A Favorite Poem
The Rhodora
On Being Asked Whence Is the Flower
By Ralph Waldo Emerson
IN May, when sea-winds pierced our solitudes,
I found the fresh Rhodora in the woods,
Spreading its leafless blooms in a damp nook,
To please the desert and the sluggish brook.
The purple petals, fallen in the pool,
Here might the red-bird come his plumes to cool,
And court the flower that cheapens his array.
Rhodora! if the sages ask thee why
This charm is wasted on the earth and sky,
Tell them, dear, that if eyes were made for seeing,
Then Beauty is its own excuse for being:
Why thou wert there, O rival of the rose!
I never thought to ask, I never knew:
But, in my simple ignorance, suppose
The self-same Power that brought me there brought you.
Stranger Than Fiction
Nothing got accomplished writing-wise yesterday. Had a birthday party to go to that took up most of the day. Then C, some friends and I went out to see Stranger than Fiction starring Will Ferrell.It was a good movie. Not great, but it was worth the money in my opinion. Since I’m a writer, I liked the concept of Ferrell’s character being part of Emma Thompson’s book. There have been times in the back of my mind when I wonder what it would be like if my characters were real. Would they really react to situations the way I write them or would they do something totally opposite? Would they be happy with the ending I gave them or would they want something totally different?
Today’s not supposed to be a busy day, so I’m hoping to get more written on Tony’s story. Have a great day, everyone.
New Reviews
Got two new reviews for Here Be Dragons. 🙂
Teresa at Fallen Angel Reviews gives Here Be Dragons 5 angels and says: “Mr. Chase has created a book that will rivet the audience from the first page until they get to the end…I hope that there will be future adventures for Kael and Hugh. There is more to this story and I for one would love to read it. Thanks to Mr. Chase for such an enjoyable book. “
Staci at Romance Junkies gives HBD 4.5 ribbons and says: “Mr. Chase takes us into a fantastic adventure in HERE BE DRAGONS…This book is a great addition to your EBOOK bookshelf.”
Thanks ladies for the wonderful reviews. 🙂
I think I might have figured out who Tony’s hero is. An interesting sub-plot emerged last night. I haven’t gotten a chance to actually write it down, but it’s growing and firming up in my mind. So I’ll be working on it this weekend and hoping that the new guy who’s stepped forward will be the right one for my bull rider. 😉
I hope everyone has a wonderful Friday…I know I plan to.
Firebird- Part Eighteen
Firebird copyright (c) 2006 TA ChasePart Eighteen-
Vlatko locked his knees to keep from crumbling to the floor as the last drops of his come filled Rue’s mouth. His chin dropped forward and rested on his chest. He stared down at the slender man smiling back at him. His hands stroked through the blonde hair curling in the steam.
“Stand up and I’ll take care of you in the shower.” He stepped back to allow Rue room to stand up.
“No need. I came when you did.” Rue gave him a shy grin.
Vlatko pressed a gentle kiss to Rue’s mouth and helped the thief into the shower. He scrubbed his own body quickly, letting Rue touch him wherever the man wanted to put those clever hands. After rinsing off the soap, Vlatko reached for Rue. He took his time, learning every inch of the soft skin and hard muscles making up the intriguing lean body. He figured out what spots made Rue sigh and which ones made him shiver. By the time the water ran cold, Rue was bracing himself against Vlatko and moaning.
“Come on, baby. The water’s getting cold and I think you’re ready for a nap.” Vlatko shut off the water and helped Rue out of the shower.
Rue mumbled something, but Vlatko couldn’t make it out. He laughed, drying Rue off with soft strokes and light touches. He tossed the towel on to the counter and picked the thief up in his arms. Vlatko tucked Rue under the covers and kissed him on the forehead.
“Rest. I’ll get you up before dinner.”
Rue cradled Vlatko’s cheek for a moment and gave him an endearing smile. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Vlatko shut the bedroom door and wandered over to the bank of computers on the opposite wall. Typing in a code, he called up the security camera he’d installed in the bedroom. He would be able to keep an eye on the thief without staying with him. Vlatko didn’t need more than an hour or two of sleep a day. One more marvelous improvement in the genetic code of a killer.
He pulled a chair over and sat down. The computer screen next to the security one blinked on. While Rue slept, he’d have time to work on his research. Somewhere in the crowd of numbers and codes, he knew he’d find the answer to his problem.
Thirty minutes into his work, he stopped and stared at the picture of Rue. He couldn’t concentrate. There was something about the thief that drew him, even when the man was sleeping. Vlatko tugged the President’s Heart from his pocket and rubbed it with his fingers.
The I.U.M. knew what they were doing when they hired Rue to steal the jewel. Mitchov was one of the few independent planet left on the outskirts of the universe. The red stone Vlatko held was the key to their survival. How or why? He didn’t know, but without it, Mitchov would have to bend to the demands of the I.U.M. He wasn’t sure what he should do about it. If he had any sort of conscience, he’d contact Stargazer and have the man come retrieve it. Stargazer would return the stone to the rightful owners-for a price of course.
Vlatko shook his head. It wasn’t his call to make. Rue would have to decide what to do with the stone. The thief had been hired to steal it, so it was his job. Vlatko wouldn’t like it if Rue told him how to kill and he didn’t think Rue would enjoy Vlatko sticking his nose in where it didn’t belong.
He stood, heading towards the tunnel. He’d put it in the secure room. Rue would figure out how to break into it before he left, but Vlatko wasn’t worried. In truth, he didn’t keep anything of importance in the room except for a little of his money and some weapons. The room was a distraction along with the computers. All the critical information, weapons and majority of his wealth was hidden where no one-not even the best thief in the universe-could find it.
After putting the stone away, he went back to work. He needed to find the answer because time was running out and Vlatko realized he’d just found a more compelling reason to succeed than getting revenge on the I.U.M. He touched a fingertip to the screen showing Rue sleeping in his bed.
Day after blues-
Picture by Steve Walker.
I hope everyone who could went out and voted yesterday. (That’s my public service announcement for the day..lol)
Not much to report on the writing front…though I did get more done on Home To Stay. Should be interesting..I hope anyway.
Here’s a poem I wrote yesterday. I might add it to Tony’s story. It seems to fit the conflict he’s having.
I’m Not You
Don’t grab my hand, forcing me to follow you.
Don’t tell me I’ve lost my way.
I’ve figured out a simple truth.
I’m not you.
The road I travel isn’t paved with gold.
It isn’t easy or safe.
I’ll fight through the obstacles to end up free.
I’m not you.
Your road binds you.
It keeps you a prisoner.
Like sheep, you play ‘follow the leader.’
I’m not you.
My journey lifts me to the highest mountain.
I’ll plunge into the deepest valleys.
Doubt will make me question,
But I’m not you.
I won’t sacrifice my soul for safety.
I won’t commit suicide for acceptance.
I won’t deny his love
Because I’m not you.
TA Chase copyright 2006.
Firebird- Part Seventeen
Firebird copyright (c)2006 T.A. ChasePart Seventeen-
Rue didn’t think he would be able to make it down the ladder into the tunnel. His legs were limp as noodles. He looked down at the opening in the floor and then back at Vlatko.
“I’ll go down first. That way if you slip, I’ll be there to catch you.” Vlatko backed down the rungs while smiling up at him
He stared down into the dark eyes of the killer and wondered why he believe Vlatko. It was true. He’d only known this man for two days, yet he knew that Vlatko would catch him. From the moment he opened his eyes to see Vlatko standing in front of him, his trust had grown. It didn’t matter what the man had done before they met. He didn’t even care if Vlatko was still being used as a killer by the I.U.M. The more time he spent with Vlatko, the more he hoped he didn’t find the files. Some part of him wanted to stay and figure out what made Vlatko tick.
“Are you coming?” Vlatko’s voice drifted up from the bottom of the ladder.
“Yes.” He moved to join him.
Reaching the bottom, he leaned against the wall and sighed.
“Wore you out, huh?” Vlatko grinned at him. “Don’t worry. I’ve got you.” The man bent down and swept Rue up in his arms.
Rue wrapped his arms around Vlatko’s neck and rested his head on the man’s broad shoulders. He counted the doors leading off the tunnel as they made their way back to the underground chambers. There were five of them and he knew he’d be investigating all of them before the three weeks were up.
“So what’s in those rooms?” He asked, but didn’t expect to get an answer.
“Supplies in four of them. The fifth? I guess you’ll have to pick the lock to find out.” Vlatko chuckled. “Of course, the lock requires a retinal scan and a voice imprint. You’re the best thief in the universe, so I’m sure you’ve had to deal with that type of security before. I can’t wait to see how you handle that.”
“I’ll find a way in. I haven’t found a door yet that I couldn’t break.” He winked up at Vlatko. “They don’t call me the best for nothing.”
Vlatko’s deep laugh followed them as they went through the main living space into the bedroom. He was ashamed to admit he squeaked as Vlatko tossed him onto the bed. He scrambled around, trying not to get tangled in the sheets.
“I’m going to take a shower. Maybe you’d like to rest for a little bit. It’s been an exhausting morning.” Vlatko walked away from him, stripping his clothes off with each step.
“With real water?” Rue sprang off the bed and rushed after the man’s tight ass.
“Of course, real water. I might have sacrificed the luxuries of living on a more modern planet, but I gained the wonders of a primitive world. One of which is fresh clean water.” Vlatko led the way into the adjoining bathroom where he bent over to turn the water on.
Rue couldn’t stop his hands from groping the firm muscles presented to him as he went into the room. Vlatko arched and pushed back into Rue’s hands. Rue flexed his fingers, massaging and teasing. The big man straightened, turning to grasp Rue’s chin in his hand and crush a kiss to his mouth.
Rue gasped. His hands slid from Vlatko’s ass to fist the hard cock rising proudly from the strong thighs and black curls of the man’s groin. He nibbled along Vlatko’s jaw while stroking the flesh in his grip.
Steam rose from the hot water and sweat beaded up on their skin. He tasted the salty skin at the base of Vlatko’s neck. Rue licked a line down the middle of the man’s chest and over Vlatko’s ripped abs. Dropping to his knees, he followed the crease by the hip until the leaking tip of Vlatko’s cock hit Rue’s chin. He sucked the flared head into his mouth and hummed at the liquid drops of pre-cum coating his tongue.
“I love your mouth,” Vlatko moaned and thrust his cock deeper into Rue’s mouth.
Rue wanted to say how much he loved Vlatko’s dick, but he was more interested in sucking every last drop he could out of the man. He closed his eyes, relaxed his muscles and swallowed until the flared head of Vlatko’s cock hit the back of his throat.
A shout rang through the room and Vlatko grabbed his head, holding him still as the man thrust in and out of his mouth. He braced his hands on Vlatko’s hips, allowing Vlatko to fuck his face.
“I’m gonna come, love.” Vlatko’s voice was harsh.
The first salty bitter burst of come flooded his mouth.
Monday..Monday
Happy Day before elections, everyone. 🙂 I hope you’re enjoying the first day of the week.
Congratulations to Adriano Moraes, the only three time World Champion for the Professional Bull Riders. 🙂 He won last night at the World Finals in Las Vegas.
Watching the bull riders inspired me to really start working on Tony’s story. got more written last night and hopefully will keep going. The interesting thing is the man I thought would be Tony’s hero isn’t going to be. The story’s going in a direction I didn’t plan on, so now I have to find someone else for him. Oh well…maybe I’ll use the other guy in a different story. lol
Hope your Monday is awesome.
Firebird- Part Sixteen
Firebird copyright (c) 2006 TA Chase
Part Sixteen-
“Why would I have anything to do with the man who killed my oath-brother and lover?” The pale man stopped in front of the thief.
Vlatko saw how Stargazer studied Rue. Oh yeah, there was interest there. Since he didn’t know how Rue would react to a move from the other man, Vlatko wasn’t going to give his friend permission to touch the thief. A frown forced its way over Vlatko’s face. He’d never been possessive of his lovers. In his life, he’d joined in more than his share of threesomes, but something bothered him at the thought of Stargazer touching Rue.
“Yeah. I mean Vlatko fucking killed the man you loved. Wouldn’t your partner have been pissed as hell at your helping his killer out?” Rue moved ever so slightly towards Vlatko.
It wasn’t like he’d been looking for a sign, but that movement made Vlatko feel better. He caught the pale man’s gaze and shook his head while placing his hand on the small of Rue’s back.
Star nodded, moving back to where his men were off-loading some boxes. “Mal was a hot-head. I told him we’d handle the problem without killing anyone, but he ran out and shot the officer. Iceman was just doing his job. Can’t get mad at a man doing what he’s ordered to do. I want revenge on the men who sent Vlatko to kill Mal.”
“So the best revenge is working with their hired killer?” Rue leaned against Vlatko, letting the big man support his weight.
“It’s not like I can kill Iceman. Not talented enough for it.” Stargazer looked back at Vlatko and winked. “Besides it’d be a waste of perfectly good man by killing him.”
“Are you here for a long visit or is this a short stop?” Vlatko eased his fingers under Rue’s shirt and stroked a thumb over the soft spot right above the thief’s ass. Rue shivered, pressing tighter to him. Vlatko wanted to bend down and lick the skin behind Rue’s ear. Would it taste as good as it did when he was fucking the man?
“Just a short stop. Dropping off a few supplies.” Stargazer’s eyes were hot when they met Vlatko’s. “Besides I don’t want to interrupt your fun.”
Vlatko dipped his fingers below Rue’s waistband and teased the top of Rue’s crease. The thief jumped and bit his bottom lip.
“If you two need to talk, I’ll go back to Vlatko’s.” Rue’s voice was heavy with desire.
Both Vlatko and Stargazer shook their heads.
“No need, pretty. I’ll chat with our big friend here later. My guys are done.” Stargazer clapped his hand to Vlatko’s shoulder. “I hope you know what you’re doing, friend.”
“Don’t worry. It’ll be okay.” Vlatko touched his forehead softly to the shorter man’s. “Safe journey and I’ll talk to you soon.”
Rue and Vlatko moved back towards the hatch. They stood, watching the small transporter lift off and fly out of the cave. As soon as Stargazer’s ship was out of sight, Vlatko pushed Rue up against the stone wall and took his lips in a fierce kiss. Rue gasped and he took advantage to plunge his tongue into the moist cavern of the thief’s mouth. He cupped the firm leather covered cheeks and lifted the man up so their groins fit together.
He timed their movements to coincide with the thrusts of his tongue into Rue’s mouth. It would be better if they were naked but he didn’t’ want to take the time for that. He wanted make Rue come and then he was going to fuck the man’s pretty little ass.
Slender hands gripped his shoulders as Rue threw his head back and groaned. “Vlatko, I’m going to…”
“I know. Come for me, baby.” He growled and bit the tendon in Rue’s neck.
Rue jerked and cried out. Vlatko let the man drop. With fumbling hands, he managed to get Rue’s pants open and pushed down, baring the man’s ass. Whirling the thief around, he pressed Rue’s chest against the wall.
“Please,” Rue begged, tilting his hips and offering his body to Vlatko.
Vlatko ripped open his own pants and slicked up his cock, using his spit. He slid one finger into Rue’s ass, burning with lust when the man hissed at the intrusion. Without finesse, he stretched and relaxed Rue’s hole, making him ready to take Vlatko’s cock.
“Now,” Rue demanded, pushing back on Vlatko’s fingers.
Vlatko pulled out and placed the flared head of his cock at the opening. No hesitation. He pushed in as deep as he could go. Rue almost climbed the wall, crying out. Vlatko grabbed the thin hips and started impaling the man on his shaft. Rue’s inner muscles milked his cock and he could feel his balls draw up. It wouldn’t take long for his orgasm to hit him. He’d gotten close to the edge when Rue came. Yet he’d held off because he’d wanted to be buried in the man before he spilled his seed.
“Vlatko, please.” Rue’s voice was harsh.
Vlatko peeled one hand off Rue’s hip and reached around to grasp the man’s cock. It was hard and all it took was two pumps to make Rue come again.
“Shit.” Vlatko grunted as Rue’s inner channel contracted tight around his shaft. As Rue’s warm come spilled over his hand, Vlatko emptied his load into the man’s ass, swearing with each thrust. He collapsed, pinning the smaller man against the wall while they tried to catch their breath.
Rue whimpered when Vlatko pulled out of his ass. Vlatko grabbed a rag that was resting on a box. Cleaning off, he fastened his pants before wiping Rue off. He turned the thief around, pulled his leather pants up and buttoned them. Vlatko placed a soft kiss on Rue’s swollen lips.
The fire in those amber eyes faded while he watched and he found himself remembering Stargazer’s comment. He didn’t know what the fuck he was doing in the over-all grand scheme of things. He was taking a chance that Rue wouldn’t figure out where the files were being kept.
Rue gave him a shy smile and Vlatko realized that he knew just what he was doing at the moment. He’d be doing Rue again until the man’s ass was sore and it was uncomfortable for him to sit down for the next day.
November all ready?
Wow..where did October go? I’m not ready for winter or Christmas for that matter. 🙂Didn’t get much writing done lately. Been so busy with other stuff and last night, I had to hand out the candy. C never does it. He always comes up with some sort of excuse. Oh well. Just kept me hopping.
Then some friends came over and we watched SLITHER..starring Nathan Fillion. He was the best part of the movie. It was a horror/comedy about a giant slug that comes to earth and tries to kill everyone in this small town. Very gross. 🙂
This picture is for Jenna…though she may prefer one of Jayne.
Happy Day of the Dead as well. I posted another excerpt from Angel’s Evolution at SiN today. Run over and check it out.
Hope everyone has a great day.
“Sure as I know anything, I know this – they will try again. Maybe on another world, maybe on this very ground swept clean. A year from now, ten? They’ll swing back to the belief that they can make people… better. And I do not hold to that. So no more runnin’. I aim to misbehave. “– Captain Malcolm Reynolds from SERENITY
Firebird- Part Fifteen
Firebird copyright (c) 2006 TA Chase
Part Fifteen-
Rue’s eyebrow rose. “So Iceman, who’s Stargazer?”
“A colleague. He supplies me with items I can’t get here on planet.” Vlatko smiled at him and headed towards one of the computers. “Stargazer. Ready as always. Be advised I have a visitor.”
“Is he pretty?” A harsh chuckle came over the speaker.
Goose bumps rose on Rue’s skin. He didn’t know if they were from unease or interest in the rough masculine voice talking to Vlatko.
“As pretty as the firebird.” Vlatko’s dark eyes ran over Rue, making the thief feel as if the man had stripped him naked.
“Can’t wait to see for myself. That bird of yours burns brightly. Meet me at the landing strip.” The intercom went silent.
Vlatko headed to a door opposite the computer wall. He opened it and took a step inside, pausing to look back over his shoulder at Rue. “Aren’t you coming?”
Rue was surprised. He’d figured Vlatko wouldn’t want him to know where the landing strip was. “You want me to go with you?”
A puzzled frown marred Vlatko’s forehead. “Why wouldn’t I?”
“When I find the filed, I’ll be able to contact I.U.M. to pick me up and having a landing strip would make it easier. They’ll be able to get at you when ever they wanted.” He joined Vlatko in the narrow hallway.
“True, but since you’re not going to find my files, I’m not worried about what other knowledge you gain. You might want to reconsider contacting the I.U.M. when you’re ready to leave. They did set you up after all.”
Vlatko lead the way down the dark corridor. The lights were motion operated, turning on when they approached and going dark after they passed.
“I thought you said there wouldn’t be a transport for another month,” Rue accused.
“I lied in a way. There won’t be another commercial transport for a month. Stargazer’s ship isn’t commercial and he wouldn’t take you. No matter how pretty you are.” Vlatko stopped at the base of a steel ladder. “I’ll go first.” He started to climb.
“Why wouldn’t he take me?” Rue followed.
“He’s trying to stay under the I.U.M.’s radar.” Vlatko’s voice drifted down to him.
“Yet he’s helping you.” Rue blinked in the burst of light created when Vlatko opened a hatch at the top of the ladder. “It doesn’t seem very ‘under the radar’ to me.”
“It is when you find out that Stargazer is the oath-brother to the last man I killed.”
Vlatko reached down and pulled a stunned Rue up through the hatch. Rue found himself standing in the corner of a enormous cave whose mouth was wide enough for a small ship to fit through. A rather non-descript ship rested on the landing pad all ready.
A pale man walked towards them. He was an inch or two shorter than Rue, but the confident way he walked and met Rue’s gaze made him seem larger.
“Why” was all Rue could think of to say.
