The Talisman open

[siobhancan99]

"I'm sorry for your loss" She sat quietly a moment, then changed the subject to the boat.

"My dad always used to say a boat was a hole in the water you throw money into" she teased "But i'd love to go sailing. It seems like it'd be so free you know? like, just you and the boat out on the water. Able to go wherever you want. well. wherever on the water you want"

She sipped at her drink "Especially in the modern era. I mean, as much as we all romanticize the golden age of sail, it was mostly dirty guys with bad teeth buggering each other and eating worm eaten food, praying that the wind kept up" She laughed softly "So yeah. I'd like to try it. Maybe we can take your boat out some time, see how I handle the water."

 

[yaturtle]

"Well the good news is my teeth are good and the boat has a motor. The lake is mostly gentle ...I think your biggest concern might be sunburn." Their dinner arrived and they ate in silence for a bit. " This is a really good end cut, just the way I like it. I think a bar would be nice after dinner if it were someplace quite, where we could still talk and maybe bring the Talisman without bringing a lot of attention. excuse me I have to find the men's room. " When he left he went to find their waitress instead , paying for dinner with a generous tip. he signed the receipt ..Thank you for a fabulous old fashioned dinner. When he returned he said " I have been trying to figure out a way to test it out on other people without them knowing what it is . I have an idea for that , but I want to be careful. I can see myself getting jealous if someone else were to see your dreams". The waitress left the receipt on the edge of the table.

 

[siobhancan99]

Picking up the receipt she rolled her eyes "the bathroom has a cash register in it these days? What is it you men get up to in there?" she laughed and passed the receipt across to him. "I don't know about the ethics of that. Like, you and I discovered it together by accident but... I think luring in someone unsuspecting... it's an odd thing. it's something I'd have to really consider. Especially because if they accidentally touch it first... we'd be seeing something private to them. So. you know. Worth experimenting but at the same time... we have to be really careful about how we would go about it."

 

[yaturtle]

Good point . I should of thought more about that. Well he said patting his stomach ...what say we walk some of this off while we decide what to do next. Maybe create some kind of game and or make it so they can't see what they are touching. I was thinking of putting it under a false bottom in a box with a snow globe or something on top . They would touch it through a hole in the end of a box thinking it was the snow globe. Still that does not address the ethical issue .
what if it doesn't work for everyone? So many questions.

 

[siobhancan99]

Emma nodded "well. Something we can shelve for now. I mean, we can always come back to it. Maybe get people to agree to some sort of psychic experiment or something, then not tell them when its coming? I don't know. I confess I'm not an ethicist or anything"

She laughed and rested her face on one hand, looking over at him "But you know, Till then we could see if there are any limits to it. Maybe see if we can direct it now that we're expecting it? like... maybe if there's a recurring dream you're conscious of or something we could see if it would take you there by choice?"

 

[yaturtle]

Sounds like a plan to me. My Lexus is right over there ... I'm thinking a little whole in the wall bar with a booth in the back would be perfect. Do you know of one?
He held her hand as they walked to the car, It felt good

 

[siobhancan99]

Emma walked him around the neighborhood a bit, pointing out a few places of interest. Antique shops, bookstores, coffee houses and the like. The sort of places a bohemian woman would frequent. She held his hand comfortably, feeling natural about it as in a sense they'd already been extremely intimate.

After a short drive, they were on the outskirts of the city in a gentrifying neighborhood full of character. She led him into a darkened bar full of 20 somethings from the nearby college. It was dim, and most of the booths were reasonably secluded. They ordered a few beers, and she looked around "so what are you thinking?"

 

[yaturtle]

"I was thinking I would get you drunk and have my with you" he laughed....No i was thinking I would get us a drink and we would test out your Idea about using a recurring dream or notion and try to force it if you will. He laid the box on the table as she sat down. " would you like a vodka tonic or something different this time ?"

 

[siobhancan99]

"A beer is fine." She settled in, looking over the box then looking over at him "Do you uh... welll I guess we should wait till we have a drink." As they flagged down the waitress and ordered, she returned her attention back to the nondescript box, such a plain little thing for the wonder it held inside it. She brushed a hand through her short hair, then looked over at him once they were settled in with drinks "Um, should you touch it first?" nervous. Excited but clearly nervous.

 

[yaturtle]

Well I suppose so , I think I remember you telling me at first you were thinking of something else entirely and still you saw the dream with Charles in it.
I still wonder about the phrase people of like minds or was it hearts that I read about. Maybe if we are both trying to see what we want the result will be different. Leave my hand on it for a good minute while I attempt to channel my thoughts then touch it. He closed his eyes and remembered the feeling of being on the bridge as they entered the port of Norfolk . He was both sad and excited over the end of his naval career and the beginning of his new life with his wife. Suddenly He was back at the house on the lake. It was early morning , a light breeze was blowing the curtains in the window ,the rising sun warming him as he lay on his back. He could see the sailboat swinging around on its mooring. He felt a soft hand caressing his chest , and heard a contented sigh in his ear. Turning his head he was nose to nose staring into the most beautiful smiling eyes of Emma.

 

[siobhancan99]

Emma was aware, to a degree, that she was inside his dream. She couldn't articulate it though, because she felt the sort of pressure of the dream and the way it was supposed to unfold. It wasn't a dream about having a conversation about chinese talismans. So they didn't have one. Instead she felt herself pressing into him, kissing him. "Morning hon" she said, her fingers running through his hair, stroking along his scalp "Guess we'll be getting a lot more of these now that you're retired." She tugged softly at the roots, then kissed him again. Not quite chaste but not the passionate kisses of a new love. More the experienced and loving kisses of a wife. Her body tangled with his, and her fingers played in the hair of his chest as she settled in and got comfortable against him. She felt like maybe she could push the dream a little to be something else, but there was a contentment that came from letting it unfold as it should be.

 

[yaturtle]

Her eyes were warm and sweet. His mind flashed back to the day before. She looked so beautiful on the sailboat while the breeze threatened to blow off her floppy sun hat and she sipped her wine. Their excitement as they pulled each other's clothes off and tumbled into the bed. He had whispered in her ear as he entered her for the first time. " No more dreams Emma baby....your mine tonight" He came back to the moment ...the morning sun in her hair as she rolled on top of him. Her hand reached down to guide him as she whispered to him." and now your mine all day and for as long as I want"

 

[siobhancan99]

Emma smiled. Ordinarily, something said like that might make her a little skeeved on a second date, but in a way they'd already had sex twice and also she knew that this was a dream and not some bold declaration of his love or whatever. She could feel the warm sun on her skin, smell the water in the air. She could feel the gentle sway of the boat from the motion of the water supporting it. She ran her fingers along his chest, looking down at him "well, you know, we have to eat at some point" She laughed and leaned down, kissing him, feeling the urgency of his desire against her as she shifted atop him.

 

[yaturtle]

He smiled , his eyes only half open in this sleepy dream state thing shifted again . She said they would have to eat at some point and he laughed as she moved on top of him again. Heaven as she took him in her velvet vice. His hand found the sharp curve of her back and the soft flesh of her bottom. He felt the muscles under his hand flexing while she moved up and down sending delicious sensations through him. He felt her whole body go rigid as she moaned into his neck making him as happy as could remember being for a long long time. Things shifted again and he found himself sliding an omelet from the skillet onto her plate in the kitchen . She was wearing one of his shirts ,sipping coffee and smiling up at him. He blinked , and they were back at the table in the bar. Her expression was blank and he was praying he hadn't ruined everything.

 

[siobhancan99]

Emma arched an eyebrow but didn't say anything "that was interesting" She let go of the talisman, picking up her drink for a moment. She took a long sip, then leaned back against the bench. She cocked her head "Can't fault a man for what's in his dreams though. Strange choice for trying to take us there." She shifted a little forward, not running, clearly "How long has it been since your wife?" She reached across the table, touching his hand with hers as her eyes locked to his, listening to him and letting him talk if he needed.

 

[yaturtle]

Dan froze as she sipped her drink , his embarrassment written all over his face. He was sure she would end it right there. Then she said she didn't blame him for what was in his dream . But she thought it was a strange choice. When she reached to touch his hand a wave of relief washed over him. He almost missed the question entirely and needed to sip his own drink before he could get his voice to work.

" Oh my wife ....It's been three going on four years now ..in October. I didn't mean for us to see that dream. I was trying to focus on the navy and my ship.
It seems the Talisman does not care what you want to see....or maybe it does and we don't know it. It was a very awkward way to tell you how I was feeling and I apologize.

Emma's eyes seemed to look right through him while he babbled on. Just at that moment he looked up at the mirror behind the bar. Standing behind him was a woman in jeans and a white top. She was thin but strong with a pixie hairdo and large hoop earrings. Her arms were crossed and her face said warpath. Emma must have noticed his distraction and looked up.https://www.short-haircut.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Blonde-Short-Hairstyles-2013.jpg

 

[siobhancan99]

Emma gave a sort of sick smile as she saw the woman and her hand slipped back from Dan's. She straightened a little "Annika.... hey.... there. How uh. how are you doing?" She gestured sort of lamely "this is my new friend Dan. Dan this is my ex. Annika." She shifted a little bit, and bit her lip. She looked back and forth between them, shifting her weight uncomfortably on her seat. She rolled her shoulders, tense, and flicked her eyes around, then settled on Annika "So .... uh..... what brings you to this part of town these days?"

"I live here Emma. Which you would know if you responded to emails. Or read them. Apparently."

 

[yaturtle]

Dan sensed Emma's discomfort Immediately. He hadn't fallen off a turnip truck in the recent past and knew Annika must be a very recent ex or hadn't got the memo at all. It was difficult to engage her since she had not moved from behind his shoulder or even acknowledged him for that matter. He managed to say nice to meet you while his brain went into overdrive and he processed the situation . It was obvious Emma was bisexual , at least if the Talisman was correct. Just as clear she had great taste as this woman was drop dead gorgeous. He decided to roll the dice and moved over to give her room to sit as he watched Emma's expression. He slid the Talisman over to the wall out of her reach and offered to buy her a drink as any gentleman would. He was hoping to keep the peace and prayed He would still be leaving with Emma when the time came. You could cut the air with a knife waiting for her response.

 

[siobhancan99]

Emma gestured diplomatically. "This is my ex wife. She moved away after the divorce and well. I haven't really kept up with her since." He could feel the cold stare at the back of his head, as if it were palpable. "There were some regrets after we got divorced."

She looked back at Annika "No. I haven't read my emails from you. I read enough from your attorneys that I figured I did my part" She sat back, sipping at her drink "So... I guess welcome back to town?"

Annika moved to sit "I told you, though I guess you didn't read... I made a mistake. I moved back because you're the best thing that ever happened in my life... though.." she looked over at Dan "so what, you're straight now? That's why you date guys?"

"Annika I was always bi.."

"I thought that was a phase"

"God dammit." Emma rubbed her temples "Annika, this is why we got divorced. You always thought you knew better. If I just had the right information or took a minute I'd just realize how right you were about everything. Fuck." She shook her head "No matter how good the sex was... it wasn't worth that."

"It was pretty great wasn't it Em?" Annika reached across the table to Emma "Like that night in Spain.." Emma let her touch her hand a moment and blushed, then pulled her hand back "Annika, I'm here with Dan. I'll respond to an email. tomorrow."

 

[yaturtle]

Dan was cognizant of the tension between right of the bat and regretted making space for Annika to sit.
She seemed aggressive with Emma and spoke as thought he were not even there discussing things Emma
would probably prefer he not hear. There was deafening silence when Annika didn't respond to Emma's dismissal.
Dan spoke up in an attempt to rescue the situation. Well it was nice meeting you Annika ...We have a long drive ahead of us and were just about to get going." He flagged the waitress for the check.

 

[siobhancan99]

Emma smiled weakly "Dan's right. We really do need to get on the road... Just great seeing you. You look good." She picked up her beer and drained it, then started gathering her things. Annika fumed, looking over the pair "Oh so this is like, a whole 'we' thing or something?"

"Yeah, baby its been 2 years. You fucked up, and its over." Emma was a little firmer "You're the one who convinced me I shouldn't be such a fucking doormat. Well, congratulations. It worked. So ... yay you."

The waitress brought the check, and Emma put down cash quickly so they wouldn't have to wait for the card, then scurried out of the bar.

 

[yaturtle]

Dan had to Wait foe Anika to let him out of the booth . She looked like she was fighting back tears. He just nodded to her and set off to catch Emma. He hadn't made it ten steps when he heard her yell "wait!!.
He turned around to see her walking towards him holding the Talisman. "you forgot this"

 

[siobhancan99]

AS Dan took the talisman, the pair of them slid into her mind, into her dream. He was standing in a church. Shorter than usual. He looked down and his arms were wrapped in white Lace and Annika was standing in front of him, reciting her vows and similarly attired. "Till death do us part." Then he was on his back, they were kissing, Annika's pillowy lips pressed to his, her fingers brushing through his long blonde hair, her breasts crushed to his breasts. It dawned on him that in the dream he was probably Emma. He could feel the very unfamiliar sensation of a hand between his legs, playing with something that was definitely not his own, a nd he looked down to see gentle fingers playing with his shaved pussy before he snapped back to reality. Annika looked at him, stunned, letting go of the Talisman so it dangled from his fingers.

 

[yaturtle]

Dan stood staring back at Anika. He was stunned and confused. The look in her eyes said it all. She knew he had seen her dream. He suddenly had an urge to check his own manhood and realized he was close to dropping the talisman. He gripped the talisman with both hands feeling a flush of embarrassment rise in face. He was finally able to stammer out a thank you before turning and heading for the door. Outside on the sidewalk his eyes searched frantically for Emma.

 

[siobhancan99]

Annika was scarlet and bolted as fast as he had. She ran off into the night and when Dan made it outside he found Emma fuming outside. She crossed her arms and looked him over "She...." She shook her head, clearly angry, jaw set. "She was always so fucking presumptuous you know? That's why we got divorced." She shook her head "She just always felt like whatever was in her fucking head was right for all of us, and not just for her. She loved me so I must love her. She wanted a cat so I must want a cat. She wanted to move here so I must want to move here. She wanted to move away so I must be ready to quit my job and move away.... Fuck" she shook her head "She wanted to sit at our table... so she was invited. God. She made me so fucking mad all the time."