was really most unlike her.&nbsp; It wasn't anything she could explain, even to herself, but she felt that she had to at least know when she would see her new friend again, or she would be too unsettled to rest.<br><br>"We can meet halfway, perhaps, if you know of a place?" Elizabeth suggested.&nbsp; There were plenty of other orchards, of course, and barns and other places that might do, but she could still hardly think calmly.&nbsp; "Otherwise I'll wait for you in our spot," she promised.&nbsp; They couldn't prolong their goodbyes too much longer, she feared, and she also squeezed Emma's hands, trying to remember exactly how they felt so she could savor every detail while she waited.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>25-04-2008, 17:40:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"All right," was all Elizabeth could manage before she had to move on, the next departing guests now in need of her attention.&nbsp; Though there was scarcely anyone left now to say goodbye to, those moments still seemed to drag on forever.<br><br>But they did give her time to think, or more precisely, wonder.&nbsp; Why did they have these odd abilities, as much curse as blessing?&nbsp; Why two young girls in a small town of little importance in the grand scheme?&nbsp; Perhaps most importantly, could the spirit-voices flocking around her even be trusted?<br><br>Lacking answers to these, her mind soon turned to another, equally interesting topic: Why the old Potter barn?&nbsp; She'd never done more than peek inside it, even in her wildest days of young rebellion.&nbsp; Rumor, innuendo, and a few solid facts had kept her away from it for the most part.&nbsp; There was a real chance of finding a drunken man in there at the oddest hours, and she'd never felt that risk to be worth satisfying her curosity, especially given the rumors about poor Clara.&nbsp; But with both of them there, they'd be safe enough, and could always leave for another hiding place if necessary.<br><br>To her relief, these ruminations took her to the end of the farewells.&nbsp; She was rarely required to help tidy afterwards, and now she was infinitely glad of that.&nbsp; She did make a token effort, as she often did, helping clean away some of the plates from odd places, trying to allay suspicion.&nbsp; Finally she took the plunge, asking for (and thankfully receiving) permission to go out for a ride, on condition that it be a slow and leisurely one, not too far from the house.<br><br>So it was that minutes later, she was wearing an older dress, of practical pale blue muslin, her hair slightly in disarray as she spurred her horse towards the barn.&nbsp; She stuck to less-travelled roads as much as possible, sometimes darting across a field, glad that her little mare was so sure-footed.&nbsp; The sight of that old, faded barn had never been so welcome, and she forced herself to approach slowly and quietly, looking for signs of other inhabitants.&nbsp; But there seemed to be no one yet, not even the one person she longed to see, and she dismounted and led her horse to the main door, cautiously opening it and peering inside.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>25-04-2008, 21:35:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Elizabeth was just settling her horse inside when she heard Emma's headlong rush towards the barn.&nbsp; She knew somehow that it was Emma, even without the excited murmurings of the spirit-crowd, which had, unsurprisingly, kept up with her no matter how quickly she rode.&nbsp; Still, she was almost used to them now, and might perhaps miss their chatter if they were gone entirely.&nbsp; They'd told her that the barn was quite deserted, and that, at least, seemed to be quite correct.<br><br>She hurried back to the door as Emma called out, smiling and shushing her.&nbsp; "We can't let anyone hear us," she said, in a sort of stage whisper, gesturing for her to come inside.&nbsp; Her eyes widened at the sight of the riding pants, something of which her own mother did Not Approve -- one of the few areas where her mother had truly put her foot down.&nbsp; She'd envied the other girls who got to wear them, and caught herself staring, which brought a blush to her face.<br><br>Opening the door wider, she helped Emma bring her horse inside, smiling and almost laughing out of sheer happiness.&nbsp; That seemed like something that never happened outside of overly-romantic novels, but it was happening now.<br><br>"I wish I had clothes like that," she said, looking Emma up and down once more.&nbsp; She realized, too late, that something felt inappropriate about that look, but it was too late now, and she could only turn her head away and hope that Emma hadn't noticed.&nbsp; "You know, you make them all whisper a lot more," she added, by way of distraction.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>28-04-2008, 15:12:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Elizabeth felt quite dazzled -- from the sun, perhaps, or the heat of the barn, or simply from all the sudden revelations she'd already muddled through today.&nbsp; In any case, this all seemed quite like a dream, and she lived in fear of waking up, clinging gently but determinedly to Emma's small hands.<br><br>"It isn't about you -- well, some of it is, of course, but they seem to talk about whoever they can see.&nbsp; If seeing is the right word," she added, then shook her head, realizing she was wandering far from the point.&nbsp; "Let me start again," she said ruefully, laughing at herself.&nbsp; "It was when I first saw you, I think, that they started becoming truly clear.&nbsp; They were murmurs before, whispers that I couldn't understand.&nbsp; But when they started talking about you, everything started to make sense for the first time."<br><br>She blushed again, realizing too late that this could be misinterpreted.&nbsp; "I think they knew that you-- you could do something special, too," she said.&nbsp; "One of them, I think an older lady, who seems very kind, kept urging me to speak to you.&nbsp; Perhaps she knew how lonely I was, and that you would be good for me."&nbsp; Now she bit her lip, suddenly painfully aware of how close she was to forgetting all propriety.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>28-04-2008, 16:28:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Like the flash of a bonfire suddenly flaring up, Elizabeth realized how close they were, how Emma's body felt pressed against her own, every detail of this scandalous situation.&nbsp; She even felt that she knew exactly why Emma was shaking, the other girl's tremblings echoing in her own form.&nbsp; It seemed that she knew whenever the girl felt a flash of uncertainty, of excitement, of need; and what Elizabeth could guess of that need made her weak in the knees.<br><br>This was beyond improper, unheard of in Elizabeth's experience.&nbsp; In her own uncertainty, she even paused to listen to her spirits, wondering what they would make of this.&nbsp; Some protested, some, she sensed, were turning away, but above all that, the same kindly woman who had urged the girls together in the first place whispered to Elizabeth to find whatever comfort, whatever happiness that she could in this world.<br><br>And how could she turn away from her newest but already dearest friend?&nbsp; She told herself that they'd done nothing truly scandalous yet, that they were only soothing each other's loneliness and fear.&nbsp; All the while, she knew she was deluding herself, but the alternative was to move out of Emma's embrace, and that she could not bear.&nbsp; "We're not lonely anymore," Elizabeth whispered, tears glistening faintly in her eyes.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>28-04-2008, 17:14:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Elizabeth's lips tingled, then, slowly, the tingling spread to her whole body.&nbsp; This was how she sometimes felt during thunderstorms, when lightning was striking nearby, and it was dizzying to feel it in these circumstances, making it all even more dreamlike.&nbsp; That was a dangerous way to think -- dreams have no consequences, after all -- but she couldn't escape the feeling, almost a conviction now and then.<br><br>Her arms had wrapped around Emma automatically, holding her as carefully as though she was her mother's finest china plate.&nbsp; She was afraid to do more yet, though some part of her wanted to cling to Emma with all her strength, defying anything or anyone to part them.&nbsp; Stolen kisses in a barn -- this was exactly the sort of thing that her mother, in her sometimes flustered and self-conscious way, had always warned Elizabeth about.&nbsp; But she'd always warned about boys, her memory teased, and though she knew that this was the most specious of arguments, a tiny bandage on her wounded conscience, it somehow made everything feel all right, at least for the moment.<br><br>She shook her head slowly at Emma's apology.&nbsp; "It's all right," she whispered, unable to find anything else to say.&nbsp; But all she could think of was how easy it would be to lean down just a little, to close that small space between them to nothing, and kiss her once more.&nbsp; Of course she couldn't.&nbsp; They had to stop this now, before it did become something scanadalous.&nbsp; But still, the only move she made was to lean very slightly closer, unconsciously, her eyes fixed on Emma's.&nbsp; "It's all right."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>28-04-2008, 18:43:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Elizabeth was equally confused as to which of them had truly initiated this, and for a moment, as she tried to decide, she stayed tense, not quite relaxing into the kiss.&nbsp; She realized her foolishness a beat later -- they were doing no one any harm, they were both nervous in the face of their shared strangeness, and this was only a way of making them both feel better.&nbsp; And it did make her feel better, and, she sensed, Emma as well.&nbsp; Emma liked this, was thoroughly enjoying this, and it would be cruel to deny her those feelings.<br><br>Slowly, Elizabeth unclenched, returning the kiss more naturally now.&nbsp; Her thoughts scattered, even the spirit-voices forgotten.&nbsp; She hadn't quite noticed her own reactions yet, too caught up in Emma's, but now they intruded gradually into her consciousness.&nbsp; Like Emma, she was shivering, and now she felt the tingling of earlier again, stronger this time, invading every part of her.&nbsp; It pooled in the pit of her stomach, growing warm there, but somehow that heat only made her shiver more.&nbsp; They would simply have to stop now, she knew that, but in her fascination with these sensations, she made no move to do so, only wondering if Emma was this deeply affected.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>28-04-2008, 20:29:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Elizabeth shook her head, very gently, afraid of dislodging Emma's hands.&nbsp; "I have no idea," she replied, slowly and wonderingly, her eyes studying Emma as though seeing her for the first time.&nbsp; The warmth stayed in her, perhaps even more insistent now, though her mind was now slightly uneasy at this fact, now that she had slightly more leisure to think.<br><br>Thinking was still no easy task, her logic inclined to stop and shatter whenever Emma pressed slightly closer, or simply shifted against her a little.&nbsp; "We shouldn't," she began, unconvincingly, then shook her head once more.&nbsp; "Our parents would say we shouldn't."&nbsp; Now she smiled faintly, ruefully.&nbsp; It was only fair to make sure that they were both aware of possible consequences, before deciding.&nbsp; But in her heart, she knew, somehow, with a certainty that took the rest of her breath away, what they would both find themselves deciding to do.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>28-04-2008, 21:04:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Despite her rebellious days, which she hadn't quite put behind her, Elizabeth would never have been able to make such light of parental demands herself.&nbsp; Her eyes grew wide as she saw Emma's face break into a grin, and wider still as one hand slapped at her backside, lightly but firmly.<br><br>"You're mad," Elizabeth said, half-meaning it, though she instantly joined in the laughter.&nbsp; Perhaps a little madness was a good thing, even necessary, considering their circumstances.&nbsp; The next moment, instinct took over, and she swatted Emma's behind, though carefully.&nbsp; The movement pressed them firmly together, and she found she rather liked that.&nbsp; She couldn't summon the nerve for another slap right away, but instead kissed the girl once more, briefly but firmly, then gave her a mock glare.&nbsp; "You're completely misbehaving, you know."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>28-04-2008, 21:43:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Still laughing, Elizabeth gaped in astonishment at the sight now before her.&nbsp; She had no intention of doing her worst, afraid that even her relatively meager strength might hurt the poor girl -- in fact, she had no intention of spanking her again at all.&nbsp; But some mischievous instinct took over, and she slapped the rounded bottom once more, still lightly, more sound than force.<br><br>This time she felt a different sort of shiver, one she couldn't begin to identify.&nbsp; But she wanted to be closer than this, already missing Emma's warmth, and she suddenly stepped around the girl, taking hold of her waist inside those tightly clinging clothes, and then dropped them both backwards into a pile of slightly musty hay.&nbsp; Elizabeth sneezed, laughing even harder, and managed to keep Emma on her lap as they landed in a giggling heap.&nbsp; "Isn't this more how one should be paddled?" she asked, somehow sounding quite polite and serious, though she still grinned widely as she looked over their new situation.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>29-04-2008, 15:12:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Elizabeth sneezed again, laughing helplessly as Emma rearranged them.&nbsp; She was surprised at how easily the slightly smaller girl had managed that, but other things quickly overwhelmed that surprise.&nbsp; Emma's first slap made Elizabeth squeal, though she quickly protested, with mock seriousness.&nbsp; "That slap was equally pathetic!" she insisted, before dissolving into more giggles as Emma continued.<br><br>She looked back over her shoulder, just watching Emma laugh for a moment.&nbsp; Her face lit up then, and if she'd been lovely before, her smiles made her exquisite, so alive and fascinating.&nbsp; Finally Elizabeth's eyes filled with mischief, and she raised an eyebrow.&nbsp; "I see that it's my turn once more," she said, then squirmed off of Emma's lap, squealing as she struggled to put Emma across her lap again and return the favor.&nbsp; Though she regretted the loss of Emma's hand on her backside, this more than made up for that, as the two of them tangled together, sending more dust flying, though neither seemed to notice, much less care.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>29-04-2008, 20:06:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It did occur to Elizabeth, somewhere in the midst of this mock struggle, that in spite of being taller, she would have been hard-pressed to make Emma do anything she didn't already want to do.&nbsp; Not that she ever would do such a thing, but it seemed that Emma was more tomboyish and wiry than she'd realized.<br><br>But at last their positions were swapped, both of them still laughing breathlessly as Elizabeth found herself with a grinning girl stretched out over her thighs.&nbsp; Only now did she realize that her gasping was not only because of physical exertion, and that her body tingled everywhere they had touched, which after that tangle, meant basically everywhere.&nbsp; She wasn't good at just letting things happen -- she always wanted to think, to understand, to know all the whys and wherefores of everything -- but now, she sensed, simply letting things go on naturally was the only way to react to this wonderful, dreamlike encounter.<br><br>Her eyes met Emma's, then she raised one eyebrow questioningly.&nbsp; But she didn't wait for an answer, instead aiming another light slap across the enticing rump before her.&nbsp; She kept her eyes on Emma's as much as possible, suddenly needing to see the other girl's reaction.&nbsp; With the memory of her own spanking so fresh and clear in her mind, she couldn't help but wonder if Emma would enjoy this as much as Elizabeth herself had...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>29-04-2008, 21:44:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Elizabeth noticed Emma's change in position, even if Emma herself didn't, and felt a strange rush of excitement.&nbsp; The last thing she wanted was to hurt the girl in any way, and she was still more nervous about this than she really should have been.&nbsp; But the movement, and the look on Emma's face, gave her permission to keep going, and reassured her immensely.&nbsp; The nervousness was still there, however, and probably now had very little to do with any possible injury.<br><br>She was probably even more shocked than Emma at the plea for another smack, but obeyed without thinking.&nbsp; It was still a careful slap, of course, the only difference this time being that she let her hand linger.&nbsp; She'd liked it when Emma had done that, so it was reasonable to assume Emma would also like it.<br><br>After a moment, she lifted her hand, hesitating teasingly before bringing it down again.&nbsp; And again, she left her hand there, this time slowly rubbing that smooth curve before pulling back.&nbsp; "More?" she asked, breathlessly.&nbsp; She wanted to keep going, she realized, though she would never have imagined she would feel that way.&nbsp; Her face felt warm, indeed her whole body seemed almost feverish, but somehow that felt wonderful.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>30-04-2008, 15:13:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Elizabeth had no idea that she had caused such a transformation as to make Emma sit so patiently still and quiet.&nbsp; But there were other transformations to think of now, as, for instance, the fact that every nerve in her body seemed to tingle with a sort of heat that went far beyond mere temperature.&nbsp; She suspected that Emma must feel something of the same, and wished that she could find the words to ask such a thing.<br><br>"Is this the right way to spank?" she asked instead, for that question she could pass off as more teasing.&nbsp; "I must learn to do this the right way, after all."&nbsp; There was little of teasing in her voice, though; more an edge of something like desperation.&nbsp; She felt on some level that this was wrong and needed to stop instantly, but the rest of her was still enthralled, amazed, wanting and needing to learn more about exactly what was happening, and what it might lead to.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>30-04-2008, 17:49:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"No?" was all Elizabeth had time to say before she found herself at the mercy of the wild, tickling creature in her arms and she dissolved into breathless laughter.&nbsp; She normally hated being tickled, finding it intensely frustrating, and she supposed it was this time as well.&nbsp; But there was also an extra edge to that frustration, a hint of something lovely just beyond it, that somehow helped her to bear it.<br><br>Still, when Emma stopped, just as Elizabeth was turning fairly red with laughter, it was a great relief.&nbsp; Now released, her poor beleagured foot pressed instinctively against the hay, trying to protect itself, leaving that knee up in the air, while her other leg had stretched out and slightly away, hoping to stay safe from the struggle.&nbsp; So it was that when Emma all but threw herself down, she ended up between Elizabeth's legs, warmth against warmth, leaving her almost as unable to breathe as if she was still being tickled.<br><br>"A proper lesson?" she murmured, thinking at first only of what an <em>im</em>proper lesson that would really be.&nbsp; It was on the tip of her tongue to say yes, anything, show me whatever you like and I'll teach you whatever I can; but her arms were already embracing Emma tightly, their lips already pressing together again, and she couldn't bring herself to suggest moving, not even for that delicious idea.&nbsp; "Yes, of course... in just a moment," she added, kissing Emma deeply once more, feeling that warmth flare up again.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>30-04-2008, 18:36:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				At first, Elizabeth hardly thought about any ulterior motives to Emma's wriggling.&nbsp; All this kissing did make one want to wriggle somehow, quite unlike those few stolen, comparatively chaste kisses that were the sum total of Elizabeth's previous experience.&nbsp; So Emma's scheme went on without protest or surprise even occurring to the girl underneath her.&nbsp; It was all just part of the fun.<br><br>It was only when her stockinged legs were almost completely exposed that it occurred to Elizabeth what had happened -- and that it had happened in a far from accidental way.&nbsp; The bundled fabric slid up a little further still, and she made a muffled sound of astonishment, realizing the depths of Emma's misbehavior.&nbsp; At the same instant, she realized that there was dampness between her legs, a sort of moisture that she rarely felt, and which made her blush without understanding why.<br><br>Trying to formulate something to say -- for surely she should say something -- Elizabeth had gotten no farther than inhaling when Emma swept her up into a still more passionate kiss, and she promptly forgot whatever it was she'd meant to mention.&nbsp; Time stopped, a silly phrase she'd run across in novels and thought foolish exaggeration; but now, suddenly, it was true.<br><br>Finally the kiss trailed off into little kisses, sweet and brief.&nbsp; "Have we started the lesson yet?" Elizabeth asked between two especially pleasant ones, still breathless and now almost completely befuddled as well, overwhelmed by her own reactions.&nbsp; If her spirit-voices were still speaking, she didn't hear a word.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>30-04-2008, 19:00:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Elizabeth pretended shock.&nbsp; "I'll grant you impatient, but incorrigible?&nbsp; I am no such thing."&nbsp; Then Emma was moving, and both of them realized at the same instant exactly what she was looking at, and both of them turned bright pink with embarrassment -- and, on Elizabeth's side at least, a little guilty excitement as well.&nbsp; Probably almost nothing was covered down there anymore, though she couldn't bring herself to check.<br><br>Then Emma's next words sank in, and Elizabeth squealed as they wrestled again, her skirts flying wildly this time, though they never quite managed to slide down enough to make a difference.&nbsp; Before she knew it, she was again sprawled in unladylike fashion over Emma's knees, more stunned than ever, but also more excited.&nbsp; With her dress and petticoat still bunched between them, she felt utterly exposed, nothing but stockings on her legs, the damp folds between her legs now open to the warm, stuffy air.&nbsp; She was afraid to speak or move, only looking back carefully over her shoulder, eyes wide and questioning, and also fascinated.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>30-04-2008, 20:19:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Elizabeth was only really aware of her own pounding heart, though she naturally suspected that Emma was feeling much the same thing right now.&nbsp; All she could really think of, though, was of what Emma was doing, and what it might mean.&nbsp; Her eyes stayed wide, and she stayed frozen in this rather uncomfortable position, oblivious to any cramping muscles.&nbsp; She could only watch Emma as her hand slid the fabric up even further, leaving all of her from the waist down with only thin stockings for modesty, leaving her no modesty at all.<br><br>Then that mischievous hand lowered down until it rested on bare skin.&nbsp; At that contact, Elizabeth sucked in her breath, reacting almost as though it had been another slap instead of the gentlest of touches.&nbsp; If she'd thought herself overwhelmed before, she now began to realize that that had been nothing, and there was so very much more to come.<br><br>She realized she was holding that breath, and let it out slowly.&nbsp; "Is this... the proper way?" she asked, barely aware of what she was saying.&nbsp; Giggling didn't even occur to her, her mind too amazed with trying to sort through everything she was feeling.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>30-04-2008, 21:01:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Elizabeth was still afraid to move, but as Emma's hands explored, she could barely resist the urge to writhe and buck her hips.&nbsp; The moisture there was clear now, and she blushed to think of what she must look like, as open and wanton as any woman of ill-repute.&nbsp; But somehow, it was all right, knowing that it was only Emma with her to see.<br><br>For a moment, one breathless, thrilling moment, she thought that Emma's hand would explore further, reaching down to touch that moisture for herself.&nbsp; Elizabeth both recoiled and welcomed the thought, realizing now just how much she was aching to be touched there.&nbsp; But Emma's hand moved away from that dangerous, wonderful spot, and her quiet voice told Elizabeth to get comfortable.&nbsp; She was hard-pressed to obey, as tense and nervous as she was, craving something she could hardly even identify, but she tried, exhaling slowly.<br><br>Then the slap landed, and she jumped as much from the sound as the contact.&nbsp; Her eyes flew open wide again, another sharp gasp echoing.&nbsp; "Oh!" she said, struggling for words.&nbsp; To say what she was thinking -- that it felt improbably wonderful -- was beyond her.&nbsp; The embarrassment would kill her.&nbsp; But she also had to encourage this somehow... "Do that again," she murmured, pleadingly.&nbsp; The slight tingle from the slap seemed to have settled between her legs, and she practically needed to feel more of that.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>30-04-2008, 21:36:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Emma needn't have worried about what she was saying, for Elizabeth was nearly beyond hearing, or rather understanding.&nbsp; Light as they were, each slap sent further tingling shivers through her body; and as spanks gradually became caresses, she had to bite her lip to force back several highly improper moans.&nbsp; She wriggled faintly now with each touch, no longer able to stop herself, and discovering to her further pleased surprise that the squirming felt almost as good as the squeezing.<br><br>Had Emma called her naughty? she wondered belatedly.&nbsp; Then her thoughts scattered, as that teasing little hand slid down just far enough to brush along her folds.&nbsp; A faint cry escaped her lips, and she felt her hips buck towards the ceiling without any conscious effort on her part, her body trying instinctively to prolong and deepen the contact.&nbsp; Her face burned with shame, she could feel it, but she didn't care.&nbsp; She sighed, the sound nearly a moan, and looked back at Emma, though she almost couldn't meet the girl's eyes.&nbsp; "Again," she whispered, the word barely audible even in the silence.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>01-05-2008, 00:42:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Elizabeth hadn't actually expected a slap there, and gentle though it was, it made her flinch and squirm even more.&nbsp; It didn't hurt, but it made her yearn even harder for that indefineable something, and she could not fight back yet another gasp.&nbsp; Then Emma's hand retreated instantly, and Elizabeth was left gasping and bereft.<br><br>She shifted as Emma did, letting her look, even though the idea still embarrassed her.&nbsp; But she so wanted to discover more, she could hardly worry about a little blushing right now.&nbsp; If Emma would only touch that spot again, for just a little longer, then perhaps she could learn everything she needed to know...<br><br>Now the hand fell lower, and she whimpered, then arched back, aching for a firmer touch.&nbsp; Her pulse seemed focused between her legs now, throbbing steadily and almost painfully, and she was sure that only Emma's hand could soothe her now.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>01-05-2008, 02:38:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"No," Elizabeth gasped, tense and shuddering at least as hard as Emma was.&nbsp; She hadn't often touched herself there, and when she did, it was usually in a very clinical way, studying herself more then trying to excite herself.&nbsp; This was an entirely different thing, sensual and overpowering, far beyond what she'd imagined.<br><br>Emma's fingers set a slow but steady pace, and Elizabeth could only squirm and whimper and shake.&nbsp; Slowly, she became aware that Emma was also squirming, her legs moving in time with her hand; and then Elizabeth understood.&nbsp; She wanted suddenly to return this favor, but could hardly bring herself to move.&nbsp; Just one moment longer, she kept telling herself, for each moment brought a fresh wave of warm pleasure, filling her body like a hot drink, and each moment she was sure that she would overflow, and that wonderful thing that she'd heard quiet stories of would happen to her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>01-05-2008, 15:39:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Slight and gentle though they were, Emma's every foray into Elizabeth's hungry opening left the girl more desperate, more beside herself.&nbsp; Each time, she pressed back, trying to lure those teasing fingers inside more deeply, but each time Emma kept her prodding shallow, and Elizabeth could only moan longingly.<br><br>And each time, the sensations building between her legs grew stronger, reaching an almost frightening crescendo of pleasure.&nbsp; Any moment now, that bliss would wash over her, and she would faint or scream or both, lost in that dark, mysterious ecstasy...<br><br>...until Emma pulled away entirely, no longer even teasing, those damp fingers trailing back, farther and farther away from the spot that most needed them.&nbsp; Elizabeth groaned in sudden loss, almost panic, for an instant afraid that Emma had rethought this whole idea and wanted to stop.<br><br>But she kept teasing, only now at a different opening, and Elizabeth held her breath, looking back at her sweet tormenter in amazement.&nbsp; Not that this new torture was entirely bad, but she hardly cared how that felt.&nbsp; All she knew was that her goal, her dream, now seemed out of reach, and her eyes now turned pleading, almost shamelessly so.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>01-05-2008, 16:58:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Elizabeth's relief was infinite.&nbsp; As Emma returned to her earlier teasing -- still frustrating, but at least promising something more sooner or later -- Elizabeth sighed, content again for a moment or two.&nbsp; "There," she replied, or tried to, her voice sounding distant, as though she was just waking from a deep and unexpected sleep.<br><br>Then she tried again to trick those nimble fingers inside her, but again it was no use.&nbsp; Sighs became moans again, and this time, she knew from the smile on her new friend's face that it would never be any use, not until Emma chose to relent.&nbsp; Though she'd feared it would take some time to get her back to that feverish edge, it was only moments before she was as tense and excited as she had ever been, each tiny thrust and caress making the heat build impossibly higher.<br><br>She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to focus only on the sensations between her legs.&nbsp; This seemed to help them build -- perhaps too much, for she soon found that her moans and gasps were becoming quite loud.&nbsp; A sharper throb raced briefly through her sex, making her writhe with sheer pleasure, and some instinct told her that this was her first taste of the true pleasure to come.&nbsp; She pressed her face against Emma's leg as best she could, trying to muffle the cries, and sure that at any moment, she would somehow explode.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>01-05-2008, 18:36:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The instant those fingers slipped inside, still gentle, but at last where Elizabeth had longed for them to be, she felt her insides clench, her passage gripping at the welcome intruders instinctively.&nbsp; She buried a cry against Emma's riding pants, arching to make the penetration easier.<br><br>Then the careful massage began, and she was sure she would not be able to bear it.&nbsp; Her cries grew louder and more frequent, forcing her to press her face still harder against Emma's thigh, and she was forced to cling to whatever she could reach, sure that she would writhe right off of Emma's lap in another moment.<br><br>At last, the final piece of the puzzle was added.&nbsp; Elizabeth hadn't known this was what she was waiting for, but the moment Emma's thumb pressed against that bit of flesh, the spot that was always the most sensitive there, everything came together in one glorious, overpowering rush of ecstasy.&nbsp; There was no other word for it.<br><br>Her eyes stayed squeezed shut, her white-knuckled hands gripping at Emma, at the hay, at anything that fell into her grasp.&nbsp; Her body wriggled wildly and uncontrollably now, almost thrashing, her hips bucking over and over, still trying to force Emma's fingers in as far as they would go.&nbsp; But another instinct made her cling to Emma herself, so she did not slip away as she'd feared, but stayed in that most wonderfully perfect spot.&nbsp; Wave after wave of exquisite pleasure flooded through her, radiating from and always returning to the spot under Emma's thumb, leaving Elizabeth weak and trembling, but glowing with happiness.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>01-05-2008, 20:31:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Elizabeth was unaware of the care Emma was taking with her now, but she was already infinitely grateful to the girl in any case, for having begun this delightful play in the first place.&nbsp; Now all embarrassment was gone, only the waves of pleasure left -- beginning to slow at last, though to Elizabeth they seemed to have lasted for hours already.&nbsp; She felt quite deliciously exhausted, and might have simply collapsed into sleep, searching for equally wonderful dreams, had it not been for Emma beneath her.<br><br>Elizabeth still held to her tightly, if shakily, her muscles weak all over.&nbsp; Slowly, she turned, almost feeling her way along Emma's body like a blind woman, until she was able to put her hands to the girl's face, cradling it gently, but as though she intended never to let go.&nbsp; "Teach me," she said, seeing in Emma's eyes a desire that she now shared, understanding at last the full depths of what they could do for each other.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>02-05-2008, 19:59:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"How to make you feel like that," Elizabeth said simply, as though that was the most obvious thing in the world.&nbsp; "It was all so much... I still can't sort out everything you did."&nbsp; She kissed between words, pressing them as close together as she could.&nbsp; Her skirts were still in disarray, her hair no doubt equally mussed, and she could feel how flushed her cheeks must be; yet somehow she felt more beautiful than she ever had when perfectly dressed and ready for a party.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>02-05-2008, 21:48:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"A bit surprised?" Elizabeth echoed, raising her eyebrows and also doing her best to look only politely interested.&nbsp; "I myself am merely stunned and amazed.&nbsp; I never realized..."&nbsp; She trailed off, shaking her head in wonder, knowing she had no words to describe anything she was thinking or feeling except in the most superficial way.&nbsp; But she tried, because she wanted them to learn as much about each other as they could, in so many ways.<br><br>"Is that all you did?&nbsp; What felt natural?"&nbsp; She wasn't quite sure that would work so well for her, but again, she could only try and see what happened.&nbsp; Her hand moved naturally with Emma's, gently resting on the warm skin peeping out between shirt and pants.&nbsp; It was so smooth and soft, and Elizabeth could only caress it with fascination for a moment.&nbsp; Then her hand slid up under the shirt a little further, resting flat against Emma's stomach before slowly slipping around her side to caress her back.&nbsp; Slowly, almost shyly, her other hand moved to unfasten the riding pants, moving delicately, as fascinated by this simple but unfamiliar procedure as she was by everything else.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>05-05-2008, 15:21:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Elizabeth's face was bright pink even in the rather dim barn, her fingers shaking unceasingly, though in some ways she had almost gone beyond embarrassment.&nbsp; She never even thought of stopping -- she'd chosen her course, and would follow it to the end, which seemed like it could only be paradise.<br><br>And this, at least, did seem natural, her hands moving quickly in spite of their shivering, sliding the pants down slowly, watching all that bare skin being revealed.&nbsp; Her eyes hardly knew where to look first; to Emma's legs or her breasts, both being so tantalizingly revealed.&nbsp; The fact that she was still fully dressed hardly seemed to register, except for a vague, unfocused sense of discomfort at being trapped in her clothes.<br><br>Finally pants and boots were cast aside, and her hands travelled very slowly up Emma's body, touching and studying every bit of her.&nbsp; Gently but firmly, she pulled off Emma's shirt as well, unable to leave even the girl's arms so covered up.&nbsp; And then she stretched out over her, holding herself up so that only her clothes brushed against Emma's bare skin, and pressed their lips together in a kiss that was both achingly slow and desperately passionate.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>05-05-2008, 21:07:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Elizabeth was at least as clueless as her friend.&nbsp; She'd thought to tease Emma as Emma had teased her, to draw out those wonderful feelings as long as possible; but now she almost feared she'd unleashed some uncontrollable instincts.&nbsp; Emma's groan was faintly alarming -- enticingly so, but it still made Elizabeth wonder seriously what she could possibly do to satisfy that overwhelming need.<br><br>She found legs wrapped around her hips, pulling her down, and could no longer hold herself away from Emma even a tiny bit, instead pressing against her, half-afraid she might crush the girl in their mutual distraction.&nbsp; But far from feeling crushed, apparently Emma only wanted more, and Elizabeth blushed as she moved to obey.<br><br>One hand moved to Emma's shoulder, tracing gently along her neck, then down to caress each breast, with feathery touches.&nbsp; Slowly, she worked her way down, reaching mid-thigh before relenting and turning back to her real goal -- the hidden treasure between Emma's legs.&nbsp; Still as gently as she could, her fingertips traced along those folds, already almost dripping wet, learning every line.&nbsp; Her lips still kissed Emma's, tasting them delicately, still trying to keep herself from rushing, as her instincts cried out for her to do.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>06-05-2008, 15:25:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Again Elizabeth was alarmed at the depths of this response, and wondered if she'd been so uncontrolled and desperate herself moments ago.&nbsp; She certainly recognized the way Emma's hips bucked as being much the way her own had moved, and blushed at the memory even as she felt a hint of that warmth fill her again.<br><br>She still fought her instinct to plunge her fingers in -- as frustrating as it had been, she was quite sure that it was Emma's long delay that had made Elizabeth's ultimate finish so amazing, and she hoped to do the same now for Emma.&nbsp; So she followed Emma's example, first barely dipping her fingers into that hungry passage, amazed at the feverish heat and moisture there.&nbsp; Now her other hand joined in, caressing elsewhere over her mound while she kept teasing, slipping in just a fraction further each time.<br><br>She still watched Emma's reactions closely, fascinated, trying to learn everything that best pleased the girl.&nbsp; Of course she couldn't miss Emma's swollen clitoris, begging to be caressed, and now she teased at that as well, before finally focusing on pressing it, lightly but firmly, as her other hand at last slid in, slowly, but as far as it would go, testing and exploring eagerly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>07-05-2008, 15:25:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Had she not had similar convulsions and made similar pleading sounds herself, just moments ago, Elizabeth might easily have thought she was witnessing some sort of fit.&nbsp; But she knew exactly what Emma was feeling, and tried her desperate best to make it just as wonderful now, for Emma, as it had been then, for Elizabeth.<br><br>Obviously she'd done things mostly right, at least, so she continued as she was -- moving her fingers in and out, feeling Emma's body tugging and squeezing at them insistently; and her other hand caressing and stroking even as it kept up the firm, gentle pressure on that swollen bit of flesh.&nbsp; She rode out Emma's wrigglings and squirmings as best she could, still fascinated by it all.&nbsp; Even aside from Emma's loveliness, there was a vitality in her, an energy, that the generally quieter, more sedate Elizabeth could only admire.&nbsp; And now, that energy seemed about to explode, giving Elizabeth a shiver of pride, that she could have helped this happen...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>07-05-2008, 20:41:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Without thinking, Elizabeth obeyed the silent, pleading summons and embraced the girl, stretching out a little off to the side rather than right on top, trying not to make her uncomfortable.&nbsp; Now she realized the mess her fingers must be, feeling the faintly sticky fluids there, and did her best not to get it on her clothes or Emma's skin.&nbsp; And she also realized how loud they'd both been, how unrestrained, and most of all, how scandalous, and blushed with guilty excitement.<br><br>"I just did what felt right," she whispered, still bright pink, clinging to the girl as hard as she dared.&nbsp; "Did I make as much fuss as you did?" she asked, teasingly, her eyes shining.&nbsp; Already the light was growing more dim, reminding them of the time, but she did her best not to think about anything so awful as saying goodbye just yet.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>09-05-2008, 16:06:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Elizabeth bit her lip, her responsible side demanding to be heard.&nbsp; She almost prepared to speak; then Emma's lips cut her off, and she returned each kiss, whimpering faintly with frustration.&nbsp; It was impossible to stay much longer -- her father would assume the worst and demand a search for his lost daughter, who of course couldn't possibly have wandered off on her own, dutiful child that she was.&nbsp; But it was equally impossible to leave, not yet.<br><br>There was nothing else for it, though.&nbsp; Sooner or later they would have to go back to their respective homes and, in public, at least, pretend this hadn't happened.&nbsp; Elizabeth could have wept at the thought, but she held back her tears.&nbsp; She would not cry during this last stolen moments, and risk upsetting Emma even more.<br><br>When she again heard the whisper of a spirit-voice, after having so completely ignored them for such a long time, Elizabeth couldn't quite disguise a flinch of surprise.&nbsp; She blinked, listening reluctantly for a moment, then sighed, tears gleaming in her eyes.&nbsp; "I am told that my mother is looking for me," she whispered, between kisses, still not letting go.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>12-05-2008, 15:11:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Now, Elizabeth had the leisure to feel awkward.&nbsp; Not that she felt uncomfortable; not quite that, not with Emma, but she was now very aware of having done something that would, as Emma rightly pointed out, get them into more trouble than they could imagine if anyone found out.&nbsp; Reassuring herself that no one could find out, unless her spirits could speak to someone else, was a useless exercise, as her nerves insisted there would doubtless be some kind of trouble over this.<br><br>She smoothed out her own clothes, pulling away bits of straw and trying to put her hair back into something like order.&nbsp; Having been riding would excuse some disarray, but not this much.&nbsp; "It is a very strange thing," she said ruefully, offering up her own opinion of the odd message she'd received.&nbsp; "But it seems I shall have to get used to it... and it is a very helpful thing right now.&nbsp; If we ever want to be allowed out again."<br><br>Smiling, a little sadly, she stood as well, helping Emma straighten out her collar as she put her shirt back on.&nbsp; "Perhaps we could go out by the river tomorrow and sketch," she suggested, with consummate innocence.&nbsp; "I am told that it should be another fine, sunny day."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>12-05-2008, 16:30:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Elizabeth shivered delightfully under this inspection, taking her own opportunity to check Emma's clothes, now and then reaching out to brush them off as well.&nbsp; Both of them still needed a mirror and time to truly fix their hair, but it was good enough for now.<br><br>She felt dizzy after the kiss, almost giving in to an embrace herself, but she sensed Emma's tension and held back, realizing what further difficulties that might lead to.&nbsp; "Yes, noontime.&nbsp; Do you know the spot where the river makes that sharp curve?&nbsp; There's a stand of lovely old oaks nearby.&nbsp; I go there often to sketch, so no one will suspect anything if I go there."<br><br>She was as reluctant to move as Emma, still simply standing and looking at the girl, that sense of wonder returning as she realized anew the bond between them.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>13-05-2008, 16:06:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Elizabeth was equally tongue-tied, especially after that unexpected kiss.&nbsp; That left her reeling for a moment, during which she could only stare as Emma turned, slowly and reluctantly, to go.&nbsp; Again this seemed like a dream, wonderful and warm, but a dream that was ending and which she was helpless to prolong.<br><br>Finally her body started moving as well, reclaiming her own horse, Lady, who had waited with remarkable patience during all their wrestlings and cries.&nbsp; Twice she drew breath to speak, and twice stopped herself, clinging to these last moments, memorizing Emma's face.<br><br>Now they were outside, the sunset painting the sky with dark reds and oranges.&nbsp; With one last look, and one last sigh, Elizabeth mounted her horse, trying to smile so that Emma would not remember her in tears.&nbsp; "Tomorrow," she finally whispered, then, before she could stop herself, turned her horse for home, looking back longingly over her shoulder.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>30-05-2008, 18:36:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It was a lovely day, the ground dappled with sunshine through the trees, the river sparkling in the light.&nbsp; A large form moved through the woods, with surprising ease, making barely a sound.&nbsp; What noise he did make was covered by the sounds of laughter ahead of him, two girls giggling and whispering together, trading secrets and making new ones.&nbsp; They were lost to everything else, noticing nothing except each other as they lay on the grassy bank, bodies gleaming in the sun.<br><br>The form stopped, watching them closely for long moments.&nbsp; Then the man smiled, turning and backing away a little, sitting comfortably against a tree.&nbsp; He could be very patient.&nbsp; He would wait, and when the girls went their separate ways, this time it would not be Elizabeth Carlisle that he followed.&nbsp; This time, he would have quite a different target in mind.&nbsp; The mistress, he thought, would be pleased...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>19-06-2008, 15:51:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Some miles away, Elizabeth Carlisle woke from an afternoon doze with a start, uneasy dreams still lingering.&nbsp; For a moment she could not even remember where she was, let along what had woken her; but in the next breath, memory flooded back, and with it, a sharp stab of fear.<br><br>She was standing up and moving before she had quite processed her thoughts, preparing to leave.&nbsp; Now she knew there were spirits there, the friendlier ones urging her in their strange way to help; and she knew where her help was needed.&nbsp; Emma was in danger, her dear Emma, and she would go to her rescue no matter what.<br><br>The spirits babbled out a confused story of a big man, of Emma imprisoned and bound, and Elizabeth's heart ached more with every terrible detail.&nbsp; A weapon, she might need a weapon... She forced herself to slow as she raced out of her room towards the kitchen, trying not to draw attention.&nbsp; Slipping into the room while the cook's back was turned, she slid the largest knife out of its place in the wooden holder and was out the back door with no one the wiser.<br><br>Then, at last, she could run.&nbsp; She didn't think of pausing to make an excuse, heedless of her mother's worry -- there was simply no time to lose.&nbsp; Her horse was saddled with more speed than she would ever have thought herself capable of, yet it still seemed to take hours.&nbsp; Finally she put the knife into the small saddlebag, wrapped loosely with a rag, and leapt up onto the horse.<br><br>The spirits guided her, and she scarcely even knew where she was going, relying on their knowledge.&nbsp; Already she had a fair idea of which were most trustworthy -- certainly not all of them could be relied upon, but most were at least not actively vicious or deceitful.&nbsp; But she still berated them as she rode, pushing Lady as much as she dared, quivering with fear.&nbsp; None of her unseen allies could explain why they had not realized the danger sooner, offering only confused, wordless images of blurriness, of some vague but very real force preventing them from seeing all, as they usually did.&nbsp; Elizabeth had to set that aside for now, able only to hope and pray, and follow their guidance as quickly as possible.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>China Doll</strong> on <strong>02-07-2008, 19:44:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div align="center">~~~<br><em>Hale,<br><br>I feel the act of sugar coating ones words rather useless and petty, for it diverts from the main point of ones message. I have never been one to go down any path but the one that will lead me to exactly what I desire. Having said this, you will realize the tone of this letter is that of frustration because quite bluntly, I am. <br><br>This Emma Place you have so keenly doted upon finding, I have little interest in her. If you are in need of bait to subdue a girl half your size, Though I never question your loyalty, I question my choice in sending you upon this mission.&nbsp; I do not see how Miss Carlisle is evading you! One would think with your height you would be incapable of losing anyone! It seems however that giants lack the intelligence to use their enormity as an advantage. <br><br>My patience is wearing thin Hale. <br><br>For your sake, I hope that-------ou---------ie----ov---ead---</em><br><br>~~~~</div>A horrendous <em>wurring</em> sound shook the letter tablet on which the alluring Mistress V&nbsp; wrote upon. Her slender fingers set down the gold tipped quill and creased her thin brows towards the device. Had the box been an actual scribe of sorts, taking down her letter, he would have dropped lifelessly to the floor at that very moment. Unfortunately, the box did nothing in response to Mistress V’s livid stare, save for continuing it’s unnatural groan. Such a sound could easily be thought of as the gears being stuck or something mechanical malfunctioning within the walls, but no! This blasted device was powered by magic, and <em> supposedly </em> a more efficient means of communication.<br><br>Her arms crossed over her well-formed bust, which was further enhanced by the dark lace corset constricting her already thin figure beneath the folds of her gown. The make up of the design of her dress was as intricate and mysterious as the very woman who wore it! A design of black and deep red, that was perfectly complimented by the pale pigment to her skin and the shadowy color of her hair. The sleeves of the gown were fashioned with netting one might find in stockings, though the design resembled spider webs that were woven all the way down her arm and connecting upon the middle finger of both hands.&nbsp; &nbsp;The cuirasse bodice was corset like in itself, and dipped deep both front and back extending well down to her curved hips, creating the look of a body encased in armor! A flattering, yet dangerously fitting look for a woman of Mistress V’s power and reputation…<br><br>The style was not <em>quite</em> in fashion yet, but having lived so long, the elegant immortal had gained a talent for predicting the achievements of fashion years before they became trend.<br><br>Having stared at the device with pursed lips for several minutes, Mistress V allowed a sigh to pass from her painted lips. She leaned forward to pluck the small silver bell at her tableside. One might expect just a <em>ping</em> to be heard, nothing that would be audible to anyone else in the large estate. The sound which came forth was as loud and melodious as the church bells at Catholic mass! It was a common notion that Mistress V had discovered, that things came unexpectedly from the most unexpected places….<br><br>Settling back in her crushed velvet chair, she crossed her legs and brought her piercing green eyes to the door…..A small smirk managed to tug at her lips, certainly not at the situation at hand, but towards the thought she had found a reason to summon <em>him</em>…<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>02-07-2008, 21:50:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Not so very far away from Hale and his writing-box, the Miss Carlisle in question was still riding as quickly as she dared, careful now of her tired horse.&nbsp; Lady was a good horse, and did her best, but there was only so much the animal was capable of.<br><br>She spotted a stream at the same moment Lady did, and let the horse trot over to the water.&nbsp; It was time for a rest in any case, and to check her bearings.<br><br>Talking to the spirits, she'd found, was a tiring business at best.&nbsp; Many of them genuinely wished to help, though in many cases that seemed to be largely due to the fact that they simply wanted someone to talk to... which meant they often did not want to stick to the subjects Elizabeth was most interested in.&nbsp; They would reminisce, or start describing something they once saw the President himself do when he thought himself quite unobserved.&nbsp; These things would be most interesting at other times, but right now they only infuriated her.<br><br>But in this case, at least, some of her urgency must have been clear to them, for they did not disturb her quite as much as they otherwise would.&nbsp; Now several assured her she was still on the right road, and assured her again that the giant of a man seemed to have no wish to harm the girl in his clutches.&nbsp; It was small comfort, but all she had.&nbsp; If he was loathe to shed blood, perhaps that would make it easier for her to free Emma, and it did calm her worries somewhat.<br><br>Spirits were also rather vague about distances, she'd learned.&nbsp; Their own travel was apparently largely instantaneous, which made them poor judges of how long it might be before she arrived.&nbsp; However, she knew she hadn't been too far behind them, and she was travelling faster, most likely, so it shouldn't be too much longer.&nbsp; It couldn't be, or she would wear herself out with worrying and wondering.<br><br>She gave Lady a brief, soothing rubdown, then gently urged her back to the road, murmuring soothing things into the mare's ear before remounting and continuing on her desperate course.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>03-07-2008, 16:25:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Elizabeth nearly wept with relief when the cabin the spirits had described at last came into view.&nbsp; It was small, almost ramshackle, and isolated in the extreme.&nbsp; She could not bear to wonder if Emma had screamed for help and heard only silence in return.<br><br>Now she must be calm, practical, and quick.&nbsp; The spirits told her that the man was next to Emma, who seemed to be asleep, though several hinted that they felt this was a trick.&nbsp; If only Emma could also hear those small voices, then she could have sent warning, telling her to be ready to escape.&nbsp; Emma was not without unexpected resources herself.<br><br>She tied Lady up near a small stand of lush grass, reward for the mare's hard work, and took the knife from the saddlebag, freeing it from its wrappings.&nbsp; With any luck, she would need it only to cut Emma's bindings.&nbsp; She doubted anyone would believe her if she threatened to wound with the blade.&nbsp; In the heat of defending herself or her dear Emma was one thing; to stab cold-bloodedly was quite beyond her, she was sure.<br><br>She crept closer, listening intently to the whispers of how the cabin was laid out, where Emma was, where the gigantic man was.&nbsp; He had to be lured away somehow, or she would get nowhere in this rescue.&nbsp; She found a hiding place, at the base of a large tree covered with ivy, a venerable tree that would shield her well.&nbsp; Once settled there, she shifted the knife to her other hand and found a largish rock, just able to fit in the palm of her hand.&nbsp; Then she hurled the rock as far from her hiding place as she could, landing it in the brush just around the corner of the cabin with a faint but distinct rustle.&nbsp; She could have done no better, she thought, nervously, and asked a more cooperative spirit, one that seemed quite grandmotherly, to keep watch on the man.&nbsp; If he left his post, she had to try to get inside as quickly as her legs could carry her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>03-07-2008, 20:41:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Without thought or hesitation, Elizabeth joined in the shouting at the sound of her name, half-stepping from her hiding place.&nbsp; "Let her go!&nbsp; If your business is with me, then speak to me, like a man, instead of hiding behind a girl!"<br><br>Her knees turned to water as soon as the words left her mouth.&nbsp; If the spirits were wrong, if he'd lied, if he really didn't mind hurting Emma, then now he would do it, and it would be her fault.&nbsp; She ran forward, stumbling, still gripping the knife, foolish weapon that it seemed now, and still crying out to him to let his captive go.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>07-07-2008, 15:03:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Some combination of her own intuition, and the whispers of the spirits, let Elizabeth take what she thought and hoped were some very good guesses about his plans.&nbsp; He was exaggerating his fear, hiding so determinedly behind Emma; he expected Elizabeth to have companions, though she somehow doubted that he was thinking of the spirits just now; and he was not lying when he said he only wanted the truth.&nbsp; This was reassuring, but also raised many new questions, and she voiced one of them now.<br><br>"And what is it you mean to do with this truth, once you have it?" she called, not yet bothering to step closer.&nbsp; She could already hear more of what he said than he knew, or rather hear it repeated to her.&nbsp; "I'm sure you will understand if I am somewhat distrustful of your motives, considering how you have handled things so far," she added, dryly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>07-07-2008, 16:29:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Elizabeth felt the chill of dread.&nbsp; How much did he know?&nbsp; He knew she could hear him, however indirectly, but did he know exactly how?&nbsp; Did he know what Emma could do as well?&nbsp; She thought of him telling everyone, of the two girls being exposed to all the fear and hatred their abilities would surely bring, and shuddered at the thought of being an outcast.<br><br>"Are you so anxious now to speak face to face?&nbsp; If that was your intention, you began in a very strange way."&nbsp; She began to walk forward now, slowly, alert to every whisper she could hear, and watching his every move narrowly.&nbsp; The knife was still in her grip, at her side, hidden by the folds of her skirts.&nbsp; "And you have not answered my question.&nbsp; Will you, once you've kidnapped me as well?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>07-07-2008, 17:39:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Elizabeth flinched as he moved, instinctively afraid, but he was only walking closer.&nbsp; If he would only let go of Emma, she might be able to breathe normally again.<br><br>"You still will not tell me why you need to know these things," she said, shaking her head.&nbsp; Her stomach felt like water, but she had to keep going, to see this whole thing through.&nbsp; "You must mean to use it in some terrible way.&nbsp; Why should any decent, caring person trust you?"&nbsp; She knew, or perhaps the spirits did, that she was likely walking into something well beyond her experience, but there was no turning back, at least not until Emma was free and safe.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>07-07-2008, 20:57:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Elizabeth stepped forward to meet Emma, though she hardly needed to -- Emma's feet hardly seemed to touch the ground, she was running so quickly.&nbsp; But Elizabeth was beginning to think that free would not necessarily mean safe, or even truly free, not anymore.<br><br>She held the girl close, soothing her and making sure she was unharmed, wanting to see for herself.&nbsp; Then she looked at Hale, torn between quiet anger and something almost like amusement.&nbsp; "A gift, is it?&nbsp; You might not think so, if you had it."&nbsp; Again she felt herself being enmeshed in something huge and terrible, something beyond her everyday life, and felt a stab of terror at the idea that Emma was now tangled in it along with her.<br><br>"Is it greed, to keep to myself something that might ruin my life and shame my family?&nbsp; The world never wants truth."&nbsp; She imagined the world, or even just her town, learning of what she and Emma could do, but could imagine no outcome that would be good for either of them.&nbsp; She held Emma close, trying to hold back the darkness.&nbsp; "What is it you think I can do for the world?" she asked, flatly, afraid to know, but more afraid to live in ignorance.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>14-07-2008, 17:18:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Elizabeth shivered, not even Emma's warmth against her able to make her feel anything less than chilled.&nbsp; This man wanted to take her, a young girl from a small town, and set her up as judge over the world, it seemed, make her into some sort of Solomon.&nbsp; She wondered, with a faint sense of hysteria, if Solomon, too, had been able to speak to the shades of the dead.<br><br>"I know... that you are speaking what you believe to be the truth," she replied, slowly, still trying to sort through everything she was thinking and everything the spirits whispered to her.&nbsp; "But who are these people you represent?&nbsp; Are you as sure of their motives?"<br><br>She somehow knew that he was right in saying that others knew of her.&nbsp; How, she could not imagine, but she also could not have imagined him finding out, or even that such abilities could exist in the first place.&nbsp; "What do you do for these people?"&nbsp; <em>Besides kidnapping frightened girls,</em> she thought, but did not speak it.&nbsp; The spirits near her were agitated with her fear and suspicion, and she felt them swirling around her, speaking quickly and all at once.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>16-07-2008, 17:11:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Now Elizabeth looked at Emma was well, helplessly.&nbsp; She was too overwhelmed with the exhaustion of the chase, her worry, and now her confusion over the best path to take.&nbsp; There no longer seemed any right path.<br><br>"What do you think?" she whispered, ignoring Hale for now.&nbsp; "I hate the thought of trusting him even a little after what he did to you, but -- you said once that these could be gifts.&nbsp; Perhaps this is the way to make them so.&nbsp; The way to help people... but I can't leave you.&nbsp; I've only just found you."&nbsp; Now she cried, quietly, only just managing not to break down completely after the stress of the day.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>22-07-2008, 17:40:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				At first, the scene was as unreal as any play.&nbsp; Emma suddenly had a knife -- <em>her</em> knife, Elizabeth realized -- and suddenly the two of them were facing off, neither willing to give ground.&nbsp; Elizabeth somehow knew that her friend would not back down, no matter how great the difference in their sizes, but still she pleaded with her, quietly, to stay still.&nbsp; "Emma, please.&nbsp; Don't."<br><br>But the knife was already in the air, cutting a surprisingly graceful arc, and Elizabeth froze for a moment, sure she was about to see a man die.&nbsp; Instead she saw a man make an impossible catch, and she allowed herself a sigh of relief, that no one would be added to the number of her spirits here.<br><br>Until the blade suddenly struck home, driven by Hale's own hand, and she felt her own heart stop for an instant in sympathy.&nbsp; "No," she whispered, a denial of her own senses rather than a refusal of his request.&nbsp; "You-- you terrify me, shock me -- and now you want me to go along with you out of guilt, because you were fool enough to stab yourself?&nbsp; I hope you have some ability to heal, for otherwise you have manipulated yourself into your own grave."<br><br>She could stand it no longer, and after giving Emma one more brief embrace, trying to calm the girl, she stepped forward briskly, determined to offer what help she could, whether he needed it or not.&nbsp; "Do you plan to let me speak with your ghost, to prove you were telling the truth?&nbsp; Do you think I want anyone's death, or even wounding, on my conscience?&nbsp; Let me see."&nbsp; She tried to sound stern and angry, but was far too close to tears for that to work.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>24-07-2008, 18:06:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Elizabeth shook her head, still stunned, if relieved, over having seen his wound close of its own accord.&nbsp; "One small girl in one small town... I never thought to change anything of any note," she said tensely.&nbsp; She frowned abruptly, turning her head as though listening, then making an impatient gesture, frustrated and upset, wishing more than ever that these spirits would simply go away and leave her in peace.<br><br>Again she shook her head, feeling far too overwhelmed to decide anything.&nbsp; She took Emma's hand, squeezing it reassuringly, and turned once more to Hale.&nbsp; He was using her guilt against her, whether he meant to or not, but whether that was truly a bad thing or not she couldn't yet decide.&nbsp; "Who else is with you?&nbsp; Tell me some of the things you've done."&nbsp; She wasn't even sure she wanted to hear, but she had to know more, she felt, still held in place by her own uncertainty.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>29-07-2008, 16:45:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Elizabeth was thoroughly bemused by the scene that played out before her, once more feeling just as though she was watching a performance on stage.&nbsp; She watched Emma stomp off, then turned to look at Hale, shaking her head slowly before following him into the cabin.<br><br>It was as small and dark as it seemed from the outside, though it was sound enough and would protect them well enough.&nbsp; "I think she would have preferred you to be defensive," she said quietly, half-smiling.&nbsp; "She has a temper, but she will calm down soon enough.&nbsp; I think.&nbsp; Mind you, I'm not very happy with you, either, but I won't slap you," she said, gravely.<br><br>"I think I must ask to eat first," she added, now feeling the fatigue of her anxious journey.&nbsp; "Oh, and tend to my poor horse."&nbsp; She blushed in concern for the poor, loyal mare, and also at her own neglect.&nbsp; "I have been quite beside myself," she added, though she knew that was no excuse.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>01-08-2008, 16:48:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Laughter was about the last thing Elizabeth had expected to hear, but she was glad of it nonetheless.&nbsp; If Emma had continued to be so angry, they would never have gotten anywhere, and they needed to sort things out, and make some calm decisions.&nbsp; Still, it was a strange sight, and though she couldn't help but smile, it was a slightly perplexed one.&nbsp; "Can you share the joke?" she asked, bemused, going over to investigate the stew.<br><br>"You have been busy," she remarked, taking up the poker and gently stirring the fire up a little more.&nbsp; "You seem to have cooked for thirty rather than three," she added, innocent of any further merriment she might cause with that remark.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: More Things in Heaven and Earth (EroticWinged &amp; Valerian)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>15-10-2008, 17:22:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Had Elizabeth known what Emma was thinking, she would have laughed to hear that she seemed so resolute.&nbsp; All she felt was indecision and hesitation at the enormity of the decisions before her, made worse by the knowledge that it was only because of her that Emma was involved at all.&nbsp; She was deeply touched by the fact that Emma never complained of this, though in some ways, that almost made Elizabeth feel even worse.<br><br>"Beware of her clever ideas," she said to Hale, straight-faced, only a slight quirk to one eyebrow giving away her amusement.&nbsp; "But I do agree that we may as well stop for lunch along here," she added more seriously, looking approvingly at the shady trees and lush grass to the side of the road.&nbsp; "This is a pretty spot."<br><br>As Hale saw to settling the wagon and its horses, she turned Lady out to graze, giving the mare an affectionate pat on the nose and finding an especially nice patch of grass for the loyal horse.&nbsp; "Now then, Emma, tell us this idea of yours and we'll all decide how clever it is," she teased, gently, for she couldn't help but smile radiantly at the girl as she spoke.
			</dd>
		</dl>
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