Date: Mon, 11 Jul 2022 09:11:55 +0200 From: Marin Giustinian Subject: Norway In the following story, all of the characters are totally fictive and the setting is real. For whomever it would be illegal, immoral or prohibited for any other reason whatsoever to read a story about love between two young men is kindly requested to refrain from continuing. A free picture album illustrating this story (pdf) is available upon request at . Please remember to help Nifty stay online by sending your contributions, using the link https://donate.nifty.org/. This being said, I hope you enjoy the tale. ---------- NORWAY by Marin Giustinian ---------- 'Norway' is the continuation of my story 'Gabriel' (Nifty Gay/Incest, June 22). For those who haven't yet read 'Gabriel', here's a brief summary -- as well as a reminder for those who have already read it. ---------- Gabriel, 16, from Edinburgh and Mark Sutherland, 28, respectively nephew and uncle, lived and worked together in Stromness, Orkney Islands. Uncle Mark was a young, strikingly handsome and a very successful painter of semi-abstract watercolour seascapes. Also he sailed a 30 foot racer-cruiser. Gabriel had quit school and didn't know what to do. When he asked Mark if he could be his apprentice, painting and sailing, Gabriel's father, Sean, was both surprised and elated. Mark was Sean's younger brother, a resolute bachelor, and hesitant to let anyone become a part of his life. Sean knew how to persuade Mark to take his nephew in with him. That was how Gabriel found himself on a plane to the Orkneys to join his Uncle Mark in July 2021. They became ardent lovers. Gabriel turned out to be an excellent sailor and a promising young artist. From July to February, 2022, Gabriel and Mark painted, sailed, and made great love together. In December, they returned to Edinburgh for Mark's exhibit and a family Christmas together, Gabriel loved living in the small town of Stromness, and befriending the fishermen, hanging around the Pier Arts Centre, a contemporary art gallery with workshops, lectures, and evening events. Mark's friends were charmed with his gorgeous young nephew. Growing in the love of his uncle, Gabriel was blossoming like a rose in May. Gabriel's nearly always pertinent questions, his thirst to learn, both mastering the wind with Gogan and taming the unpredictable colours as he worked on his paintings, were a permanent pleasure for Mark -- as well as a challenge! ---------- Mark finally decided to go to Kirkwall to talk about renting his loft for the summer. While Mark was busy in the Tourist Centre, Gabriel went for a walk in the marina. He spotted a very elegant double-ended schooner of about thirty-six feet in length. There was a sign fixed on the shrouds of the aft mast, reading: FOR SALE, inquire aboard. Gabriel took a picture with his phone. Mark was just leaving the Tourist Centre when Gabriel came up. "How did it go?" inquired Gabriel. "Too complicated... I'm not renting," replied Mark, shrugging. "We're going on that voyage after all, aren't we?" "Of course" "Mark, look at this boat! It's in the marina... A real beauty!" stated Gabriel, showing Mark the photo on his phone. Studying the picture, Mark said, "Beautiful, let's go take a look..." They spoke with the owner, a handsome gentleman from Inverness in his late sixties, called Ian McKenzie. He was selling because his partner had suffered a stroke and they could no longer sail. Entering the boat, Mark was impressed. She was in perfect condition, tidy, well kept, and impeccably clean. The wooden interior, highlighted with polished brass, seemed to glow. The small enamelled coal stove with its visible flame added a note of coziness. The galley was quite adequate and well equipped. Inside and out, there was ample storage space. A small auxiliary motor under the cockpit looked like new. When Ian turned it on, it purred. Gogan was a minimalist racer, fast, but terribly uncomfortable. Under sail, she was noisy and at anchor, not at all cozy. She was functional, but totally inelegant. Opposite of Gogan, the schooner was sheer elegance afloat. Built in 1981, out of the finest British wood, she was sturdy yet graceful, radiating that certain touch of class given to masterly built, classic boats. Gabriel was charmed. So was Mark. "Ian, I'm interested in your boat. What are you asking for her?" "£135,000, just like she is now, fully equipped in the slightest detail." Gabriel was tense, his shoulder touching Mark's. "I must think about it. I'll need to find a fast sale of my own boat, talk with my young matey here... At any rate, give me your phone number. I'll call you as soon as possible and give you an answer." "I've got time, Mark... Just let me say this: Beauty draws beauty. This boat fits your incredibly good looks together." "If you say so..." replied Mark, nudging Gabriel, smiling. Mark punched in Ian's phone number. Gabriel nodded. Ian escorted them to the end of the pier. ---------- In the bus on their way back from Kirkwall, Mark was silent, obviously absorbed in his thoughts. Gabriel knew better to not disturb him when he was like that, so he waited. As they were close to arriving, Mark turned and stated, "Gaby, it's close to impossible to handle a schooner in the North Sea waters singlehanded. She's certainly heavy, slow to react, and she's got two masts of sails instead of one. I'll buy her under one condition." "What's that?" "That you promise to stay with me. I know you're too young for such a promise, but I had to ask anyway..." The bus pulled to a stop before Gabriel could reply. They got off and began the walk down to the loft. "Mark, concerning me and the schooner, can I ask you a question?" "Of course..." "Okay, I want you to remember how you were at sixteen. I want you to imagine that my Dad, your brother, and you were lovers..." "Carry on..." whispered Mark. "If your brother had asked you to live with him on the boat we've just seen, what would you have answered?" Mark didn't answer. Gabriel insisted, "What would have been your answer, Mark?" Mark nervously exclaimed, "I would have said 'Yes', even at the age of sixteen... There's your answer!" "And there's mine. Buy the boat, Mark. You can count on me." ---------- Entering the loft, Gabriel rushed to the hearth to light a fire. Mark stared out the window. His mind was whirling at top speed. He had a strange feeling of being relieved of a weight in his heart that had always been denied. He was realising that he was no longer alone, realising that he was able to REALLY count on Gabriel. He felt, perhaps for the very first time in his adult life, that he could trust someone, and that someone was his Gaby, his nephew, his love. ---------- The cruelty of losing his parents had numbed him. He became unable to trust anyone or anything. He had so dearly wanted to love and be loved, body and soul by his brother, but Sean already had his own life, his wife, his position, his baby boy. Mark had no other choice but to count on his solitude. ---------- "If I buy the schooner, are you aware that ..." Irritated by Mark's doubts, Gabriel interrupted and declared, "Listen, Mark, I'm no longer a child. You should know that by now! Please believe that I know what I'm doing when I commit myself... or do NOT commit myself! I've fought, more than you can imagine, the pressures of conformity. I'm mature for my age because I refuse to conform to the adults who are already warped and brainwashed by the big Lie our society lives in. Are you following me?" "Perfectly..." "So I hope you understand that our love, which has nothing evil nor unhealthy -- that our love, which does not conform to the fairytales of law and religion -- that our love protects you and me from disappointing each other! Do you agree? Do you believe me!" Gabriel was steadfast, standing in front of the fire. Mark was pacing back and forth. Gabriel continued, "Don't you see me as I am? We live together, Mark! We make wonderful love together! We feel good being together, doing wonderful things together. Why do you think I can't promise to stay with you as long as you want me to stay?" "Okay! Okay, Gaby, get to the point..." "Mark, that is the point! I'm almost seventeen and I'll fight to keep my soul young and alive, even when I'm eighty! Our life together will keep my soul alive, making it more and more beautiful with time because life together is the good life for us, because we are who we are! Good God, am I not clear enough?" Mark simply opened his arms, tears brimming in his smiling eyes. They kissed and all was said. ---------- Mark went to to work on his finances. He fired up his computer and studied his bank accounts. He could make a down payment of £45,000 with his savings to seal the deal. Then he studied how he could afford the £90,000 to pay off Ian. He figured he could lower Ian's price to £125,000 cash. If he could sell Gogan for at least £100,000, he would have enough to handle the other inevitable expenses. He wanted to careen the hull and replace a few lines. There would be just a few changes inside, nothing he couldn't do himself. Now the question was: How to sell Gogan? Suddenly it dawned on him that he had met, cruising in the Hebrides, a broker from Glasgow, a certain Jerry Campbell who specialised in racer/cruisers. Jerry had mentioned to Mark that if he ever wanted to sell, he must call him first. "It's only 5:00 PM. Maybe he's still in his office..." uttered Mark as he looked up Jerry's number. He called. Jerry answered. This is what Gabriel heard. "Hello Jerry, Mark Sutherland speaking. We met in Castlebay. I'm the owner of Gogan, the French Pogo 30. Do you remember? ---- Fine and you? ---- I'm glad, listen to get to the point, I'm selling Gogan ---- Yes, that's what I said ---- I'm no longer a loner, I've come across a great deal with a small schooner moored in Kirkwall. My nephew and I want to live aboard from time to time ---- That's right, my nephew! ---- None of your business, mate! I wanted to call you before putting an ad on the internet and spread the news that I'm selling. You told me some time ago you were interested and if ever I wanted to sell to call you. Well, now I'm selling. Are you still interested? ---- You are still interested! Good, how much are you offering? ---- £95,000? Are you joking? Give me at least £100,000 for a takeaway here in Stromness ---- Okay... If you're paying the haulage, I'm willing to sail her over to Scabster. You can have her put on a lorry there ---- Good! I'm glad it's you, Jerry! ---- Why don't you fly up and take a look at what you're buying, and then give me the money? ---- Whenever you want ---- Sure, call me back to tell me what flight you're booked on ---- Great! Have a good evening. I'm waiting for your call!" Gabriel jumped on Mark, hugging and kissing him, waltzing him around like mad. "Take it easy, Gaby!" "No way, Mark! We're going to make love NOW!" ordered Gabriel as he began unbuckling Mark's belt." "Now?" Gabriel quipped back, "I said NOW! Are you deaf? I want to celebrate!" "Okay, Gaby! But let me grab a shower first..." "With me in it!" ---------- As they were towelling off, Mark's phone rang. Checking the caller's number, Mark smiled, "Hello Jerry!" Gabriel opened the bed and jumped in. "Fine! It's noted ---- I repeat, next Tuesday at 2:45 PM ---- You've already booked a room? ---- Great, see you then! Bye." In a split second, Mark threw himself on Gabriel kissing him all over, making him squeal with glee -- They began sucking each other for dear life, a finger up each other's anus, making their prostate glands glitter. Shivering with delight their orgasms swiftly soared. Gabriel was the first to explode. He arched, quivering as his semen gushed down Mark's thirsty throat. Spitting saliva and sweet cum in the palm of his hand, Mark slathered his already drenched cock and spread Gabriel's thighs. He deftly slid his cock deep inside the tight young arse. Gabriel gasped, laughed and moaned, writhing with pleasure. Mark spewed for all he was worth. Clawing Mark's buttocks, Gabriel screamed, "Yes! yes, yesssss! deeper! Ahhhh..." Then silence. Panting, they laid there, side by side, Gabriel's fingers playing with Mark's pubic curls; Mark's foot caressing Gabriel's. A hushed atmosphere of peace lingered in the air. "Look, it's snowing outside," whispered Gabriel slipping out of bed. Mark joined him at the window. Mark suggested, "We can go to the pub for dinner and then..." Gabriel interrupted laughing, "And then come back here for me to drive you out of your mind, fucking you like mad, while the blizzard goes wild outside!" "Excellent programme, Gaby," laughed Mark, "I'm all for it!" ---------- The next day, Mark called to announce that he was buying. "Gabriel and I are going to take the bus to Kirkwall. Can we talk about our transaction together?" "I'll be waiting for you aboard." Gabriel listened in as Ian and Mark discussed business. Ian agreed to sell his schooner for £120,000. Mark made the downpayment, saying, "Ian, I'll be back in a week to pay off the rest and begin the formalities with the authorities." "Will you rename her?" "She'll go by the name of Gogan II." Ian broke out laughing, repeating, "Gogan..." "A bheil thu a' tuigsinn Gàidhlig?" asked Mark. "Of course I understand Gaelic. I'd have never dared give a boat the name of 'Penis'! That's absolutely brilliant! Congratulations! What do you think about that, my young Gabriel?" "I love my cock, Sir, and I already love this boat... I couldn't think of a better name!" "Wise young nephew you have there, Mark. Quite wise indeed..." ---------- Jerry's plane landed on time. Mark and Gabriel had reserved a taxi to take them to the hotel. On the way, Mark satisfied Jerry's curiosity concerning the events that led him to selling Gogan. Mark was quite open about the fact that he and his nephew were partners under sail, but also in art and, above all, in life. Jerry just nodded, saying, "Interesting" with a warm smile on his face. Arriving, Gabriel jumped out of the front seat of the taxi and opened Jerry's door. "Let me carry your bag, Sir." Jerry smiled, "Thank you!" then turned to Mark, and having finally taken a good look at Gabriel, said, "Now I understand. An outrageously beautiful young man!" Mark waited until Jerry had finished checking in. Gabriel ran down to open up Gogan and give her a last minute glimpse to check that everything was in order. Jerry's expert inspection of Gogan took only ten minutes. "Your boat's shipshape, better than new. Good deal you've given me. I know at least three people who are going to plead me to let them buy." "I'm glad." "I'm going to draw up the papers and sign you a cheque. Can we meet back at the hotel for dinner? I'm inviting!" "What time?" "How about 7:00 PM?" "Perfect." Mark and Gabriel showed up at 7:00 on the dot. Jerry was waiting for them in the bar. He gave Mark the cheque, then they signed the papers, and ordered beers. The barman brought Gabriel's in his usual 'under-age' stein. The dinner was cordial, lots of boat talk. Gabriel listened, learning more about the yachting and regatta set, laughing at the jokes, thoroughly enjoying himself with the 'grown-ups'. "Listen, Mark, don't bother about me tomorrow morning. I can get home by myself. Gabriel, you're lucky to have Mark for an uncle... and the more I see you, I'm sure Mark is even luckier to have you for a nephew." "Thank you, Sir. We're both lucky to be more than just uncle and nephew..." "That I understood! Be happy, both of you!" They exchanged thanks and good wishes. Jerry reminded Mark, "Call me two days before you sail Gogan to Scrabster. I'll handle it from there." Walking back to the loft, they danced, laughing all the way. Back in the loft, they dashed through the shower and jumped in bed. The love they made was delightfully acrobatic, both tender and wild, surfing on a very vigourous wave of youthful lust late into the night. ---------- It was 10:00 AM when Mark put the cheque in the bank. He was assured that his account would be credited in two days. Then he rang up Ian. "I've got to wait for my bank to clear the cheque I've just deposited from the sale of my boat. I'll come to give you my cheque for the schooner in three days. Is that fine with you?" Ian replied, "That gives me time to gather the papers from the Maritime and Coast Guard Agency. If you can come beforehand, I'd like to go through everything aboard with you, see what you want and don't want to keep, go through the inventory, etc. Is that possible?" "Can we do that this afternoon?" "No problem!" Gabriel and Mark took the bus to Kirkwall and spent the afternoon, going through everything on the future Gogan II. Gabriel even volunteered to come back the next day to do thorough cleaning inside and save Ian the chore. Ian graciously thanked him. Three days later, Mark signed the cheque for Ian, then both signed the papers. Mark insured the boat, verified the name change, etc. The fuel and water tanks were full. All was ready for their departure to Stromness. Several days later, the forecast was favourable but freezing cold. Mark and Gabriel boarded Gogan II to sail her home. They planned to do it with an overnight stopover in Burwick. They motored out of Kirkwall harbour and hoisted the sails once they had rounded the point of Linksness. The wind was steady from the Northeast. They set the sails for a port tack. Gabriel scampered here and there until all the sails were taut. Gogan II took her time gathering speed but once she was underway, she slipped through the waves with power and grace. Mark discovered that she was gentle at the tiller. Gabriel took over, saying, "I can feel her force, Mark! It's wonderful!" An hour later they were in open sea heading due south. With the wind on broad reach, Gogan II picked up a bit more speed. Her sleek lines cut water, rising and falling on the swell, clipping along at an easy seven knots. Mark was surprised. The riggings hummed as Gogan II sailed, steady in the wind. Gabriel lit the stove in the cabin and brewed a big pot of coffee. They took turns at the tiller, enjoying the cruise, even with runny crimson noses and teary eyes in the stinging chill. It was close to 6:00 PM when they dropped anchor in Burwick Bay. Inside, Mark had a lamb stew simmering on stove. They were glad to take off their heavy sweaters, wash their hands and faces, and uncork a bottle of red wine. After enjoying a leisurely dinner they took a last look outside. Feeling secure, they stoked the stove and pulled out the extension of the port berth, giving them a narrow, but comfortable sleeping space for two. They quickly stripped, washed the essentials, and slid into what was supposed to be a double sleeping bag. Laughing, Gabriel exclaimed, "No wild frolicking in this together! There's just enough space for you to love me deep and sweet..." "You want me inside you first? I was sort of hoping..." "We can switch topping, back and forth, taking our time. Oh, my wonderful Mark, this day's sail has been perfect. This boat is a dream. You are my love. I need you in me sooo bad!" "And you in me too!" "I'm sure we can last more than just one time around..." "Don't brag! We'll see!" Mark slowly sunk his cock into Gabriel's velvet flesh. Gabriel cooed, moving ever so slowly. Wrapped tightly together, Mark managed to wriggle around enticing Gabriel to in turn slip in. Like that, they edged each other, sweating, grunting, enjoying every second, and then writhing with entwining legs they made love to each other until Gabriel nearly climaxed. "Time out..." panted Gabriel, his cock twitching. They cuddled and kissed until Mark could no longer wait. Pushing his throbbing erection into Gabriel's quivering anus, Gabriel began to hunch, squeeze, and roll, driving Mark beyond control. Suddenly, Mark convulsed, thrusting, howling as he pumped his semen deep into Gabriel's squishy hole. Then Mark pulled out and squirmed around, craving Gabriel's ardent cock inside him. In an instant Gabriel was inside Mark, then an instant later he erupted, clawing, hunching, spewing on and on, almost fainting. When they were both back to earth, still wrapped together, Gabriel giggled, "One more round?" "I don't care if I can't walk tomorrow. Let's give it a go! Making love in such confined conditions has it's advantages..." "Especially when it's freezing outside!" replied Gabriel. "I dare you to come and pee topside with me, Gaby!" "Like two lusty Vikings? Let's go! One, two, three..." Oblivious to the icy breeze, they pissed into the stars, dancing on the moonlit waters. Then scrambling back down, they slid into the bag, harder and randier than ever. ---------- The following day they had to tack some between the islands and finish with the motor, arriving at the welcome dock in Stromness, rather late. People on the waterfront admired them entering the marina. Their friend, the harbour master, complimented them on Gogan II. "Handsome boat you've got there, Mark! What's going to happen to Gogan." "Gaby and I are sailing her over to Scrabster where her new owner's having her picked up. Where can I keep Gogan II?" "Does the first berth on the second pier over there suit you?" "Great!" "I'll draw up the papers. Come by to sign whenever you can." Mark called Jerry to take care of the mooring in Scrabster. Two days later, they left, hoisting the sails in the rising sun. They covered the 30 miles, to Scrabster in good time. Gogan seemed to be flimsy, even frivolous as they sailed. Of course she had been fun, but now Mark had changed. They tied up at the welcome dock. Mark went to the office. "Gogan, very well! Let me show you the berth Mr. Campbell reserved for you." When all was secured aboard and locked up, they snacked at the Peerie Café and then boarded the 6:35 PM ferry to Stromness. When Gabriel asked Mark if he was sad to say good-bye to Gogan, Mark replied, "Absolutely not. She belonged to another life... The lonely life I led before you came and changed everything." "For the better, I hope..." "For the best, Gaby, the very best!" ---------- Gabriel's major Christmas gift was an expensive Schmincke Horadam Aquarell Watercolour wooden set of 48 colours and a small but correct photo camera. Noticing Gabriel's nearly empty watercolour tin, Mark inquired, "Why haven't you touched the kit you received for Christmas yet? Is there something wrong with it?" "No, it's just that I don't feel ready enough to use professional stuff. I feel... I don't know... Let's say I don't yet feel worthy." "Oh, shut up, Gaby, don't be silly! You're worth using the best now! You must believe you're worth it." "I believe in myself, Mark -- because you believe in me. That's all!" "That's the same thing! I believe in you because you believe in me too and I believe you should now use the best..." Later on, as they worked together, Gabriel was more relaxed as he painted. He no longer tried to be perfect, he was simply sincere, and his progress was unbelievable. Mark put aside two of Gabriel's better works to be put on sale in the gallery along with his. "Are you sure the gallery's going to take them?" "Dead sure, Gaby! They'll sell! Trust me!" "I'll always trust you, Mark," asserted Gabriel, staring straight at Mark. Mark touched Gabriel's cheek and replied, "Let's go work some on Gogan II before dark." ---------- The following days, Mark and Gabriel took Gogan II out in bad weather and were proud of how they mastered her together. Of course, they hoped to never get caught in a gale, but just in case... For the time being, long hauls were out of question. ---------- Sean and Marie, curious about the new boat, about how Gabriel was adapting, about everything, announced a three day visit for April 2. They were coming, just the two of them. Betty was staying at a friend's. Mark reserved an en suite room at the Stromness Hotel for them. If the weather permitted they could go on a sail. Gabriel was excited and at the same time a bit worried. "Do we tell them that we're going to be together for a long, long time, Mark? Should we tell them that we're lovers and all?" "We'll see how things turn up. I'm sure they're curious -- and knowing your mother, if she feels that we're a couple, she'll say it." "You're right." ---------- Sean and Marie were met with hugs and kisses at the airport, then taxied to Stromness in style. Mark had prepared a royal dinner, with champagne to begin with, and the finest old whisky he could find in the store to end the meal. Gabriel ran off to the hotel to escort his parents to the loft. "You're looking the best I've ever seen, my boy!" "I've never felt better, Dad! Your brother's a love!" Marie smiled... The evening twilight lingered in a smear of gold and pink on the horizon. The loft was welcomingly warm. Marie and Sean discovered Mark's living and working space. "Mark, you told us that your home was very minimal... but to that extent... I didn't realise..." commented Marie, patting the tall double bed. Gabriel drew up two chairs, Mark invited Sean and Marie to take the sofa. A nice fire was glowing. Gabriel popped the champagne and filled the glasses. He put them on a tray along with a few nibbles and served his parents, then his uncle before proposing a toast. "To the Sutherlands!" "À nous!" chimed in Marie, "This is all so beautiful! I can't wait to see Gogan II." "We'll go sailing together tomorrow. There's going to be sun and a gentle breeze, just for us," replied Mark. They were drinking, laughing and nibbling when Marie stated, "So I guess you two are sort of married. I feel like I'm more in a love nest than a men den... well a loving men den, so to speak." "You're dead right, Mum! Mark and I are happy lovers, painters, and sailors together. Two of my paintings are going on sale in the Edinburgh gallery..." "Already?" "Love works miracles, Marie," replied Mark, blushing. "I'm not surprised," stated Sean, adding, "I would have loved being my brother's lover myself, but I was taken by my darling Marie..." Gabriel gave his father a glance of disbelief, then smiled. Mark looked at Sean with the tenderest smile possible as he said, "I would have loved being your lover too, Sean, but I think I've found better..." Mary spoke up, "Well, well... I just hope and pray it lasts for you both! Before I moved to Scotland, my favourite girl cousin and I were madly in love. We enjoyed everything two girls can do together, sexually speaking that is..." There was a moment of silence. Proud of her effect, Marie continued, "Well, to be honest, I don't know if we did EVERYTHING, but I do know that we did a lot!" "More champagne?" interrupted Gabriel. "Bien sûr, chéri!" Gabriel served his mother first, then his father. Marie took another sip and said, "And now, since we're all clear about love and sex, show us your latest masterpieces." ---------- The following day, they sailed out to sea with a soup and sandwich snack, passing by Rackwick Bay on the coast of the Isle of Hoy. In the afternoon, they returned to Stromness. Sean and Marie invited them to dinner at the hotel. The last day of their visit, Mark rented a car and had Sean drive them to visit the standing stones of Stenness and then Kirkwall. All in all, the visit was a brilliant success. When Mark said they would be in Edinburgh to deliver their work and do business with the gallery from May 3 to 6, Marie said, "Just in time for Gabriel's seventeenth birthday! Boys, there will be a double bed in Gabriel's former room." Gabriel threw his arms around his blushing mother and exclaimed, "Mum, you're the greatest!" ---------- The trip to Edinburgh, the work in the gallery, and Gabriel's birthday party all went well. As planned, on May 10, 2022, they cast off for the Shetlands before heading east to Norway. The crossing to Lerwick via Sanday and Fair Isle was rough. In Lerwick the weather was dreadful. "Do we really need to go to Norway, Gaby?" "Not really. We can discover the Shetlands together. To be honest, that would be enough for me right now!" "Gaby, maybe this is a lesson for us both. Special dreams of special places, like Norway for you should perhaps remain where they are, that is to say in your dreams. I think we would have been very disappointed with the procession of polluting cruise ships in the fjords, the sky high prices, and the tourists swarming everywhere, worse than in Edinburgh..." "You're right, Mark! It's sad, but I'm sure you're right. We live in a very perverted world, don't we?" "Alas..." ---------- The Shetlands reserved new inspirations. Gogan II drew a lot of attention both in the harbours as well as at anchor. They enjoyed meeting new people and working on new paintings. Ten days later, they were on their way back to Stromness. It should be noted that Gabriel and Mark's works merged with their merging souls. Their art had become more abstract, more spiritual, and nearly identical in style even if Mark's paintings were a bit more nuanced than Gabriel's. The gallery pressured them for more paintings. A new book was under press, containing the combined works of both Mark and Gabriel Sutherland together. One late June afternoon of 2022, as they were working in the loft, Gabriel said, "Mark, I'm scared of what's happening." "What do you mean?" "Are we painting because we feel we need to paint -- because we need to portray the power of light and love -- or are we painting because the gallery needs us to paint for the money?" The question hit Mark like a bucket ice water in the face! He rubbed the nape of his neck, and then stuttered, "Good question, Gaby..." "Then give me a good answer, Mark!" Mark's reply was sudden, clear, and incisive. "Gogan II is the answer, Gaby! We've got to keep on moving! Go anywhere... We have to wiggle out of this trap and follow the light, our light, our love, our life!" Mark paced the room, excited. "We need to become rare and live our life like a work of art!" Gabriel beamed. "We need to wander wherever wills the wind, Gaby! If we don't escape, we're lost. We're devoured by the system! Your youthful soul is in danger and so is mine! Is that a 'good' enough answer for you, Gaby?" concluded Mark, standing in front of Gabriel. Tears of joy dampened Gabriel's cheeks as he nodded, gently whispering in Mark's ear, "Yes." ---------- Mark and Gabriel did all that was necessary to cast off on July 4, 2022, the day I finished this story. Now I must set them free from my fiction. As they sail on their own into our uncertain times, I ardently pray that they avoid forthcoming pandemics, wars, and avoid any political power which could condemn them for simply being who they are, together. Marin Giustinian ---------- A free picture album illustrating this story (pdf) is available upon request at .