Provence with Malcolm

[wheatencrown]

When the door opens, they fall into the pond which lies within a grove of cypress and olive trees that fill the air with complicated scents,

"Now that wasn't so long."

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[wheatencrown]

She just laughs and swims up beside him, helping him out of his jogging clothes, her dress is simple enough that its already gone.

[spooky-shrink.livejournal.com]

Malcolm embraces her and grins. "I guess the wine will be later, huh?"

[wheatencrown]

"And food too. I promise, also you'll get nice, new dry clothes."

The next few minutes are a lot of fun, but end in lots of laughter and splashed water.

[spooky-shrink.livejournal.com]

And watercress and lily pads in all sorts of odd places.

But the sun is warm by the time they're out of the pond. Grinning, Malcolm gets ready to march right out of the grove stark nekkid.

What? Is there a problem?

[wheatencrown]

Demeter just laughs and follows though there is a nice pile of dry, linen clothes for them both and a floppy, straw hat for Malcolm.

Being on land inhabited by two goddesses has its benefits though Demeter works best with natural fibers.

[spooky-shrink.livejournal.com]

"Oh, all right. I thought this place was all about being natural, though."

Malcolm makes a big show of putting on clothes now.

[wheatencrown]

Its white linen, clothed is sort of optional and Demeter kisses him again, proving that point as the water on her wets his clothes,

"But if you wear clothes, you get food."

[spooky-shrink.livejournal.com]

Malcolm ponders the fairness of this. Then concludes that 'fairness' and 'goddesses' has always been a dodgy proposition for mortals, even dead ones, and goes with clothes and, therefore, food.

Meanwhile, he looks about the place. "Don't suppose there's a coffee-shop nearby? Or a subway station?"

*wink*

[wheatencrown]

"No, but there's a market and a cafe."

She smiles and starts to lead him through the sprawling garden, you can tell Kore's parts, there are more weeds.

[spooky-shrink.livejournal.com]

Malcolm wouldn't dream of wondering whether that suggests Kore might be a slob or something.

"A cafe?" Malcolm perks up.

Cafes have coffee. Even if they're not in cities. That much he knows.

The lack of concrete and street-signs is a bit weird, though.

[wheatencrown]

There's a good bit of walking but soon they're at a small town, its positively charming and there are street signs in French.

Everyone greets Demeter with a smile and one woman comes up and kisses her three times on the cheek as they talk quickly for a moment.

Then Demeter just laughs and pulls Malcolm into a rather small cafe where again she's greeted,

"Now sit down and we will be fed. Also there's even coffee coming for you."

[spooky-shrink.livejournal.com]

"Thank the gods," Malcolm replies with Great Drama.

Once they're settled, he closes his eyes and feels a warm breeze waft over his face. "This place really is amazing, Dem."

[wheatencrown]

"I've watched it grow."

She says into his ear with a kiss as the first course is brought along with a carafe of white wine and some coffee for Malcolm.

[spooky-shrink.livejournal.com]

"Watching? I'll bet there was some nurturing along the way."

[wheatencrown]

"Of course I did. Open your mouth, you'll like this."

There's a plate of interesting and tempting small things to start with and Demeter is looking forward to introduce Malcolm to all of them.

[spooky-shrink.livejournal.com]

Malcolm closes his eyes. "Ready."

[wheatencrown]

Into his mouth an olive stuffed with thinly sliced, ham wrapped around homemade goat cheese.

[spooky-shrink.livejournal.com]

Chew.

Chew, chew, chew.

Swallow.

Pause.

"Yeah. I'm going to like this place."

[wheatencrown]

Demeter kisses him, he tastes good, "You better."

[spooky-shrink.livejournal.com]

"I'm going to need to jog twice as much every morning, you know."

[wheatencrown]

"I'm sure we can think of fun ways for you to exercise."

[spooky-shrink.livejournal.com]

"Yeah, come to think of it, I better be more worried about keeping up my strength."

He grins and kisses her this time.

[wheatencrown]

"Now this meal is going to take most of the day so savor everything."

[spooky-shrink.livejournal.com]

"Oh, believe me. I'm in no rush."

"Just makes sure I get back to the bar in time, because you're going to have to drag me there."

[wheatencrown]

"What's in time for you?"

She figured being dead might be a small problem, but not how.