Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2023 16:47:12 +0000 (GMT) From: blackscar01 Subject: Operation Pied Piper - Part 153b IMPORTANT NOTE TO ALL READERS This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, organisations, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, locales, organisations, or events is entirely coincidental. The author claims all copyrights to this story and no duplication or publication of this story is allowed, except by the websites to which it has been posted, without the consent of the author. ******* If you enjoy my story or any others on the Nifty site, please show your appreciation and donate what you can afford. ******* Finally, thank you once again to my editor, Jim. Merry Christmas my friend. ******* Forts slowly opened the box. His eyes going wide. "Davy!" "It was once owned by your mother, it is the same set she is wearing in the painting in the dining room. I saw you looking at it earlier." The huge glittering diamonds and rubies of the matching tiara, necklace, bracelet, and broach bounced the light from the chandelier above us around the room. Forts didn't say a word. I moved closer to him and slipped my arm round him as he stared into the box, tears began rolling down his cheeks. He turned to face me, "Oh Davy, thank you... Thank you so much. I wish they could both have been here." ** Operation Pied Piper – Part 153b Christmas 1943 Part 153b minor characters making an appearance or receiving a mention: Thomas William – (Mr Thomas, William) Davy's Dad – Forty years old, civil servant. Thomas Brenda – (Mum/Brenda) Davys and Andrews Mum, Thirty years old - House Mum (nee Davidson) Grand Duchess Katrina Truorwskoy – (Grand Duchess Truorwskoy /Grandma/ Katrina) Wife of late Grand Duke. Princess Anastasia Chikenoff – (Princess Chikenoff) The mother of Dima and Theodora. Fergus Toussaint – (Fergus) Earl of Wick – Serving British Army Officer. 28yrs. Robert Meisner – (Robert) Dima's partner 27yrs old Cambridge law graduate, specialising in Russian language and culture. Now Forts and Davy's secretary. Cailin – (Cailin)_ 18yrs old. One of the King's stable boys at Balmoral. Calvin – (Cal/Calvin) 16yr old, new clumsy footman. Gary's new beau. Dexy Mackenzie – (Dexy/Lieutenant Mackenzie) US Army. Promoted Lieutenant in 152b. Daniel Scherer – (Dan) Forts and Davy's security team. Count Samara – (Count Samara/Stepan) 60ish Advisor to Forts and purchaser of Russian art. Russian émigré escaped the slaughter by the Bolsheviks. Knew Fort's parents and Tsar Nicholas II. Captain James Brandt – (James/Brandt/Captain Brandt) Officer in the 4th Battalion of the Black Watch.5'10 'The Viscount Tilney'. Forts Equerry. Squadron Leader Stuart Burgess – (Squadron Leader Burgess/Stuart) RAF Squadron Leader - King George VI's new equerry. Richard Forbes – (Mr Forbes/Richard/Rich) 30year old New History Master at Fraser Castle School. Robert Milner - Photographer and artist. First appeared in chapter 113a, now based in the old Garden summer house at Castle Fraser, which doubles as his studio. ** Davy takes up the story Forts grabbed for the alarm clock and jumped up out of bed. "We haven't slept in, have we?" I groaned, he had started already. "Shush, no, it's only five o'clock in the morning, be quiet, you will wake the boys." Forts grinned excitedly. "I was always up early on Christmas day. I wanted to see if Santa had left me anything..." He paused, his face changing as he obviously thought back. Slowly he shook his head as he crossed to the window. "You know... he never did..." His voice dropped, "I could never work out what I had done wrong... "Only bad boys didn't get presents..." That's what she used to shout at me... I don't want the boys or anyone ever to have to go through that." Hearing him broke my heart. I was already climbing out of bed. I crept up behind him and wrapped my arms round him. "Forts, no one is more generous than you." He turned and smiled, "Well, apart from you... I never want the boys to go through what I did..." He kissed me on the lips. I hugged him tighter, he smiled at me through glassy eyes. "Do you fancy a cup of tea? I am never going to get back to sleep now." He wiped his eyes, "Look at me being silly." I kissed him again. "Come on then, tea sounds great...I can even make it." Forts grinned as he put on his dressing gown. "Albert been giving you lessons?" "Oi, you cheeky thing." Forts was quickly back to his usual self, laughing and smiling. He made a break for the door, me in hot pursuit. "Oi Frodo, you have forgotten your furry sippers." "Damn," he doubled back and slipped his feet into those bloody, awful sheepskin slippers. He grabbed me round the waist and ran through the door, "Come on!" As I expected, we were first up, closely followed by Radost and Nadya. From the look on their faces, they both looked surprised to see us, but excitedly jumped up none the less. I am sure if they had been wearing watches would have checked them. "Hiya, you two..." Forts was quickly down on his hunkers, cuddling them both. "One minute, I have to get the tree lights on. Then I will take you out for a pee." "While you are doing that, I will make us a cup of tea, it looks like Albert is still asleep too... Like I should be." Forts grinned and winked, "You love me really!" "You know I do." He vanished out of the door with the dogs, taking them for a pee. I checked the water level, and flicked the kettle on the breakfast bar on. Forts was soon back and began wrestling with the lights on the Christmas tree. They flickered twice before they finally stayed on, he punched the air triumphantly. I chuckled, "You should have just commanded them to stay on... I bet that's what the King does." "Hmmm, do you think that would work?" He puffed up his chest and gave me a wink. "I command you to stay on!" God, I love this guy. "See, it worked. Now come away before they go off again!" He grabbed me and kissed along my neck and up to my ear. "Fancy a Christmas cuddle?" "You spoiled your chance, put me down. It was you who wanted to get up early!" Forts giggled and went to the door leading to the boy's room and listened again. "Still no sound of them getting up." He looked positively disappointed. He got down to play with the dogs, "You are excited, aren't you?" Radost and Nadya jumped all over him, licking his face. That's the great thing about dogs, they always act as if they are pleased to see you. * We had set out the boys' presents from Santa, and the family downstairs around the tree in the Garden Room. Forts was desperate to get down there and see the boys' faces. He glanced at the connecting door again, "Still no sign of them... Do you think they are okay? Perhaps I should check." "Forts, sit down and drink your tea, it is going to be a long day and full on once they are awake!" Albert's door opened, he appeared, yawning. "Good morning, I thought I heard you... Merry Christmas." "Merry Christmas, Albert." Forts said a little too excitedly, if you ask me. Albert crossed to the breakfast bar and took over making the tea. "No sign of the boys yet?" Forts grinned at me... "See, it is not only me..." Albert must have heard my sigh, he winked at me and mouthed, "Sorry." I just laughed, "You are both as bad as each other!" "I know!" Forts leapt up again and headed to the gramophone, "This will get them up." He gave it a wind and placed the arm down on the record, grinning as he turned the speaker trumpet towards the door. He giggled as the music started and opened the door. I just shook my head as "Jingle Bells, by Bing Crosby, sang out loudly into the room." Forts turned back to me, "That should get them up." He giggled like a kid again and then listened intently towards the door. He turned slowly and grinned, "I think that has done it!" He was right, there was a bang as a door opened and then the excited sound of little feet running along the corridor towards us. Forts grabbed his Father Christmas hat and tossed mine at me. We just managed to get them all on as the three boys ran into the room. "Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas, boys!" I joined Forts on my hunkers and with the two dogs joining in, we all hugged and kissed each other, wishing everyone a 'Merry Clismas', well that's what it sounded like. Forts swept up Draco and Arran in his arms while I picked up Andrew. Forts is a big kid! "Shall we go and see if Father Christmas has been?" "Yeahhh." Forts was already heading for the door, Albert opened it, the first out were Radost and Nadya, closely followed by Forts, Draco and Arran, then me and Andrew. "Oh, Davy, will it be okay if I quickly get dressed and sorted here before I come down?" "Of course, Albert, I am sure we can manage for a few minutes." I smiled and winked, he just chuckled. "Good Morning, Dan." Dan Scherer smiled, he glanced down the corridor at Forts, "Is he always like this?" I nodded, "He is." "Come on, Davy... They will get there first!" Andrew was struggling to get down from my arms. "Hang on, hang on, no presents get opened until we are all there." Dan chuckled and followed me along the corridor as we attempted to catch up with Forts and Darius. * The lights of the Garden Room were already on, as were the Christmas tree lights. The fire had already been lit and was busy taking the chill off of the room. I entered the room just behind Forts. "Oh, you're finally here!" It was Athol. He was sitting on the edge of the couch next to Archie. Mum and Dad were on the second couch. "Morning, Merry Christmas everyone." Forts beamed. Athol and Mum leapt up and rushed over to us, kissing each of the boys and then hugging both Forts and me, wishing us a Merry Christmas. Archie quickly followed. He stopped, and I heard him, practically snap at Dad. "Well, up you get, wish them a Merry Christmas." "Of course." Dad looked so uncomfortable. He stood and came over to us. He hugged Andrew and ruffled the heads of Draco and Aaran. Forts got a kind of confused head bow and hug and me an awkward hug and mumbled, "Davy, Merry Christmas." He just didn't know how to show his emotions, well not to me anyway. "Dad." He quickly moved away and sat back down. Forts put down Draco and Arran. Andrew joined them and the three boys stood open-mouthed, staring at the base of the tree and the piles of presents. Forts and I glanced at each other, Forts leant down, "Aren't you going to see what Father Christmas has left you?" That was all the boys need, they ran over to the tree. "We are not late are we?" It was Dima and Robert, they were closely followed by James, Chris, Percy and Nathan. The next hour was bedlam. Forts and I stood, surplus to requirements as the grandparents, the uncles and the boys, oh and the dogs excited played. Forts smiled and kissed me as his hand slipped round my waist, "Merry Christmas, darling. Don't let your dad upset you. We all love you! I am sure he does too, he is just a different generation." I kissed him back, "I know, Merry Christmas, my darling." "Forts, Davy." It was Gary, he glanced back at the door. "Is it okay if Calvin joins in? I know he was only a footman, but, well..." Forts chuckled, "It looks like he might be more than that now... Tell him to come in, we are expecting everyone else soon too." Forts wasn't wrong, soon we were joined by the Grand Duchess, Dima's mum, Vlad, Alexandra, Fergus, Count Samara, Enzo, Dexy, Stuart, Cailin, Harding and Van Cusen too. Marcus was busy once more handing round tea or coffee to anyone who wanted it. Forts and I stood by the fireplace, I think, apart from the boys, we were the only ones not dressed. Chris came over to us, "You both okay?" We both nodded. "Good, thanks." Forts winked, "I was just wondering about starting the singing again." He smiled and let rip, "Chestnuts roasting by an open fire." Chris laughed, "I told you about that yesterday... You are standing way too close." ** James takes up the story Just before the alarm clock rang out, I slipped out of the bed and turned on the lights of the little tree in Chris and my room. I rummaged under the bed and found my present for Chris. I had already wrapped it for him. I placed it under the tree. Chris was still snoring away on the bed. I gave a little cough... no response... I coughed louder... There was a grunt from under the pile of bedclothes. An arm came out and patted my side of the bed, "Are you alright?" The hand patted around, finally the message that I was not there reached his brain. His head appeared above the covers and, bleary-eyed, he looked round the room. "Hello, darling, what time is it?" I smiled, "Merry Christmas sexy! Look, Santa has left you a present under the tree... At least he left one of us a present," I added, pouting. Chris looked panicked, the covers flew back, and naked he jumped out of bed, "Hang on, err, he left yours in, err, my sock draw..." I put on a sad face, "Your sock draw?" Chris crossed to his chest of draws. I watched as his beautiful tight furry bubble arse, with its sexy Ouroboros tattoo and his outsized cock and balls swinging between his legs, danced before me. He was dumping socks out of the draw as he rummaged around, he glanced back at me, "Yes, he didn't want to spoil the surprise." With a look of relief all over his face, he turned back to me, grinning, a wrapped present in his hand. "Found it! Merry Christmas, darling." He crossed over to me, his cock swinging like a pendulum, I was momentarily distracted. He chuckled, "The present is up here." I looked into his eyes, "Captured... You know me, ... I want both." His cock twitched, "Santa told me that too." We hugged each other and kissed, our tongues working their way deep into each other's mouths. I reached for his cock, it was hardening, slowly raising to the horizontal. "Maybe we can open the presents a bit later," he whispered. "Well, I suppose we could..." Chris chuckled and reached for my exposed arse cheeks. He cupped them and bending his knees lifted me. I flung my arms round his neck to keep my balance as my legs wrapped round his waist, his large throbbing cock manoeuvring to lie between my exposed arse cheeks as we continued to kiss. He broke our kiss as he walked me back over to the bed. "Santa said I was to give you this, too." He twitched his cock. I grinned, "Ohhh, I have been really good, haven't I?" Chris smiled again as he lowered me onto the bed... His eyes watching me, he swallowed, before speaking, "You have been the best thing to happen to me." His voice began to falter. I came straight back at him, "And you me. I love you, Chris." Our lips met again, I shuffled further back on the bed, Chris clambering on, his knees spreading my shuffling feet and legs, wider, our kiss never breaking. I wrapped my legs around his waist and rolled him over on to his back. His cock swayed slowly, I grabbed it and wanked its length a couple of times. His fat flared cock head was wet and oozing precum, I used it to coat his shaft. He groaned as our tongues continued to duel. I reached for the bedside cabinet. Even with his precum leaking like a tap, I would still need some KY. He lay back with his hands behind his head. He twitched his cock, "Ready when you are." "I know, I know." I undid the cap and squeezed some of the gel on to my fingers. God didn't make having sex easy for gay guys. Twisting, I pushed my lube coated finger into my arse. As I wriggled, Chris raised his head. His hands moved from behind his head, one to the base of my shaft and the other to my large balls. He chuckled, "I love your great big balls!" He guided my cockhead to his lips and kissed it. I felt my shaft twitch. He kissed it again and followed that with a lick. I groaned, dropping the cap of the KY on to the bedclothes. "Chris, hang on." He chuckled and his warm mouth totally engulfed my cockhead. His tongue wrapping round the base of the glans. I moaned again and leant forward, surrendering my cock to his mouth. His lips opened wider, and gripping the base of my shaft, he pulled my cock physically further forward and began really working on my cockhead. His tongue ran up and down my raphe line, only deviating to follow my circumcision scar, fuck this felt good. My hands dropped to his head, my fingers working into his hair as I ground my cock into his mouth. A wet sticky splat against the base of my spine reminded me I was neglecting the main event. Untangling one hand, I reached back, his cock was still as hard as anything. Fuck, his cock was big... and thick. I worked my fingers back up to its cut head; it was still swimming in precum. I raised my arse, managing somehow to keep still my cockhead between his lips. I positioned his plum sized bellend at my lubed hole and slid my hand once more to the base of his shaft. I gripped him hard, feeling his cock twitch and throb, I held it firmly and slowly, ever so slowly, I eased myself down on to it. My arse tingled, a momentary protest, then it slowly began to spread open to accommodate him, the fleshy lips of my hole engulfing his flared cockhead a quarter of an inch by quarter of an inch. I paused as my sphincter attempted to contract, gripping futilely, just under his cockhead. Chris released my cock from his mouth, "You okay?" I nodded, "You are just fucking huge!" Chris giggled, and I felt his cock twitch, "I bet you say that to all the boys!" "Nope, only you... Oh, I might have said it to Forts, and maybe Duke." I chuckled as Chris playfully slapped my side, "Hey that's not nice." I pushed myself downwards, taking more of his throbbing nine inches into me. Chris moved his hand to my cock again and deliberately began wanking me. "Come on, take it all." I winked and pushed down some more. I felt back and had about four more inches to go. Chris gripped my side and flipped me onto my back. His cock still embedded deep inside me. "Hey." He ginned, "Let me help out!" He laughed again, "We are supposed to be meeting Forts, Davy and the boys soon." On the word 'soon', Chris thrust his hips downwards, burying the remaining inches of his cock into me. I gasped, his tongue pushed into my open mouth, filling it and stifling my groan. I gripped him tight, wrapping my legs back round him, interlocking my feet over the small of his back. I was enjoying every second. Chris increased the pace. His battering ram of a cock, rearranging my insides, but more importantly brushing continuously over my man nut, sending waves of pleasure throughout my body. I reached down for my cock and began to wank furiously as I felt myself reaching the point of no return, due to his constant pounding. "Chris... Fuck, I am cumming!" "I KNOW! I can feel it..." My arse tightened round his shaft as my balls pumped my cum up and out of my relatively short six-inch cock; well, short compared to him. Chris grunted, I felt his cock throb fighting back against my sphincter, then, a huge pulse. My arse surrendered, pulse after pulse of his cum began its journey up his fat nine inches, before blasting out inside me. We lay in a sweaty heap, kissing and stroking each other's sticky bodies. I kissed him again, "Chris, I love you, Merry Christmas." ** Forts takes up the story I am not sure who had suggested a morning ride at the meal last night, but after breakfast and the opening of presents, here I was walking up to the stables with Enzo, Dexy, Chris, James, Count Samara, Fergus, Dima and Edik. Oh, and of course, Duke and Dan. Enzo was loosely holding my arm, laughing, "We have quite a posse here, Forts". I nodded. Luckily it was a lovely crisp morning, sadly no snow, but a lovely frosty chill filled the air. "I am looking forward to seeing how Ladon is coming on... Any chance you are going to let me ride Pegasus today?" Enzo gripped my arm tighter. We turned into the stable yard. I laughed, "I doubt he will let that happen once he sees I am here." Enzo chuckled, mumbling, "Yes, a bit like Davy." Jeremy and the other stable boys were all mucking out and giving the horses fresh bedding. He spotted me and hurried over, "Good morning Forts. Merry Christmas... Err, from the chaps and me, thank you for your generosity... you know the Christmas envelopes." "Morning Jeremy, Merry Christmas to you too... Don't mention it, it was our pleasure..." Jeremy turned and shouted, "George, Robin, His Imperial Highness is here!" The two boys' smiling faces appeared, and they ran over to us and lined up next to Jeremy, each of them snatching their flat caps off their heads. "Good morning and Merry Christmas, George, Robin." I stepped forward to shake both their hands. Robin went to speak, I stopped him, "It's Forts, remember?" He grinned and smiled, "Good Morning and Merry Christmas Forts." I smiled back, "Davy sends his regards too. We both wanted to thank you for all the work you chaps do." Jeremy smiled and nodded. "It's a pleasure. We actually have a couple of helpers this morning, too." "Really?" "Yes, Squadron Leader Burgess and the King's stable boy Cailin." "Really?" With that, the two of them peered out of the stall. I called over, "You are supposed to be on holiday, not working." Stuart laughed, putting his arm round Cailin. "Tell him that. I couldn't keep him away. He loves horses as much as you!" "Well, I am always looking for new stable lads, if he is interested?" Stuart chuckled again and the two of them resumed pushing the wheelbarrow loaded with soiled hay. Cailin was saying something to Stuart, but I couldn't hear what it was. "Forts, will you all be riding this morning?" It was Jeremy again. I glanced round, "I think so. Are you all still up for a brisk ride? ... What about you James, I noticed you were walking a bit funny." James blushed and looked at the ground. I had to stop myself from belly laughing, "Ah, you could try it on a horse this time." Chris giggled. I winked at him, then back at James. "Oh, you did!" I gave a whinny. Enzo looked suddenly interested. I patted his arm, "Our Chris is hung like a horse." It was Chris' time to blush, "Hey, that's a secret." His comments reduced us all to tears of laughter. * "Who's that Forts? He seems to be hangin around y'all." Enzo had spotted Monty hovering nearby, sketch pad in hand. "Oh sorry, haven't I introduced you? ... That's Monty. He is an architect, but his hobby is photography. Robert Milner, our photographer, was one of his pupils. Robert thought Monty would be able to capture the real Davy and me, so we invited him up for Christmas. He has been busy sketching us since he arrived. Come on over, I will introduce you." "He gonna sketch y'all nekied?" I nodded, smiling. "Eventually, apparently, that's the idea, anyway." Enzo grinned, "Lucky guy." While Jeremy and the stable lads worked away getting all the horses tacked up, I introduced Enzo to Monty and then took everyone to see Ladon and Daphne. Firstly, I greeted Pegasus; he stood watching proudly on as everyone said hello to the gangly colt. Enzo was a natural with horses. He even did the breathing thing that Davy never would in case one of them licked him. Yes, Davy was invited to come riding with us, but chose instead to stay with the boys and ladies. "Hey, what's this above the stable door?" Enzo was grinning as he looked up. "Oops, that was me, I put it there to catch out Robin." It was Duke. I glanced up, "Mistletoe?" "Yeah." Duke blushed, so did Robin, slowly turning a deep shade of pink. Enzo grabbed me, "Shame to waste it." He pressed his lips forcibly to mine and then slipped his tongue into my mouth. He kissed me for what seemed like a longtime, as we broke apart, both a bit flushed, he grinned, "Well, that's an English tradition I like a lot." I could feel several pairs of eyes on me. What to do? I nodded. "Your right, in fact, everyone lineup, we can't break with tradition!" To much giggling and general silliness, we all had a kiss with each other under the mistletoe. I think it also helped to defuse a bit of an awkward moment. ** Davy takes up the story After breakfast, Forts and just about everyone else had changed and headed up to the stables, all intent on a morning ride to clear away the cobwebs. Edik had taken the now exhausted and overly excited boys for a little nap. I needed some quiet time, too. "Come on, dogs!" I headed out of the apartment, meeting Darius outside in the corridor. "Darius, I am just taking the dogs out for a walk." He nodded, "I will come with you. Tobias can come here and stay with the boys." "Darius, I am sure I will be okay..." "Davy... It's more than my job's worth. If Forts found out I had let you wander off on your own..." "Alright." * I headed down to the garden with the dogs and Darius walking a few feet behind me. I had been asked if I wanted to go riding, Forts was a bit disappointed when I said no, but I really need a few minutes to myself. It was a brisk morning. I followed the yapping dogs, Radost and Nadya, out on to the lawn. Excitedly, they ran on ahead of me. Then stopped and began barking. Darius appeared beside me, but said nothing. I rounded the corner and found the two dogs barking at Callum and Gethin. Callum was busy trying to say hello to them both, but until I appeared and told them to behave, Radost and Nadya were having none of it. Callum smiled when he saw me and almost invisibly, Darius backed away, leaving me to speak to my friends. I hugged and kissed each of them on the cheek. Gethin was still very quiet, although he had returned my smile and kiss. I mouthed to Callum, "How is he?" Callum gave me a reassuring nod. Mouthing back to me, "Not too bad." Then audibly, "Thank you for inviting us to share Christmas with you all." I moved between them both as we walked and took each of their arms. "You are two of Forts' and my dearest friends... You are always welcome in our home." They both smiled at me and I felt them squeeze my arm. "Come on, let's get some fresh air." ** Marcus take up the story I looked down the length of the table, Denis came up behind me, "You have done a great job, it looks amazing... then again, it did last night too." I smiled and nodded. I could hear all the chattering and laughter from the Garden Room, "Sounds like they have all gathered." Denis glanced at the large gilt long-case clock. "They will have to wait. I said four o'clock and not a minute before to chef. Plus, we can't start until Athol, Archie, Davy, and Forts are back from Down House, wishing the boys all Merry Christmas." "I had better check the rest of them all still have champagne then." I smiled as I turned towards the large double doors. Denis took hold of my arm, I stopped. "Marcus, Merry Christmas." "Merry Christmas, Denis." I leant forward and gave him a peck on the cheek. He smiled, his finger lightly touched his skin, he smiled, "A present too... I wasn't expecting that." I winked, "Oh, I am full of surprises." With that, I vanished back into the Garden Room. * The Gramophone was playing away in the background. I immediately saw that Athol, Archie, Forts and Davy were back. Everyone was dressed up to the nines, either in dress uniforms or suits for the chaps and elegant dresses for the ladies. Forts was standing with Alexandra and Fergus. Forts had Draco sitting on one hip and Aaran on the other, something that was rapidly becoming the norm. Fergus was holding an empty champagne glass. I moved over to them to refill his glass, catching just the tail end of the conversation, as he glanced over at Enzo, "I was just surprised to see him kiss you... And on the lips." Forts chuckled, "Fergus, my friend, there are a few things you will have to get used to, especially around here, if you are intending on courting my cousin... Woooa, hang on." Draco and Aaran had obviously gotten bored, Forts chuckled as he put down the struggling bundles of arms and legs. Now free, they both ran over to Davy. "So, what are y'all feeding us? Remember, it is payback time!" Yes, you guessed it was Enzo, he gripped Forts' arm again and placed his empty champagne glass on to the tray I was carrying. Forts chuckled, "Oh, all good stuff... Wait and see." Forts turned to me, "How are we doing?" I gave a head bow, and smiled, "Denis said four o'clock and not a minute before." Forts roared with laughter... "I might have to send him back to Craigievar if he is going to start getting all bossy." "So what did Davy get you for Christmas?" It was Enzo again. Forts beamed, "The Grand Duchess is wearing it." Enzo looked round to look. Forts continued, "The tiara, neckless, broach and bracelet." Enzo looked a bit stupefied, "Jewellery? ... I mean, it's nice and all that... but." Forts nodded, "They belonged to my mother, she is wearing them in the painting next door. My uncle sold them after my parents ... err died..." "Forts." At Dima's approached, Forts stopped speaking. Enzo had heard the story of Forts' parents from Dexy, so thankfully he didn't pursue it in front of Dima. * "Dinner is served." Denis' voice rang out as he stood between the now opened double doors into the dining room. Forts gave me a wink, "Must be four o'clock then..." We both chuckled. "Dima, Enzo, excuse me, I must accompany my grandmother into dinner." Forts made his way over to the Grand Duchess, she beamed on his approach, Forts held out his arm, which she smilingly took. She glanced round, then imperiously announced, "Davy! My other arm. I must enter with both of my boys." ** Enzo takes up the story We all followed Forts, Davy and the Grand Duchess through into the dining room. Last night I had been impressed, but this was beyond belief for a little boy from Texas. I couldn't quite believe how the table looked. Table ornaments towered above, highly decorated and gilded plates and a veritable forest of cut crystal glasses took their regimented place at each place setting. "Gee, you got it lookin fancy Forts!" Forts smiled over at me and gave me a wink. "Don't go breaking any of it." He chuckled. A footman pulled out the seat of the Grand Duchess, and Forts indicated for her to sit first, for a moment she shook her head, but he insisted. I was close to them and heard her saying, "The last time I saw this service, I was at the Winter Palace, with your parents dining with Nicholas and Alexandra." Forts leant into her, "My parents ate off this dinner service?" She nodded, Forts noticed I was listening, he smiled mouthing, "Don't you dare break anything." * The service door opened and a row of footmen entered, controlled by Marcus, they place down our starter. I looked at the two filo pastry covered tubes on the bed of lettuce in front of me. What on earth was this? I must have been peering a bit too closely as James whispered to me, "Haggis cigars." "What?" I picked up my fork and prodded one of the crispy tubes. "In America we smoke cigars..." James chuckled, "No, they are called that because of the shape and because they are filled with Haggis." "Haggis?" James nodded, "Yes, it is a Scottish delicacy." I prodded the tube again, the filo pastry split revealing a greyish speckled filling. "What, and you eat this? You are kidding me." James grinned, "Seriously, it tastes really nice." "What is it made of?" I pushed out some of the minced cigar stuffing. James roared, "Forts, Enzo wants to know what Haggis is made of." Forts laughed, "Don't tell him he will never eat it." "Hey, y'all trying to show me up for Thanksgiving? What is it?" Dima intervened, "Offal and oatmeal, mainly, with spices and herbs. They mince it all up and stuff it into a sheep's stomach and then boil it for several hours." Forts guffawed, "Dima, I don't think you are selling it to him... Or me, actually. Enzo, my friend, it tastes a lot nicer than it sounds, go on, try it." "Hey, and y'all said we eat the strangest food." I did actually try it and it was pretty damn good too, especially in the crispy filo pastry. Thankfully, I recognised the Turkey, rib of beef and large ham; They were paraded round the table before being taken to a side table and carved. A selection of serving dishes brimming with various side dishes were placed on the table. Dima waved over Marcus. I could hear him clearly, "Aren't you doing 'silver service?'" "No, Prince, Forts and Davy wanted everyone to just tuck in and help serve each other." Dima glanced over at Forts, I could only imagine what he was thinking. He didn't even look back at Marcus, just gave him a flick of his hand, dismissing him. Forts had spotted that, I saw his eyes narrow; he looked like he was going to say something, but didn't. It was funny, Dima sometimes, no, that's wrong, always acted more royal than Forts and Davy. Forts eyes were still fixed on him. Maybe I could help, I leant over to him, "Dima, buddy, what's this?" I pointed to a rather pale green chopped leafy dish. Dima peered at it, "That's cabbage... The English have a most unusual way of boiling it half to death... losing nearly all of the colour and... most of the taste, then serving it as a vegetable." I was right. Forts was still listening. He guffawed again, "Dima! make it at least sound nice!" ********************** Merry Christmas everyone. Can I thank you all for your support over the years, it means more than you can imagine. Forts, Davy and everyone else will return after Christmas. And Remember as a member of the OPP family, you are never alone. OPP is not just for Christmas. ************************ Folks, there is nothing more rewarding than hearing from you that you are enjoying the story. Please take the time to email me to let me know. Blackscar. Other Nifty stories by Blackscar. 'NightCam Fun' – Gay/Encounters 'Exploring my brother' – Gay/Incest 'Josh's Adventures series' - Gay/Adult Youth 'An Army life for me' - Gay/Adult Youth/Military 'Grandmas Bedroom' – Bisexual/Incest 'Dominic Online' – Gay/Adult Youth 'Vampyre' – Gay/Adult Youth 'Operation Pied Piper' – Gay/Adult Youth 'Scream if you want to go faster' - Bisexual/Adult Youth 'Red and Nick' – Bisexual/Military 'The Extraordinary Christmas Party' – Bisexual/Incest 'A Brother Used' - Gay/Incest 'A very English Trailer Park' - Gay/Adult Youth 'Special lube Oil' - Gay/Adult Youth