Ecstasy Island/Youth

Claira hobbled off the seaplane, slapping and brushing at the porters that were trying to help her. When she finally got to the short dock, and was able to get her cane underneath her; she violently waved off the girls that moved to put a flower lei over her head. She grabbed at the assortment of tropical drinks offered to her, knocking some off the tray as she pulled a coconut-bowl from the selection. Grabbing the garnish from the top of the drink, she unceremoniously threw it behind her where the collection of edible flowers and fruits hit a porter in the eye.

Mr. Yoarke cleared his throat as he took a champagne cocktail from a tray. "My dear guests," he said to those about the plane, "I am your host, Mr. Yoarke. Welcome to Ecstasy Island!"

"Now see here, Yoarke," said Claira aggressively, "I have paid a lot of money for this trip, and I was given certain assurances. I'm highly doubtful that you can do what you promise; and I've half a mind to demand a refund and get back on that plane!"

"Miss Monroe," said Yoarke, "I'm sorry to hear about the problem with your mind. Of course I can give you a full refund. If I should do that, however, I cannot give you that which you seek. The mythic waters of..." Yoarke moved in closer, lowering his tone and covering his mouth, "the Fountain of Youth are not revealed to just anyone, you know."

"Fountain of Youth, indeed!" said Claira in a normal tone.

"Not so loud, dear lady," said Yoarke. "Many have sought the fountain throughout the years. Most of those seekers are not good men. It would not do to have one of these ruffians overhear the nature of your fantasy."

"Let me just lay it out for you, Yoarke," said Claira. "I know that you can't tell from my current appearance; but when I was young I was a beautiful woman. I had men falling over themselves for a chance to even talk to me. I had men wrapped around my little finger. I was told that you can give that back to me for a few days; make me young and desirable once more. Now can you do that, or am I going to take my money back and get on that plane?"

"Of course we can do that," said Yoarke, "this is Ecstasy Island. We will have men wrapped around your body parts in no time. Not just men, mind you. You will be infinitely desirable. Men, women, beasts, you can have them all wrapped around your...what-have-you."

"Well, let's get on with it then," said Claira. "I'm not getting any younger... At least not like this. I can't trek across the wilderness without considerable consideration, mind you. I am rather old and feeble right now."

"Don't worry Miss Monroe," said Yoarke, "we have taken care of everything. We have all terrain vehicles to take you into the jungle. Once you meet the mountain, the porters will help you onto the horses and donkeys for the climb. Near the crest of the ridge is the Fountain of Youth. The waters only have their special properties in the basin into which they fall. Once they fall over the edge of the basin, the waters become ordinary once more. As one of the last vestiges of magic in the world, the effects of the fountain will only last while you are here on Ecstasy Island; so do keep that in mind."

"Well then," said Claira greedily, "what are we waiting for?"

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