Less hazardous, but a following a week’s
holiday and with departure from our lodgings in Kirkwall set for today I have scheduled
words but in case my participation is not (or has not been) possible I ask you to once again
please nominate your personal favourite from last week’s entries.
Words
for next week: peacock recede vex
Entries
by midnight (GMT) Thursday 19th September,
words posted Friday 20th
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.
I vote for Sandra's Lay lady, lay because of the tremendous relief I felt when Raven and whatshername finally got back to business.
ReplyDeleteI'm with John in voting for Sandra's "Lay Lady, Lay." Partly because of the reasons John has already stated and also because to express admiration of Sandra's serializations in voting form comes along so very rarely. And last but not least, I thought it was the crown jewel in an absolute treasure trove of gems last week.
DeleteThank you both. Have to say I am glad not to be judging this week - too close to call.
DeleteSuperficialman
ReplyDeleteMarlon watched the receding form of Marylou Steen as she sashayed from the coffee shop. He hated being called Peacock. She hadn’t even seen it, despite his amorous attempts. Of course she claimed it was because of his pompous attitude. But he knew better.
The surgeon was vexed by Marlon’s request but performed the procedure despite its excessive nature. A promised fee, double the norm, was clearly the motivator.
When the two finally got together, a flushed Marylou said, “I don’t know Peacock, I doubt it will fit.”
intriguing! I do wonder how you come up with entries so fast, you must have a mind full of bits and pieces that fit together perfectly around the prompts, is that about right?
DeleteEcho Antonia's comment and immensely curious as to what Marlon has done
DeleteClever use of 'peacock' haha. I hope Marlon doesn't regret his decision!
DeleteI'm with Antonia in wondering how you manage to craft entries so speedily and with such ingenuity on top of that. Seems like you just take the words and churn out an entertaining piece without even thinking about it.
DeleteI vote for Jim's The Last Attack.
ReplyDeleteI'll add my comments sometime this week. Sorry about the delay! I've been rushing to finish my final novel file (releasing end of September!) and my kids started school this week, so it's been rather hectic.
my vote is for Jim's Last Attack too, outstanding horror and storytelling.
ReplyDeleteMy vote goes to Patricia's The Last Comedian, as it was especially novel.
ReplyDeleteDawn of the Amsterdamned
ReplyDeleteOur protective barricade of bicycles and breeze blocks encircles the bridges and banks. Dams built from upturned barges stem the canal, causing the water to recede. We are an odd bunch. Prostitutes, punks and policemen. Crouched on pallets. Caked in mud. A tragedy unfolding.
The peacock we rescued becomes vexed on the approach of walking cadavers. We are low on ammunition. We wait till the juddering creatures become entangled in the bicycle frames before taking them out.
Automatic gunfire echoes in the vicinity of the port. We scan the skies, clinging to the hope of incoming helicopters.
An odd bunch is an understatement. What a strange and wonderful scene, with walking cadavers, flooding streets, vexed peacocks and the bike frame traps. Quite an imaginative story, David.
DeleteHow vividly you've enabled this to enter my mind. and the whole so perfectly constructed. Thank you, David.
DeleteI agree, very imaginative and there's something about the items you picked that make it even more vivid in my mind (bicycles, breeze blocks, upturned barges etc). I love the vexed peacock too.
Deletethis is astonishingly vivid and I so wanted to read more.
DeleteWhat a wonderful raggle-taggle of mismatched individuals and items at their disposal. This definitely has the feel of a serialization.
DeleteVisionary
ReplyDeleteIt's vexing to say the least when specimens prove unsuitable. Unfortunately, it's impossible to recede once the decision is made and that's regrettable. However, there can be no omelette without breaking eggs and there's sure to be collateral damage. I offer apologies for that.
Regardless, the artistic creation that will become my legacy is vitally important and the masterpiece for which my genius will be remembered...an iridescent peacock tail fashioned from only the brightest of human eyes.
Yes, I can see the collateral damage would pile up as more suitable eyeballs are needed. But it's for a good cause...
DeleteVery chilling concept, Patricia. I'm glad you thought it up.
Horrific in it telling as much as its conception, Patricia. I should not be surprised about uses to which an apparently innocent word such as 'peacock' is put, but I am ...
DeleteUuuugh, I was not expecting that final line haha. Very inventive, totally fascinating and horrifying. I'm curious where this 'artistic creation' is being displayed.
Deletechillingly horrific and beautifully simply told.
DeleteCity of Feathers [Shepherdess #8]
ReplyDeleteThe City of Feathers was as overwhelming as Haera remembered, a riotous clash of color, pungent smells, obstreperous birds and chromatic flora. Green and budding things dripped down every wall and tenaciously crawled across the ground. Trying twice to eat a merchant’s peacock, Moses was now firmly tucked beneath one arm.
Dathasha, vexed by the noise, had attached herself to Haera, hand on her back as she wove through the ardent crush of people. “Will this recede?” Dathasha gasped, her voice strained.
“No,” Haera said. “The Ketha pride themselves on eternal commerce. The night market’s even worse.”
Dathasha groaned.
Episodes 1-8 can be read here on my blog.
What a market this would be. Loved chromatic flora and Moses getting personal with the peacocks. Nice installment, Holly.
DeleteLike David's Amsterdam, this so visual and engaging. Fraught with tension and leaving me wondering 'what next?'
DeleteAn entry rife with beautifully vivid images, Holly. You painted a very clear picture of this scene.
Deleteso much going on and yet the story is there, firmly rooted in the descriptions. Good writing.
DeleteThe idea of Moses trying twice to eat a merchant's peacock simply made this for me...together with now being tucked out of harm's way neatly beneath one arm. This was a panorama that drew the reader in immediately.
DeleteCan birds smile?
ReplyDeleteThe peacock with the receding tail feathers moped behind the reptile house at the zoo, hiding from the keeper who wanted him gone. Who wanted a featherless show bird?
Vexed by his predicament, the peacock heard laughter and recognized the child who had yanked a particularly long feather from his plumage just last week. He waited for just the right moment as a cool breeze soothed his plucked pink skin.
The bird emitted a muffled squawk as the keeper carried him away, a pale blue eyeball in his bloodied beak.
Oh lord. It's eyeballs again; stuff of nightmares - naked bird and eyeless child
DeleteDon't piss off a peacock, eh, John? Again you have crafted a most original tale.
DeleteBirds make me wary and here's why! That pale blue eyeball will stick in my head all day. :)
Deleteoh oh, more eyeballs... what's going on with you guys this week? Horrific story, so well done.
DeleteYou have to watch out for enraged peacocks. I know that from personal experience. I had a friend in my younger days become trapped in a gazebo by a brood of irritated peacocks. Sad to say, the rest of us displayed cowardly behaviour and left her to her own devices. It's okay though. She eventually made good her escape.
DeleteCleanliness is next to ... [Threshold 269]
ReplyDeleteSteam-surrounded, away from the potential of prying eyes, we each soaped the other with gentle care; I swirling white bubble patterns on the blackness of his gleaming skin. Damage from hot pokers applied by Norsewomen to his leg had much receded and recently-broken arm did not affect the movement of his fingers.
‘You are healed?’
My question – one of innocent enquiry – appeared momentarily to vex him. Half defensive (but also laughing) ‘You fear I’ll not be capable?’
A glance downwards. Cock needed no peacock feathers to demonstrate resplendent readiness.
‘I fear ...’ I began, then words and breath deserted me.
Nice Sandra. Now I need a glass of wine. Exquisite writing.
DeleteThe woman's attention to this injured fellow certainly produced pleasant rewards, Sandra. What a nice ending!
DeleteAnother very clever use of peacock. ;) I loved the description in the beginning. Very atmospheric and breath-catching.
Deletecrafted perfectly to finish on that tantalising last line.
DeleteHow wonderfully sensuous and exotic. You have such a flair for this type of scenario, Sandra. However, I had little doubt that Raven would be fully functional.
DeleteBy The Numbers
ReplyDeleteLike his hairline, rolling canal fog receded as the elderly gentleman sought out his destination...a house whose modest exterior belied the vestibule of plush peacock blue divans and opulent midnight wall hangings.
"You can accommodate me?"
Reassured, he immediately discarded brunettes from the selection. His penchant was for the fair. He narrowed options by requesting ages and breathed a sigh of vexation. The flaxen-haired delight fell beyond his criteria but he refused to deviate from self-appointed standards and chose an innocent-faced charmer with copper curls.
Unfortunately, at thirteen, the favoured boy had simply celebrated one birthday too many.
Ugh. In a wholly admiring way, please understand, but ... ugh.
DeleteNever have I been so glad to be a brunette. Chilling, Patricia. Simply chilling. And well done I might add.
DeleteWhoa! Really caught me with that last line, Patricia. Disturbingly potent.
DeleteUgh, yes...I was drawn in by such a luscious description that the end was even more horrifying. Excellent lingering final line.
Deleteso calculating and cold, sharp potent writing, Patricia. Brilliant.
DeleteSEPT. 19 PEACOCK RECEDE VEX
ReplyDeleteFear and alarm swept the earth as a faint silver veil populated with blue-green orbs fanned across the sky like a peacock’s train. Superpowers immediately aimed their nuclear warheads skyward and launched data-collecting probes. Meticulous analysis, however, exposed nothing menacing, and vexed cosmologists ultimately deemed the veil a harmless cosmic anomaly.
That was ten years ago, and during that time the veil neither advanced nor receded. People gradually resumed their lives and countries resumed their wars.
Within the largest of the veil’s blue-green orbs a yellow-skinned being smiled at his second-in-command. “Earth is again defenseless. Tell our ships to attack.”
Oh, complacency! But superbly told.To the extent I wish I wasn't supposed to choose this week. Thank you Jim.
DeleteYou gotta admire the patience of the aliens. I loved how the countries went back to their wars.
DeleteGorgeous imagery in the beginning! Loved the peacock's train. Clever of the aliens to wait until everyone is distracted.
Deleteprompt words slid into this story with such ease I am totally envious! Leonardo does the political commentary, I have to do the shop one and it's not as easy as I remember it used to be... getting old, methinks.
DeleteSeamless use of the prompt words indeed. So much for taking cosmic anomalies for granted.
DeleteChange of focus [345]
ReplyDeletePettinger, head ringing as he crash-landed against a lamp-post, tried to make sense of what appeared to be fingers emerging from the head of an irate woman. As vision sharped he recognised a spray of feathers – peacock or rooster – attached to the sort of black felt hat his grandmother used to wear. ‘Vexed’ a word she often used about his behaviour. Similarly, this woman’s virulent accusations advanced and receded in volume from a cerise-framed mouth.
He was more than bollocking vexed!
Squinting and still supine he extracted and waved up at her his warrant. ‘Madam, I’m arresting you for assault.’
Good luck with this arrest, Pettinger. The feather capped woman might prove to be a challenge.
Deletewhy do I think this isn't going to be as easy as he thinks?? Nicely done, Sandra!
DeletePettinger needs to be careful. This type of lady often carries an umbrella and is rather skilled at using it!
DeleteLoved the description of the feathers on the woman's hat. Sounds like this arrest will be a big challenge!
DeleteCripplegate Junction/Part 204 - The Importance Of Being Pompous
ReplyDeleteAt insistence of the corpulent Grand Dame, a browbeaten porter escorted vexing and undesirable personages from her carriage. She was now the sole occupant. Again, she wondered how such riff-raff had gained access to her first class compartment. However, offensive odours lingered.
She rummaged through her carpet bag...an ostentatious tapestry valise featuring haughty peacocks and multi-coloured petunias...until she found her atomizer and sprayed a liberal bouquet into the air.
Above the Junction, threatening storm clouds rapidly receded into the distance beyond the Railway Arches. The Grande Dame was not surprised. Rain had never been known to fall on Cripplegate.
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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.
----------------------------------------------------------
I think The Grand Dame is one of my favourite characters, and your use of appropriate words (valise,petunias, atomiser) is responsible for this.
DeleteNote: The Grande Dame and the brow beaten porter have appeared in previous episodes.
DeleteAnother note: Outstanding, Patricia. Yet another mystery about Cripplegate in that it doesn't rain. It's funny how the clouds receded as soon as she sprayed her atomizer.
Cripplegate is definitely one strange out-of-time place and the stories which come from there are as strange as the place!
DeleteJust as a little snippet of trivial information, the fact that Cripplegate never gets rained upon was previously referenced in Episode 61 entitled "On The Wrong Track."
DeleteThat's some cross-reference system you have there Patricia!! Linking 61 with 124. O'm impressed.
DeleteThe Grand Dame is a powerful presence, and I also love the idea that rain never falls on Cripplegate. Very mysterious!
DeleteStop the Week; I Want to Get Off (64)
ReplyDeleteWe are often asked for different things, so far no one has requested peacock feathers but those in need of tea strainers, glass juicers; huge standard lamp shades and – are disappointed. We can only sell what we get. Meantime, with the floating bridge still out of service, we watch our profits recede and our vexation with inept councils growing. We did sell the double mattress today, so pleased to see that go from the shop floor. More tools came in over the weekend… of course, when I want pretty things! Items are selling, got to say. Still want pretty things…
Is the floating bridge for foot traffic or vehicles? I can see how an island would benefit from getting the bridge up and running. Glad you got rid of the mattress. Lots of room for other things now.
DeleteBoth. There has been a floating bridge/chain ferry linking East and West Cowes since Victorian times, this is bridge no 6. It, like the others, was designed for vehicles and people, but unlike the others... it hasn't worked properly in the three years it's been in service. Truth is, the builders were at work on this monstrosity for another buyer somewhere else. They pulled out, this council got it cheaper than they would otherwise but it's caused endless problems with noise - when the prow comes down, buildings shake... and it just keeps breaking down. There's already been one serious accident on board, when a crew member was injured below decks... it's cost an absolute fortune. When it's out of service the council have to hire launches to get foot passengers across, at the cost of £2000 per day... the story of the bridge would make a good book by itself, but it would be getting the rock bottom truth from people...
DeleteMy best friend gave me a copy of a photograph taken by her great-grandfather in 1901. I have it in the shop window, framed, with the slogan THIS ONE WORKED on the bottom. It causes endless amusement with visitors...
Don't despair, Antonia, business will soon pick up... won't it? I have my fingers crossed.
DeleteSeems you have rather an influx of tools lately. Hopefully you'll get some much more attractive items soon. Utilitarian objects are all well and good, but sometimes there's nothing that appeals more than what is pleasing to the eye.
DeleteI can also understand the wish for more attractive items. Hopefully the bridge is sorted quickly!
DeleteThe Mad Italian (123)
ReplyDeleteThe peacock’s attitude to women is to flaunt and display and so we have a demonstration of this with the power struggle going on to prove this is illegal or that. It is vexing indeed to see supposed sensible people leaping onto bandwagons at risk to life and limb and future career and I wonder why they cannot see their hopes of convincing the electorate receding into the political sunset. No one will come out of this sorry affair covered in any kind of glory. This party promises this; another promises abolition of Brexit: what good will that do?
When a bandwagon goes by, it's probably frustrating when people start hopping on. Sensible or otherwise.
DeleteSeems that minds never will meet on common ground...or even reasonable ground come to that. Promises, promises. Does anyone believe they'll come to fruition any more?
DeleteEverything feels so chaotic lately, it's enough to want to disappear from it all and yet unable to do so.
DeleteBEING SERVED
ReplyDeleteSmiling decorously, Captain Peacock approached the gentleman standing nervously by the full-length mirror and asked, “Are you being served?”
“Not yet,” the man whispered.
Captain Peacock nodded at the proper response. “And you will be, Sir. Your selection, please.”
Somewhat vexed, the man squirmed and twitched.
Captain Peacock’s smile receded into his trim mustache. “Discretion… please,” he said firmly."We have customers shopping for, shall I say, our more conventional commodities. Now, your selection… Ms. Brahms or Mr. Humphries?”
The man whispered into Captain Peacock’s ear.
Captain Peacock turned toward the rear of the department. “Mr. Humphries… are you free?”
Oh, VERY clever thinking Jim! And far too easily visualised for comfort (though it must've been several decades ago))
DeleteClever indeed. How long did that series run? It must have been one of the longest. And what an interesting cast of characters. I just loved Mr. Humphries...and Ms. Brahms. At one time, I could recite by heart that list of floors where the lift stopped.
DeleteEven though I'm not familiar with the show, I enjoyed your story a lot. It has the flair you've come to be known for with your stories. I of course looked into the BBC show and I think I might watch a few episodes on Youtube.
DeleteI never watched this series so it took me a while to work out what was happening! When I got there, oh yes, very funny!
DeleteAre You Being Served? was a hilarious British TV show in the 70's and 80's. I never missed an episode.
Deletethere's a lot of TV series I managed not to watch, this is just one of them, Red Dwarf was another. For the first three years of marriage we had no TV, when we got one, I saw one episode of Star Trek and never watched it again... it's been ten years since we had a TV in the house. Daughter watches it at her boyfriend's flat but says it's good to come home and have no flashing images.
DeleteKursaal (Episode One Hundred Seventy Nine) - "Benny The Better Batter"
ReplyDeleteConcluding an unexceptional innings, the Constabulary relinquished the field to Kursaal openers, Benny Jester and Crow (Choleric Clown). A less than ideal pairing given their brief affair resulting in a vexed and broken-hearted pierrot, they were the best batsmen.
Benny's retinue of young gentlemen were proud as peacocks as he adopted a masterful stance before the wicket...although a few coquettish titters escaped at his wearing immaculate virgin white.
Benny knocked a six into the stands and a tremendous scuffle for the ball ensued. It came as a total shock when a receding crowd revealed the identity of the prizewinner.
---------------------------------------------------------
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: Benny Jester (as well as his adoring retinue) and Crow (Choleric Clown) have featured in previous episodes.
Patricia, I found this story complex and wonderful. You always seem to keep me on my toes with your exquisite language skills. I look forward to finding who caught the ball.
DeleteLovely. We spent a lot of time in Orkney, listening to the Test Match and watching showers pass, at speed.
Deletegreat instalment, bringing so many different images. I would hate to walk in your dreams, Patricia!
DeleteWhoDunnit...???
ReplyDeleteIt was so terribly vexing. Never got away with it. Always found out. Well this time would be different. She waited until all was quiet and any revealing light had receded. Then, with absolute stealth, Mrs. Peacock retrieved the Candlestick and made her way to the Billiard Room.
I haven't a clue what you're talking about. Ok, I do know what you're talking about and I love it. What a concept for a story. Who knows, maybe for once, she'll get away with it.
DeleteHooray!! I was hoping someone would pick up on that Peacock. And so succinctly done!
DeleteClever use of peacock this week! Loved this game. :) I love the image of her sneaking down a corridor.
Deletethis really did baffle me, I think it's Cluedo but I've never seen it or played it or had anyone tell me about it... which makes me think I've missed out on something worthwhile!
ReplyDeleteIs a board game where three random cards are placed into an envelope that detail the murderer, the weapon and the place where the crime took place. The purpose is to deduce from game play and by means of elimination who, with what and where. First person to correctly guess by announcing (in the case above, for instance) "Mrs. Peacock with the Candlestick in the Billiard Room"(and thereby matching the cards in the envelope) is the winner. I know it's a little more involved that that but it's been a while since I played and that's the basic concept.
DeleteOh...there are several character cards, weapon cards and location cards to choose from, although the selection is done blind. Therefore, the combination can be virtually endless making for a different game each time.
Deletethank you! Not the sort of games my family would have played and apart from Scrabble and Monopoly, my ex never played board games so I rather missed out on that one. As he was not averse to cheating, it's probably just as well we didn't play that one!
ReplyDeleteI realised early on that he was a bad loser but a worse winner, even winning at Snap produced a roar of approval for himself! Anna hated playing with him, because she'd inherited the 'bad winner' tendency so it got a bit nasty at times...
I'm with you on that, Antonia. My ex-husband was just as much a bad winner as a bad loser. I remember an evening of Cribbage where I managed to win every game and he ended up throwing board, cards and pegs out the window.
DeleteThanks to a row between daughter and elder son, much of our Monopoly money is bloodstained. Can't remember much about it but know the stainless steel egg-cup used to shake the dice in was involved.
Delete