Good Morning, all!
The Japanese maple tree outside my new bedroom window is starting to bloom. As my parents and I, now, live in the middle of the city, on a third floor, the city lights often reflect off of and light the tree when it's dark outside. It looks deliciously creepy that way, to be honest, and I have spent the last few sleepless nights gazing at it. It's barely begun to bloom, so it still looks mostly bare-boned in the yellowish glow of the streetlights out front. The blooms are tiny, bright green with deep reddish purple at the branch ends. The light of the night makes them look sickly yellow and blood red. I have conjured many dark images and bits of tales while my mind has climbed through it's darkened branches. Now, if I could only find the time to write them.
I see, however, that all of you have had time to write, and such lovely, dark things you have wrought! My deepest thanks to all!
Our winner this week is Antonia Woodville with : Infinity 95 : Antonia, your stories are always beautifully crafted, but something about the tone and phrasing of this REALLY caught my attention. Reading it was like being carried along on a tide. Lovely use of the prompts as well. Thank you!
The Tome has just arrived in our new digs from its travel back East to me. It looks a bit jet lagged, but has agreed to give forth new words.
Cousin
Rebel
Spike
The usual rules apply: 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.
You have until Saturday, May 2nd. Winners and words on Sunday, May 3d.
The Gates are Open!
Congrats Antonia!
ReplyDeleteWell done Antonia, always such high quality entertainment.
ReplyDeleteA change of focus [126]
‘Who’s holding who? Why? Where? And why us? Hostages are usually handled by trained negotiators –‘
‘It’s a question of interpretation. In order to negotiate. At the Embassy –‘
Suspicion horribly dawned. Pettinger groaned, ‘Christ, don’t tell me we’re back to Khakbethia!’
‘And you to Yanno Petzincek. Well, you do speak the lingo –‘
‘Yes, but –‘
‘And she claims to be a cousin –‘
‘She? I don’t have cousins!’
Vanessa brandished a photograph, ‘Same rebellious snot-green eyes as yours. Same porcupine-spiked hair.’
‘Her name?’
‘Vladlina. Petzincek.’
Head in hands. ‘Not cousin. She’ll be another of Raptor’s by-blows. My half-bloody-sister!’
[Apologies to the newer participators - there are references to earlier episodes, which revealed John Pettinger's un-English inheritance]
As per usual, we are left badly wanting a second helping in a singular week. Superb utilization of the prompts and I couldn't help but chuckle at "snot-green eyes" and "half-bloody-sister!" I shall never be able to look at green eyes in the same way again.
DeleteHaha loved Vanessa's description of Vladlina.
DeleteA seamless addition to the story, I forgot there were even props to use lol, great work as usual.
DeleteOooh, lovely new twist here! You've telegraphed Pettinger's frustration perfectly! I love this! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteoh yes, twists indeed! you never fail to surprise (and please) with Pettinger's story.
DeleteTHANK YOU! Big surprise. I liked that episode but never thought I stood a chance against the opposition, as it were!
ReplyDeleteOK, onward, work to do, will get back with comments and my entry for the week soonest...
Many congratulation, Antonia. That was a stellar episode and well worthy of the win.
ReplyDeleteFirst Encounter
ReplyDelete(By: Foxxglove)
(97 Words)
They regarded each other with solemnity.
"Reports of your regal bearing were not exaggerated."
"Nor those of your great beauty."
Both compliments were silently acknowledged.
"I was a victim."
"You were a threat."
"At worse, I was tricked."
"At best, you were naive."
There was a momentary pause.
"I had a legitimate claim."
"I had the love of the people."
Another momentary pause.
"You wanted my head on a spike."
"You were the cause of a rebellion desirous of my crown, immoral whore!"
"Barren virgin!"
Elizabeth sighed. "Rest in peace, cousin."
Mary graciously nodded. "And to you."
History Hollywood style! Clever indeed and well-woven prompts.
DeleteLovely, seamless dialogue in this and loved the historical elements woven in. :)
Deletevery cleverly done. It isn't easy to tell a story in dialogue and include prompts and keep the reader involved... and you did all of that!
DeleteGreat conversation and excellent use of the prompts, captured a perfect moment in story telling.
DeleteFalse evidence [Threshold 63]
ReplyDeleteRaising his voice, Ravenscar addressed the still-hidden Helvinsson, ‘The last woman you supplied is dead. By her own hand; the drink she’d spiked was meant for me. This one –‘ He glanced at me, inscrutability second cousin to a basalt Sphinx, ‘is unsuitable.’
I squawked, indignant.
Helvinsson emerged, gorgeous, in full-on Rebel Lord, only to quail, blistering beneath Ravenscar’s scorn. Somewhere, somehow he’d been trounced. I suspected, maybe incorrectly, that his bedding Phelim, coupled with his resisting me was evidence of a turn in his sexuality. So, why provide false wife?
But I well understood why he’d falsely planted me.
What a magnificent command of the English language is on display here and how well they are all woven together. I can only shake my head in amazement and try to find a soothing balm for my own badly-beaten little offerings.
DeleteThere's always a certain poetic movement to your pieces, like the natural ebb and flow of the tide. :) I agree with Patricia that the language is beautiful. Loved the line about Helvinsson's emerging. :)
Deletebeautifully done. What else can one say about it?
DeleteCripplegate Junction/Part 10-Cousin Christopher
ReplyDelete(By: Foxxglove)
(100 Words)
"Be still," snapped Constance, irritated by Alice's fidgeting.
She frowned. "Where is Christopher?"
The little girl shrugged.
"Willful and rebellious child," sighed Constance. "We shall have to deal with that later."
She turned to Violet. "I assume he lost the game?"
Nervously crumbling a tea cake, Violet nodded. The Conductor moved to the exit and, hopefully unnoticed, slipped outside. Skulking low, Marmalade followed suit, tail twitching.
Constance tapped her parasol on the table. The vibration sent sharp spikes of pain coursing through Clive Bailey's temples. She removed one of her lace mittens.
"Alice, what have you done with your cousin?"
Lovely, multi-level mysteries here, and I admire Marmalade's detective stance. As for the final question ...
DeleteI agree with Sandra, I picked out Marmalade's inquisitive action right away as well. :) Love that cat! This continues to be smooth, intriguing writing. Can't wait for the next installment!
Deletegreat instalment! I read these when they arrive in the postbox and then comment when I get here. They make for exciting reading among the mundane stuff which tips in. I really like this and what a great last line.
DeleteSpike
ReplyDeleteEyes flaring, Rae gasped as the neural spike sucked all breath from her body, and pleasure oozed, honey-sweet, down her spine. Kika, her cousin, had said it was like being kissed by a god, something she had actually experienced in the Empyrean Gardens, and Rae had to disagree. Barakiel had been divine, but his lightening-laced tongue was nothing compared to this. This got inside.
Rae's initial cautions flared, dimmed, little rebellious points of light quickly overwhelmed by a staggering flood of sensations. She felt everything. She heard everything. Sounds eons away flitted through her ears.
Something caught her mind.
PAIN.
You've excelled yourself in sensuous description here, Zaiure - I especially love "little rebellious points of light quickly overwhelmed by a staggering flood of sensations." - a lesson to us all.
DeleteAnd a jolt of an ending validates the creeping apprehension.
that's a creepy entry for sure, a lot going on, dark, insidious, gets into the mind. Great stuff.
DeleteAs Sandra noted, this is a very sensual and erotic piece. I admire those who can excel at this type of writing. It is totally beyond my creative grasp and takes a brand of talent that I do not possess. And then, in the midst of all that pleasure comes pain. What a beautifully dark and intriguing tale.
DeleteHell of a piece! The descriptions made it a pleasure to keep reading, would love to see a longer version of this.
DeleteThanks everyone! :)
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteStruggled a bit here as I'm not in a great mood but better than nothing, will try to get some feedback on everyones work soon.
ReplyDeleteThe Root of All (9)
I fretted about Trent as I made my way back to the village; he was like a brother to me, well, cousin at least. In his own family he was the rebel, a black sheep. While his family is all doctors and nurses he chose to pursue a different path, exploration. But he was gifted at it and I of course am glad he did.
Much of the foliage bore spikes and tendrils which snagged you if you weren’t careful, Patricia had gotten caught up which is how I ended up so far ahead as the guys helped her free.
I thought you introduced background information for Trent very seamlessly. I also loved the description about the foliage and how it can be alluding to a possible tangle that's to come. :)
DeleteI agree with Zauire about the smoothness of Trent's background, and the spikes and tendrils, but also liked 'fretted' and 'snagged' which subtly increase tension.
DeleteYou did really well with this if you're off form, or think you are. It works well.
DeleteI can only echo the comments regarding Trent's background. There wasn't so much as a bump in the reading road. If this presented a struggle to produce, then I can only encourage such further struggles!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteInfinity 96.
ReplyDeleteSeems the rebel First Mate quieted a bit, wonder who whispered of my ill feeling toward him? I know his cousin be aboard, but never do think of such things. They be crew, is all. If I wanted to send him overboard I would. I could put him to the spike and never give that a thought, either. Ah, cold cap’n, I know, but the Infinity needs good men, not resentment.
The Indees be coming closer by the day, loot and women, enough to take their minds off that which I do believe be following. The Creature still comes.
Always, always that inner loneliness, poor man, and I doubt he'll risk availing himself of a woman either will he? Smoothly sunk prompts.
DeleteAgain, I wonder if the speculations of our Cap'n are based upon solid observation or overriding paranoia. Aha..."The Creature still comes." I knew it!
DeleteLoved the way you finished up, I wonder if we will hear about what that creature has been doing.
DeleteHe does seem to constantly be of a worrying mind. I agree with Sandra that he probably won't risk distracting himself. And great final line, letting us know the Creature is still something to worry about!
Deleteremoved my first attempt, missed a prompt! I wish I had more time... oh don't we all wish this? Been involved in a big mailing for the Richard III Foundation. I have 36 envelopes to stuff and post tomorrow and it's done. Sigh of relief. Only the bookings to sort when they come in and the tickets to post when they arrive (it's for the October symposium of both the Foundation and the newly formed Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Society)
ReplyDeleteI'm beginning to wonder if any of the crew of the Infinity will be there when the Captain returns to Shipton... or whether he sails in single handed...
Definitely be tricky if he has to sail the ship himself! But I do wonder the same thing. :)
DeleteWhat follows is a rewrite with some very minor additions -- primarily the title and the occasion of the meeting. After review, I felt the original did not precisely represent the type of "encounter" I meant to convey.
ReplyDelete---------------------------------------------------------
Soul Encounter
(By: Foxxglove)
(100 Words)
Across the Abbey, they regarded each other with solemnity.
"Reports of your regal bearing were not exaggerated."
"Nor those of your great beauty."
Both compliments were silently acknowledged.
"I was a victim."
"You were a threat."
"At worse, I was tricked."
"At best, you were niave."
There was a momentary pause.
"I had a legitimate claim."
"I had the love of the people."
Another momentary pause.
"You wanted my head on a spike."
"You were the cause of a rebellion desirous of my crown, immoral whore!"
"Barren virgin!"
Elizabeth sighed. "Rest in peace, cousin."
Mary graciously nodded. "And to you."
Thank you all for playing! Great stories this week. The Gates are Closed. Either myself or Rebecca will be back tomorrow, with winners and words.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that both RR and I, through a series of miscommunications and small life explosions, have let the ball get away again. We will stay open through tomorrow May 9th, and will have winners and words for you on Sunday, May 10th.
ReplyDeleteI hope you're both doing okay and that the "explosions" were nothing overly drastic and/or disruptive to real life.
ReplyDelete