Another week of successful weaving a rich variety of
tales from a trio of simple words. If nothing else, the Prediction has taught
me about the divergence and uniqueness in the minds of each of us; no longer do
I fear that what I put together will be so obvious as to be boring. Which of
course, makes picking a ‘winner’ such a near-meaningless task, but I trust you
are all able to know how close you came.
This week, despite David
snapping at his heels, I declare John
the winner, for his double bill of ‘So, you want to be in pictures’ and ‘The
Assassin’s Creed’ – not least for the delight of the titles.
Words for next week: episode
peg vixen
Entries
by midnight (GMT) Thursday 16th May, words
and winners posted Friday 17th
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 uses 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.
Thinking back [Threshold 250]
ReplyDeleteRemembrance of my brief sojourn with O’Bedrun – an episode which merited more shame than I was able to drum up (and which later caused sufficient green-eyed vixen ire in Raven’s grandmother for her to scratch my face) – failed to peg still-surging lust for Raven. Not that, at this moment – arm broken, leg poker-striped propped against the gig – he was capable.
Desire masquerading as compassion, I turned my back on Torc-man, stepped close enough to Raven, to blot distraction. We exchanged a glance of mutuality before, his eyes focusing beyond me, I saw mirrored danger. Heard hissing as another arrow flew.
Will these two ever escape trouble? Such eloquent language you conjure, Sandra. The long, hyphenated sentence was beautiful.
DeleteI love the phrase "Desire masquerading as compassion" it says so much
DeleteSandra, I second William about that line. O'Bedrun is familiar but I can't place him. Good continuation.
DeleteRich with visuals, an entire scene in 100 words
Deleteyou've done it again with a cliff hanger last line, Sandra!
Deletebefore I forget, what news of your books, are they on Amazon yet?
That ending leaves me with a sharply-inhaled intake of breath. I'm sure it will all turn out okay, though...right? Right? As always, my tongue is hanging out in anticipation of what will follow. And I echo Antonia's question regarding book news.
DeleteThank you all for saying such nice things. Re my books, I'm checking what I hoped would be the final drafts. I approached my local independent bookshop (a much-valued addition to the high street) and they say they'll carry them provided they're not on Amazon. Also, I'm possibly going to approach a small, new local publishers, run by a couple of ex-journalists and an ex-murder squad detective, so already very helpful. So, still no time-scale but I'll keep you posted.
DeleteThat book writing sounds like a lot of work... Good luck, Sandra.
DeleteDanger and anger so eloquently written, Sandra. Really well done!
DeleteIt was quite an honor to be named with David this week as his story really thrilled me.
ReplyDeleteFirst I tip my hat to John for his winning story and my esteemed pleasure in reading david's story. My apologies in not commenting last week. I started a part time job during the day. I hope to do better this week.
Deletecongrats to last week's brilliant story writers. So pleased we're not casting our voters at the moment, Sandra gets that toughie...
DeleteJolly Times
ReplyDeleteThe old man was thinking about episode five of Mozart in the Jungle and didn’t feel like eating. The old lady pushed the potatoes to him but he ignored them. His modified Keto diet was working. He’d need another peg in his big black belt soon.
“Eat, eat,” the old lady said, and heaped his plate with venison. Vixen, if he wasn’t mistaken.
The head elf came in. “Sir, are we working this year or not?”
Outside, Dasher was led kicking and screaming to the slaughterhouse. The old man started stamping naughty on every page of his list.
Oh so subtle. And wicked. And good.
DeleteSo, so clever.. I still didn't catch on until I read the word 'Dasher' then it all clicked into place.
DeleteAs Sandra said, wicked - but what a brilliant opening for something bigger .
That is cold stark and so very clever I love it.
DeleteI knew Santa was a Stark! Now he's eliminated all those stags. Enjoyably funny and wicked. Very good story, John.
DeleteOh yes, the reindeer games have begun. Bravo!
DeleteWho would have made Santa so evil? John, that's who! I couldn't help but chuckle as understanding set in. Excellent!
Deleteclever, clever, and brilliant! and very nasty...
DeleteNever watched "Mozart in the Jungle," but definitely no requirement in order to enjoy this stellar story. How do you come up with such "out of the box" ideas, John? I wonder, is Rudolph also destined to be part of the upcoming menu. I always felt he was Santa's favourite and thus, might be spared?
DeleteActually, Patricia, Rudolf was the appetizer on the first night of Santa's dip into the rabbit hole. It may give you some satisfaction to know the red nose gave Santa diarrhea. As to your comment about 'out of the box' ideas, I read many of your stories before getting up the nerve to submit on here. I tend to pay attention.
DeleteNicely done, John. And a double-header to boot. Congratulations! And also to David for his Honourable Mention.
ReplyDeleteCongrats John and David!
DeleteThe Resignation
ReplyDeleteDear Vixen,
This is to advise that I am tendering my resignation. I’m hanging up my cape. Folding away my mask. I will no longer be your sidekick.
It’s the name that did it. Yours is really cool. But I come across as if I should be used to hang up wet washing. Even our arch nemesis, The Episode, sounds like a cataclysmic event.
I can’t take all the ribbing I get on social media from the villains. So, I’m afraid it’s so long from me.
Thanks for the BLAMS and KAPOWS we delivered.
All the best
Peg
What was I saying about individuality? Divergence from the expected? This proves my point in spades. What a delight!
DeleteI echo Sandra's comments. What a cleverly constructed offering. A thumbs up from me - also a bit of green eyed jealously - I must kick my imagination into a more varied mode.
DeleteYou must, Terrie, I really don't think armadillos in pink-feathered boas is imaginative enough. ;-)
DeleteThis is really witty, it brought to mind an episode of The Tick where the villains are arguing over their branding.
DeleteThis reminds me of a story from North Carolina where a councilman wrote his resignation letter in Klingon. Your imaginative story is excellently crafted.
DeleteIt's like tattoos; everyone wants an eagle but no one wants a house finch. Nicely done, David.
DeleteTalk about a novel approach! This is so cleverly constructed, David. Very nice!
Deleteanother totally brilliant story!
DeleteAnd yet another totally unique entry. I really must try to expand my thinking in order to even keep up! That touch of BLAMS and KAPOWS was truly from the Batman classics.
DeleteThe Secret Armadillo Soldier (SAS) Diaries - entry 65
ReplyDelete“An episode; a dalliance; a vixen’s lust.” were words Brenda heard Mr Pink declare when one of the girls expressed love for a customer.
She guessed he would disapprove of her affection for Atlas; but the giant dillo was not like usual customers.
In one night, she discovered that below the dangerous warrior’s exterior nestled a kindred spirit and gentle innocence. In turn, he’d uncovered her secrets; talked weapons, tactics, admired her daggers, her fighting skills - and shared his own. He had a good soul. He was her match and now her heart was firmly pegged to his.
Gorgeous use of 'vixen'! And all happiness to Brenda & Atlas.
DeleteI am intrigued, I need to go back and read the previous episodes.
DeleteMr. Pink as the owner of a Brothel is a good choice. I'm in line with Sandra about the happy couple.
DeleteYou may be the first person in history to write of an armadillo hooker. I'm sure too, she has some nice daggers.
DeleteThis couple will surely be a duo not to mess with. Good beings can be found in virtually every location imaginable. Very nice, Terrie!
Deletewhoo, there's a change of direction, from battling to bedding, by the tone of that episode!
DeleteLovely insight into Brenda's thoughts. I wouldn't be surprised in the least if Atlas reciprocated in the most enthusiastic manner. And once again, I am amazed by the direction these prompts can take us. I would never have imagined a 'Dillo Brothel and what a wonderful name is "Mr. Pink" for the overseer.
DeleteI've been absent for a while due to a few issues.
ReplyDeleteTorment
There’s something living in my head,
When I’m laying awake in my bed,
I hear it scratching.
I hear it walking peg legged in my ear canal,
While I’m trying to sleep through this episode of hell,
My nerves are jangling.
I sense it’s cloven hoof or claw,
Scratching out its creed or more,
Scarring my cerebral cortex.
Tormented and Twisted in rage,
I scream out from loss of sleep at my age,
calling for the the name of my tormentor!
As I succumb to self diagnosis
In morse it repeats three times,
Vixen, Vixen, Vixen!
William, glad your better and back. A hint of a Tell Tale Heart in this one. darkly strange imagery. Nice play in the lat stanza, aka S.O.S.
DeleteNice William. I particularly liked the ear canal stanza. Nice rhythm with this.
DeleteWelcome back, William. This an uncomfortable piece indeed!
Deletegood to see you again, William, with a finely crafted poem too.
DeleteNow this was truly scary. Reminded me a little of Pink Floyd's "Dark Side Of The Moon"...you know, "the lunatic is in my head," followed by demonic laughter. So imaginative to make a peg leg the instrument of Morse code. Ye gods...what a nightmare!
DeleteKursaal (Episode One Hundred Sixty Three) - "Picaroon Lagoon: Reopening And Renovations"
ReplyDeletePicaroon Lagoon had been closed long enough for patrons to forget the maiden voyage episode when the ride had returned sans passengers. The sloop reopened as a stationary attraction, the narrow channel through which it initially set sail now sealed and part of the small bay's coastline.
Renovations had been made. Visitors were greeted by a peg-legged eye-patched female buccaneer dressed à la Anne Bonny with O'Malley Macaw (ship's parrot), perched upon her shoulder. Interspersed by raucous squawks, O'Malley declared this human roost "Captain Vixen."
Despite obvious imperfections, Captain Vixen was a fetching pirate with one brilliant blue peeper.
---------------------------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: Picaroon Lagoon and O'Malley Macaw have both featured in previous episodes.
I wonder what else the parrot can say? Very good writing. Good prompt use and descriptions.
DeleteYes, when a ride returns sans passengers. it's time for a renovation. Vixen sounds like my kind of pirate, from a distance of course.
DeleteAnother episode of colour and richness!
Deleteit is the richness and variety of the Kursaal, not to mention the hidden and sometimes not so hidden menace behind the attractions, which is eternally entertaining.
DeleteInto The Abyss
ReplyDeleteHere, below a dark and vaulted sky, tortured star-shine cries
and trickles clotted blood down, twisted, jet-stone pillars,
gleaming in the dagger-dark.
Spiked and hanging, draped on staves, pale corpses
are food for vixen-blooded pit-hounds pacing,
and howling, among ancient fallen wards.
And the dark-light, how it glitters against furled fire, trailing,
in episodic bursts of flame, shooting through shadows,
pegged against the sooty, heated, gates of Hell.
tortured star-shine cries, what a descriptive and evocative description. You sprinkled them throughout this poem.
DeleteThis could be a college level tutorial on the use of setting. Very well done, Terrie. So vivid and apt for the gates of Hell.
Delete'gleaming in the dagger-dark' especially delicious.
Deletefull of vivid imagery, worth reading more than once, Terrie. Great stuff.
DeleteAs always, I am stunned that the same plume which creates our adorable 'dillos can also delight us with a poetic piece such as we have here. I had never before thought of the Gates of Hell being "sooty," but of course, it makes perfect sense.
DeleteUnder The Guise
ReplyDeleteThere's an episode every night now. Between dusk and dawn. Slumber and awareness. The creature lopes gracefully toward the children's adventure playground beyond the skirting woods.
They say it's not possible. A wily animal would never make itself known to a metropolis in such a fashion. But this one does. Auburn fur and emerald eyes briefly glance my way to taunt and beckon. I am pegged a fanciful fool. Imagination run riot. They are wrong.
I will follow this twilight nomad, the object of my desire, until she reveals herself as the auburn-haired emerald-eyed vixen I know her to be.
Patricia, A kitsune perhaps? Excellent narration and a nice soft flow to your story.
DeleteIt's fun to speculate that one can find an auburn haired vixen this way. I have a feeling someone will be disappointed, but who knows....
DeleteMethinks this unlikely to end well. At least, not for everyone. Very nice
Deletegeneral badness hangs over this, intriguing and chilling without the thoughts to carry away from the computer.
DeleteSo much to enjoy here - 'emerald-eyed vixen' 'twilight nomad' and I especially liked 'the creature lopes gracefully'. Everything about this piece makes me want to read more about the creature and the one who follows them. Cleverly alluring sentence structuring makes me like this a lot Patricia.
ReplyDeleteS*H*O*W*T*I*M*E*
ReplyDeleteI turned the television off, and thought about tonight’s episode of “America’s Most Wanted”. I mean, what are the odds that they would choose ME of all people? And they really had us pegged. My double had my look, even my tics. Of course, the actress who played Vixen was WAY sexier and better built than my wife, but you gotta cater to your audience. All in all, not a bad presentation. In fact, the only fault I could find was that they ended the show with (us) being caught in a motel room, not unlike the one… we… uh-oh…
A little too chatty this one is. Fame will do that to a guy. Enjoyable read.
DeleteWell done, Dave! The "uh-oh" ending is splendid!
DeleteDave, I meant the character is chatty, not the story... in case you wondered.
DeleteThank you! The antagonist IS a bit more talkative than necessary, in the long tradition of bad guys spilling it all.
DeleteThis is clever, twisty and highly entertaining.
Deletethis is good! Leading us into the darkness with the chatterbox and then the realisation comes... good one!
DeleteThis calls for an "elbow drop" and an enthusiastic "YES!" Beautifully disguised introduction which leads to that killer "uh-oh." What a clever twist!
DeleteBased on the plethora of comments, which I agree with, this could well be winner. Dave, your story had a light Siskel and Ebert feel. Wonderfully written.
DeleteLooked but Didn’t See
ReplyDeleteThis vixen had such fun.
I knew not, what I’d done.
The loving that night was rigorous
as we laughed at your ignorance.
A fortnight thereafter,
I had no reason for laughter.
My episodic weekend of euphoria
now replaced by mourning nausea.
Treated to lunch, through sorrowful tears I begged.
Your nature I’d never truly pegged.
My lecherous lips, forgiven, graced by your tongue,
as you said, “Our song isn’t yet unsung.”
You took the blame
in hiding my shame.
My daughter, claimed as your own.
A promise; I’ll never again leave you alone.
A tale of redemption in a way, in that his treachery gets resolved by her loving way, and hopefully, he's true to his word.
DeleteDoubting Thomas that I am, I'm wondering if this cad (former cad?) has truly changed his ways. I hope she keeps him on a short leash for a while.
DeleteLet's hope this potential father can, as they say on reality talk shows, step up to the plate. Far too many deadbeat dads out there. Nice rhyming skills and rhythmic timbre.
DeleteMy deepest thanks for your comments and support but the 'speaker' is a girl. I probably got too cute with 'mourning nausea' and should have used morning nausea.
DeleteYes, I see now the woman is the one who cheated. I was thinking the man cheated, his girlfriend had a child and abandoned it, and the wife helped raise the child. Upon further study, what was I thinking...? Please write it the other way next time...
DeleteThe First Battle: Preparations
ReplyDeleteThis battle had started a new episode; survival. Estimates were that the enemy had suffered over fifty-thousand casualties. They removed their dead and injured without any interference. We never wanted the Confederation pegged as war criminals or monsters for killing wounded or medical support.
“Sir, Lt. Callahan reporting.”
“Barbara, your Swamp Vixens will be protecting the right flank of Stygian Notch.”
“We get that alkaline swimming pool.”
“You’ll have the new grav belts to harass and impede any enemy flanking maneuver. Dismissed.”
“Captain Khnor, why did you request the naval ordinance?” Colonel Marcus asked via radio.
I explained my plan.
I knew Stygian Notch was going to prove to be a dismal place. The captain certainly uses economy when giving orders.
DeleteAnd now we wait to hear the plan and hopefully, details regarding its execution. Nice forward movement of the story.
DeleteJohn and Patricia, my dedicated followers, thanks fro your support. As for the plan, writing is always show vs. tell and 100 words forces the Captain to be economical.
DeleteYour Lady’s Dreams
ReplyDeleteI laughed when you said I was café au lait.
This vixen makes sure you... stay up... late.
You make my kitty cat purr,
my Italian Monsieur.
I fondle your gift, an Italian horn,
dreaming of another, my lips to adorn.
Nestled between my breasts,
your creamy deposits and words of love, so attest.
Our evening episodes entices and excites,
evoking shared sensual delights
In more places than one
feeling your explosion, is such sexy fun.
You have me pegged, my body understands
no lady likes being issued commands.
My wrath you don’t respond.
You enfold me, until I’m calmed.
You're pretty prolific this week, Jeffrey. We're treated to two poems this week, this one a little racier, but nicely done.
DeleteNice example of mild erotica with no little innuendo. I do believe the muse has paid you a fruitful visit this week, Jeffrey.
DeleteThanks again for your support and comments. I wrote this for another more targeted web site and pared it down to fit length and prompts. I greatly appreciate your weekly support and comments.
DeleteTUNE IN NEXT WEEK
ReplyDeleteA blood-curdling scream reverberated throughout the room then faded.
Steve Ferlazzo whispered gruffly into the mike, “That doesn’t sound good, folks. Has villainy vanquished virtue? Or will our gallant gal defeat this abomination assaulting her? Find out in next week’s installment of The Perils of Vixen Foxx.”
Steve cut power to the mike and, smiling, turned toward the rear of the room. The woman was naked, her hands pegged to the wall by iron spikes. Blood had matted around numerous superficial cuts in her torso and around her tongueless mouth.
“Well, Vix, what shall we do for next week’s episode?”
I guess, having cut her tongue out, he'll do whatever he fancies. Horribly addictive.
Deletejust outright horror and so well done in the 100 words!
DeleteAck...how horrific...and totally up my alley, I might add. What visuals this does conjure up. "What shall we do for next week's episode?" indeed.
DeleteJD, Macabre proof that the villain does return to the scene of the crime. I've listened to tapes of the old radio show, The Shadow. This is very nicely done.
DeleteSteve is a real piece of work. He seems to have this Master of Ceremony desire. I mean, can't a killer just kill in the normal way? Well done, Jim. (It is Jim, right?)
ReplyDeleteIt is Jim, John.
DeleteThe Secret Armadillo Soldier (SAS) Diaries - entry 66
ReplyDeleteIn a bramble thicket, a vixen playfully invited a seductive episode to her mate and a horned owl ghosted away as they reached the bend before rainbow-rock. The waiting troops were well hidden and made no sound, but Nigel and Tosca’s well honed soldier instincts told them they were being watched. They stopped; snouting the air but Cinereus scuffled on, to lean against a toppled, rotting, tree and rest his peg leg upon a small boulder. He’d only relaxed a moment when a sharp stick flicked out from below the crumbling bark and came to rest point-end at his belly.
I'll be on guard next time I'm in a meadow. Who knew. I loved how you used the words ghosted and snouting. Such unusual and wonderful ways to shake it up a bit. I have a feeling Cinereus will somehow get out of this little scrape mostly intact.
DeleteI love how you use words, full stop. A lesson and an inspiration - thank you.
Deletean episode full of suspense, danger abounds, what next?
DeleteThere is a sense of calm before the storm about this. I don't think Cinereus is going to be too pleased with this close call. The suspense is certainly palpable.
DeleteThis rank amature bows at your feet, Terrie. A well flowing, enjoyable, and mysterious episode.
DeleteCan't let your guard down for an instant, Cinereus.
ReplyDeleteI've said this before, Terrie: I love the way your words so effortlessly and beautifully flow into each other,
Runway Rejection
ReplyDeleteThey are known as video vixens. Aspiring Giselles and Ugbads who appear in hip-hop-oriented music performances on YouTube and the like. You wouldn't necessarily peg them as potential contestants on an episode of Tyra Banks' "American's Next Top Model" that's for sure, but they have their hopes and dreams the same as everyone else.
Most fade into obscurity. These "also-rans" are easy to spot. Too anxiously seductive and too lacking in the talent to successfully pull it off. I provide them a second opportunity to achieve the fame they so desperately seek. Another chance to make headline news.
Albeit posthumously.
Yes, video vixens are likely easy to trick into stepping into the back of a panel van. Just tell them there's a bit part in an upcoming movie at stake, and in they go...
DeleteReally entertaining, Patricia.
Have you noticed that when you respond to the bottom story, your post doesn't always end up where you want it?
DeleteOh, Patricia!! There I was, all lulled and enjoying, then you do that to me!! Again!!
DeleteA very novel use of the prompts, Patricia! Video Vixens - a splendid phrase!
DeleteEarlier, I somehow became "think it through."
John, it annoys me too! Blogger can be a horror at times, even to the point of not letting me in.
DeletePatricia, you and Sandra are the queens of the killer last lines, like this one!
Best way to get over mis-placed comment is to comment, then copy/paste above that, then delete first comment. I'll tidy up thereafter.
DeleteThank you for the tidy solution, Sandra.
Delete[Change of focus 328]
ReplyDeletePettinger’s shoulders slumped. He should’ve remembered that 60% of Petzincek men, between the ages of fifteen and ninety-five (a thought which gave a tiny twitch of pleasure) were congenitally incapable of pegging a rampant lechery directed towards whatever female came within their orbit.
With similar regularity – think daily episodic soaps – an even higher percent found themselves quick-wed to an accommodating angel whose speedy metamorphosis to cross-legged vixen left them rubbing more than their eyes.
Beside him, Vladina took his hand.
Her relinquishment of drayhorse, for familiar, willing woman he took as promise of a more satisfying sort of ploughing.
Perhaps.
you see? another killer last line, and a one word one at that!!!!!
DeleteI would like to thank Antonia for her kind compliment, but I'm afraid Sandra outclasses me by leaps and bounds when it comes to killer last lines. And Sandra, how your words often carry such a naughty (as in delightful) connotation.
DeleteYes, I too enjoy Sandra's naughty side, the written variety. This was cleverly done and very enjoyable.
DeleteStop The Week; I Want To Get Off (47)
ReplyDeleteDire week, hardly any sales, nothing moving. Shaun came in with renewed energy and determination, get rid of this, drop the price on that, shift this over there, pegging up horse brasses for a new window display… while I sold an ornament of a vixen curled round her young. Such is the variety and random associations in the shop. It wasn’t a one off episode, we sold all sorts of things this morning, the metal cabinet Shaun brought in yesterday afternoon had sold by 11 AM today and other things went, too. The task is to keep the momentum going…
SO glad you pegged the horse brasses!
DeleteEvery week, you provide us with captivating tales. So different from anything else offered here and so very refreshing.
DeleteIt's so nice when commerce flows. I think I remember a ceramic piece my mom once had of a fox curled around her young. I recall being nervous I'd break it.
DeleteThe Mad Italian 106
ReplyDeleteSo much looms, the snarling teeth of the vixen guarding her young, the PM. Another messy episode in the life of the parliament. New party members are hanging their hats on the peg of an existing group rather than the unknown. European elections loom, the results will be shattering to the main parties who think they have a chance of winning the electorate’s heart and mind. They can think but in vain, the betrayal of the people’s democratic wishes has killed the tenuous feelings each person had for their chosen party. We who are outside await the outcome with interest.
This strikes me as a scene of no little chaos, although it does seem somewhat controlled. To be honest, it's probably a reflection of the entire globe at this point. I think we're all hanging on by a thread.
DeleteThe elections should prove educational for many. The people can only stand so much.
DeleteCripplegate Junction/Part 189 - Cameos Of Constance
ReplyDeleteThe "Lost and Found" Custodian sorted through property that, one time or another, had fallen under his jurisdiction. He maintained a meticulous inventory but some items had apparently never been recorded and proved surprising:
A postcard from Vixen Tor on Dartmoor depicted the rocky outcrop that resembled the Sphinx. It was sent to "Miss Constance Bailey from her brother, George";
A bundle of "Peg's Paper" publications, address labels missing; and
Episodic Cripplegate photographs. One sepia image showed a young Miss Constance in the Sanitarium garden holding a basket. Over the edge of the pannier peered a tiny pansy-faced tabby kitten.
---------------------------------------------------------
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.
----------------------------------------------------------
This is lovely! An episode to pore over for sure.
Deleteearly Cripplegate life, how fascinating!
DeleteI'd love to see that picture of marmalade as a kit. I tried to paste a photo of Vixen Tor on here, but it didn't work. Who ever heard of Vixen Tor? or Peg's Paper for that matter: but obviously you have. Very clever prompt usage and thanks for the lesson.
DeleteBundle of Joy
ReplyDeleteMy toddler succeeded in getting a square peg through a round hole; the base of the toy now in complete tatters. I watched a little longer through the thick glass and playtime ended. My son disappeared as the stage rotated and an armed guard lowered the blinds.
My wife, rest her soul, a true vixen at one time, would have been so proud -- provided the breast feeding episode hadn’t occurred. Now though, after retiring early with funds from the fertility drug settlement, I wish he hadn’t ripped her apart. I called for my driver to bring the car around.
John, John, John. Only you could take these prompt words and turn them into something so wonderfully insidious. Talk about a bad seed. And why is it that a part of me snickers at the thought of a toddler shattering the base of a toy? And why is it that I imagine him being absolutely gleeful as he did so?
DeleteThis brings me far too close to gibbering, horrified wreck to claim enjoyment. Rest assured I echo Patricia's 'John, John, John' with unwilling admiration.
Deleteit's the seeming coldness of the narrator which makes this chilling, good one, John.
DeleteSounds like a bit of 'like father like son', John. I'd be very wary if I were the father of this developing monster. I love this kind of stuff.
Delete
ReplyDelete1. Trial and Error
Theoretically, it was easy, but as it turned out, the scaly-skinned Grallech and his Ergalot companion trans-located into searing heat, noxious fumes and twisting winds.
Molten rock spewed and spat around them.
‘Where the scrut have you brought us Vixen? You scruttin’ fool,’ the Ergalot shouted against the burning wind.
Punching frantically at the keypad strapped to the back of his claw, Vixens reply was lost in the howling storm as they trans-located back to the cavern.
That’s one episode in space-time we won’t revisit then,’ Vixen said, ramming the safety peg home hard into the keypad sheath.
What the scrut...? I really hope those two were wearing space suits during that remarkable journey. Who knows what those noxious fumes contain. This was a little different than your usual fare, Terrie. Very enjoyable.
DeleteThe bestest bit of this was the '1' of the title. Another treat to be anticipated. I also anticipate that 'Where the scrut?' might become part of the Prediction anthem. You have a superlative skill at making characters complete and compelling.
DeleteDare we hope this is the beginning of another serialization? I too loved "where's the scrut." Such phrases are so satisfying to voice. I used to love saying "Don't give me no tat," when the IT tech where I used to work wanted to switch out my keyboard or mouse, etc. You do know you have much to live up to with another serial, right Terrie? Oh..wait...sorry..this is TERRIE I'm talking to. My bad...!!!
DeleteI'm trying something new this time John. Not sure where it will go but do have a rough idea. I enjoy experimenting with words and 'scrut' kind of rolls off the tongue in a slightly swear-worthy way so in it went.
DeleteAnd yes, I'm already working on the next instalment along with the 'Dillos.
Deleteinteresting! So much set up in so few words.
ReplyDeleteThe Adventures of Rosebud, Pirate Princess #179
ReplyDeleteWe See All
As Natasha shed the barge-sheets, pegs clattering to the ground, Cecily sent fire into the tower. The plan was to trap Roskilde, being that they’re like a wily vixen, everything went to hell fast. Episodic arrows and knives flew from windows, fire returned. Wounds on both sides bled readily.
But then it all stopped.
And everything was silent.