I should have
had more faith, but thank you, thank you once again for such a wonderful crop of tales – I doubt I was the
only one salivating with anticipation with each new post I read. Which,
of course, means I now have to choose the most delicious and, like
the punnets of raspberries I have been offered this week, to choose one from
several of near-identical quality is hard.
So, I narrowed
it to three, stirred them and re-read them, and eventually – at this particular
minute – was able to declare it to be Holly, for her hint-of-epic ‘Ties’.
Words
for next week: compulsory extravagant
tone
Entries
by midnight (GMT) Thursday 4th June , words and winners posted Friday
5th
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.
Congrats Holly. It was good to see your name on the leader board again.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Holly. What a way to make a comeback! Great story with a magnificent mythical feel. Very deserving of the top spot.
DeleteThank you! I'm glad I got to join in this round. I enjoyed all of your stories. :)
DeleteThe curious cases of Dr. A. Marie Abernathy, Part 9
ReplyDeleteIn an extravagant turn of events, the defense attorney for the alleged Harvester managed to throw shade at the DNA evidence.
Thorne burst into the pathology lab.
“I miss you too,” said Abernathy, her compulsory form fitting scrubs stained with gore. “And yes, I heard.”
“Your tone suggests doubt. Did we arrest the wrong man?”
She nodded at the prone body. “Textbook Harvester method. Crime committed, perp locked up.”
Thorne sighed. “Can we assume DNA from this stiff will be tainted as well?”
“Quite possibly altered to throw us off again.”
“Drinks tonight?”
“Work or play?” she said.
“Why not both?”
looooove the transition from death and destruction to drink and ?
Deletegood one, John!
I'm glad to see these two can look past the gore and the turn of events to what promises to be an enchanting evening.
DeleteIt's good that they have something in common between them and that they really do leave work at work. Well done, John.
Delete" to throw shade at" a new one on me, very descriptive.
DeleteWhy not both indeed. This is moving along very nicely.
DeleteCongrats, Holly! Your entry was indeed the proper choice.
ReplyDeleteSnap: Theo’s first interview
ReplyDeleteExperienced enough to stay within compulsory PACE guidelines on interviewing suspects, DS Sandy Kerr, from behind features suggestive of an orang utang, and without audible menace in tone of voice, was adept at instilling a nervousness his superiors might say was excessive.
Not necessary for Theo Duncan, which was just as well because, despite his successful uplifting during last night’s raid at Lucy’s apartment, any hint of jubilation would be extravagant. What was wanted from Duncan was co-operation. Names. Possibly him acting as bait.
Telling him his girlfriend was dead a trump card Kerr had not yet needed to play.
Nicely done in setting the stage. interviewing is like poker.
DeleteOh my..."features suggestive of an orang utang." Only you could come up with something so deliciously descriptive, Sandra.
DeleteWho wouldn’t do it… if one could?
ReplyDeleteTim McKee sold toner and noncompliant printer supplies over the phone for extravagant prices. He was constantly amazed by the people who fell for his pitch. Sometimes, he even felt sorry for them. Business was particularly good lately with many working from home and trying to get old printers running again.
God was not amused. He fussed with his Sharp 2600-XL and cussed uncharacteristically. As Tim left the house for his daily power walk, God, with toner stained fingers, conjured a compulsory lightning bolt and let it fly.
“Let there be justice,” He said to the scorch mark on the sidewalk.
What joy! This a prayer which could also be directed at many others.
DeleteSelling knock off toner to God. the nerve of some people. I guess that what he got was better than what he deserevd.
DeleteYou don't mess with the Man upstairs. No second chances for such an egregious mistake. As always, John, well done!
DeleteThis was wonderful in so many ways. None better than how God got totally pissed off and demanded vengeance. I'd say Tim would know better next time but for Tim, there will obviously be no next time.
Deleteoh I love this!
ReplyDeleteNaming no names, I asked my usual ink supplier for cartridges for the (outdated but still functioning) HP printer. 'No, definitely defunct' came the answer. 'I've checked around and no one has any. You'll need another printer. I recommend the Brother XXXX...' first it was nice of him to at least direct me to something but second, I went onto ebay and bought 2 compatibles for a third of the money I have been paying and they work perfectly, so, thanks, God!
Raven investigates [Threshold 303]
ReplyDeleteGaudy-Garb evidently found Raven’s solicitude extravagant.
She left.
He indicated the cooling bath. ‘Not compulsory but, might soothe –‘
‘Or wash off.’ Obediently I climbed in.
He came and knelt. So close his breath caressed me, he palmed and trickled water. Murmured, ‘Colour’s running –‘
‘What colour?’
‘Burnt Sienna.’
Tone suggested fear I’d wince. Half-joking, ‘Sure it isn’t blood?’
Straightening, insistent, ‘Stand!’
Hands black against my sun-browned skin, he turned me. Gently blotted my back with a towel. Used a single dark-whorled finger to trace, ‘Maybe a tattoo.’
I sighed. ‘Soap. Try scrubbing –‘
‘I want to read it first.’
A possible pictogram tattoo. Very good use of scene and setting.
Deleteof course it has to be read first, the question is, will it make sense? In this strange world, nothing is as it truly seems, is it?
DeleteAnd who wouldn't want to read it first? Will we get to know what it says or will it be in some alien tongue that only Raven can decipher?
DeleteOut of Time
ReplyDeleteBrothers three, the last pure descendants of Atlantis. They called us wizards, warlocks, and demigods. In truth, cowards might have a ring of truth. We were tasked with teaching humans to defend themselves. We failed. Galiel taught The Lion Heart King. Extravagance was his downfall. Uxator tutored Hiawatha, but his tone was too peaceful, he forgot his purpose. Then there was Morgana, I, Pelwrath, taught her. She had such promise but didn’t learn; love isn’t compulsory with sex.
If you want something done, do it yourself. Ah, the stone circle, my destination. I’ll know when my brothers reach theirs.
Atlantis has always held a degree of fascination for me. I do believe it has been suggested to reside in many locations. Such an island of myth and mystery nicely suggested here.
DeleteChange of focus [379]
ReplyDeletePettinger’s sigh an extravagance of anger and frustration, slashed with a sharp ache of pity for the young woman sat before him, even though the tone in which she’d told the tale invited neither. ‘So. Dodger was escaping. Who would have chased? Omega?’
‘Not exactly. Dodger’s “escape” more likely compulsory. Similarly those who chased. Film-makers stationed along the designated route, and at the killing place.’
‘Already chosen?’
‘Yes.’
‘And the film –‘ He broke off, unwilling to contemplate
Philly Stepcart checked her watch. ‘Will have been edited, a trailer made, price set and been on sale for maybe eighteen hours.’
That's a novel way of getting extras with paying union scale. Filming the muder and it's investigation. Extravagance of anger and frustration is a good line.
Deleteand where does this take the people involved in this rather nasty scenario? How far has it travelled in those 18 hours...
DeleteCunningly evil in its nonchalance, Sandra!
DeleteEighteen hours...not quite a day and yet, what a difference a day can make. Nice progression, Sandra.
DeleteHer Hymenopteran Majesty Commands
ReplyDeleteAre you one of us?
Where you there in 1981 when the female synth band, Hivemind Collective, released their controversial album, Compulsory Extravagant Tone?
Did you buy it? Did the cover art cause your head to spin? Did the scent of the vinyl intoxicate? Could you discern the hypnotic drone that ran through every track and filled the gaps between? Did you hold on to your copy when the suicides started and the album was recalled?
Have you been patient?
Listen tonight. The hour is here. Tomorrow we burn the world.
All Hail the Queen!
Wow, David - I think you've excelled yourself this week in terms of applying off-the-wall imagination to three prompt words. Impressed and thoroughly entertained.
DeleteA use of an album the Beatles never thought of and taking subliminal suggestion to a new level. Very well done and unique story.
DeleteYou say a whole lot in these few words, David. Music can be such a powerful intoxicant.
Deletefascinating, compulsive storytelling which is scary enough and vivid enough to have happened at some time...
DeleteHow imaginative and totally different from anything else on offer this week. I envy your creativity, David...particularly since my own inspirational well ran dry very quickly this time around.
DeleteThe Box Unopened
ReplyDeleteThe guild master’s tones vary, quality of workmanship is compulsory, not extravagance, they say. Isn’t that pride? They don’t see the difference between their art, like a fingerprint. I tried to explain but they demoted me to under apprentice for my impertinence. It was like I’d walked in the door.
I was cleaning out the old storage house and found an unopened box of steel ingots. I made an akinaka. I cried at its perfection, my tears tempering the blade.
At least that’s the story I told my fellow guild masters. I’m guild master Dimasqe, perhaps you’ve heard of me?
I believe Dimasque will be remembered more for his impertinence than for his talent. Quite the creative entry, Jeffrey!
DeleteI constantly wonder with these types of pieces from you, Jeffrey, whether you are referencing a character from history or your own rich imagination.
DeletePatricia, very close, a thing from history. This was about Damascus Steel
DeleteUndefinable
ReplyDeleteIs it compulsory?
Of course not.
Is it extravagant?
Most certainly.
But does it set the tone?
Hell, yeah...!!!
Nineteen words and so expertly put together. Perhaps a master's piece?
DeleteHAS to be a garment of some sort ... doesn't it?
Deletethe imagination is running wild, as wild as the tone of this extraordinary piece!
DeleteA very novel approach, Patricia, and so well done!
DeleteTHE SHADOW SERIES: THE END?
ReplyDeleteMy shadow slides from me and furtively glides into a night of madness of its own creation… it kills often… rabidly, maniacally… then returns to me, its human host… a gunshot shatters the air, leaving my shadow orphaned and dispirited in an abandoned tunnel…
Reality, now an extinct extravagance… annihilated by this recurring and seemingly compulsory nightmare that constantly threads through me like film on a continuous loop…
“It’s time to go.” The warden’s voice, detached and toneless.
At the cell door, I turned, wondering if those accompanying me saw the shadow slithering through a crack in the back wall.
This series - and I trust, perhaps unwisely, it is not the end, has become a compulsion and a feast. Of well-chosen words.
DeleteJim, what a great sequel and example of how a story is written.
Deletesurely the Shadow can't die, can it? It's other-worldly, they're tough to kill, the silver bullet thing doesn't always do what it says on the tin... this has been and continues to be great writing.
DeleteOoohhh...what an image...a slithering shadow disappearing through a crack in the wall. I refuse to believe this is the last we will see of this fascinating characterization.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteStop The Week; I Want To Get Off (100)
ReplyDeleteStarting next week I am going to be packing china and glass while the cabinet is moved, safer out than in it… then working on the compulsory Covid-19 requirements whilst keeping the right tone/ atmosphere of the shop. Then, with luck, the ‘extravagance’ of new stock, just the few items today made it feel good. The important thing here is our mental health, we both need the challenges of the shop, the ongoing demands made by changing seasons and demands on how we work. Can only deliver to a doorstep and no further… life is such fun during Covid-19!
Good to hear things are beginning to stir, Antona.
DeleteI'll second your thoughts on family fun during COVID=19. I'm happy that you're opening back up. Retail stores here weren't included in Phase II unless you could do curbside.
DeleteMany people are finding these enforced restrictions to be taking a toll as much on mental health as anything else. I'm sure it's nice to get back at least to sorting and working on future displays. Bring some semblance of normalcy, although I doubt that things will ever be quite the same again. Good luck with your eventual "grand reopening."
DeleteThe Joy of Mediumship 7
ReplyDeleteThis week, so far, no communications for books, but in the dark hours Kai Kat and I heard footsteps coming through the house. Kai sat up to listen, like me woken from a deep sleep. The person was not overly heavy, no thudding sounds, just the footsteps which came close, faltered and turned back, to fade into the darkness while I sat in a block of spirit created ice. I await the return of the visitor, hoping they will bring an extravagance of thoughts, with an overtone of deep spirituality. It isn’t compulsory, I just hope they will return.
I could hear every footfall, Antonia, thanks to your splendid description.
DeleteWhat a tense situation you presented. I fekt I was there.
DeleteWhat a sense of mystery. Any inkling at all on the identity of this elusive visitor?
DeleteThe Mad Italian (159(
ReplyDeleteIt should be compulsory for every person in Parliament to be banned from continually questioning members of the opposing party. It’s an extravagant waste of parliamentary time when there is much else to be discussed and decided. It would also remove that censoring tone, that ‘we would have done it much better’ but not asking themselves if that be so, why didn’t they win the election… and wait for an answer. Meantime the population, lost in Covid-19 woes, is managing to avoid any mention of the virus which split the country: Brexit. Where now for the members of that parliament?
Politicians are moe concerend with their political careers than their political resposabilities. I know there will be a spike due to all the protesting and law enforcemnet response. I only hope it's not that big.
Delete"Where now?" might be an appropriate question directed in many and varied directions, Antonia. I for one, look forward to Leonardo's continued observations during these dubious times.
DeleteMiserable week for inspiration so I'm bringing down the curtain on this one. I will, however, be back later with comments.
ReplyDeleteA Farewell
ReplyDeleteI entwine my fingers in your hair as I inhale the lingering scent from our loving. It’s compulsory, like an addiction yet one I shan’t ever want to be cured of.
The picnic was so extravagantly arranged, with my favorite foods, you even made kouign amann. My dearest Giacomo, I felt your breaking heart when I rebuffed your proposal. Yet, your loving tone never changed. My next trip is to handle Elizabeth Bathory. She’s looking for the staff of Moses and already has Arron’s. If I return…Henriette Casanova has a nice ring and Talrya for our unborn daughter.
Here again, you reference a litany of historical personages. It's a wonderful asset, but sometimes creates for me some confusion to try and meld them together. Nonetheless, your knowledge cannot be denied.
ReplyDelete