A round dozen
And, unsurprisingly, every one nigh on a winner. I
never thought of seven dwarves rebelling, nor of the Magnificent. Was
entertained by Rudy's rash behaviour about to get him into trouble again and
the Grande Dame coming out in spots, and I clapped my hands at a haul of
grandfather clocks. But, remembering we're about horror, and how, even after the
forewarning of the title I still found myself gagging at the end, I have to
award this week's top spot to David for 'Your tongue shall be split'.
words for the coming week: exquisite glove snap
Entries by midnight Thursday 23rd
September, new words
posted Friday 24th
Usual rules: 100
words maximum (excluding title) of flash fiction or poetry using all 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.
Great job, David. One of my top choices too.
ReplyDeleteI agree, great job, David.
DeleteYours was the right choice, David. Congrats!
DeleteSo very well deserved, David.
Deletecongrats, David, great story.
DeleteCustomer Service
ReplyDeleteThe one-armed man was doubly cursed with a very small hand, making glove buying unpleasant, especially at the exquisite shops he preferred to patronize.
“Perhaps a women’s pair?” the salesgirl said, eyeroll exaggerated.
“Pair?” he said. “I only need the left, in a man’s style, if you please.”
“Try a children’s store,” she said, turning her back.
Having audibly snapped, the one-armed man exited the shop. A little loose, he thought, flexing his fingers, but it’ll do.
The salesgirl lay behind the counter, an extra-small right glove lodged in her lifeless throat.
So skilful at the off-the-wall and unexpected response, John. This a prime example
DeleteNice one, John. I did not see that coming.
DeleteLOL - the trials of the bad guy from David Janssn's " The Fugitive". Apparently only the traumatized can laugh at such delicious black irony. Off to the psychiatrist for me.
Deleteoh good one, John!
DeleteI recall a number of history's notorious one-armed men. This fellow has now joined the list. Very nice, John!
ReplyDeleteThe Die Is Cast
ReplyDeleteI restored her once immaculate visage to its former glory. Her resolve had snapped and she had been unable to resist temptation but to forgive was, after all, divine. As for her crippled spirit, my powers were restricted by the one whose velvet glove often encases an iron fist.
I gathered the scattered quills that littered the jagged rocks upon which she had landed. Not so long ago, they had comprised her exquisite feathers of flight.
I wished I could transport her home but absolution is not always absolute and a fallen angel cannot soar when she has broken wings.
Would you consider trading stories this week, Patricia? I think I could win with this one. To use a prompt word... exquisite.
DeleteThat final line ... exquisite.
DeleteSuch beautiful melancholia.
Deletea beautiful and sad story, as John said, exquisite.
DeleteA MONSTER OF TASTE AND DEDICATION
ReplyDeleteShe moved through my work with deliberate grace, unfazed by the brain matter and entrails she had to negotiate – accepting of the stench which bodies burst by powerful claws cannot help but emit.
I remained in shadow. I gauged the breeze which snapped at her exquisite auburn hair a moderate 15 mph and wished it to stillness that I might determine what perfume this goddess of forensics wore.
I felt a pang as she covered her locks with soulless plastic.
When she gloved up and bent with fluidity usually restricted to ballet, I almost demurred.
But I’d promised myself ten.
And what a monstrous cast to your thinkng, Perry. So matter-of-fact a mindset.
DeleteTalk about a brutal fiend! This guy takes the cake! So well done, Perry!
DeleteThis was delicious in its dark intent. Superb concept.
Deletesometimes I wonder at the depths of darkness in someone's mind... and their skill in transferring it into tightly written vignette whioh then turns into an entry for the Prediction which hits youj between the eyes...
DeleteKursaal (Episode Two Hundred Thirty Five) - Something In The Air
ReplyDeleteArchon slithered across the forest floor, snapping brittle twigs and rustling withered leaves in his wake. It was the time of another ecdysis and the asp shed his skin with all the sensuality of a burlesque dancer rolling a long white satin glove down her shapely arm.
Soon, exquisite with renewed finery, Archon would return to the Kursaal grounds and the bosom of his mistress, Manasa the Snake-Charmer, but in the meantime, his forked tongue investigated the curious ripple effect within the trees and the emerging outline, as yet still vague and nebulous, of two identical little girls holding hands.
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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: Manasa (the Snake-Charmer) and Archon (Manasa's favourite asp) have both featured in previous episodes.
"the asp shed his skin with all the sensuality of a burlesque dancer rolling a long white satin glove down her shapely arm."
DeleteThis had become a favourite just by giving me a new word to play with (ecdysis) - but WOW, such perfection of simile and description throughout.
'Ecdysis' - I looked it up, commented and forgot to press Submit. Superb use of glove.
Deletedelicate and descriptive writing beautifully put together to create images...
DeleteMen!!! [Threshold 365]
ReplyDeleteRashly (because exquisite patience not a pretence a woman can keep up forever in the face of man's belief in his omnipotence; his blind stubbornness in the face of common sense and superior intuition) I snapped. 'Make your mind up. One way or the other. Whether you choose to don a velvet glove or not, now is the time for iron fist and fast exit!'
Quirked eyebrow and patronising smile tempted me to slap him. I refrained.
'Why so … irritated, dearest? You are bored? Tired, perhaps?'
'Tired of wandering from one unwelcome to another –'
'Ah. You are pregnant.'
Maybe right or maybe wrong but in any event, a typical male reaction. Can't wait for the truth to be revealed.
DeleteOooooh - hsst! So glad I'm not typical. But this was so perfectly human. The ability to imbue fictional characters with such tasty imperfection is a priceless gift. I could see the hackles rising at "dearest" and the scorn of the quirked eyebrow. Brilliant.
Deletea pregnancy will upset a few plans... apart from the ones already being upset by these volatile characters.
DeleteTROOPERS
ReplyDelete“Just that I didn’t notice you at the car,” Colm persisted.
“Surprised he noticed any of us,” Declan quipped basely.
“Shut up asshole!” Joanie’s semiconscious slurring undermined any serious snap.
Finbar looked from one to the other. “Car…? No, I spotted you passing the salvage site as I was taking a break to dust off my protective gloves. Got curious. Just as well.”
“Exquisite timing,” Dooney chimed in, tapping his cracked watch again.
Colm stared at the toddler for a moment before cocking an eyebrow in Caolin’s direction.
Caolin slowly shook his head. “Don’t look at me. All his own!”
I've said it before, but your ability to convey multi-cast conversations is truly enviable.
DeleteColm is turning into quite the precocious little fellow. Magnificent characterizations.
Deletethe characters demand attention, you can't ask much more of a story than that. I visualise the Challenge as a group of highly talented descriptive writers writers, week after week you fulfill that vision.
DeleteChange of focus [443]
ReplyDelete'Philly, I … dear god … you …'
As he'd turned her hand remained stationary. Now better-placed, her fingers … descended … sending exquisite messages to those part which best appreciated … decoded … them.
John Pettinger forgot he'd woken late. Didn't wonder why no beeping, no buzz nor ringing from his phone.
John Pettinger succumbed.
Fifteen minutes later, a siren. Blue light reflecting on the ceiling. Pounding at his front door.
Shouting of his name.
His mind snapped to attention with the alacrity of a vinyl evidence glove. Near drowning Philly's whispered, 'I turned your phone off. Sorry.'
Crisp, potent use of language add to the drama here. A very good read, Sandra!
DeleteOh nicely done, Philly. You know this man rather well I think.
Deletethe award for the most innovative use of the 'glove' prompt... is right here!
DeleteCripplegate Junction/Part 266 - Name Of The Game
ReplyDeleteGiven the Snakes and Ladders box was devoid of counters and contained a pip-less die, Alice and Christopher turned to Miss Constance for diversion. Removing her two-button kid gloves embellished with exquisite seed pearls, the governess searched her valise.
"Snap, Happy Families or Old Maid?" she asked.
Christopher snickered at the suggestion of Old Maid. It reminded Constance of George's reaction when they were children. Personally, she'd never found the game (or the name) particularly amusing.
She looked out onto the platform to determine whether her brother had reappeared but he was still nowhere to be seen.
His vanishing was extremely worrisome.
--------------------------------------------------------
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.
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Pleasure in this saga never wanes.
Deletealways keen for the next instalment to be revealed.
DeleteHandy
ReplyDeleteShe kept many useful things in the glove compartment. Just as well since she was usually prone to making snap decisions.
As an example, contents included garotting wire and an ancient bronze-handled kartrika with an exquisite blue iron blade.
She was well-versed in how to use these items and likely to be called upon at any time to provide her professional services.
Now here's a gal who keeps herself prepared. Succinct and powerful, Patricia!
DeleteRitual flaying blade - of course!! (Why didn't I think of that? Thank you, Patricia.
DeleteA fascinating collection in the glove compartment, which rarely contains gloves, as it happens, but there are no words to cover a collection like that!
DeleteMISSING ITEMS III: A TURN OF EVENTS
ReplyDelete“Did her lips just move?”
Unsure, Rudy stood frozen, the exquisite delight accompanying his wife’s demise suddenly shattered. A deep breath snapped his senses under control, and he forced himself to look at his wife lying calmly in her coffin, her countenance as smooth as a doeskin glove.
A wave of loathing spread through him, and he reveled in it while casting a deriding scowl upon her.
Linda returned it. Her eyes flew open and blazed like the fires of Hell. She sprang upright, her arms lashed out like tentacles, her hands became clamps around Rudy’s neck.
Rudy screamed… briefly.
'turn of events' indeed - this is yet another supremely smooth continuation from what looked an impossible situation.
DeleteThis gets more terrifying with every installment. Can't hardly wait for the next one. Brilliant visuals by the way.
Deleteseriously terrifying, with terrifyingly evil characters, what more could anyone need?
DeleteThe Joys of Mediumship
ReplyDeleteToday I took time out from a clearance, trying to accommodate the furniture which is valuable to us. I took the chance to photograph two very old, strange vases and am going to explore online experts to find out what they are. The artwork is exquisite but baffling, so photographs are going to someone who might know. What I hear from Antony is; these are worth money, Rose!’ Snap decision to do it today, in the middle of other things, showing the pressure I am getting, so – listening to the man who is my ‘glove’, we are that close.
Advice is always welcome from such a knowledgeable source. You must let us know what you unearth about these curious vases.
DeleteStop The Week:
ReplyDeleteLong days of nothing, then a van full of furniture, paintings, glass, and panic trying to fit it all in the shop. Exquisite items went behind glass for safety, grandfather clocks put in the way of my retrieving items but that’s what makes the job so interesting, never knowing what someone will want. Today’s snap decision was by the customer and the Fisher-Price dog to replace one she had all through her childhood… gloves will be on sale soon, men’s winter ones, it’s been freezing… and us with the door wide open to bring furniture in…
Certainly sounds as though things are picking up nicely at last, Antonia. What a wonderful selection of new items to put on display.
DeleteAll this and you still find time to write - I am, as ever, in awe.
DeleteThe Mad Italian
ReplyDeleteThe government speaks against the PM, the PM tells them get on with it – and the people are the losers all the time. I have to ask, who would want to don the boxing gloves and take on the Opposition and your own party at the same time watching queues for fuel… and making snap decisions to cope with the public made crisis. Unless of course it is truly an exquisite feeling to know you were right all along… it is easy to think the unrest is confined to this country, no, it goes wider than that.
Wise words, as always. There is not much by way of admiration that can offer regarding our Mad Italian other than what I have voiced many times over.
Delete