Photo by: Melissa R. Bickel
Short Story Slam (the prompt is the photo above)
Je t’aime, François Laurent le Vieux d’Arlandes
Marie Magdeleine Pilâtre de Rozier stared at the globe aérostatique. The polka-dotted Rozière balloon, the hybrid type named after her ancestor, floated, waiting, for her. A strong breeze blew auburn hair in her face, and a white laced gloved hand carefully tucked it back in place, pinning it back with her antique Cloisonne Barrette. With the wind at her back, Marie advanced upon the air craft.
Mlle. Pilâtre de Rozier felt all eyes were on her as she walked along. Staring straight at the object of her desire, Marie got to the basket. Her pilot nodded, held out his hand to help before he remembered and pulled it back. Marie gave him a sharp look as she vaulted over the side, her skirt flying. She landed, gracefully, settled her outfit, and took her spot.
The pilot, Henri, gave her lace gloves a scowl and shoved his own hands into his leather ones. Checking one last time that the burner was properly working and the envelope was filled with the hot air, he signaled the ground crew. With a slight jerk the craft began to rise. Marie caught one of the lines of the gondola, steadying herself.
As she rose in the air, Marie swayed in the wind. Her eyes closed for a moment, she drifted high above the trees, above the rolling blue river, just high enough to almost kiss the clouds. This was her peace. This was her bliss. Soaring above it all, the noise of the fire rushing up the only thing that broke the drift silence.
Eyelids rising, Marie took in the view. She opened herself up to the beauty of it all. It flowed through her, more intimate and complete then any other experience she’s ever had. This flight, the last she would take in this magnificent ‘gas bag’ before she had to turn it over to the new owners, was magic.
The sun was beginning to set, time had passed while Marie was lost in the wonder. Henri coerced the vent to open, allowing some of the trapped hot air escape, and they started their descent.
“So soon?” she asked him, imploring in those two words for more time. Henri, used to this question, pointed at the setting sun with an open palm, and she knew he was right.
Mlle. Marie Magdeleine Pilâtre de Rozier sighed, drawing in the vista that surrounded her. “Je t’aime, je t’aime, ” she whispered, as the ground came up to meet them.
Balloon loving, Beautiful
Merci monsieur
A
LikeLike
Je t’en prie
LikeLike
welcome, glad to see you shine with an entry …
very descriptive and fine story.
😉
LikeLike
Thank you. Things like this are always fun.
LikeLike
thanks for taking me on such a pretty trip! the entire piece felt breathless!
LikeLike
You are welcome. I am glad you enjoyed the trip.:)
LikeLike
my dream come true…
LikeLike
🙂 Dreams can come true! Thank you.
LikeLike
You are indeed a great story teller and this piece was a joy to read. Thanks for taking part. Hope to see you next week.
Missy
LikeLike
Missy..thank you so much. I’m very flattered by this. Glad you liked it. I will def be there next week.
LikeLike
A lovely piece ~ and such elegant writing !
LikeLike
Thank you so much.
LikeLike
Elegance, romance – and a drop of steampunk 🙂 Recipe for a great little vignette. Well done!
LikeLike
Hi Li.. I wasn’t trying for Steampunk this time around, but after this comment, yeah..I can see it. Glad you liked it. I tried really hard not to have any violence or threat in this piece. I was going more for the romantic side.
LikeLike
“Je t’aime.” What an intelligent piece. An entire love affair in 8 paragraphs. Bliss.
LikeLike
Katrina: thank you.
LikeLike
You really know the subject well and your piece is enchanting and elegant. Brilliant
LikeLike
Merci! I liked your piece very much, and a very different take.
LikeLike
In general, we write a poem, find an image to illustrate or reflect our work, Now, let’s go reverse, we provide you an image,
Invite you to contribute a poem or a short story based on the image you see,
Be creative,
Have fun!
Hope to see you in…
Bluebell Books!
Xoxox
appreciate your support on week 1, keep shining.
LikeLike