06/13/2020  Esmeralda Returns Home Pt 5 ESMERALDA RETURNS HOME PT 5 Esmeralda was in a dream state  remembering the storm that had come out of nowhere and caused the seas to pitch and churl and the ship creaked and groaned.  The lightning struck like Poseidon’s trident with many shards striking at the ship until it splintered apart.  Esmeralda stood at the railings and tried to see what she could of anything that had dared to bring this storm.  Was it the Gods?  No she was befriended by the gods, well most of them.  Yet something was behind this storm.  Someone didn’t want her to go back to Atlantis, to Apollo, to her family…..  The next thing that she dreamed was falling into the sea and being battered about. She was dreaming that she had survived a horrendous storm at sea and that she shapeshifted into her mermaid shape.  She was swimming with a protective school of bottlenose dolphin.  There was no thoughts, no direction, just a voice saying in her thoughts ‘Swim my daughter, ‘People linked by Destiny will always find each other’.  So she let the dolphins take her to where she must go.  If fishermen saw a school of dolphin leaping and playing they might squint to see what the shimmer of mystical colours were with them. Could it be a mermaid?  But they were myths, magic, not real at all.  But before they could move closer the dolphins and their guest were gone from sight.  Under water Esmeralda was in awe of the colours of the fish, the coral reefs, everything that most human eyes did not see under the sea but in paintings, and other art forms.  Many of that was guessed at! On one occasion she remembered a great white shark circling around them.  He was about to strike for his meal and he didn’t care if it were fish or mermaid.  It was then that the dolphins scattered but the one that took charge of her swam her over to one of those coral reefs and nudged her into the middle of it.  She was well hidden in all the vibrant colours but if the shark sensed her the prickly corals would protect her.  Her protector then swam away from the corals and into the open water. The shark neared the corals and niffed around it.  Spotting something shimmering in the corals he thought to himself ‘a mermaid!’.  He would gourmet eat today! And he dove into the coral but just as quickly he turned and swam away.  The corals all closed in and their jaggy bits of stems were like sharp razor blades.  So the shark decided to follow after the dolphin that had tricked him.  Yet the dolphin was more agile and swam in and out of places the shark could not get to and thus the shark went off looking for an easier meal and the dolphin called in high pitched tones to the rest of his school and they came back for Esmeralda.  No time was wasted now and a large strong hand scooped up her body much larger than the body that now swam with the dolphins at a speed unnatural.  The trident in the other hand a deep voice spoke to her mentally ‘Soon, soon we will have you home brave one, you are your mother’s daughter and like your father you are a survivor.  Your destiny lay before you.  I will see that nothing more will dare to harm you Princess.’  Next she dreamed she had washed up on a shore and lay there on her stomach as her body changed back to human form.  She had hit her head on some driftwood from the very ship that she had been on.  Esmeralda you fool, why did you not just open a portal and take you and your gifts safely to Atlantis.  She dreamt or was it a dream, of being lifted in the strong protective arms of her beloved Apollo.  She put a hand to his face and looked into his eyes and said “We have to stop meeting this way, people will talk”. But now she was at home in their bed and yet she could not awaken.  Something was wrong and she lay there in her dream state this time fighting that shark over and over.  Her body suddenly began twitching and jerking as her mind fought that shark.  Not being able to awake, not being able to talk, …. Not beginning to remember! 11: PM 4 Comments  (Add Comment)  | 0 Kudos

05/05/2020  ESMERALDA RETURNS HOME Esmeralda had had enough.  She had come to see to her ailing father and now it was Vlad’s turn to watch over him.  He was a vampire; vampires did not get sick and die nor would her father.  She had sat the throne of her kingdom and ruled as the Queen with her brother at her side but it was not her brother she wanted at her side.  Her mind often drifted to the memories of her and Apollo camping on that mountain top but alas he as called home and she was called here.  She wrote at first then time with the troubles of this land kept her tired and she did not write nor did Apollo.  So this is the time to go to Atlantis and see if there was a spark of hope that their life together was far from over.  Their son, Adonis, was with his father and he did not write and so this worried her even more.  “Vlad, are my things now loaded on the ship.  I know I could portal there but unsure what I would portal into.  What was happening that they do not write.  Apollo is my soul and Adonis my heart and I must go to them now.  I will sail on the morrow and you can take care of father.  The nurses will see to him.  I do not know what this illness is nor do you so you must protect yourself too my brother.  Please, I will stay no longer as I must need to go where my heart truly is.  If Apollo no longer wants or needs me, I still have my son there.  It has been far too long and I have to set my life back in order.” Vlad put his arms out to embrace her “We will be fine, you will keep in touch or I shall come looking for you and that family of yours.  If you are sure than leave with my blessings and fathers for he would want it this way.  He will come out of this and we shall both visit you.  But if this Apollo hurts you in any way, breaks your heart, there will be hell to pay my sister.” He said knowing that Apollo would not have been his father nor his choice of husband for her.  The man was half werewolf by the demons!  On the morning of the next day Esmeralda said farewell to her father in his bed and then at the docks to her brother.  She walked up the gangplank and onto the deck.  Turning back to the docks she waved to those that were there to see her off safely.  Thus her journey began as she went below to her cabin and changed clothes into a pair of black trousers and a white pirates shirt that hung loosely about her since it was her father’s shirt.  Then she came up the stairs and back onto the deck going to the stern she braced her hands on the oak railing and gazed out at the waves and wondered at the beauty of the Sun and sea.  The day was uneventful and when  evening came she had her meal and her blood then went into her cabin and bedded down in the wide berth.   Suddenly as it comes on the seas a monstrous storm brewed and boiled as it sent the swells of waves higher and harder dashing against the boat.  Esmeralda could hear the men above battening down the hatches.  The Captain came below and called to her through her door “Lass!  Stay in yer room its coming hard and fast this storm and tis not a good one.”   Esmeralda sat up “Alright I will!” she shouted over the booming thunder and lightening.  But suddenly the ship’s large mast crashed down and she had to go up and see if she could help.  It was at that time that lightning crackled an ominous spray across the heavens and the ship was torn asunder.  Esmeralda found herself in the water and trying to cling to a piece of wood.  She closed her eyes and transformed into the mermaid that she was then turned loose of the wood and went under to start swimming towards Atlantis.  That was as her fist instinct was that fateful day she was saved by Apollo.  After swimming miles and miles she was swept up on the shore of Atlantis but was unconscious and did not look like the royal princess she was….   06: PM 4 Comments  (Add Comment)  | 0 Kudos

11/17/2015  APOLLO & ESMERALDAs SPECIAL TIMES TOGETHER~ TAK APOLLO & ESMERALDA'S 'SPECIAL TIME' ~ TAK  The days and nights were busy for Apollo as he shared his time between caring for his newborn son and his recuperating wife.  The childbirth had been hard on her, both physically and mentally.   Not once did he complain, showing only that handsome smile and gratitude in his eyes that both mother and son were alive and doing exceptionally well considering the near fatal incident that had occurred during their wedding reception.  Esmeralda had been weakened bodily, but her stubborn resolve was still unconquerable.     She no doubt was a survivor; willfully independent and insistent on doing things for herself.   Apollo’s gentle attitude was flexible to her needs and desires.    As weeks passed by into months, Apollo habitually continued to be the doting husband and attentive father to both his wife and son.  He rather enjoyed being in such high demand, juggling the domestic chores and finding it to be a rewarding challenge.  After a while, he noticed a change in Esmeralda.  She seemed to be wanting some alone time with him, even showing an attitude of jealousy towards their young son.   Apollo suggested hiring a nanny to take care of Adonis so that he could spend more time making his wife feel like a sexy, desirable woman again.  Each day the nanny took their son out for a stroller walk to the park for fresh air and sunshine, letting his parents have that special private time together for several hours.    After the nanny left with their son, Apollo checked the time, although it was so routine that he didn’t really need to.  They had an hour and a half for themselves.  Moving closer to embrace his wife, Apollo kissed Es with genuine passion, “What would you like to do today my darling gypsy?  We’re on the clock now.  It’s our time.” ============================== Over the past months Esmeralda had grown stronger and learned what not to drink.  It was no one's fault and at least she was able to give birth to Apollo and her son.  Adonis was fine and growing swiftly as their kind do.  Now a days she looked at her husband who was so protective of her and so attentive she saw the man she had fallen in love with yet even more mature and she would smile gently with her pride of him. The castle was quite as so many were away but she did not want to go away just wanted to be with her husband, was that so strange, she loved their son greatly and would die to protect him yet his own father would go even further to protect both of them.  As Apollo took her into a warm and loving embrace she kinda melted into his arms and she closed her eyes savouring the passionate kiss.  When he stopped kissing her so she could get her breath back she turned her head and gazed into the most beautiful of blue eyes, as blue as the seas that circle Atlantis.  A golden haired God.  "I just want some time with you my love, I miss 'us', perhaps even time for Adonis to have a brother or sister even.  I just want to know that you still want me, am I still attractive to you baby, I love you so much and I have worked hard to get my body back in shape so that when anyone sees us together they will say.  Apollo has a beautiful woman which they will know I am all your for now and forever.  I want you happy and as I am so happy as your wife.  Apollo, could we take a ride through the woods.  I feel the need to be one with nature again.  I just keep on loving you, for now and forever and I want you my love, I need you.  WE need to get back to our normal life.  I am  so proud to be your wife." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJQYTdehtM4 Prince Apollo Apollo smiled in that gentle manner of which he was known for.  He usually was a reservoir of calm waters and was not very often that his feathers got ruffled.  As unnerved as he had been during that terrifying time that he nearly lost both wife and son over a drink of cognac, he had recovered quickly, smothering his anxieties by helping extra around the house and being the best husband and new Dad he could be.  His hand stroked lovingly through her silky hair, “I would love to go for a horse ride with you.  I’ll go saddle them up.  How about you pack us a lunch and some bottled water.  I’ll meet you by the stables baby.” Apollo gave his best girl another hug and smiled happily as he walked out to the stables to harness up two horses.  It had been a long time since he last rode and he was excited, looking forwards to it again.  After saddling them both, he led the two geldings outside and waited for Es to join him.  It was a gorgeous day; the sky was blue with a few scattering of clouds and the air was crisp.  The trees had already begun to change into their colorful foliage, bright reds, oranges, yellows, in an eye pleasing mixture.  The tangy scent of apples wafted through the air.  Apollo thought to collect some in a bag for the horses to nibble on later.  He rolled up an empty grain sack and tucked it under the back of his saddle.   Apollo hummed quietly to himself as he waited for his adoring wife.   Princess Esmeralda Esmeralda went down to the castle’s galley and asked politely with a caring tone to the servants and cooks there.  They all appreciated it and when she was pregnant they gave her a little extra on the side and also they catered to her odd whims such as dill pickles and strawberry ice creams.  “Hello all, my Prince and I are going on a ride through the forest this afternoon.  I would trouble you for some sandwiches and a flask of cold water.  Definitely not Cognac…” she laughed as all knew now that the Princess was allergic to the alcoholic drink.  Unbeknownst to her beloved husband had left standing orders to all that fixed their food to not put any cognac as a flavouring or a mix in any way, shape or form.  “Your Highness we have just finished cooking a wild boar and happen to know that the Prince and you enjoy the hams of boar.  We shall fix you up four sandwiches and there is a gooseberry pie so I’ll put in a couple of pieces.  Royalty size of course.  As the chief chef ordered all was prepared in a lovely basket and along with it a large flask of spring water from the magical fountains of Atlantis.  “So here you go and will madam be needing anything else?” the chef smiled and awaited the acceptance of what had been fixed for them.  “No no that will be quite enough.  Perhaps a couple of cream fruit scones?” and she watched sheepishly as the Chef fixed up two split fruit scones filled with fresh whipped cream and some jam on the scones.  “How’s that?” the chef asked and Esmeralda curtseyed with a smile “Thank you so much for all this.  Truly you are all wonderful and very much appreciated.” Esmeralda then pulled up her hems and walked up the few stone steps from the scullery and went out a door to cross the courtyard to the stables where the man standing there with the two geldings all saddled and ready was out glowing the sun.  She laughed as she came upon him “So have you been waiting all ready for very long?” and she handed him the basket and water flask to secure on his horse.  She was then able to step into the stirrup and swing her leg and dress over her gelding.  The smell of autumn permeated the air with smells of ripened apples, pears and other fruit bearing trees.  The scent of hearth fires of the people that lived in the cottages around the city of Atlantis and the castle itself hung lazily in the air and added a woodsy lilt to the air.  The trees were all so beautiful in their different colours on the trees and the leaves fallen to the ground. Nearby in the Courtyard the warriors were sparring.  Gone were the days that she was slurred as a filthy gypsy but that she was Prince Apollo’s wife and a Queen in her own right.  She had proven herself capable of bearing young and serving as an ambassador to the realms of Atlantis and beyond.  Oh they knew she was truly a beauty but she was Apollo’s beauty and would be faithful and loving to their Prince.  So Esmeralda with the help of Apollo settled into the saddle.  Many lifted eyebrows that the Princess did not use a side saddle but Esmeralda was a remarkable equestrian.  Her skirts spread like a blanket over the back of her horse’s saddle and his rump.  Her mount was a lovely iron grey to which her royal blue cloak and gown stood out beautifully.  Esmeralda rocked a couple of times back and forth on her stirrups setting the saddle and her balance.   “My Lord, Shall we?” Prince Apollo   (I found a few pictures to go with my reply) Nothing looked more radiant to Apollo than seeing his gypsy queen with her gorgeous smile sitting astride him on another horse with noble dignity.  Together, they nudged their steeds into a steady slow walk out of the stable area and skirted around the courtyard.  Apollo glanced over at the warriors to receive the proper acknowledgement as their Lord and Lady; either a hand fisted into their chests, or lowered bow of the head, or else a sword raised in salute.  He felt in his heart their loyalty and dedication to serve and protect.  Most had families, wives and children; their recruited servitude to the royals was an assured guarantee of security and freedom for everyone in the Romanian Kingdom.  Their success on the battlefield mattered to them on a very personal level.  After the full recovery of Esmeralda and his son Adonis, they had returned to the Carpathian Mountains to live. In truth, Apollo loved the airy smell of this region’s mineral rich thermal pools and old-growth forests unspoiled by the expanse of modern civilization.  Romania was every bit an oasis of beauty to his heart as was his parent’s island of Atlantis.  Gently reining his horse away from their castle estate, Apollo led the way down the forested trail heading in a gradual slope upwards towards the Vulcan pass overlooking the Jiu valley.  Once they arrived at the foothills, the trail would become more steeper and winding around large boulders and dense mountain thickets.  They rested their horses on the more level ground, taking an extra leisurely time to appreciate the splendid view of the Hunedoara region.  In the far distance, the Mureș River valley dissected the land from East to West.  To the North side were the Apuseni Mountains, and to the South side were the Parâng Mountains group and Retezat-Godeanu Mountains group: Orastie and Surianu Mountains (South-East), Retezat Mountains (South), Poiana Ruscai Mountains (South-West).  The vista was beyond breathtaking; it was spiritually inspiring and uplifting. As Apollo and Esmeralda continued their ascent along the narrow pass, a sparkling glitter of gold and sphalerite in a chunk of quartz rock caught his eye. He pointed it out to his wife, remarking how always exciting he found this countryside to be. They paused in rest often at every stream they came upon to allow the thirsty horses a refreshing cool drink.  He nudged his horse to sidle up to hers and reached across with an affectionate touch of his hand upon her shoulder.  His eyes amorously twinkled in a smile at her as he made mention of the natural rock formation at Caraiman Peak in the Bucegi Mountains of the Southern Carpathians.  The formation resembled a sphinx head, although its origins were of natural erosion.  Also in that same area was the Babele, mushroom shaped rock formations that were also the result of erosion and varying hardness of the rock layers.   Apollo finished up by boasting his interest of research of the sphinx, “In ancient times, it was a place of sacrifice to the god Zalmoxis. He was originally born a human being, a mere slave of Pythagoras, who converted the Thracians to his radical beliefs of the afterlife. After being freed, he gathered huge wealth and went back to his homeland to become a great physician with a holistic approach to healing body and soul psyche. “ Apollo swept his eyes to the mountain peaks, “It’s a steeper and more precarious climb, but if you prefer my love, we can intersect the man made road and follow it more safely from there.” Esmeralda Esmeralda listened to her husband who had obviously done much research on her country of Romania.  A Country that accepted Apollo as their Sovereign Prince though Vlad III still lived he had abdicated to Esmeralda as the Princess Ruler with her husband Prince Apollo of Atlantis and he conceded Regency to his son Vlad IV.  Her father had been a stranger but was there at his grandson’s birth and instructed what was needed to save her and the baby.  Esmeralda was half Atlantean, her mother a beautiful Mermaid who could transform to a human form.  It was a hard thing for Es to accept her father but he had instructed Apollo on how to save her life.  So many parts of the Carpathians were so beautiful but her favorite was Poiana Brasov, secluded village area well known to many for its skiing in the Winter snows.  But beautiful in so many different ways throughout the year.  “You know I just love this area.” She sighed contentedly and looked up at the path ahead.  There was a time her gypsy blood would call her to the more precarious climb for adventure but her sensible mind spoke to of being parents to the young Adonis.  She turned and smiled as he lay his hand so gently on her shoulder “Part of me wants to race you up that mountain path.  The other part reminds me we are parents of a beautiful baby boy and owe it to him to remain safe.” She then hesitated for they could not always remain safe could they.  Apollo was a great warrior and oft times followed his ‘father’ Misos into battles.  She herself had been offered the position of being the adjudicator (An adjudicator is someone who presides, judges and arbitrates during a formal dispute. The term adjudicator essentially means a judge, without invoking the legal term. ) Her acceptance of this had not went down well with her husband but she knew that she was needed in the post.  So many times the Sisterhood of Steel and rulers of many realms did not see eye to eye.  Many kingdoms would go to war with another and it would need an outside part to try to settle grievances and form peace treaties.  In any instance any realm or kingdom could decide to take the adjudicator prisoner to stop the talks from proceeding.  They knew not to harm her if they were wise for they would feel the wrath of the DemiGod Apollo and the hordes of warriors of Atlantis.  For now though she did not wish to think of all that.  Only of her love for this golden god beside her called her husband.  “Shall we rest by that pool over yonder, the Rue are in full bloom and so beautiful.  I do love them and their blanket of rich red colour.  Their scent is calling to us.  Let us sit and decide from there.  Who knows what might happen?” she said with a sassy wink to him as she reined her horse away from him and over to a mossy green area which beckoned like a gorgeous green cushioned blanket.   03: PM 6 Comments  (Add Comment)  | 8 Kudos

02/17/2014  Apollo & Esmeralda making wedding plans Esmeralda had been inside all day being fitted for her wedding gown.  Three dress designer's pinning and tucking and lifting her hair and letting it down then twisting it up.  She wanted to be beautiful for only one person and that was Apollo.   "Please, please, enough for today.  Perhaps you could go put your heads together and design something lovely for me.  I want to look my best on our special day but you are driving me insane with the contradictions of each other.  Away and go enjoy the day my friends ... I am going out doors to see if I can help Apollo with anything.. shhooo ... now be off witchas." she laughed and slipped into a white cotton caftan that was sleeveless and just skimmed her naked body underneath.   Stepping out she looked up to the sun as she was a day walker but she did feel the heat.  Shielding her eyes she looked like a north american indian seen in portraits in the halls of the Royal Castle.  Then she spotted Apollo and what he was doing.  Lifting up her dress hem she quickly stepped across the slippery grass "Apollo!  You can't do those dishes like that they will break!  They must be handled with ...." and all of a sudden her body was hit full blast from the spray of the hose knocking her a bit off balance.  Sure enough she lost her footing in the slick grass and ungracefully came tumbling to the ground.  Sitting there now drenched with all the cotton clinging to the most obvious places she attempted to get up.  Up on her hands and her knees...doing fine...now a foot brought up to balance and push off of and down she went flat on her stomach.   Finally she got her balance and with a wicked gleam in her eyes she found some mud made by her fiance's efforts to 'wash the dishes' and scooped it up in both hands.  Hearing his laughter and his apology which did not wash well with her she had the same sense of humour and putting her hands behind her she, which made the wet caftan stick tighter to her breasts and hips, she walked towards him with a lovely smile.  "I am sure it was an accident my love, these things happen, yes of course I missed you and those tailors were relentless.  At this rate it will be a year before my gown is done.  So if you are so sorry how about coming and giving me a big hug.  I need to feel your arms around me."she was laughing and truly was not mad but you know what they say about paybacks. 03: PM 2 Comments  (Add Comment)  | 2 Kudos

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