Penny Dreadful Emerald

This is the second story round in a series that is a collaborative effort between me and a very good friend(and Muse) who wished to remain in the shadows.

 

Lucidity’s Penny Dreadful 2 The Emerald

 

First Part, Lucidity’s Perspective:

Lucidity looks down at the mysterious note clutched in her hand.

It had been delivered to her by a youth, who had said it had been given it to him to deliver specifically to her. No other information would he give up as to even the gender of the person who had paid him to do the task.

She had tipped him as he had unabashedly held up an empty palm before giving her the mysterious handwritten note he was firmly holding. Then he had darted off without looking back, disappearing into the crowd.

Very peculiar Lucidity thought as she watched the figure dashing off, taking a few minutes to ponder…

She had come here this evening to participate in this Church run charity casino being held in the basement of an old castle that had been converted to a B & B / Events centre.

It was a dress up affair, and Lucidity fell right into place with the ladies sporting their luxurious evening gowns and their men looking dapper in full tux attire. The jewels worn by the ladies dazzled as they moved about, playing the various games of chance, rings and bracelets flickering as they cast their money down.

Lucidity had dressed up also. She would have loved to have worn her red satin gown with her rubies. But her beautiful ruby necklace had been stolen by a mystery thief who had snuck into her bedroom, silent as a cat, and had spirited it away. So tonight she wore her green satin ballgown and her emeralds.

There was also a dance floor set up at one end, by the exits, with a band up on stage. Lucidity had been dancing with several of the men whom had signed her dance card. But had taken a breather and found herself at a table where a game of cards was taking place. She was watching the game when, with a tug at her satin gown, had turned and looked down at the young lad delivering to her the mysterious note she now held,

Lucidity decided to move off to a discreet cornet before reading the note.

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Second Part: Another’s Perspective:

Arriving home from another long day of work, tired, from sleepless nights. She let herself into her small apartment. Grabbing a quick bite to eat, and a shower, thinking about settling upon her time worn brown leather couch to watch some re-runs.

Unable to stop yawning and unable to fight the weariness that settled upon her,

she decided to call it an early night, maybe tonight she would sleep, maybe she would have a peaceful and refreshing sleep. Stumbling into her room and turning off the lights she slipped under her covers, and was soon curled into a tight fetal position, fast asleep….

 

… Standing, stretching, smiling to herself, filled with vitality and energy. Her lips curled upwards into a smile and with emerald colored eyes glowing.

Looking down at the tangled sheets on the bed she laughed softly to herself. The night is young, the night has just begun.

 

Wondering at how people of social standing deemed it necessary to post their itinerary on social media, but thankful they did. Having discovered last night that a certain Lady was scheduled to go to a charity casino this very evening.

She had employed a messenger service to deliver a dictated note to the Lady during the event.

 

Stepping into the closet, she retrieved a few packages that had been carefully hidden the night before.

Quickly heading into the living room, applying light makeup, and swiftly dressing in the outfit she had acquired. A wonderfully silky little black dress and a white blouse. A tied black ribbon bow tie beneath her collar, and a old style Blackjack dealer’s cap.

Checking herself in the mirror, yes, perfect, she looked every bit the role of a casino dealer.

She was ready for a game of chance.

Off to the church, to see how the game might unfold

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Third Part: Lucidity’s Perspective:

Lucidity stared at the open letter for a few minutes, reading it over quite carefully. It sounded like a scavenger hunt.

It instructed her to go outside into the gardens at the stroke of eleven. Alone. Once there she was to find a bush of roses that surrounded a fountain adorned with a statue of an imp.

There she would find a second letter, with further instructions.

She looked around with curiosity, no one seemed to be paying attention to her, yet she had a nagging impression that the letter sender was there.

In the end her curiosity had beguiled her to the point that, after first deciding not to follow the notes rather intriguing directions, She had finally changed her mind and decided to slip away unnoticed and find the second letter.

She tried to remain calm, but her mind was going miles a minute as she tried to figure out what this was all about. She also admitted she had found it exciting, and rather scintillating.

She spent the remaining time at various tables, placing bets without any real feeing for the game.

One of the blackjack dealers, a pretty lady in a silky dress and blouse, had bumped into her and started a conversation, asking if Lucidity was having any luck.

Lucidity had answered that she had not as of yet but was hoping her luck may turn around later.

The dealer had winked at her, almost like she knew something, and told her that she was sure Lucidity’s luck would change.

Wit an hour to go, Lucidity hoped the charming dealer was right.

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Fourth Part: Another’s Perspective:

Arriving at the church which was awash with soft lighting, the grounds speckled with lengths of dancing shadows.

She quickly slipped around to the back, locating the small fountain lit and radiating light from small diamonds of water that were tossed upwards by the arcing spray of water, there she placed a small package within the rose bush.

 

A silver flask around which was tied a golden necklace adorned with, the fire ruby she had acquired last night.

Wrapping the flask within a small sheet of parchment, upon which was written,

the second note that the Lady would read this very day.

 

“ Here is your hearts desire,

returned to you the ruby fire.

Now sip from the flask if you so dare,

to find your other desire, but have a care,

The nectar might be fire to your own hot flame, it may be that very spark,

or perhaps be a liquid from which you should refrain, cold, and full of menace dark.”

 

 

Smiles to her self, the Lady shall either sip and the game shall go on, or run away with her precious bauble. Wonders how she will choose.

 

Slipping in through the unlocked vestry door, she made her way down to the basement where the casino event was being held. Tuxedos and gowns, perfumes and laughter,

the patrons enjoying their evening and as is their nature giving forth generously to the games of chance, to help the less fortunate.

 

Glancing over she noticed the Lovely Lady, as always the center of attention of all about her. She appeared distracted and moved aimlessly from table to table.

Wondering if perhaps her distraction was caused by the first note she arranged to be delivered. Glancing at the clock, she noticed the time, thinking in about 60 minutes we shall see what path the Lady chooses.

 

Picking up a serving tray, she moved forward, gently bumping into the Lady from the side.

 

“ I am so very sorry, how clumsy of me. I do hope you are having good luck this evening.” She asked in a low voice, so that others might not hear.

 

“ Oh not so much as of yet, but I am hoping it shall change later” was the reply.

 

“ I am most certain it shall.” She nodded to the Lady and moved on , with a soft smile and a quick wink.

Watching the Lady’s eyebrows raise in brief puzzlement.

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Fifth Part: Lucidity’s Perspective:

It was time, Time to head outside into the gardens as the mysterious letter she had been given had instructed her.

She was at a blackjack table and was so excited that she walked away before the dealer had dealt the second round. She had been dealt the Ace of clubs, which a friend had once told her meant Change of Luck. Not normally a superstitious sort, lucidity had seen this as an omen and had decided to leave on time or else risk jinxing things.

She walked through the crowded room, weaving in and out of the other partying guests.

She entered the hallway and gave herself a look as she swished by a floor length mirror. Her emeralds sparkled gaily, not quite as nice as her purloined rubies had, but still a wonderfully brite shimmer. She also loved the way her green gown flowed and swirled along her figure as she walked. It made her feel so very euphoric.

The hallway led to the side entrance, where the hedged in gardens were located. It was in the shape of a maze, with sitting benches ,flowers and fountains in each of the corners, and a large pavilion in the square centre.

No one had seen her leave, nor was there anyone outside around the garden. She had the whole place to herself, unless of course the letter writer was also out here, waiting?

Shivering with excitement at the thought of a mystery person playing this game she was in, Lucidity scurried out of the door and headed to the opening in the Hedged maze that served as both the exit and the entrance.

At the hedge opening was a stand that held maps if one did not wish to become lost. Lucidity grabbed one, and went inside, choosing the right-hand side to start.

It was a cool autumn evening, the stars were out, and a full moon illuminated the are with ample light for a night of exploring.

She reached the first corner, but the fountain in the centre was of a naked Greek Goddess pouring an urn.

Lucidity turned back and chose another right hand path leading further into the hedge. She paused, had that been a shadow moving? Or just her imagination.

Shrugging it off, Lucidity headed down the path. Soon, around a corner, she heard another fountain gurgling.

Turning the corner of the hedge path, she found herself in a rose garden, and there in the centre, was unmistakably the fountain mentioned in the letter.

Her heart pounding, Lucidity briskly walked up to it, skirting the benches and rose bushes.

She stopped as she saw something sparkling in the sprays of water from the fountain, lit up by a light.

She gasped, confounded by what she saw.

A note, a silver flask, and…. Her ruby necklace, the one that had been stolen from her beach cottage as she had slept.

She picked up the note with trembling hands, her rings flashing and sparkling, as she read the words written out in a very neat scroll.

“ Here is your hearts desire,

returned to you the ruby fire.

Now sip from the flask if you so dare,

to find your other desire, but have a care,

The nectar might be fire to your own hot flame, it may be that very spark,

or perhaps be a liquid from which you should refrain, cold, and full of menace dark.”

 

She laid the note down and picked up the flask with her necklace attached.

What game was being played, and what kind of challenge was this?

Letting the Ruby necklace dangle from her fingers, she uncorked the flask, taking a sniff.

It was not unpleasant, almost smelled like lilac and roses, with a hint of something, not bitter, but bold, definitely bold.

So what game is this, and Lucidity’s mind went to Alice and her wonderland. Had she gone into a rabbit hole of her own, and found a potion like Alice? Would it make her tall, small, sleepy?

I had better sit on a bench, Lucidity told herself, for she knew that her decision, despite the warnings in her head, had been made.

She swished to a nearby bench and straightening her gown, slipped upon its cold wrought iron seat.

Taking one look around, she lifted the flask, and quickly drank the contents…….

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Sixth Part: Another’s Perspective:

Watching as the sparkling fountain lights reflected from the tilting flask, watching the Lady's soft painted lips touched the opening, and her smooth throat move with the swallowing of it's contents.

"Oh my yes, the Lady takes the chance, sure of herself and her poise, and the walls she has built around herself. her protection, we shall she how her poise shelters her now." She whispers.

Waiting a few moments, eyes unblinking, her gaze taking in the Lady, as her head begins to nod, and she leans sideways on the wrought iron bench. Quickly slipping from the shadows and sliding onto the bench beside her. Wrapping an arm about, holding her upright. Arm gently wrapping around a bare shoulder, tender, comforting, like a lover's embrace. Her emerald eyes glowing in anticipation of the hours to come.

Places her lips against the ear of the Lady, and whispers.

"You can hear, you can feel, you can understand. Your movements are sluggish now, soon you will be unable to move. You will feel everything, you will hear my every word, but tomorrow, if tomorrow comes, this evening will seem like a dream, or a nightmare."

Stands and takes the Lady's arm, guiding her along the pathway to the front of the church, head tilting and laughing softly. Telling all they encounter, that her dear friend had perhaps a wee bit to much champagne, and that she was taking her home for the night.

Went to the white limosine parked out front, telling the driver to take them home. Giving him the Lady's address to her beach front home.

Upon arriving the driver so graciously offered to assist her with taking her friend inside, she thanked him most kindly, politely refusing the offered aid, reached into the Lady's purse and generously gave the driver a large tip, and added a bit more, for she could afford to be generous, with money not hers.

Guiding the Lady inside, she made their way to the bedroom, gently helped the Lady to lie on her back upon the bed, and opened the balconey doors to allow the night breeze to gently blow through.

" I hope you enjoyed the drive home, so scenic, so lovely, you were such a peaceful quiet travelling companion."

She smiled as she watched the Lady's eyes tracking her movements, muscles straing to try to move, her lips gently opening and closing as if trying to speak.

"Oh my dear, I am afriad you can not speak, this shall be mostly a one way conversation I am afraid, your eyelids will soon close, you will sooon stop struggling to move, you shall be powerless, defenceless, in fact you shall be no more than a living, breathing doll."

Wondering how the poised Lady was taking those words, if the chinks were forming, if the walls were crumbling, the mere theft of baubles might become the least of her concerns.

Strolling over she sat beside the Lady, balanced on the edge of the mattress. Reaching out while the Lady's eyes could still follow her movements, tenderly brushed back the long auburn hair from her face. With a gentle touch she began to remove the Lady's fashionable evening wear, sliding off the gown, slipping off her oh so fashionable heels, and pausing. Watching the eyes struggling to stay open, to stay focused on her. Her lips curling into a half smile, removed the rest of the evening's wear. The delicate under garments, laughing softly to herself as the skin rose in a wonderful pattern of goosebumps at the lightest touch of her fingertips upon smooth curves.

Then with an even more gentler touch, the ladies glittering emerald jewels were touched, lifted and then carefully slipped off and away from her comatose figure,…and added to the pile of her slinky clothes

 

" Mmmm, I wish you could tell me how you feel at this moment, your society standing can not give you fortitude now, your money can not buy you protection, your friends can not form a barrier against what is to come. I hope you are finding this experience enlightening."

 

As the Lady's eyelids closed she stood and walked over to the small knapsack she had carried with her this night, removing from it a few small implements and bottles. Oh what to do, what to do, so little time, so many possibilities.

Sitting back down beside the Lady, gazing at her crimson toned flesh of blushing skin and watching with amusement at the rapid rise and fall of her breasts. Almost able to see the soft smooth skin jump above the location of the rapidly breathing heart. With a soft touch placed her fingernail upon the throat of the Lady, then slowly drew it downwards, following a path along soft curves and valleys. Flesh reacting to it's touch. Scarlet tipped breast rising and stiffening at the gentle scrape of nail against flesh. Abdominal muscles dancing, involuntary movements, involuntary reactions, but so delightful.

Lowered her hand further, fingertips still softly stroking, touching, teasing.

Reached for her small gathering of tools, and selected a small pair of scissors. Raising them up to beside the Lady's head slowly opened and closed them, so that the Lady might hear.

" These are finest swiss scissors, blades like razors, so very sharp." She murmured.

Running a fingertips through the soft curls nestled between the Lady's thighs, she took the scissors, and began to cut and trim. Removing curls, reshaping the lovely patch, and admiring the creativity of her handiwork, creating a heart design. Taking another little bottle, adding some coloring to the remaining hairs, shading them a robust pink color.

Laughs softly to herself, imaging the Lady feeling, but not knowing.

Now perhaps a little discomfort, will unsettle her more. Taking another small tool from the bag, filling it with ink, and plugging it in. The sudden hum of motor and needles making it seem to very harsh and loud in the other wise quiet room.

Begins to trace and move the needles over a small patch of silky smooth skin, quick and sure with her touch. Soon the skin permanently marked with a small tattoo. The Lady now marked, scarred, she will always feel just a little possessed.

Eyes glowing, resists temptations, reaches out and taking a stiffened bud of flesh between thumb and finger gently tugs and pinches, imaging how that sensation must feel with out the abiltiy to see or move.

Glancing up at the lighting sky, sunrise shall happen soon. She must get home and into bed before the " Kitten" at home awakens to their shared existence.

" A shame our introduction was so brief. I hope it was as memorable for you as it will be for me."

Walks again to the Lady's purse, slips out the Ruby necklace and adds to it the emeralds, for after all they do so match her eyes. Paints her lips with fresh lip gloss, and leans down and places a kiss on the Lady's lower stomach, marking her once again.

" Was such a pleasure meeting your dear Lady, a shame I never even got your name from your lips, nor you mine. Though I am almost certain, you shall remember me."

Laughing, slips out the door, leaving the Lady unmoving and naked upon the bed ,and makes her way home, to get there before the sun fully rises.

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Seventh Part: Lucidity’s Perspective:

Lucidity awoke late the next morning in a sweat, groggy like she was experiencing a hangover, though she did not remember drinking. But she did remember the dream.

She now lay on the bed, keeping her eyes closed a s she basked in the last remnants of the dream she had been having.

It had been quite erotic, quite fulfilling as she had felt the prickling fingers from an unknown lady gently going over her figure. Almost had seemed so real it was surreal!

The dream began fading away, as they want to do, from her waking memory.

Lucidity gave an exquisite yawn, stretched and opening her eyes.

She blinked several times as she looked around the dimly lit room. Asking herself…

‘Where in bloody hell am I”

She realized that she was not at home in her bed, but in her bedroom at her oceanside weekend cottage. The balcony door was open and she could hear gulls shrieking and the waves crashing on the beach below.

“How did I get here?”

She tried to think, her mind going over last night’s events.

Then she gave a gasp, it was not all a dream.

For she had actually received a strange note, had gone into the garden, had found the flask and had drunk of its contents.

Lucidity sat up in bed, her sweaty figure slippery upon the red satin sheets.

She was naked, but yet could not remember undressing.

No, wait, she could remember a part of her dream where the mystery lady had undressed her, removed her emeralds ..

“Had that bit been real” lucidity questioned herself.

Then added…

“If so then…!”

She looked down between her legs. That bit had been real, the hair cutting, the new heart shaped tattoo….

“My jewels?” Lucidity uttered, remembering she had been wearing her emeralds.

Sliding out of bed she put on her black sating robe over her now cooling figure.

She looked around, failing to find her jewels. She opened her purse, the ruby necklace was not there. And her wallet had been opened, several notes had spilled out. But why were they not taken also, only her jewels had been.

Lucidity sat back down on the slippery satin sheets that covered her bed, and tried to remember.

Tried to figure out what she was feeling, that even though she had been robbed again by the same thief it would seem, she felt oddly at ease with it, like she had been lovingly been given something quite lovely in return for her loss….

“It was all very curious.” Lucidity murmured, remembering the lines from Alice I Wonderland…

 

To Be Continued

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Done