Friday 15 April 2016

“And such a deal of skimble-skamble stuff”

I’m not waving a banner for Shakespeare, after last week’s polarisation of opinion, but spotting the above, from Henry IV part 1, I though it might catch the eye on Facebook. Also, of course, we’ve had a deal of gloriously rich offerings, from which I declare ... well, really it is exceptionally hard this week, so I’ll say Patricia by the merest whisper, and ditto for the sixteenth episode of ‘Kursaal’, and each and every one of you runners up.

And thank you all for so diligently commenting - it is the life-blood of this site.

Words for the coming week are: bruise, benevolent, margin

Entries by midnight Thursday 21st April , new words and winners posted on Friday 22nd


Usual rules: 100 words maximum (excluding title) of flash fiction or poetry using all of the three words above in the genres of horror, fantasy, science fiction or noir. Serialized fiction is, as always, welcome. All variants and use of the words and stems are fine. Feel free to post links to your stories on Twitter or Facebook or whichever social media best pleases you and, if you like, remind your friends that we are open to new and returning writers.

64 comments:

  1. Congratulations Patricia an awesome piece as always.

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  2. Have to say, I was totally gobsmacked to get the top spot last week. There were so many excellent entries. This is indeed an honour!

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  3. Cripplegate Junction/Part 42-Cat On A Sentry Box Roof

    Atop the Sentry Box, Marmalade surveyed his domain otherwise known as Cripplegate Junction.

    He spied the governess with her two young wards. The cat marginally preferred the little girl who, despite her penchant for dressing him in doll clothes and depositing him in a rickety perambulator, was exceedingly benevolent with the Canteen's sweet cream.

    A uniformed man emerged from the Waiting Room, the bandage around his head stained red-purple like a coagulating bruise. Marmalade's gold-glinted eyes narrowed. His whiskers twitched. He hissed. He spat. His fur bristled.

    The soldier was a disturbing anomaly.

    He did not belong on the platform.


    ---------------------------------------------------------
    To read the earlier installments (a suggestion only) which led to this point in the tale please visit:
    http://www.novareinna.com/cripplegate.html
    A link to return to "The Prediction" can be found on the site. Thank you.
    ---------------------------------------------------------



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    1. I love the dark and menacing twist to this at the end. Quite excited to hear what marmalade is going to do about it.

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    2. Ooh - Marmalade's upset, just when I thought the soldier innocent. Lovely, near-invisible prompts.

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    3. I really like the language here - especially "coagulating bruise." Lovely.

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    4. this is clever with a cutting and fascinating last line.

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  4. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go

    An uncomplicated girl, my agenda for success is marginal. Simply gain admittance.

    I awake from feigned slumber. A coy flutter of the eyelids. A seductive gasp of gratitude. His expression reveals heightened senses of heroic achievement. Far be it from me to bruise such a noble ego. Lost within his benevolent euphoria, my lips upon the jugular are akin to the tickle of a butterfly's wings.

    His blood is rich, vital and supremely satisfying.

    I settle upon the pillows once more.

    Centuries may pass before the next enterprising gallant traverses the dense undergrowth in search of the legendary sleeping princess.


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    1. An interesting turn on the old classic. What a wicked if uncomplicated girl. Love the poise of this piece.

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    2. Wicked and sensual and, like the blood, rich and satisfying.

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    3. Well THAT explains the long sleep. So wicked and clever, this.

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    4. oh I like this! I directed someone to the Challenge last week, if he sees that, he may well have run away... the standards are so high here!

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  5. The Hidden Bruise

    You market yourself as benevolent,
    But that is far from the truth.
    You’re wicked ways are malevolent,
    In a manner beyond the uncouth.

    You know your ways tread a fine margin,
    That goes beyond just a nominal bruise.
    Because of your power and corruption,
    you're unhindered to freely abuse.


    To you, I was just a plaything,
    Though now I'm no longer your toy,
    Just your name mentioned in passing,
    turns this man back into a terrified boy.

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    1. Very well-writ this, William - a powerfully delivered message.

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    2. The rhythm to this is outstanding. From the moment I began reading, all the words fell into place so seamlessly. I love the sentiment and I love the creation. Beautiful piece.

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    3. To "market oneself" is intriguing and reveals cold calculation so well. [Also - hate to be a stinker, but I'd want you to do it for me - first "you're" is the wrong version.]

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    4. Well spotted Chris. Serves me right for rushing it out from my IPAD before bedtime.

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    5. We're none of us perfect, for sure! I've done entries on my phone before - so I definitely know the feeling. I think it was also that there's so much here with the usage of "you, your, you're" that it jumped out that much higher.

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    6. clever and moving and horrific all at the same time.

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  6. Change of focus [175]

    John Pettinger disliking tea, he’d merely pretended to sip; no more than nibbled at the margins of a custard cream.
    Moth, a growing lad, despite doubts about their hostess’s benevolence, had been less constrained. Just as Pettinger took out his notebook, preparatory to interrogation he toppled forwards, forehead striking sharp corner of the coffee table.
    ‘Arnica’ she stated, rising, ‘To prevent bruising.’
    That too close to “arsenic” for Pettinger’s comfort, he bade her sit. Swiftly bagging biscuits and cup, against a background of Henry’s apologetic groans, he cuffed and cautioned her.
    Haughtily incredulous, ‘On what evidence?’
    Pettinger refused to say.

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    1. Absolutely delicious continuation. Had to research "arnica" although I think I have seen/heard the word before. Lovely usage of a seldom used word. Adore the "haughtily incredulous" reference. Fits perfectly.

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    2. Very slick stuff. So neatly put together.

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    3. nice to see arnica being used for bruises, an oft overlooked remedy these days, and it fits so well with the tone of this instalment.

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    4. Brilliant! Never trusted custard creams.

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  7. Not to be [Threshold 110]

    Freya, Juno, Cybele and Bast proved themselves less than benevolent. Five days after O’Bedrun’s night of passion I bled. Seeing what were merely the margins of his disappointment, I was fleetingly regretful; his desperation for a worthy heir understandable; his attempts to gain one never less than pleasurable.

    Whether by preference or from insistence, Ravenscar had also waited, physically healed; any bruising to ego invisibly mended. Good rapport between both men evident in the quality of horse-flesh supplied; we departed under escort and sans discussion as to our destination.
    ‘Not travelling by river?’
    ‘There’s a bridge. Beyond that, we talk.’

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    1. Look forward with much anticipation to that upcoming conversation. Some nice revealing touches to this installment. The longevity of your serializations is to be envied, as is the eloquent forward-moving motion of both. I somewhat despair that my efforts will last the distance anywhere near as long.

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    2. I love the way you phrased the reveal here, taking a piece of real information, and using it to reveal character as well. THAT is writing. :)

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    3. gets more interesting as it goes... and the standard is maintained regardless of how many instalments there are!

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    4. Love the significant use of the bridge to take two meanings in one phrase, look forward to hearing what lays beyond, both the physical and the inferred.

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  8. Kursaal (Episode Seventeen) -- "Laszlo 'Bruiser' Bartók And Ludmilla"

    Bruiser Bartók, the Boxing Booth's most experienced prizefighter, took on all challengers. None ever lasted longer than sixty seconds. Bruiser's pugilistic margin for error was non-existent and he was infamous for his killer uppercut.

    Many of Bruiser's victims were transported to the nearby First Aid Station run by Ludmilla, the brawler's oldest daughter. A more benevolent soul than her father, Ludmilla tended to those who had suffered the most severe injuries.

    She was well acquainted with the fact that patients often fell in love with their nurses. She had met her previous seven husbands in exactly such a fashion.

    ---------------------------------------------------------
    To read the earlier installments (a suggestion only) which led to this point in the tale, please visit:
    http://www.novareinna.com/kursaal.html
    A link to return to "The Prediction" can be found on the site. Thank you.
    ---------------------------------------------------------

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    1. I have to hand it to you Patricia - your skill at creating these characters, this world, is enviable and hugely admirable. Not to mention the oh so smooth way you insert the prompts. Loved this episode.

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    2. "Previous seven husbands ... " excellent.

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    3. I love how the names you choose each time add to the story, smoothly done with the prompts too.

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    4. fascinating bunch of characters building here - a study in how to create real people, not cardboard cutouts.

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  9. Ecstasy and agony

    The paper – a 310 gsm Magnani Acqueforti – gently dampened with a natural sponge. The smooth board, likewise checked before laying the paper down and adhering it with masking tape, being careful to ensure equally-measured margins (I am nothing if not professional.)
    Payne’s Grey and Alizarin, already blended to make an indigo which most closely resembles bruises from recent hurt; diluted to optimum dropping consistency, is generously applied. Colour explodes in all directions; in a near-orgasmic bloom.
    My tutor enters, nods towards my subject. ‘Still life?’ he asks, admiring.
    Gratified, benevolent, ‘Still life.’ I smile. ‘But not for very much longer.’

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    1. Oooohhh. Malevolence in spades here. Some wonderful "scientific" references. If the source were anyone different, I might have researched their authenticity but in this case, there is no need. I am sucked in by every word.

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    2. Power lives in the details here. Intriguing!

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    3. "near-orgasmic bloom." being the winning phrase here. Describes so well dropping colour on to wetted paper, and adds to darkness of this piece.

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    4. the shame is, you're not included in the entries for the winner and runners up, so I'm casting a vote for this now, on behalf of everyone else.

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    5. Thank you for that statement, Antonia. I have tried several times to persuade Sandra to consider her own submissions or have a regular period where WE are allowed to vote for ALL entries. Maybe it's time we just took matters into our own hands!

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  10. Ellis’ Island

    History class had faded in Hunter’s attention to a low, confusing drone.

    Hummmmmmmmmm … benevolent dictator … mmmmm … atrocity.

    Hunter stared at Ms Ellis. She had dark blue eyes and a tiny bruise on her right shin. He doodled that bruise in the margin of his notebook, making it an island where they would ...

    Mmmmm … France … nnnn … want you Hunter ….

    He jerked in his seat. The chair made a horrified squeal against the floor.

    “Wakey, wakey, Mr. Brant.”

    The sudden attention from those eyes made his blood rush to two different places at once.

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    1. Ah, if this wasn't "snicker worthy" then I don't know what would be. I did not see that ending coming. Very unique take on the prompt words. I tip my hat to your creativity....at least I would if I owned one.

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    2. A perfect example of the multitude of directions three words can take us in - this unanticipated and delightful. And real.

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    3. superb writing. Clever last line. Loved it.

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    4. ...and then she asked him to get up and go to the blackboard? But that would need more words. Very nicely done!

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  11. Living the Tony life

    I could fake my way into proper society, but no way. Hanging out around the margins is better. You're a respected businessman, going to society parties with your friends, everything's great. Then one day your benevolent boss cans you and those friends won't return your calls. Meanwhile I flatten that jackass Flaherty, he wakes up with a big ugly bruise and comes to thank me for stopping him. Pull that in a fancy party and we both woulda been in the slammer, instead he's back driving his truck and I'm sitting here. With my hand in a bowl of ice.

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    1. Took three reads to spot the prompt words, and each time it got deeper, hinting at a couple of chapters-worth of action - very skillful.

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    2. Wonderful as always. With your writing, I tend to not even wonder if the prompt words are there. They will be so expertly hidden, but surely present. I'm always far too caught up in the action to wonder if the piece complies.

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    3. I love how this hints at a greater back story.

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  12. I love the structure of this. Feels like a stream of consciousness that remains authentic to the character.

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    1. that's the key to this piece, the authenticity of the voice. Very well done.

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  13. Infinity 143.
    The sky be dark as a bruise as they storm been threatening for two days heads toward the Infinity. Nothing benevolent about a storm when it hits and no margin for error when navigating. I hopes to God that First Mate got his wits about him when the waves go from flat to overwhelming. And why be First Mate at the wheel when the cap’n should be the responsible one at this time… ‘cos I been on duty for twenty four hours straight and am fit for naught. I be about to go find my bunk. Tis overdue.

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    1. Despite my comment above about the variety of interpretations your episodes so often seem to present the definitive example as if (and I've said this before) they were supplied to your especial order. This is a prime example.

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    2. Best descriptive passage of the week: "The sky be dark as a bruise." The mind's eye has no problem in picturing that one! On the earlier subject of an authentic voice, the Captain is among the top contenders on that issue. Week after week, I constantly sit in amazement at the wealth of talent on this little forum.

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    3. "The sky be dark as a bruise." Evokes such a brooding feeling into this piece

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    4. You've captured the weariness of the Captain perfectly in his lapse toward the lyrical.

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  14. I had plans for this evening and then heard that the light which was Prince has gone out. Unfair, unreal, unbelievable. Four months of non stop celebrity deaths, it feels as if it will never end.

    My question to the local radio station is: how come I keep hearing the same old songs over and over (I mean, Dire Straits had how many albums? and all I hear is MTV) but when Prince goes, they suddenly discover a whole load of his music and play it. Infuriating. Unfortunately the lens has gone on my car stereo, I am reduced to radio stations, it isn't the same and driving's a nightmare without music... need to get a new one when finances permit.

    So we are bereft of wonderful comedians, some outstanding celebrities, actors and musicians and we have the rest of the year to go. What else can the Universe throw at us? Actually scared of asking...

    Thanks for the compliment, Sandra!!!!!

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    1. With not even half the year gone, what the world has already lost in 2016 is devastating. Was this year destined to be some type of vehicle for calling home those who count among entertainment's best? It certainly seems that way. Prince's "1999" always did and always will make me want to get up and boogie!

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    2. I saw somewhere on the internet where someone had posted: "And now, all the doves are crying."

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    3. I bet there's one hell (pun unintended) of a cabaret night in heaven.

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  15. The Adventures of Rosebud, Pirate Princess #21
    Diplomatic Immunity


    I’ve got a bruise on my left forearm, Natasha’s lovely paint is scared. Pretended benevolence, of course. These diplomatic attachés invited us for a polite dinner at their consulate and then attacked us as soon as we entered the gate. How’s that for hospitality? We escaped by a margin rather too narrow for my liking.

    “Natasha, let me do that, you’ll get paint all over your sails if you try to fix it yourself.”

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    1. Miniature perfection this - so vivid and with a charm rooted in childhood, not the innocent version.

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