An interesting selection of responses to last
week’s prompt words, a variety of moods. Shortlisted were Theresa’s ‘Nights in Whitechapel’ and John’s ‘Monarchy
Smonarchy’, but Patricia’s Kursaal #88 – ‘The Amorous Adventures Of
Arbuthnot Jester/Part Six’ – nudged them into joint second place. And
for a tasty treat I urge those of you who might have missed it to read Rosie’s 95th episode of The Adventures
of Rosebud, Pirate Princess.
As ever, thank you all for contributing and for commenting
- so much a valuable part of this site.
Words for next
week: abnegate core whisky
Entries
by midnight Thursday 28th September, words
posted Friday 29th September
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. Serialised 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 you
prefer.
Thwarted [Threshold 183]
ReplyDeleteRaven’s abnegation of me, of what we’d shared the last few nights was total. Was a stony-cored refusal to believe my passion fired by him and him alone. Whether he thought me too young to know my own mind or over-flighty by nature I could not tell but his disregard for the many months of dogged devotion I’d shown him badly stung.
I fumed for half a minute then made up my mind.
Whisky from the cellar: a slug for me for courage; the rest for him.
Us.
To share in his bed.
Fine, ‘til someone slammed the cellar door.
Whiskey and scorn, a dangerous combination. And apparently more danger lurks.
DeleteAnd who slammed the door? At least the whisky is in the cellar!
DeleteCourage to be with someone you want to be with. Nicely written episode.
DeleteAdored the obvious air of determination....and then to have it thwarted by the slamming of a door. This young protagonist knows her own mind though and I don't think she'll be so easy to dissuade, not by the slamming of a door anyway. Always such wonderful images and sense of movement to this serialization.
DeleteClever use of core, and a curious, potentially threatening, turn at the end.
DeleteEllis 008
ReplyDeleteOne reason I disliked Jessica so much was because Jasper had told her my real, abnegated name, she used it because it was my real name. Self righteous, smug bitch.
Ellie just felt like me, fun and friendly around a core of doing things right. Shining Light, it meant, hmmm.
Topaz was a call girl name. Topaz Ellis sounded sultry and seductive as a glass of single malt whisky sipped in a smoky club with deep leather sofas.
I blame the commune Parents. Jasper got off lightly, Beryl and Pearl would grow into their names eventually. I pitied poor Malachite.
I read this twice, just because I enjoyed it. The Italics were really effective in the first paragraph.
DeleteMalachite is not that bad! Like the additional facets to Ellie's story
DeleteI have a female chcracter in a story-Tourmaline. I liked this story and by the end, I was singing the song Big Spender. Very good story.
DeleteOMG...I've known a few self righteous, smug bitches myself in my time. Beautiful choice of names. Particularly fond of Topaz since it's my birthstone. Like Sandra, these additional facets of Ellie's story are totally fascinating.
DeleteLove the varied names, and the descriptions of the characters associated with them.
DeleteThe Believer
ReplyDeleteThe elderly moon landing denier watched a 747 soar over the highway in route to Detroit Metro. He was beginning to abnegate his own abnegation. It was easier in the old days; dusty men drinking whiskey and accusing the government of malice and propaganda. Freedom of speech as the forefathers intended.
But the internet was changing things and now he was getting to the core of his discomfort. How did the jet stay in the air? He’d ponder that. But for now he had to turn back. He feared he was getting dangerously close to the edge of the earth.
Beautifully-crafted - lulling me into an 'I know what comes next' then pulling the rug from under - great job.
DeleteA whike back I voiced a concern over intimmidation due to story quality...three stories now and three more reasons. Very good prompt use and melding in all those conspiracies was a great theme idea.
DeleteI keep coming back to this, trying to describe it. It makes me thoughtful about a viewpoint I never thought about.
DeleteTo begin with, the title had that amazing song by Imagine Dragons immediately start playing in my head, so I thank you for that. This was an intriguing little scenario. The reminiscent portions were beautiful and yet seemed current in the same breath. That final sentence was amazing. What a magnificent entry.
DeleteDidn't know that song, Patricia - I had the Monkees :-(
DeleteAh, yes. "I'm A Believer." Like that one too! Imagine Dragons is one of my more recent favourites though. I was hooked from the moment I first heard their "Radioactive."
DeleteA fascinating narrator in this piece, and that final line was beautiful.
DeleteChange of focus [254]
ReplyDeleteDI John Pettinger’s several occasions with Barbara Blackwood-Tompkinson were such he preferred to keep them secret; boasting or abnegation of the winter months they’d spent cuddling under blankets, Bruichladdich and Bunnahabhain in stalls either side (all that stable’s horses named for Islay whiskies) would be a gross betrayal.
Burying the memories, ‘Bollocking Christ, man, it’s your son’s behaviour that’s the problem, not who’s likeliest to let him go!’
Something hot and violent – lava from the core of Cotopaxi – flashed so fast through Morgan’s eyes that Pettinger thought he’d dreamt it. Until, ‘Of course, but I prefer to administer justice myself,’
lava from the core of Cotopaxi is a great analogy in a good story.
DeleteLots of lovely phrases in amongst the puzzles, love the horses names!
DeleteThis was essentially powerful and expertly written. "Winter months...cuddling under blankets" was an image that could have been taken from a love song. Pettinger never fails to amaze me. What a history that man must have...!!!
Delete'Lava from the core of Cotopaxi' was my favorite too. Excellent description of emotion!
DeleteWell, that was some surprise! So many superior efforts last week that I'm astounded I was even in the running. "I would like to accept this award on behalf of the bewitching Manasa and the diminutive Arby." Seriously though, what an honour...!!!
ReplyDeleteWell done!
DeleteCongrats!
DeleteCongratulations to Patricia for her squeeker of a win and terrific kudos to Theresa and John for their excellent stories as well.
ReplyDeleteTangled Web
ReplyDelete“Arthur, I’d never abnegate my wifely duties, even in a field.”
“Estella, do you hear a rhythmic beeping, like a car backing up?”
“You’ve made me very rich since our wedding. My ‘common law’ husband, wanted revenge for me leaving and got it. The police killed him for it. The insurance policies you and Dolge had will see us well cared for. The courts would never let a pregnant widow not have her inheritance. From the core of my heart, I truly did love you.”
That incessant beeping is now a single droning beeeeeeeeeep. Crap, I’ll never have whiskey again.
Interesting piece with an apt title. I think this was a very good effort with a nice plot.
DeleteI loved the phrasing of the second line and the way the dialogue unraveled.
DeleteAnathema
ReplyDelete"Do you renounce your previous condemnation of excessive alcohol?"
"I do."
"And you will drink freely and often of the Bruichladdich whisky and Balkan vodka?"
"I will"
"Do you reject the very core of teachings that have warped your intellect?"
"I do."
"And change your worship accordingly?"
"I will."
"Do you abnegate in their totality the doctrines that have imprisoned your soul?"
"I do."
"And no longer embrace the stifling yoke of propriety?"
"With all my heart."
"Then welcome to the inferno, Brother Michael."
I ennoyed the humor of this piece. Not sure if the italics are thought or a group reciting a line in the initiation. Nice use of the prompts.
DeleteClever implication of religiosity, neatly negated.
DeleteClever was my reaction too, wondering what's in the inferno after renouncing one set of doctrines...
DeleteFun, clever piece. I loved all the dialogue and the scene it presented. Sounds like an intriguing place indeed!
DeleteLet's Go A Go Go
ReplyDelete“Really?” said Jackson, looking aghast at the clothes she'd been issued; flouncy blouse with puffy sleeves, denims with exaggerated flares.
“I've located the core,” said the professor.
Jackson's heart skipped.
“Where?”
“1973. A nightclub called Whisky a Go Go.”
“Can't we simply leave it there?”
Jackson’s legs were getting tangled in the flares.
“I do not intend to abnegate my responsibility,” said the Professor. “In the wrong hands, it could be used to bring chaos to the laws of physics.”
Jackson glanced at her stacked heels.
“Well this had better not involve a lot of bloody running around.”
Though 1973 a bit befroe my time, disoc clubs and such were very frequent haunts for me. The time travel aspect of 'fixing' something is very intriguing. A very enjoyable story.
DeleteMade me smile - a full-bodied tale in so few words, and smooth-inserted prompts.
DeleteVery nicely setting up of the scene, and great use of dialogue to show us Jackson's character
DeleteVisions of "Saturday Night Fever" and The BeeGees warbling "Staying Alive." Nicely visualized descriptions and I must admit that final sentence brought a chuckle. Flares and stacked heels...ah, the good old days!
DeleteFun, fascinating, and smoothly written. I love Jackson. :)
DeleteKursaal (Episode Eighty Nine) - "Crow's Cunning Plan/Part Three"
ReplyDeleteCrow rarely spoke. When he did, his tone was harsh as cheap whisky. Insofar as the somber clown felt affection, he harboured a certain fondness for his siblings but Cobbles' core compassionate nature was an irritant and unforgivable when it concerned Algernon and Dante. Her cossetting of the hounds must cease. They were becoming namby-pamby lapdogs.
Crow delivered an ultimatum. Immediately abnegate the mollycoddling or both pups would be butchered. Alternatively, she could adopt one as her personal pet and he would slaughter the other. Her choice. Their fate rested in her hands.
"Do you have a favourite, dearest sister?"
---------------------------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------------------------
Crow never fails to send a chill up my spine, and there are some lovely phrases here. especially the opening sentence ... and several others.
DeleteHarsh as chap whiskey, I know that feeling. I enjoyed this episode as usual very nice prompt use.
ReplyDeleteI seem to be stuck in questioning mode this week!
ReplyDeleteHow Do You Like Them Apples?
ReplyDeleteImpeccably cored and filled with raisins, brown sugar and a drizzle of whisky, the apples were baking nicely. A perfect pudding to follow the mutton casserole.
How fortunate the fruit seller had passed by that morning and what a reasonable price the crone had asked for her wares!
Snow White would be obliged to abnegate partaking in the delicious dessert herself, although she knew her roomies would enjoy it. She'd packed on quite a few pounds of late and desired to regain her svelte figure. Sacrifices were sometimes regretfully necessary.
After all, who knew when the quintessential suitor might arrive?
Ha! - I was wanting to core apples, but hadn't paired that with 'impeccable', nor drizzled them - how delicious.
DeleteCan you make me some, please! Another excellent fractured rendition of a fairytale. The usual well placed prompts and twist.
DeleteCripplegate Junction/Part 115 - Last Train To Stockholm
ReplyDeleteForced to abnegate the notion that Cripplegate were no more than a bad dream, Clive Bailey assessed his curious situation. Lately, certain personages had disappeared, but not the Station Master -- permanent fixture and core member of the cast of characters. Clive now looked forward to being in the dear fellow's company.
With the Canteen closed, the Station Master escorted Clive to The Railway Arms, a public house near the end of the platform that Clive had not noticed before.
There, he was offered Smiths Crisps and a variety of tipples: gin, whisky, rum.
"So, what's your poison, old boy?"
--------------------------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------------------------
And salt in a twist of blue paper? I've a desire to tell Clive to 'beware!'.
DeleteQue creepy suspenseful music and bartender with a lazy eye. A episode I enjoyed each time I read it.
DeleteYes, Sandra. Complete with salt in a twist of blue paper. I never could get an even distribution.
DeleteWow! It feels great to make the list :) Thanks for that.
ReplyDeleteStrangers
“I abnegate the core system for all religions.”
Erin blinked, her nose scrunched. “I don’t understand? What is the core of all religions?”
“Faith,” he replied simply as if that explained it all.
“Okay,” she gulped the last finger of whiskey. “I gotta go.”
His hand shot out, a blur of black houndstooth, his fingers a vise on Erin’s thin wrist.
Startled she inhaled sharply, which took her voice away.
“You are religious, no?” It wasn’t a question. “Will your faith stop this?” His fangs extended over his inviting plump lips.
“Oh god,” she breathed out.
“Pray harder,” he whispered.
I never saw houndstooth as so sinister before - excellent snap of a nasty ending.
DeleteA deviously placed vampire and most enjoyable use of prompts.
DeleteAn exquisite tale. Loved the "blue of black houndstooth" and the dialogue at the end. Insertion of the prompts was seamless.
DeleteThat should, of course, be "blur" and not "blue."
DeleteThe Keuka Lake Grand Opening
ReplyDeleteThey walked to the new restaurant, Torch Wood Diner: Our Meals are Timeless.
“That’s a London tour bus. Wonder what their core competency is, Terry.”
“Sandy, as long as they have whiskey, I’m good.”
They sat at the counter, a waiter approached.
“I’m Tony, Patricia is the cook. We don’t abnegate on expectations. Your menus, any questions?”
“Why are there just the names of people?”
“Because, that’s how we name our meals.”
“What do Past, Present and Chary stand for?”
“Past is traditional ingredients, present is gluten free, chary will show your virtues. Look it over, when ready, call me.”
As with so many of your pieces, this hovers on the edge of reality.
DeleteThis seems a tad familiar. Is it a continuation of those tales featuring a restaurant that you penned earlier? In any event, I liked this one a lot and applaud your choice of name for the cook.
DeleteYes, Patricia it is and you're welcome.
DeleteThe necessity of cosmetic
ReplyDeleteFrom her bedroom a flare of conversation through a just-opened door; cut-off laughter. Her reflection grimaced back at her, picturing guilt; laughter was for post-funeral, after whisky had begun to flow.
Carefully she applied paler-than-customary lipstick; a sleepless smudge of eye-shadow beneath her eyes. Brushed cheap mascara to which she was allergic: that would ensure she cried.
The flimsy black silk, insufficient for the frosty temperature, would set her shivering even as she imagined the heat at the core of the crematorium furnace.
It would not do to abnegate grieving widow until the evidence had been well and truly incinerated.
Nice!
DeleteThere were people in medieval Europe, paid mourners, for funerals. I winder if this is who started that occupation?
DeleteThis was a very good story because I didn't fully know who she mourned for. Well written.
Very nicely put together. I wasn't exactly sure what was taking place at first, but thoroughly intrigued nonetheless. And then that final reveal where everything fell into place. The description of the make-up application was exceptionally vivid.
DeleteI like the contrast between her calculations, and the seemingly free conversation outside her room
DeleteGostegodd 011
ReplyDeleteStones everywhere. Buildings aggregated in a palette of creams and browns, ochre and whisky, brick and ancient leather. Rock underfoot, for several kilometres, and far below, a molten rock core. The weirdness of planets. It oppressed Mark, so much concentrated matter.
Now in Petrichor city, the first challenge passed, he had to find his contact. He picked the fourth drinkshop he saw, because it was less brightly lit than the others, even in daylight it had a misty, gloomy air. Ordered a beaker of hot bitter stimulant. Waited. Drank slowly, until a soft voice behind him spoke the keyword “Abnegation.”
This was so lyrical and flowed like a swift-moving stream. Beautiful descriptions and the manner in which it ended reminded me of the whispered "Ragnarok" from Norse Myth.
DeleteWhiskey as a color, how interesting and unusual. I had a feeling of a 1930's detective story. Loved your use of the prompts.
ReplyDeleteRevisiting an old serial. :)
ReplyDeleteDistraction [9]
Callon was not one for abnegation, especially when it applied to whiskey and medieval weaponry.
“You plan the best dates,” Jaen said. She grinned a tight, dark smile and ran a finger over the sharpened point of a crossbow bolt lying on the table.
“What, no words of caution? No demands to think and sober up first?” He grinned. “No attempts to handcuff me again?”
Jaen handed him the bolt. “Nobody puts Baby in a corner.”
“You’re hoping Sirius puts a bullet in my chest, aren’t you.”
“You’ve got a strong core. You’ll live. More importantly, you’ll provide a distraction.”
Using the line from Dirty Dancing to reference crossbow bolt is awesome. I liked the way you flowed over different subjects, like rapids in a river.
DeleteHow delightful to see the return of this serial. Up to your usual standard of creativity, of course. Magnificent use of "core." I hadn't thought of that definition...not that I could have employed it with your skill anyway!!!
DeleteSo very visual as ever. I especially love the final line.
Deletesorry, it's been one hell of a week in many respects, not helped by having to go grocery shopping tonight and on tipping out the collection of bags at the checkout, discovering our naughty cat had used the big bag they were in as a litter tray...
ReplyDeleteLeonardo has been waiting impatiently. So, no stand alone, no time, but Himself is here and has spoken:
The Mad Italian 24.
I must, of necessity, return to the subject of Brexit this night. There are those who would be content with abnegation of the entire voting result as if that would take away all the strong feelings both sides hold in this ‘discussion’. At the core is the need for most English people, I choose the word with care, to be independent as they always have been. For some, the only import they can tolerate is whisky from their fiery neighbours.
The time will come ere long before settlement is found and the move to break goes ahead. Again, trust us.
Leonardo has a way of showing that even over the expanse of years, people haven't changed as much as we'd like to think.
DeleteVery nice prompt use, abnegate is such a hard word.
Leonardo seems somewhat pensive on this visitation. I reread this a couple of times in order to absorb the full impact. As always, he provides much food for thought.
DeleteHaving last night contemplated the dregs of two bottles of Highland Park (wondering why we did not buy more when there) this made me smile.
DeleteVery late this week, but wanted to post anyway.
ReplyDeleteThe Adventures of Rosebud, Pirate Princess #96
Awesome and Awful
I saw the sunset as the peace died. The core people discovered they could not live together, so they went to different bars and drank the same whisky. Then they went out to the same soapbox and incited a riot. One loved the ice, the other the storm and together they created a blizzard of peace. From what I heard the peace was abnegated just as it was created, with a bit of an argument and too many feelings.
This carried a different tone from the norm. Just as intriguing and equally as poetic, but somehow different. Reflective and rather melancholy, showing us yet another facet of Rosebud's character.
DeleteSombre indeed, but thoughtful and haerd-hitting. And as beautifully put together as ever. Thank you for posting.
Delete"Make sure you scrub," I said holding out a rag. It was bath time for both my kids, twins at two years old. Water pelted my shirt and pants as they flung their hands and bounced up and down with excitement. I realized another semester had started, which would have made three years towards my Ph.D. Instead, I went on hiatus and took a full time job when Sarah found out we were pregnant. But, three years later, my family was worth every grade.
ReplyDelete