- Romance
- Prussian Blue
- Page 14
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Click here"Oh, what a shame. I suppose we should wait then."
"Yes, I do think I should probably wed my husband as a virgin. And I expect him to be one too!"
Her laughter is delightful and I pull her into me. Lightning flashes again, the crack of thunder instantaneous, the rumble reverberating around the hills, and I whisper, "I expect God is trying to tell us something. Do you think it's punishment for fornicating out of wedlock?"
"Perhaps he's giving his approval because there's obvious sparks between us."
"Actually, I think you're right, he's saying we should bang together."
"Oh, you're terrible," Gisela laughs, "And you must be punished."
We smile right up to the point our lips are otherwise occupied by kissing.
~0~
© 2021 Thefireflies, for Literotica
Author's note:
Firstly, as with most of my stories, I've spent a great deal of time self-editing, however if there were any mistakes, I do apologise. No matter how careful I read and re-read, some errors inevitably make it past me.
I thought up the events in Prussian Blue before I wrote Alfred's preceding story, Armistice Day, and think a little context is in order on what influenced the story's concept. The First World War was a significant traumatic event, and for Australians the war and its impacts have shaped many traditions we continue more than 100 years on. The most obvious is Anzac Day on the 25 April, remembering the casualties among Australian and New Zealanders in the Gallipoli campaign of 1915, and more broadly to honour the sacrifices made by all military personnel in conflict and peace.
People back home were directly and indirectly impacted by the war. One group of the Australian community suffered additional trauma, stigma and ostracism on account of being born German or descended from Germans or their allies.
At the time of the First World War, German speaking people formed the third largest cohort of immigrants across Australia after British and Irish. They had settled all over, with notably strong communities established in rural areas, the most familiar of these occurring in South Australia's Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills regions. However, significant numbers of Germans also settled in South East Queensland, where I've set Prussian Blue. Prior to the war, these communities maintained strong German heritage and cultural ties and Germans were, in general, respected members of the broader Australian public.
The outbreak of war in Europe in July 1914 drastically changed how German settlers were perceived by other Australians. Two early events in the war; the defeat of German cruiser SMS Emden by Australian Cruiser HMAS Sydney off the Cocos (Keeling) Islands in the Indian Ocean, and the Australian occupation of German New Guinea, brought the close reality of war to the Australian public. Anti-German sentiment grew and in typical fashion was encouraged by politicians, where Germans and Austrian citizens were deemed 'enemy aliens'. Thousands were forced into internment camps, mostly men, and many others were required to report to the authorities on a regular basis. They were actively discriminated against, verbally abused in the streets and likely physically assaulted too.
The war ground on and Australian casualties increased, where by the end of the war 60,000 Australians were killed and 150,000 wounded. Families across the nation grieved the loss of husbands, sons, fathers and brothers, where it has been said most families were affected by the war in some way or another. Some who'd volunteered (Australian military service was entirely voluntarily with no conscription) to fight were the descendants of German settlers, including sons born to German immigrants. These men were Australian and by-and-large never considered themselves as anything else, and they joined up for the same reasons other Australian's did; out of patriotic duty or adventure or to follow their mates into a particular unit so they'd deploy together.
Inevitably German immigrant families lost sons and grandsons in the war, and yet there are records of families suffering continued harassment despite their Australian sons paying the ultimate price. Many families Anglicised their German surnames and towns with German names were renamed. Lutheran schools, German clubs, newspapers and other cultural activities were terminated during the war. Some families denied their heritage, keeping their German ancestry secret from their children, telling people they were from other European nations such as Russia or Poland. Of course ties were further strained in the lead up to and commencement of the Second World War, where remaining cultural links were further discarded. Consequently community links with a once rich and vibrant cultural identity were lost.
History moves on, but not all is lost. Children of people like Gisela and Alfred are told their grandparents spoke differently because they are Germans. Stories are told, like how before the war their German grandparents were deemed upstanding members of the community by most, but a small number of people were abusive and spat upon them and threw bricks and rocks through windows during the time of the war. Maybe they are told these stories as a lesson not to treat others as some treated their grandparents, where these stories are sometimes handed on to future generations.
~0~
Postscript
One-hundred years later a descendent with an interest in family history has heard such stories, tidbits of information to be pieced together. Searching through a box of black-and-white photographs reveals old family portraits; people wearing inappropriately heavy European clothing on the sprawling veranda of a colonial-era house, unmistakable eucalypt trees in the yard. Two girls with not-quite straight faces are perhaps trying not to laugh. Another photograph is of young men, some only teenagers, wearing whites and others in stripes, cricket bats and balls in several of the men's hands. A photograph shows several young soldiers together in Australian Army uniforms, dated late 1915, the men looking much too young to be going to war.
And a photograph, dated December 1918, shows a young couple; a beautiful young woman with hair pinned attractively, a few loose strands escaping and a plait falling over her right shoulder, wearing a dark dress, sitting next to the handsome man who's standing tall and wearing a suit. What the photo can't show are the man's lungs which are damaged by gas in the war, yet stories handed down tell of how the man will suffer complications for the rest of his life. But looking further at the date of the photograph will cause our amateur family historian to smile, discovering the photograph in question was taken several months before the couple married, where there is only seven months between the date of their marriage registration and the birth date of their first child.
- COMMENTS
Odd that Alfie would not at least go by and say hi to Carmel. Would have been nice to tie up that loose end happily somehow.
Hard to imagine the couple in Brisbane who hosted Alfie and Gisela would have tolerated any sleeping arrangement with both in the same room, knowing they were not married.
Several phrases used in conversation were just not part of the vernacular in 1918:
'personal space'
'use lethal force'
'closure'
What a fantastic story. You are very gifted! Would have liked to give it a higher than 5 rating!
What an amazingly warm surprise romance story. So complete and beautifully written. An outstandingly good read, thanks for sharing...!
After reading this 5* story and the Alfie-Gisa fab relationship, one can easily dislike Mrs MacCotter amd the slut Susan!!
Excellent story and the way you tied up the end was fab
Freakin awesome read. Not my typical “excitement material” that I usual look for in literotica. But so glad I stumbled upon this story!
Alfie and Gisa 💫💫💫💫💫
Ended too soon.....maybe a part 2 of the apprentice, the shop, their kids and Jack
Carroll was an asshole....only an asshole policeman will flex his muscles and hit drunk men!!
Alfie and Gisele 5*
Superb - 14 pages and we wait until page 12 for the action to start!
What a wonderfully written story which dovetails so well with 'Armistice'
I can identify with Alfie,I was hit with phosgene gas in a steel plant while waiting to get my truck loaded.im currently on two different medications for itt and can confirm their are times it is not good.phosgene is so unstable,it hs to be mixed on site,it cannot be transported.while they were mixing a batch a cloud of it blew out of the stack and settled down into the truck park area
Wow …. This was a roller coaster ride par excellence …… WAR what is he good for, absolutely nothing ……. But its 2023 and the humanity learned nothing about loss pain horror or just name it ….. im so sad so speechless ……. Back to your lovely story or better romance …… Happy Ending, thank yo …… all the real tragedy is buttered and now we can hopeful looking into a bright future for all head acts …… definitely 5 stars
💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💫💫💫💫💫💫💫💫💫💫🍀
I've spent my long life in and around the military. These men are universal in their love for their fellows, "mates" or "battle buddies" or whatever, and sometimes their women. You have written this homecoming story beautifully. Thank you.
wonderful story as a fan of australian military history as well the sad way families of immigrants were treated during both world wars. as well as being set in south east queensland were i was born and still live adds a great flavor to this story.
I can’t believe I’m just finding your stories. Binging these WWI pieces. So we’ll written, the character development, dialogue, story, just so well done. Really, just great 5-stars.
Wonderful story but a little slow to start. Loved the details of the war and the details of the hostility against Germans as Austrians, as well as some of the old "British" language like todger. Haven't heard that for a very long time.
Great read both this and Armistice read both back to back as good as any no 1 novel out there
A great story, the way it rolls into print is exceptional.
The slang is genuine Australian lingo and as an Ozzie great to read like it was when I was a kid. Must be hard for non Aus people to understand but that is how we Ozzies live. Is there a sequel in the future? If so I will be waiting with baited breath.
Like me aunt how is a 2 months child born in 1914! Where is nothing in the world it hasn't been before.
One little thing it is difficult to read slang so plese stop it.
A lovely story - many different characters each with their own burdens, sensitively portrayed. The two central characters who become lovers, in spirit as much as in body. Well done.
Fantastic, beautiful bitter sweet story and great to find something set in my youthfull stamping grounds around Harrisville/Boonah. I throughly enjoyed this, also appreciate your telling of the way germanic family and town names were changed and kept true to the views and attitude of the time. Thank you, first of your stories I have read & will be reading more.
Beautifully written, clearly well researched, realistic in all ways. You made me care deeply about all the characters. As others have said, I would love to read more about them: especially Alfie & Gisela.
And it’s as Australian as a drizabone too! Great job mate.
Your plots are intriguing, you characters are detailed and compelling, and your descriptions make the scenes come alive for the reader. You are a very talented writer -- one of the best on the site. Absolutely a 5*
Thank you for this, so rare to read an Aussie based story. I'm of Anglo-German lineage and my Grandfather's uncle was given land after being gassed in the Great War, by way of compensation and as a way to earn a living. On my other side, two of my grandmather's brothers were interred - being of German descent they were deemed to be a risk. My grandmother never taught German to any of her children. And so the effects linger on even 100 years later. War was incredably hard on the Anzac soldiers, they had some of the worst of it of any of the "colony" troops. Remember and honour them all. Thank you for reminding the world of this. Corker of a story. Please write more!
Absolutely one of the best stories I've read, Literotica or not. Definitly in the top 10 here! Thanks for sharing your talent! Turn it into a book and I'll buy it!
Any one knows the first can come at any time - others take 9 months. story reflect values love & respect. Great
Wonderful romantic and authentic story. Started reading and couldn't stop till i finished at 354 am. Gave it 5*, Should be 10.
In a word: Outstanding pair of stories. Characters were well developed and realistic to my mind. Interesting postscript - After 45 years of researching, recording oral history and documenting genealogy efforts, I often tell people I'm helping to always be prepared for the random serendipity that comes along. Like a relative having a shoe box of old photographs. Like A_Bierce, I think a follow on story would be welcome if the inspiration flows.
Didn't want either story to end.
Might you let us share the further lives of these oh-so-real people? It would be wonderful gift.
Like the previous commentor, my 1st thought was Movie or perhaps better as a Mini Series. I felt like I was there and in the trenches, as my GrandDad who went supposedly to be a Dentist ( he was a Dentist ) who returned a semi-alcoholic because he was used as a Field and Field Hospital surgeon , removing limbs rather then teeth !!
Well written, well thought out and wonderfully human. Thank you !
Awesome, this needs to be published in real life....I could see this as a movie...another Breaker Morant or Gallipoli....envious of your real talent! Nice one.
I'd give this a 10 if I could. You have gone to great lengths to capture the era and history. This is probably one of the top 5 stories I have read on this website, and I have read many, many good stories. This story is in the "exceptional" category. You should consider writing professionally. Well done!
While this merits a '10,' I'm only allowed to give it a 'five' rating. I haven't read better romantic historical account on this site or elsewhere. In your postscript, you seem to suggest that this is based upon your own family. If so, you took on a task and accomplished so much. A mere thank you is hardly enough. Please expand it in both directions (before the war and after the marriage) and make into a real book. Your talents are obvious and they are clearly superior to the vast majority of the writers.
You’ve captured both the physical era and more importantly the spirit of the time so very well. Little things like the advent of the automobile and how it was viewed, the rampant sexism and discrimination, and the trying nature of young men returning from the horrors of trench warfare, being unable to reintegrate into society that could not conceive of the terrors they faced. It is painful to have to accept that life for widows like Mary was truly bleak and many were left with few decent options. It is a story that is easy to fall into and become one with. thank you for a lovely gift.
An excellent, well written story, that had me gripped from beginning to end.
Another excellent story. I really thought I was in 1918 Queensland. You write very good historical fiction. The story of the treatment of Australian's of German origin in WW! tends to be overlooked, but needs to be told. I have a friend whose family came from Germany in the late 19th century, and her grandparents had a rough time in WW1.
As with Armistice Day, a brilliant account of the horrors of WW! and its affect on the soldiers and their families and loved ones. One thing, I was hoping to hear more about some of the other characters from Armistice Day, Mrs McCotter and her daughter, the disfigured airman Peter, and the other soldiers he net on the ship home. Will you also be telling their stories? You could consider turning Armistice e Day and Prussian Blue into a full length novel covering what happened to the group of soldiers returning on the ship.
I have read many, many stories on this site and this one is the best that I have ever read. The characters were believable and the story itself spoke to the emotions regarding the aftermath of the war and the love story between the two main characters. Bravo to you!!!
I enjoyed the read. I live near Brisbane and ride the rail trails (a lot of the disused rail lines are now Bike, Horse & Hike Trails). While I ride these trails and camp in these areas I will now think more of the residents of the past as I enjoy the country side. Thank you
Awesome, completely enjoyable. I could not put my iPad down. I look forward to your next ….story keep writing ,
I enjoyed this one very much. Your characters are deep, well-developed, and likable. The physical and historical setting is rich and well described. That is what I love about good historical fiction, and it makes this story great. I was so afraid that you were going to kill off some characters in the influenza pandemic!
Thank you for writing and thank you for sharing your work. Now I’ve got to go look up your earlier work!
It was a long story, I just wish it was longer! Seems to me there is a lot of room for more stories.
Thanks to all who’ve read, voted and commented. I appreciate all feedback. Like my previous story, Armistice Day, I offer an extra heartfelt thank you for those with personal connections to aspects of this story. It's difficult to gauge how people will perceive a story and I know I've dealt with difficult topics in this one, and so I'm glad for the positive responses thus far.
I also offer my sincere thanks to the reader who pointed out I wrote ‘Boar War’ instead of ‘Boer War’. This is a genuine and unintentional typo, and has nothing to do with the management of feral pigs ;-)
There are other typos and since publishing I’ve spotted at least two more. I try my best but they get past me and I apologise, I hope they don't detract too much.
Absolutely brilliant. Thank you so much for your wonderful story and history lesson. It was told with such compassion when describing the interactions of your characters and the feelings you invoked as the end of the story approached.
I’ve just discovered your stories, and now must read everything you have written.
Please keep writing, you have given my day much enjoyment.
First of all, brilliant story, lots of truths in there and as a Brit, and having worked around Europe, the Germans and the British have by far the most in common of the Northern European peoples, I’m guessing that was the reason the German immigrants slotted so seamlessly into Australian (& American) life, sadly politicians have not changed one iota in 100yrs.
Secondly, congratulations on tackling a difficult subject for this site, you drew the characters large and they glowed with life on the page, it was well written and moved at good speed, I’d have liked an epilogue 5yrs on, but hey, I nearly always want more. Many thanks for writing and posting, cheers Ppfzz.
Absolutely brilliant! This and the Armistice Day story are incredible. You have a true gift. There are not enough superlatives in the English language to honor these stories. Just brilliant!
Outstanding piece of writing. I was hooked from the beginning. Looking forward to seeing more of your work.
A great story, worthy of more than 5 stars. With a little editing it should be compulsory reading for all school children.
I read this and the prequel on Remembrance Sunday, is it had a lot of poignancy for me. My father was a very young bomber pilot in WWII. War is a nasty business, these days too often waged for rich men to become richer.
All politicians that make the decisions to go to was should not be able to make that decision unless they had served in the low echelons of the armed forces. “Lions led by donkeys”. Still applies today.
Outstanding story. Thank you for treating us. Had to chuckle as it was like you were telling the story of my family at times. I come from those German Australians who settled in QLD and my great-great grandmother was Martha Weber. I also mirror your own history in that Martha had her first child only 4 months after she married.
Great story. You Interweave romance and history beautifully. As a former soldier with an additional duty as a nuclear, biological, and chemical defense NCO you describe the grim nature of chemical warfare well.
Having visited Australia and Tasmania I have really enjoyed many of your stories. Keep on writing, your "self edited" work is outstanding!
Unlike many submissions this one is more than a couple of loosely connected paragraphs passing themselves off as a story. It has length, depth to it’s characters, is well founded in the horror of war and it’s aftermath whilst developing the romance and relationships growing from that. It also successfully combines the different themes it raises; the horror of war for those in action and their subsequent trauma, the effects on those left behind whilst their kin fought half a world away, etc,etc,etc. At age 67 I left English class behind 50 years ago and rarely think about why I have enjoyed a read but I did this time and concluded that I enjoyed it because it ticks all the boxes.
This and your story Armistice are absolutely brilliant. Thank you for sharing your writing with us.