And following last week’s excellent
entries, and the difficulties you had choosing a winner, you seem to have tried
harder still to present me with a near impossible choice this week, and from
such innocuous words! I am, if it is possible, even more admiring of the lot of
you. Given fourteen to choose from, and being über ruthless, I came up with a shortlist of four. Stuck
there, reading and re-reading, rearranging and discarding until I was left with
a favourite. This time it was the language which impinged; the freshness of
usage, and in the end it was Terrie’s ‘Gathering Magic’ which came top, but such a close run thing.
Words for next week: coincidence
leather sage
Entries
by midnight (GMT) Thursday 29th August,
words posted Friday 30th
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.
Thank you for choosing Gathering Magic as top choice Sandra. Again this came from working on creating characters for my W.I.P.
ReplyDeleteContributing to The Prediction has most certainly honed my writing skills and made me think more about the structure of each sentence and what I can convey in it.
Congrats Terrie!
Deletemany congrats, Terrie!
DeleteMe too - I'm a naturally over-wordy writer so learning to prune out the unnecessary is definitely a Good Thing. I did a huge amount of character development on other prompt-writing sites which incorporated either time or sentence limitations (sadly, now disappeared) and much of that fed into novels, but because Prediction's genres aren't what my wips are, only Pettinger has made it into a novel.
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Terrie. Skinning fairies with her teeth was impossible to ignore when it came to the choosing process.
ReplyDeleteYou got it in one John!
DeleteCongratulations, Terrie. Your story last week really couldn't be beat. Obvious choice hands down.
DeleteViolet the Violist 3
ReplyDeleteViolet studied her reflection, rating the red leather thong with the sage eye of a concert violist.
It would do.
The holier-than-thou detective didn’t believe the industrial strength drain cleaner bottle in her viola case was a coincidence. He did, however, possess a wandering eye, often angled at Violet’s pert little breasts.
When the doorbell rang, she removed her top and adjusted the thong. If this didn’t work, the arsenic laced coffee surely would.
This Violet is no one to mess with. I loved the phrase 'holier-than-thou detective.' Yet another entertaining entry from you, John.
DeleteLooks like Violet is stepping up the mayhem. Mr holier-than-thou better watch out.
DeleteI'm guessing the coffee will go cold ... Don't know what else will.
DeleteHer steady confidence continues! I love how her assessment of her attire has the same matter-of-fact way she approaches everything.
DeleteEntertaining is most certainly the word when it comes to this serialization. That Violet is some enterprising lady and not one to mess with!
Deletevery much enjoying Violet's antics!
DeleteThe Last Noel?
ReplyDeleteThe chicken was leathery. The sage in the stuffing like chopped up twigs.
“How do you know it’s even Christmas?” asked Beth.
Tom nodded to where the ash fall had blanketed the countryside in swirling grey drifts.
“Good a day as any, I’d say.”
He handed her a piece of fused glass he’d found.
“Got you a gift.”
The wind gusted and tinkled the chimes they’d hung for protection.
“Jingle Bells?” said Tom.
“Coincidence,” said Beth, gnawing on a wing. Her radiation sores were weeping again. He hung a cracked bauble on his pathetic tree.
You captured the sadness of the moment and created bleak images so well here David. I really liked this.
DeleteNice, David. You captured the apocalyptic scene without saying a word about it. Good job of show, don't tell. Loved the fused glass and what it suggests.
DeleteI thought it was going in one direction and then it veered to something altogether more heart-aching. Skillfully done.
DeleteBleak but laced with emotion. Every chosen detail set the dark atmosphere from the ash fall to the fused glass to 'gnawing on a wing.'
DeleteVery nicely put together with excellent usage of the prompt words. This was heart-wrenching in many ways, especially since it was centered around a holiday that might or might not be taking place.
Deletehow to write tight... beautifully done.
DeleteTalk about apocalyptic! This is so poignant... a frightening view of what may await us. Well done, David.
ReplyDeleteDay In, Day Out
ReplyDeleteSuspected suicides. These cases are among the worse. What drives a person to such a destructive end? Lives that hold so much promise. It really gets depressing.
I keep saying I need to change my profession but it's easy to be philosophic and sagacious in thought. Not so easy to follow through. Jobs are difficult to find and so, you just keep on going. Deal with it.
This scene is particularly disturbing, yet any resemblance to myself and that poor pathetic creature hanging from the tree branch by a leather belt is purely coincidental.
Isn't it?
I think it's more than coincidence the MC is assigned this case, and likely others like it. Very thought provoking. And thanks for sagacious; a new word for me. (I don't get out much).
DeleteCertainly one to read and re-read, teasing out interpretations. As John said, thought-provoking.
DeleteHow moribund, Patricia. This guy has a tough job, but somebody has to do it, Seems like he's accepted his lot in life. A good read!
DeleteIt would be hard job to be sure. Hopefully their questions at the end aren't leading to a hopeless feeling.
Deletea walk into the dark mind... exceptionally good, this one.
DeleteA CHANCE ENCOUNTER
ReplyDeleteAs I approached, she appeared within the glow of the streetlight. The one where we first met a year ago. A coincidence? I had to assume so, for we hadn’t spoken in weeks. Our parting was not amicable. Quite nasty in fact. I was on my way to her house. Was she on her way to mine? She reached into her expensive leather purse. The one I had bought her. A pistol emerged. The one I had bought her. Not a sage decision on her part. I, too, carried a gun. I pulled it from my pocket. We fired simultaneously.
I intended for each sentence of this entry to be a separate line. Didn't work out that way.
DeleteYes, the breakup does appear it was less than amicable. If you saw Reservoir Dogs, you'll recall the bad guys all shot at once in the end. I'm certain the former lovers will meet the same fate.
DeleteNeither a duel nor a duet - tight writing Jim.
DeleteI really think this reads better as one continuous paragraph. Seems to bring a sense of urgency to the piece. There MUST be a continuation, yes? I am dying to find out who hit the dust first.
DeleteI saw it as one flowing tightly written paragraph, too. Don't worry about the formatting, Jim, it works cos it's clever and tha twill overcome any formatting blips.
DeleteI enjoyed the pacing and weight of the piece. I felt the tension and even held my breath at the end. I agree with Patricia, who fell first? Did either?
DeleteThe Samson Syndrome
ReplyDeleteI've always preferred strong men. Virile. Masterful. Essentially masculine. They're a challenge and I do adore a challenge. So, it was no coincidence that Tony became my newest live-in lover.
Sadly, as with his predecessors, Tony has became a slave to the enigma that is woman. Pandering to every whim. Accommodating every penchant. In short, Tony the Tiger is now Tony the Tiddler. Namby-pamby jellyfish. Like those before him, he will have to go.
Still, Chanel's "Antaeus" (Tony's cologne of choice) with bold leathery scent and spicy aroma of sage will be permitted to linger on my skin...for the moment.
I'm concerned you decided to write this in first person:)
DeleteThe MC is certainly into her challenges... great story, P.
Oh, these men - SO outwardly deceptive, aren't they?
DeleteThis brought Victor Mature and Heddy Lamarr immediately to mind. We men have to be SO careful when encountering women like you describe. Beautifully written!
Deleteoh yes, the strong woman will always overcome... just have to watch out for her, that's all...
DeleteI love the title! Excellent pick. :) She sounds like a lady who knows what she wants, though given our penchant for fictive murder, I'm uncertain if the men are walking out of there.
DeleteIt Pays To Be Polite.
ReplyDeleteNo fate or coincidence prompted her midnight arrival. Still, the door-ward squinted sleepily at her through the keep-hole. ‘Door’s locked. Can’t come in ‘til morning yu’ ol bat.’
Sage raised her hand. Sparks flew from her leathery fingers, shot through the keep-hole, and hit the door-ward’s face. ‘Don’t waste time, fool.
Grodmir’s summoned me. Let me in; or I’ll raze the door and the keep walls too.’
Startled, he unbolted the door.
She glared and conjured a second charm as she passed. He shrivelled, squeaked, and flew off into the dark.
‘Who’s an ol’ bat now?’ she called after him.
A proper punishment after calling Sage an old bat. Seems the door-ward would have been less vocal in her presence. Cool story, Terrie.
DeleteOh great - the sort of morality tale I might've actually taken note of.
DeleteName calling can assuredly get one in big trouble. Best to watch your mouth around Sage. Nicely done, Terrie.
Delete"Ol' bat" indeed. That'll learn him! This possessed such wonderfully visual images, but then I find you're particularly skilled in that area, Terrie. Oh...great title too, by the way.
Deletethis was clever, too! lots of clever stories this week, going to make life tough for Sandra...
DeleteSage is wondrous! :) I loved how you tied the ending to the beginning by Sage's response and the newly shaped bat.
DeleteCongrats on your winning entry last week, Terrie. As for this one, it appears the door-ward learned his lesson the hard way.
ReplyDeleteViolet the Violist 4
ReplyDeleteThe red leather thong hung from the bedpost, illuminated by the morning sun. Violet tiptoed to the kitchen and reheated the arsenic laced coffee. She made a cup of Moroccan sage tea for herself.
“It’s too much of a coincidence,” the detective said, stretching. “I don’t think I can make it go away.”
“I suppose I’ll need a lawyer then.” She handed him his coffee.
“How about some dessert after coffee?” he said, a tent forming in the bedsheet.
Violet shook her pert little breasts. “Anything you say, baby doll.” She absently fingered imaginary scales on her viola.
What a joy is “It’s too much of a coincidence,” the detective said, stretching. “I don’t think I can make it go away.” Thanks John.
DeleteA tent forming in the bed sheet, eh, John? Great image forms with that line! Following Violet's nefarious adventures is very entertaining!
DeleteOh that Violet! She grows more enchanting with every installment. I don't give much hope for the detective getting out of there in one piece.
Deleteabsolutely no way he's getting out of there, he should have been more aware, but then... detectives aren't always brilliant...
DeleteSounds like the detective was willing to potentially bend the truth for her.
DeleteChange of focus [342]
ReplyDeleteIris, the Drug Squad DC, demonstrated agility and quick thinking. She righted herself, reached for Smith and, as if it was little more than coincidence, lifted her arm and his to demonstrate, to Pettinger’s sage-eyed admiration, she’d handcuffed him. (Same sage eyes inwardly transported such athleticism to bed and bondage: Iris in a scarlet thong.)
Meanwhile, mother replaced baby in basket and made for the cemetery gates. Pettinger, suspecting more mattress-concealed drugs, set off after her. Made good progress until a man stepped from behind the brick pillar, grabbed his upper arm and reached a leather-gloved hand into Pettinger’s pocket.
Looky here - he's handcuffed (funny stuff).
DeleteNow who is this man, and why is his hand in Pettinger's pocket?
Ooohhhh...what is that mysterious man hoping to find? And as for Pettinger, he has an uncanny ability to mind-multitask, that's for sure!
DeleteIs there anything in Pettinger's pocket? Somebody knows something. Are you teasing us, Sandra?
Deletesuch images! hastily dumped baby in basket, rushing around, strange men pick pocketing... good one.
DeleteWho is the man and what IS in Pettinger's pocket?? I agree with Antonia, a lovely chain of fast images driving the tension onward.
DeleteMissing a step [Threshold 265]
ReplyDeleteStepping back outside, shading my eyes, I peered to where an ecru cloud of dust rose above the sagebrush. Watched and waited, doubting, initially it was he, so thickly had the dust coincided with the sweat-runs across his body, gathering in a multitude of scars like multi-puckered leather. When I was certain, I descended the steps and would’ve run to him had I not been barefoot.
He smiled.
Beyond me.
When I turned I saw the other five had used the time more wisely – each fresh-dressed and tidy, lined up along the veranda like some Outback chorus line.
Oh great, she has competition. Sage brush was a great prompt use. Nicely done.
DeleteUpon re-reading this, I wanted to add: nice use of coincided (never thought of that one) and that I really appreciate the Outback chorus line. Clever.
DeleteSurely our protagonist is not so easily outclassed? Those shameless hussies should know better. After all, she IS one singular sensation!
Deletesharp writing, vivid visuals, another enjoyable instalment.
DeleteA collection of striking images, and I love the visual of the tidy five standing behind her. What are they up to?
DeleteKursaal (Episode One Hundred Seventy Seven) - "Sleuths"
ReplyDeleteQuinn Underwood and Arbuthnot Jester were never romantically involved. Quinn's preference didn't run to males. They were, however, exceptionally good friends.
When Quinn told Arby about the leather collar delivered to her Lost & Found Kiosk bearing the name "Lulu" (Libby's Pepperdyne's pup), Arby informed Quinn he thought he'd seen the Pepperdyne Twins, Libby (missing) and Lucy (deceased) outside the mystic's tent of the now-departed travelling circus. A coincidental enigma worth investigating.
After a breakfast of sautéed mushrooms and sage on toast at Lottie's Larder, the pair made their way to the exit turnstile, well aware they were being followed.
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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:Quinn Underwood, Arbuthnot Jester, The Pepperdyne Twins (Libby and Lucy), as well as Libby's pup, Lulu, have all featured in previous episodes.
Such a lot of lovely phrases in this - I particularly enjoyed 'coincidental enigma'
DeleteAn enigma for sure, seeing people who are deceased or missing. A funny thing - when I read they were being followed, I thought it might be Marmalade, but that's another story. Nicely written, Patricia.
DeleteCould be Marmalade, John. That little rascal has a habit of getting around.
DeleteKursaal again has its mysteries to reveal and coincidental enigmas are all part of it. The question is, will any of the questions be answered before the serial ends?
DeleteDefinitely curious why and if Arby saw the Pepperdyne Twins. A mysterious piece, and their breakfast sounds delicious. :)
DeleteCripplegate Junction/Part 202 - Better Late Than Never
ReplyDeleteClive Bailey watched the girl (pulling a pushchair containing a decapitated doll's head) and the boy (dragging a toy train) skip along the platform. The strong resemblances to Alice and her cousin Christopher were more than coincidental. Didn't need to be a wise old sage to recognize that!
They stopped at the window of Clive's carriage.
"Been looking for you," they said in unison before entering his compartment and sitting on the brown leather couchette. The girl scowled.
"We're late 'cos Christopher wouldn't come out of hiding no matter how many times we called Olly Olly Oxen Free."
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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.
----------------------------------------------------------
Christopher must be really good at hide and seek. I don't think I'd want to be in Clive's shoes right now. Nice, creepy story, Patricia.
DeleteThis an excellent reminder of how terrifying children can be when determined to be evil (think Midwhich Cuckoos)
DeleteEvil kids can be particularly horrific; I'm reminded of The Bad Seed. So well done, Patricia.
Deleteexample of a child on her way to being horrifically aware - I;m playing Candy Crush, Grandad, you wouldn't understand.;
DeleteI get the same vibe from these two, what are they up to?
Creepy children are the worst. What are they up to? Also, I'm concerned about that decapitated doll's head haha.
DeleteCoincidence [Shepherdess #5]
ReplyDeleteIf only it were coincidence and not Ashanai’s manipulations that brought the quad of bandits upon their night-cloaked camp. It took all of Haera’s strength and will to force her sword back into its leather sheath, its deranged laughter echoing in her ears like a banshee’s croon.
NO…MORE, Heara growled. Blood speckled her arms, her chest; it stained her soul.
“I’ve missed you, Sister,” Caeradin grinned, clapping her on the back, a blow that would have driven a sturdy man to the ground.
Ashanai, a sprig of sage caught between her grinning teeth, nodded, pleasure glinting in her eyes.
Episodes 1-5 can be read here on my blog.
Nice, Holly. Thank you for the invitation to read the stories again on your blog, and a great blog it is. I noticed the photos on the Shepherdess page. I think I know which one Moses is, but is that Heara tending the fire?
DeleteThanks, John! Yes, I was limited by whatever free stock photos I could find but I think the woman fits Haera pretty well. :)
DeleteThis is becoming more intriguing with every episode. Such a mythical and/or legendary feel to the installments. What an enjoyable tale this is turning out to be.
DeleteYes indeed, 'mythical' the perfect word for an other-worldy world, built so each of us can let our imagination run free.
Deletedefinitely a mythical world that feels real. That takes some doing.
DeleteBetrayal
ReplyDeleteEarly morning face turning the colour of Sage Derby on the very mention of coffee and the trebling of trips to the loo; her inability to button up the leather coat I spent a fortune on last Christmas; such coincidence told a story she did her utmost to deny.
She might not have known of my mumps-occasioned impotence (I should’ve said when she began to talk of babies).
But I did.
History tells us of a miracle baby. I sense this is not another.
Deleteoh yes, trouble is a-heading their way like thunderclouds. Nice use of the prompts, Sandra.
DeleteThe use of italics signals so much emotion in that final line. Curious how she isn't talking about it, as if she doesn't want him to know about the baby.
DeleteI seem to remember a song by Heart that had a similar type of theme. Don't recall the title though. This was essentially sad and I do fear for the fate of the enceinte lady. No telling what a cuckold is prone to do. Very unique take on the prompts, Sandra. What an imagination!
DeleteUh oh, trouble brewing. I get the feeling he isn't going to get over this.
ReplyDeleteStop the Week; I Want to Get Off (61)
ReplyDeleteOne of the ‘coincidences’ is someone asking for something, me saying ‘not right now’ and the item arriving in the shop soon afterwards. It’s part of the energy flow surrounding trade, I do believe. Now I sound like a learned sage, do I not? Very little leather comes in; we tend to avoid the hefty 3 piece suites when offered, through lack of room. The market is faddy for large items anyway, they sometimes take forever to sell. We have had an influx of ‘tool’ type stuff, stepladders, cutters, etc. Not very interesting – to me anyway. The males like it…
I think part of the charm of your shop is its uniqueness and the certainty that one will find many unusual and sometimes mundane items, but not necessarily right now.
DeleteI'm with you, Antonia. Tools and such hold little charm for me too. However, that being said, whatever sells, huh? As always, these vignettes are entertaining with a true-to-life feel.
DeleteIt is tools and the like that draws my husband into shops like yours. I haven't fully fathomed why since we still have all my Dad's and he died 25 years ago.
DeleteFunny how that works with items showing up a little after they're needed.
DeleteThe Mad Italian (120)
ReplyDeleteThe question is, who will be sitting on those leather seats come October, who will bring their sage-like wisdom to the chamber and contribute to the debate? It is no coincidence that the Scottish lady has resigned at this time, the task ahead is not for the faint hearted. She has given eight years of service to her country, enough for anyone. Meantime the flamboyant but ever scheming and forward planning PM, having taken everyone by surprise, no doubt has more schemes up his tailored sleeve. I am pleased to see politics showing its true face, devious, devoted and dangerous.
Quite the combination there with 'devious, devoted and dangerous.' Much can be accomplished with those qualities.
DeleteSo is Brexit happening or not? I read different things now and then but it isn't clear to my western mind.
ReplyDeleteseriously? No one knows. What the PM has done is cut down the time MPs have to fight over the various problems, but right now, everything is up for grabs. No one knows. I dislike President Trump but he's right when he says the UK is about to lose the anchor round its ankle.
DeleteI am totally in awe of Leonardo's ability to sum up the "true face" of politics in three words: devious, devoted and dangerous. There's really no way to expand on that observation.
ReplyDelete