It seems like only minutes have passed in La Taverna since Rui Jorge presented the 2002 Golden Clitoride Awards. In the wake of that award ceremony, presenting the Silver Clitoride Award for best story of the month of August, 2002, might seem almost anti-climactic.

But it isn't.

All around the tavern, revellers buy drinks, slap backs, kiss cheeks (some even on the face), and utter congratulations. Jimmy Bot rolls over to Gary's table, where, a glazed look on his face, he fondles his clit in obvious dazed rapture.

Gary's Muse taps him on the shoulder. No response.

A certain winged nymph flutters over and, after whispered consultation with Gary's Muse, arranges herself daintily seated on Jimmy Bot's head.

"A-hem"

No response.

She tries again. "A-hem."

Same response. With a wave of her insubstantial looking silver wand, a deafening boom is heard inside the Taverna.

Immediate silence.

"A-hem," she whispers, a lopsided smile on her face. She straightens her wings, adjusts her bodice and announces, "I now present to you the presenter of the August 2002 Silver Clitoride Award... Mr. Gary Jordan!"

Stunned by the boom, Gary still manages to stand. "Thank you, BN," he acknowledges. She just grins and nods, wriggling on JB's head.

"It is my very distinct pleasure to award the Silver Clitoride Award for the best story of the Month of August, 2002, to The View From Inside by Alexis Siefert.

Like Rui before him Gary says, "Congratulations Alexis. And all the writers, period. Job well done." With a sigh of relief that gets promptly drowned out by the cheering, backslapping and general revelry, Gary sits and raises a glass. "To Alexis, and all the Authors, Editors and fans!"

He swallows his hot chocolate. He aims at La Taverna's hearth. This glass will never be used for a lesser purpose - it shatters among the logs.