PART THREE

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I lost myself on a cool damp night

Gave myself in that misty light

Was hypnotized by a strange delight

Under a lilac tree

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I made wine from the lilac tree

Lost my heart in its recipe

Made me see what I want to see

Be what I want to be

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Lilac wine

Is sweet

And heady

Like my love

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Lilac wine

I feel I'm ready

For my love

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Lilac Wine – Elkie Brooks

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Jayne was normally excellent at turning at least slightly after sex or even rolling so that Vera was on top. Plus there was always the after sex snuggling. Jayne loved to snuggle even more than Vera did. But now, after having – as it were – completely blown his fuses by going three in a row without a break, Jayne was slumped on top of Vera, dead to the world and snoring, loudly. Vera tried to move, but it was impossible. She wasn't even close to being able to lift her own weight, let alone Jayne's bulk.

Vera tried blowing in his ear, “Jayne; honey...” But it was no use. He was out for the count and she was going nowhere until he moved. She gave in and decided to try to get some sleep herself.

*

Mal and Cliff attended to finishing off the welding, then they completed the current delivery of grain successfully. There would be grapes from Newhall next, to go to the central winery on the planet. Serenity landed at the massive swathe of vinyards to the south of Newhall's central plain. It was late Summertide by now down here, the air still and thick with heat. Even though the slopes were north facing, they were sheltered and received the long hot gaze of Newhall's sun for most of the year. The only things moving regularly in the hot air were occasional flies and gliding butterflies. Even the birds stayed still unless they had to eat. Mal got out, wiping his brow, his hat pulled low over his forehead. The ground at the base of the mountains was parched and dry as far as the eye can see, the local river oozing along in a desultory trickle. The main foreman in charge of looking after the local vine-keepers was waiting for Mal. He wa