Jackie, Blodeuedd, and I are back to working up some Flash Fiction fun. We will do flash fiction posts every two weeks, give or take due to holiday's and such. I will post my complete story here. Jackie will add the beginning and a link to her flash fiction on her Live Journal and Blodeuedd will be posting on her blog.
Enjoy our quick glimpses into worlds of the unknown.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
((Untitled))
By: Melissa Hayden
The elders would be wearing their robes of green splashed with the rust and reds of the autumn leaves, found outside now, and trimmed in gold for the ceremony. Aonya took slow equal steps down the hall, listening to the clicking of her golden armor ring through the bare halls. Her attire showed her stature and matched the accenting colors of her elders for she was to be the one everyone's eyes were on. The ceremony room was full, everyone awaiting for her formal entrance.
She paused looking out the window and took a breath of the fresh air, wishing to feel the cooling breeze slip through her long brown hair. She lifted a long finger, pushing her hair behind her ear, then thinking better of her natural habit and hooked her finger around her hair pulling it to curl down her face. Her maid had spent hours to get it curled like this, even through she never wore her hair down. She was to look the young lady she was, and the warrior as well.
Aonya closed her eyes, feeling the power of her sun on her face and took a deep breath. She's known everyone in that room all her fifty years, even though she looked no more than a human's twenty years of age. She needed to get to the hall before she ended in terrible trouble with the elders and her father.
She made her way to the ceremony, nodding to the guard and acolyte waiting for her. The acolyte slipped behind the dark forest green curtain, then moments later she heard her father call the room to order. At hearing the words she was instructed to wait for, she pulled her shoulders back as the guard pulled the curtain to the side.
The room stood and bowed to her as she entered. She took her place by her father after she bowed to him and the elders.
"All rise." The king called and all in the room returned to standing. "Please join me in prayer as we honor Aonya this day, her power calling day."
The elders surrounded her, holding hands and joining their magics as they called to Aonya and the spirits within the world. Her father stood before her with the sword made of the strongest alloy known to the land, one only the elite guard and royal family were given on their power calling day. His baritone voice joined the elders in their chanting as the song grew with the voices of the hall. It sounded like music with the highs and lows of different voices blending and mixing together. Aonya felt her body start to sway and she closed her eyes, being drawn into the powers that swam across her skin.
Aonya was drawn into the tone and song, not hearing the words themselves but feeling the emotion in them. Aonya felt her body weave to the floor and her eyes flew open. The song had stopped. Before her, her father held the sword that glowed in a burning bright light from hilt to tip. She went to reach for it, then paused, looking to her father. He nodded his agreement with a small, pleased smile.
Aonya took the sword in her hands, slowly taking in the vine pummel and the care and detail of the blade. She held it, watching as the light grew brighter at her touch. The light traveled up her arm and down her body as she watched. She felt a warmth grown in her stomach and out through her body. She had known since she was young what her power was, but it wasn't a given until this day. Now everyone knew what she'd known for so long.
She smiled to the small stained glass at the top of the room as the sun took it's spot in the sky and shone it's approval at having her as his vessel in the world.
Showing posts with label Flash Fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Flash Fiction. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Flash Fiction (12)
Jackie, Blodeuedd, and I are back to working up some Flash Fiction fun. We will do flash fiction posts every two weeks, give or take due to holiday's and such. I will post my complete story here. Jackie will add the beginning and a link to her flash fiction on her Live Journal and Blodeuedd will be posting on her blog.
Enjoy our quick glimpses into worlds of the unknown.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
((Untitled))
By: Melissa Hayden
I lie here growing weaker and weaker from the wound at my neck. I clutch my ears trying to stop the pain of the running water roaring in my ears. I don't ever remember the sounds of the river being this terrible. I use to love boating up and down the river. But today... my head and body throb.
Pulling my mind from the pain I remember the last feel of Seth's warm hands as he placed me in this small wooden boat and pushed me into the river. I peered over the edge seeing the sadness in his eyes and then fear as the monsters pounced on him like cats of the night. I listened to his screams as the water pulled me away. I wanted to go back but I hurt too much, and felt ill. I couldn't move far from the spot I was in. The ache of the wound from the one that tackled me from behind burned down my body.
I turned my eyes to the full moon. The bats swirling and diving were easy to see in the dark sky highlighted by the moon. I squint at the brightness, an attempt to forget the screams of my village as it fell to a distance.
I groan, curling into a ball. My stomach is turning with the rocking of the water. The few bites of dinner I had before the village was attacked find their way to the bottom of the boat. A strong metallic taste hits my tongue. I remember the taste hitting my mouth when I was running through the town. The air was thick with the slaughter of my friends and family. I try to relax and maybe rest, as this is all I can do. But I can't.
The pain hits me like a wave of rocks again causing my body to shake. The physical pain compacted with the horrors of what happened to my home, my friends and family I whimper but no tears fall. I feel drained. It's all I can do to crawl to the back of the long boat, away from my stomachs rejected contents that I can't stand the smell of.
The swish of the water at the side of the boat drains the energy from my body. When will the pain end?
Just when I can't take it anymore the boat thumps to the shore. I'm too weak to rise from the boat. The fight and now small journey has drained me. But the hunger that ravishes me is growing. I'll try to rest and rise in a bit to find some food. A fresh venison sounds nice, raw and juicy.
*****
"Oh my heavens! Ryan, there's a woman in that boat. Come lift her out. I don't know if she's alive. Oh... the blood." A woman's fear filled words fill my ears. I can smell her switch from worry to fear. But she smells so delicious.
"Step back dear. Let me get her on land and you can look at her." A man, Ryan, says. I can smell his pride and strength as he approaches me.
My teeth ache with the hunger I feel. How long have I been lying here? I don't feel the sun. It has to still be night.
"Oh, so much for our alone time tonight. We have to get her to someone for help." The woman spoke.
"We will. Don't worry." He was closer.
I can hear his steps in the water. The boat tips as he puts his hands on the edge, and leans in swooping me up in his arms.
My jaw drops as my eyes open. He jerks back, stumbling in the thigh high water. But it's too late. He has me in his arms with my head on his shoulder. And now I'm on top of him with the moist ground at his back. I snatch his head and pull him near me. My teeth slide through his skin finding the sweet spot as the thick lush liquid hits my tongue. I groan at the delight of his taste, until I hear the woman scream. I release my grip on his neck laying him down at the edge of the river. Her eyes are wide and I can smell her fear and urine. She's frozen watching me, and I smile showing off my teeth. I will feast like a queen tonight and move on.
Enjoy our quick glimpses into worlds of the unknown.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
((Untitled))
By: Melissa Hayden
I lie here growing weaker and weaker from the wound at my neck. I clutch my ears trying to stop the pain of the running water roaring in my ears. I don't ever remember the sounds of the river being this terrible. I use to love boating up and down the river. But today... my head and body throb.
Pulling my mind from the pain I remember the last feel of Seth's warm hands as he placed me in this small wooden boat and pushed me into the river. I peered over the edge seeing the sadness in his eyes and then fear as the monsters pounced on him like cats of the night. I listened to his screams as the water pulled me away. I wanted to go back but I hurt too much, and felt ill. I couldn't move far from the spot I was in. The ache of the wound from the one that tackled me from behind burned down my body.
I turned my eyes to the full moon. The bats swirling and diving were easy to see in the dark sky highlighted by the moon. I squint at the brightness, an attempt to forget the screams of my village as it fell to a distance.
I groan, curling into a ball. My stomach is turning with the rocking of the water. The few bites of dinner I had before the village was attacked find their way to the bottom of the boat. A strong metallic taste hits my tongue. I remember the taste hitting my mouth when I was running through the town. The air was thick with the slaughter of my friends and family. I try to relax and maybe rest, as this is all I can do. But I can't.
The pain hits me like a wave of rocks again causing my body to shake. The physical pain compacted with the horrors of what happened to my home, my friends and family I whimper but no tears fall. I feel drained. It's all I can do to crawl to the back of the long boat, away from my stomachs rejected contents that I can't stand the smell of.
The swish of the water at the side of the boat drains the energy from my body. When will the pain end?
Just when I can't take it anymore the boat thumps to the shore. I'm too weak to rise from the boat. The fight and now small journey has drained me. But the hunger that ravishes me is growing. I'll try to rest and rise in a bit to find some food. A fresh venison sounds nice, raw and juicy.
*****
"Oh my heavens! Ryan, there's a woman in that boat. Come lift her out. I don't know if she's alive. Oh... the blood." A woman's fear filled words fill my ears. I can smell her switch from worry to fear. But she smells so delicious.
"Step back dear. Let me get her on land and you can look at her." A man, Ryan, says. I can smell his pride and strength as he approaches me.
My teeth ache with the hunger I feel. How long have I been lying here? I don't feel the sun. It has to still be night.
"Oh, so much for our alone time tonight. We have to get her to someone for help." The woman spoke.
"We will. Don't worry." He was closer.
I can hear his steps in the water. The boat tips as he puts his hands on the edge, and leans in swooping me up in his arms.
My jaw drops as my eyes open. He jerks back, stumbling in the thigh high water. But it's too late. He has me in his arms with my head on his shoulder. And now I'm on top of him with the moist ground at his back. I snatch his head and pull him near me. My teeth slide through his skin finding the sweet spot as the thick lush liquid hits my tongue. I groan at the delight of his taste, until I hear the woman scream. I release my grip on his neck laying him down at the edge of the river. Her eyes are wide and I can smell her fear and urine. She's frozen watching me, and I smile showing off my teeth. I will feast like a queen tonight and move on.
Flash Fiction (11)
Jackie, Blodeuedd, and I are back to working up some Flash Fiction fun. We will do flash fiction posts every two weeks, give or take due to holiday's and such. I will post my complete story here. Jackie will add the beginning and a link to her flash fiction on her Live Journal and Blodeuedd will be posting on her blog.
Enjoy our quick glimpses into worlds of the unknown.
~~~~~~~~~~
((Untitled))
By: Melissa Hayden
I jumped. I didn't even hear my feet slapping the metal floor over the alarm beeping as I woke from my daydream. I starred at the lights lit on the panel before me. It was impossible, or so the few of us left had thought.
We lost many of us that were left when we returned to the dead planet our ancestors once called home. My parents were part of the many we lost when they went out in search of any long lost survivors. When the scouts did return, it was always with the same news. No sign of life.
I tapped a few buttons on the panel before me to zero in on which beacon was picking up a life force. The screen was fuzzy but there it was. Someone, or thing, on two legs walking across the sands. The dry winds blowing the cape it wore behind it and the hood from it's head. A gas mask covered their face so I couldn't tell if it was a man or woman let alone if it was human. Lieing in the sandy ground behind it was a large sphere it must have used as transportation to get here. But from where?
Drat. I was going to be in trouble for not paying attention to the monitors, but who would have thought after these long ten years someone would show up?
I left my seat spinning as I darted for the door. I had to let the others know. I jumped on the elevator that took me down the antenna building I was in. I hustled down the moving steps, their speed to slow for this news, of our spiral metal surveillance center that petruded out of the rock cliff we lived in. I crossed the threshold into the rock mountain we lived in.
"Heeme!" I saw her at the end of the rock hall as I came running. She turned to me, "Get the others! You're never going to believe this. There is someone walking toward us!"
I raced down the hall to gather the elders before Heeme could ask a question.
Panting as I hit the override on the door to enter I stepped into the room, "Geeno! Are you here? You have to come to the meeting room. Immediately!"
"I'm here child. Calm down." Geeno walked into the room drying his hands. "What..."
"There is someone outside. Walking!" I blurted.
Geeno eyed me, "Are you sure you weren't daydreaming again? Maybe all the stories we passed down to you children are too much. There is no way someone can be out there."
"No, Geeno. Sir. I mean, I was daydreaming, but there is no mistaking those alarms. I saw a humanoid walking toward us. I did." I was breathing heavy from the run and adrenaline spike.
Geeno must have seen the truth in my eyes as he picked up the pace, put on his vest, and answered, "Very well. Lets get to the meeting room and see what's going on."
"I told Heeme to find the others." And the door slid shut behind us.
I was curious what news this being could be bringing us, and from where. But how would the elders handle this new being and information? We'd been stranded here for so long.
Enjoy our quick glimpses into worlds of the unknown.
~~~~~~~~~~
((Untitled))
By: Melissa Hayden
I jumped. I didn't even hear my feet slapping the metal floor over the alarm beeping as I woke from my daydream. I starred at the lights lit on the panel before me. It was impossible, or so the few of us left had thought.
We lost many of us that were left when we returned to the dead planet our ancestors once called home. My parents were part of the many we lost when they went out in search of any long lost survivors. When the scouts did return, it was always with the same news. No sign of life.
I tapped a few buttons on the panel before me to zero in on which beacon was picking up a life force. The screen was fuzzy but there it was. Someone, or thing, on two legs walking across the sands. The dry winds blowing the cape it wore behind it and the hood from it's head. A gas mask covered their face so I couldn't tell if it was a man or woman let alone if it was human. Lieing in the sandy ground behind it was a large sphere it must have used as transportation to get here. But from where?
Drat. I was going to be in trouble for not paying attention to the monitors, but who would have thought after these long ten years someone would show up?
I left my seat spinning as I darted for the door. I had to let the others know. I jumped on the elevator that took me down the antenna building I was in. I hustled down the moving steps, their speed to slow for this news, of our spiral metal surveillance center that petruded out of the rock cliff we lived in. I crossed the threshold into the rock mountain we lived in.
"Heeme!" I saw her at the end of the rock hall as I came running. She turned to me, "Get the others! You're never going to believe this. There is someone walking toward us!"
I raced down the hall to gather the elders before Heeme could ask a question.
Panting as I hit the override on the door to enter I stepped into the room, "Geeno! Are you here? You have to come to the meeting room. Immediately!"
"I'm here child. Calm down." Geeno walked into the room drying his hands. "What..."
"There is someone outside. Walking!" I blurted.
Geeno eyed me, "Are you sure you weren't daydreaming again? Maybe all the stories we passed down to you children are too much. There is no way someone can be out there."
"No, Geeno. Sir. I mean, I was daydreaming, but there is no mistaking those alarms. I saw a humanoid walking toward us. I did." I was breathing heavy from the run and adrenaline spike.
Geeno must have seen the truth in my eyes as he picked up the pace, put on his vest, and answered, "Very well. Lets get to the meeting room and see what's going on."
"I told Heeme to find the others." And the door slid shut behind us.
I was curious what news this being could be bringing us, and from where. But how would the elders handle this new being and information? We'd been stranded here for so long.
Friday, September 5, 2014
Flash Fiction (10)
Jackie, Blodeuedd, and I are back to working up some Flash Fiction fun. We will do flash fiction posts every two weeks, give or take due to holiday's and such. I will post my complete story here. Jackie will add the beginning and a link to her flash fiction on her Live Journal and Blodeuedd will be posting on her blog.
Enjoy our quick glimpses into worlds of the unknown.
~~~~~~~~~~
((Untitled))
By: Melissa Hayden
Gavin broke the spell of mesmerization he was under at the sight of the massive tree before him. How had he missed this beauty of color in the pitch of black the world had become? He had crossed paths with little tree folk on their pilgrimage to find a forest, or a few trees left standing to live in, told him to 'wade in the colors of life, and the doorway you seek will appear'. Never did he think this would be the view before him.
The vibrant tree before him, moments ago was deep purple, now is a brilliant red. When he paused in his traipsing through the water the colors stopped changing. But now, the red is dulling to its next shade. Gavin couldn't take his eyes from the leaves. He feared the browns and then dulling to the point of black - if it went that far. He sure hoped it didn't and took another step drawing red from the leaves.
An ornate door, appeared in the ripples of the massive trunk as his eyes trailed down the tree. It reminded him of the doors to the church the lords of the land, that's now black from the raging fires, had worshiped their one god in. Yet there was something different to the scrolled design. He could see the detail better with each step.
His thighs were chilled, and looking down he realized he was now walking up a slope toward the tree. Out of the warm water. He prayed to the gods of life and death that this would be the answer he was searching for. The way back to the way things were. He wanted to rest with his Sarah and Johnny but he needed to right the world first. That was the least he could do for the wrong he'd put into place.
The water of the river he walked through to get here had soaked him to the bone. Gavin didn't even move to wipe the tear pooling on his beard. It wasn't worth the effort. And was it a tear or the water sprays from his steps?
He would talk to the wise man of mystics and magics that lived here. He would know how to care for the world now. The statues standing to each side of the tree were faceless, but held their hands as if welcoming him, or condemning him. He wasn't sure. The trees around the Great Tree of Life had a darkness to them as they reached up to the branches and leaves of the Great Tree, like fire looking to lick at the life they possessed.
Gavin heard the crack of the wooden door opening as he plodded forward. Gavin turned to look over the great river he traveled and back to the open door. He took a deep breath with a quick prayer and walked into the dark interior. What he didn't see was the coal colored dragon hiding behind the full branches of the great tree and the darkness that settled over the tree.
Enjoy our quick glimpses into worlds of the unknown.
~~~~~~~~~~
((Untitled))
By: Melissa Hayden
Gavin broke the spell of mesmerization he was under at the sight of the massive tree before him. How had he missed this beauty of color in the pitch of black the world had become? He had crossed paths with little tree folk on their pilgrimage to find a forest, or a few trees left standing to live in, told him to 'wade in the colors of life, and the doorway you seek will appear'. Never did he think this would be the view before him.
The vibrant tree before him, moments ago was deep purple, now is a brilliant red. When he paused in his traipsing through the water the colors stopped changing. But now, the red is dulling to its next shade. Gavin couldn't take his eyes from the leaves. He feared the browns and then dulling to the point of black - if it went that far. He sure hoped it didn't and took another step drawing red from the leaves.
An ornate door, appeared in the ripples of the massive trunk as his eyes trailed down the tree. It reminded him of the doors to the church the lords of the land, that's now black from the raging fires, had worshiped their one god in. Yet there was something different to the scrolled design. He could see the detail better with each step.
His thighs were chilled, and looking down he realized he was now walking up a slope toward the tree. Out of the warm water. He prayed to the gods of life and death that this would be the answer he was searching for. The way back to the way things were. He wanted to rest with his Sarah and Johnny but he needed to right the world first. That was the least he could do for the wrong he'd put into place.
The water of the river he walked through to get here had soaked him to the bone. Gavin didn't even move to wipe the tear pooling on his beard. It wasn't worth the effort. And was it a tear or the water sprays from his steps?
He would talk to the wise man of mystics and magics that lived here. He would know how to care for the world now. The statues standing to each side of the tree were faceless, but held their hands as if welcoming him, or condemning him. He wasn't sure. The trees around the Great Tree of Life had a darkness to them as they reached up to the branches and leaves of the Great Tree, like fire looking to lick at the life they possessed.
Gavin heard the crack of the wooden door opening as he plodded forward. Gavin turned to look over the great river he traveled and back to the open door. He took a deep breath with a quick prayer and walked into the dark interior. What he didn't see was the coal colored dragon hiding behind the full branches of the great tree and the darkness that settled over the tree.
Friday, August 22, 2014
Flash Fiction (9)
Jackie, Blodeuedd, and I are back to working up some Flash Fiction fun. We will do flash fiction posts every two weeks, give or take due to holiday's and such. I will post my complete story here. Jackie will add the beginning and a link to her flash fiction on her Live Journal and Blodeuedd will be posting on her blog.
Enjoy our quick glimpses into worlds of the unknown.
~~~~~~~~~~
Ocean's Deep to the Stars
By: Melissa Hayden
Turning his attention to the side window he sighed. Whatever he thought he say shimmering was gone now. George turned back to watch where the spot light of the submersible combed the ocean floor. He was determined to find the lost city, positive it was here. But after five days of searching George's confidence in his research started to wan. The ancient tablet found in the ocean showed water movements of the time it was from. George had been convinced from the first moment he gazed upon the tablet, seeing the elegant script written on it, that it was from the long lost water faring people - the Atlanteans. They lived off the ocean for sustenance and power. He tracked the changes of the currents science had recorded over the last decades, and related it to what he read in the elegant script of the tablet he found. It lead him here.
It should be here.
George turned his head, cursing under his breath as he rubbed his neck from the heated cramp in his neck from the quick movement. He swore he saw steps out of the corner of his eye. The dark water was playing tricks on him along with his over excited mind.
George turned the submersive to head that direction. At this point what was the harm in checking? he thought. Looking down, he saw it. Lifting his head with disbelief he saw it stretch in front of him.
Pearl stairs shinning in the depths of the dark deep curving as it reached to a swirl of stars above. Stars? Sun didn't even reach here, how was he seeing stars? A bright light flashed and a tall person stepped to the top of the stairs. Slowly the person descended.
George was dumbfounded that a person appeared in what was space and is now walking down steps in the ocean. He's walking, not floating, and definitely not drowning. He must have pulled a muscle in his neck harder than he realized, causing sparks and flashes of light in his eyes. Maybe the oxygen level is low.
The jerk of the vessel brought him around to look at the gauges. He'd ran into the reef. He cursed, thankful his crawler didn't move fast, but feared there would still be damage. Damage he couldn't afford at this level of the ocean, or above as he'd sunk all his money into this expedition. He had to get back to the boat, but to leave this sight...
The person was closer now, having an elegance to his steps that was beyond that of the most balanced dancer he'd seen on television. Now, he could see it was a man... George squinted. The man was dressed in a toga with gold glittering around his head, waist, and arms. The shoes, if that was what they were, laced up his calves. The outfit made him look longer. Almost like he was stretched.
The man was framed with the dark ocean around him, yet he shone with brilliance. He reached the bottom of the stairwell and reached to George. Then George felt the submersive shake.
Enjoy our quick glimpses into worlds of the unknown.
~~~~~~~~~~
Ocean's Deep to the Stars
By: Melissa Hayden
Turning his attention to the side window he sighed. Whatever he thought he say shimmering was gone now. George turned back to watch where the spot light of the submersible combed the ocean floor. He was determined to find the lost city, positive it was here. But after five days of searching George's confidence in his research started to wan. The ancient tablet found in the ocean showed water movements of the time it was from. George had been convinced from the first moment he gazed upon the tablet, seeing the elegant script written on it, that it was from the long lost water faring people - the Atlanteans. They lived off the ocean for sustenance and power. He tracked the changes of the currents science had recorded over the last decades, and related it to what he read in the elegant script of the tablet he found. It lead him here.
It should be here.
George turned his head, cursing under his breath as he rubbed his neck from the heated cramp in his neck from the quick movement. He swore he saw steps out of the corner of his eye. The dark water was playing tricks on him along with his over excited mind.
George turned the submersive to head that direction. At this point what was the harm in checking? he thought. Looking down, he saw it. Lifting his head with disbelief he saw it stretch in front of him.
Pearl stairs shinning in the depths of the dark deep curving as it reached to a swirl of stars above. Stars? Sun didn't even reach here, how was he seeing stars? A bright light flashed and a tall person stepped to the top of the stairs. Slowly the person descended.
George was dumbfounded that a person appeared in what was space and is now walking down steps in the ocean. He's walking, not floating, and definitely not drowning. He must have pulled a muscle in his neck harder than he realized, causing sparks and flashes of light in his eyes. Maybe the oxygen level is low.
The jerk of the vessel brought him around to look at the gauges. He'd ran into the reef. He cursed, thankful his crawler didn't move fast, but feared there would still be damage. Damage he couldn't afford at this level of the ocean, or above as he'd sunk all his money into this expedition. He had to get back to the boat, but to leave this sight...
The person was closer now, having an elegance to his steps that was beyond that of the most balanced dancer he'd seen on television. Now, he could see it was a man... George squinted. The man was dressed in a toga with gold glittering around his head, waist, and arms. The shoes, if that was what they were, laced up his calves. The outfit made him look longer. Almost like he was stretched.
The man was framed with the dark ocean around him, yet he shone with brilliance. He reached the bottom of the stairwell and reached to George. Then George felt the submersive shake.
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Flash Fiction (8)
Jackie, Blodeuedd, and I are back to working up some Flash Fiction fun. We will do flash fiction posts every two weeks, give or take due to holiday's and such. I will post my complete story here. Jackie will add the beginning and a link to her flash fiction on her Live Journal and Blodeuedd will be posting on her blog.
Enjoy our quick glimpses into worlds of the unknown.
~~~~~~~~~~
(Untitled)
By: Melissa Hayden
She felt the whimper in the back of her dry throat. Her hands and feet twitched as she grazed over the ground, running as fast as they would take her. She twitched her nose as the tall grass slapped her muzzle.
She wasn't fast enough. There was a whine beside her and she tensed her muscles more, hoping they will give her more speed. The dark gray cloud descended around her. Disoriented she tried to run out, turning to get out of the blinding air. Fearing there would be a tree or rock in front of her or get caught, she dropped to the dirt - her stomach and face flat on the moist dirt.
She inhaled the moist smell of earth. It must have rained recently. She savored the smell, having missed it in that prison of tortures. The gray floated around her with a snapping and sizzling. Then it reached tentacles of smoke to her nose and mouth.
Her eyes flew open but she didn't move. Her body felt wrong. The whine was here, beside her. She held her breath. Something weighed on her legs and arms. Warmth. Fuzzy. Her sisters. Her sisters were here with her, protecting her in her new and fragile form. She reached and ran her fingers over the fur of her sisters. The girls had left the skulk to find her. And find her they did. They didn't even shun her for the form she was now forced to take. The witch had cursed her. Now she was on the run escaping the experiments of the witch. She missed having four legs.
She savored the warmth and moment of false safety as she watched the rising sun curled up with her sisters. A twig cracked. At least she kept her fox senses even in this two legged form. She turned her head, her sisters ears all perked.
She didn't want to give away her location, if she hadn't been found. But she turned as her sisters crept off her with their orange fur raised. Her long red hair caught on the bark of the tree at her back. She kept from yelping at the sharp pull on her head. She looked over the large log after she pulled her hair free as her sisters looked through the gap under it.
A person stalked out of the woods, and her eyes caught what hung at his hip. Her sisters started to growl and hiss. She patted their heads and she shushed them. They might be safe for now, but the dark gray cloud that seeped from the woods told her it was time to go.
Serry turned and crawled to the brush with her sisters.
~~~~~~~~~~
Jackie's preview:
The House on the Bluffs, an original short story by Jackie Lester
The spot by the river where the fallen tree spanned across the water was always her favourite place to read. It was especially good because, the way the huge limbs had landed, they’d created a natural nook, like the cradle of a mother’s arms, perfect for leaning against and daydreaming. Ryan planned to take full advantage of these things, having nothing better to do at the moment.
She leaned into the curve of the tree, not even worried how the small bits of bark might become uncomfortable. Ryan didn’t care at all. She just smiled at the pleasure a beautiful summer day like this can bring.
Click here to keep reading.
Enjoy our quick glimpses into worlds of the unknown.
~~~~~~~~~~
(Untitled)
By: Melissa Hayden
She felt the whimper in the back of her dry throat. Her hands and feet twitched as she grazed over the ground, running as fast as they would take her. She twitched her nose as the tall grass slapped her muzzle.
She wasn't fast enough. There was a whine beside her and she tensed her muscles more, hoping they will give her more speed. The dark gray cloud descended around her. Disoriented she tried to run out, turning to get out of the blinding air. Fearing there would be a tree or rock in front of her or get caught, she dropped to the dirt - her stomach and face flat on the moist dirt.
She inhaled the moist smell of earth. It must have rained recently. She savored the smell, having missed it in that prison of tortures. The gray floated around her with a snapping and sizzling. Then it reached tentacles of smoke to her nose and mouth.
Her eyes flew open but she didn't move. Her body felt wrong. The whine was here, beside her. She held her breath. Something weighed on her legs and arms. Warmth. Fuzzy. Her sisters. Her sisters were here with her, protecting her in her new and fragile form. She reached and ran her fingers over the fur of her sisters. The girls had left the skulk to find her. And find her they did. They didn't even shun her for the form she was now forced to take. The witch had cursed her. Now she was on the run escaping the experiments of the witch. She missed having four legs.
She savored the warmth and moment of false safety as she watched the rising sun curled up with her sisters. A twig cracked. At least she kept her fox senses even in this two legged form. She turned her head, her sisters ears all perked.
She didn't want to give away her location, if she hadn't been found. But she turned as her sisters crept off her with their orange fur raised. Her long red hair caught on the bark of the tree at her back. She kept from yelping at the sharp pull on her head. She looked over the large log after she pulled her hair free as her sisters looked through the gap under it.
A person stalked out of the woods, and her eyes caught what hung at his hip. Her sisters started to growl and hiss. She patted their heads and she shushed them. They might be safe for now, but the dark gray cloud that seeped from the woods told her it was time to go.
Serry turned and crawled to the brush with her sisters.
~~~~~~~~~~
Jackie's preview:
The House on the Bluffs, an original short story by Jackie Lester
The spot by the river where the fallen tree spanned across the water was always her favourite place to read. It was especially good because, the way the huge limbs had landed, they’d created a natural nook, like the cradle of a mother’s arms, perfect for leaning against and daydreaming. Ryan planned to take full advantage of these things, having nothing better to do at the moment.
She leaned into the curve of the tree, not even worried how the small bits of bark might become uncomfortable. Ryan didn’t care at all. She just smiled at the pleasure a beautiful summer day like this can bring.
Click here to keep reading.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Flash Fiction (7)
Jackie, Blodeuedd, and I are back to working up some Flash Fiction fun. We will do flash fiction posts every two weeks, give or take due to holiday's and such. I will post my complete story here. Jackie will add the beginning and a link to her flash fiction on her Live Journal and Blodeuedd will be posting on her blog.
Enjoy our quick glimpses into worlds of the unknown.
~~~~~~~~~~
(Untitled)
By: Melissa Hayden
Sarie looked over her shoulder. She was able to keep her wings still now, as she walked through the dark forest far from the village. Everyone thought she was always hyper on fairy dust with the constant movement of her wings, ever so slight even but it was movement. Movement so they didn't see what the shades of blue, purple, and black drew when still. Her mother knew, and she was the only one.
The fairies of the earth would have thought her evil and kicked her from their band if they saw her wings still. Everything here is about living, and Sarie was scrapping by on duties by helping with small things. She was good at making paths of dirt or bare stones to sit on. She could even create benches of old wood. However, she couldn't make the beautiful flowers that shone bright in the sun like the other girls. The few flowers Sarie did make were not of vibrant colors, they were dull and dark of a death essence to them. But she couldn't bring herself to share this with the others. The strange part of it all for her was her flowers only formed from the flowers that had died and moved on to make rich soil for the next flower.
Sarie looked over her shoulder as she crept to the other side of the lake. She made this journey many times in the last ten years. Ever since she passed on Sarie's tenth birthday she'd come on the anniversary of her passing and Sarie's own birthday. She'd always sworn to Sarie she'd be there for her. Sarie needed her as she was the only one that knew what Sarie was. Sarie also made this journey every time one of the fairies passed on to be one with the land they loved. The pull from the dead was to much and she had to dispense of it somehow.
The twigs faintly shifted under her steps. The branches of the bush wilted away from her, granting her access to her spot at the lake. Sarie knelt at the lake side. She felt the thorny vine tattoos shift on her arms, swirling down her arms as she reached for the water's surface.
"Hello, mother." Sarie whispered. She didn't need to whisper but it felt...normal that way.
"Sarie dear. It's happened again?" The voice was like the wind in Sarie's ear. "I wish I could hug you, my child." The skeleton floated to the surface as the thorn tattoos swirled faster.
"It's okay mother. Coming to you and doing this is what helps make the draw subside until the spirit has passed into the earth." Sarie smiled. It was true, yet she wished her mother could hug her again too.
"There are to many passing to soon." Her mother paused then went on, "Has anyone ever seen--" Her mother started to ask.
"No mother. I've kept the skull secret. They haven't seen or figured it out. But I don't know how much longer I can keep it from them. They are expecting much more from me. More of things I can't give, like the rest." Sarie knew if she couldn't pull her own weight she wouldn't be much help to her cousins and fellow fairies.
Her mother knew her thoughts. "They will never ask you to leave for not being strong enough."
"I know mother." Sarie rushed out, "But I want to give like they give to me."
"Sarie dear, it is time." There was silence as they both were afraid to talk about it. Finally her mother went on, "My sweet bearer, you are as important as those who bring life. We haven't had one of your affiliation in far to long and they have forgotten how important you are. Your powers call upon you when one passes to the earth as you are to help guide that soul to it's next life. They will look in the ancient records, and they will find the truth. The time has come child."
"Mother, I don't know if I can. I've lived in secret for so long."
"I know. But from the whispers I'm hearing, they are going to need your calling to help them all. There are evils unlike any they've seen in the past brewing in the distance. And they are coming this way."
"I'll try mother." Sarie wiggled her fingers on the waters surface, remembering the feel of her mothers long lost soft skin.
"You need to tell them dear. And if you are shunned, don't go far. They will be calling you back soon." Sarie felt the wind curl around her in a hug fashion and curled her shoulders with it.
"Thank you mother. I should head back before I'm missed."
"Safe travels my dear." Her mother said as the skeleton slipped into the murky water of night.
Sarie stood there for a moment longer before she left. The thorn tattoos had gone still on her shoulders once again. The village had always thought her mother left to travel the world, not that she had passed on from the vibrant living. She had always hoped to become strong enough to bring her mother back from the dead, but hadn't yet come to that level. Besides, what good was it to be a necromancer fairy in the world of living?
~~~~~~~~~~
My story is a bit shorter this week. Here's the preview and link to continue reading:
<i><b>The Darkness</b></i>, an original short story by Jackie Lester
As I lay in the dark room, I thought about all of the possibilities.
What if magic was real? Maybe I could grow a pair of wings. Great, diaphanous ones that could take me far away from here. They would be in shades of purple, my favourite colour, and would sparkle in the light like they’d been constructed from some material only found on the moon. They would be beautiful and powerful and see me safely through any situation.
The rest can be read by clicking here.
Enjoy our quick glimpses into worlds of the unknown.
~~~~~~~~~~
(Untitled)
By: Melissa Hayden
Sarie looked over her shoulder. She was able to keep her wings still now, as she walked through the dark forest far from the village. Everyone thought she was always hyper on fairy dust with the constant movement of her wings, ever so slight even but it was movement. Movement so they didn't see what the shades of blue, purple, and black drew when still. Her mother knew, and she was the only one.
The fairies of the earth would have thought her evil and kicked her from their band if they saw her wings still. Everything here is about living, and Sarie was scrapping by on duties by helping with small things. She was good at making paths of dirt or bare stones to sit on. She could even create benches of old wood. However, she couldn't make the beautiful flowers that shone bright in the sun like the other girls. The few flowers Sarie did make were not of vibrant colors, they were dull and dark of a death essence to them. But she couldn't bring herself to share this with the others. The strange part of it all for her was her flowers only formed from the flowers that had died and moved on to make rich soil for the next flower.
Sarie looked over her shoulder as she crept to the other side of the lake. She made this journey many times in the last ten years. Ever since she passed on Sarie's tenth birthday she'd come on the anniversary of her passing and Sarie's own birthday. She'd always sworn to Sarie she'd be there for her. Sarie needed her as she was the only one that knew what Sarie was. Sarie also made this journey every time one of the fairies passed on to be one with the land they loved. The pull from the dead was to much and she had to dispense of it somehow.
The twigs faintly shifted under her steps. The branches of the bush wilted away from her, granting her access to her spot at the lake. Sarie knelt at the lake side. She felt the thorny vine tattoos shift on her arms, swirling down her arms as she reached for the water's surface.
"Hello, mother." Sarie whispered. She didn't need to whisper but it felt...normal that way.
"Sarie dear. It's happened again?" The voice was like the wind in Sarie's ear. "I wish I could hug you, my child." The skeleton floated to the surface as the thorn tattoos swirled faster.
"It's okay mother. Coming to you and doing this is what helps make the draw subside until the spirit has passed into the earth." Sarie smiled. It was true, yet she wished her mother could hug her again too.
"There are to many passing to soon." Her mother paused then went on, "Has anyone ever seen--" Her mother started to ask.
"No mother. I've kept the skull secret. They haven't seen or figured it out. But I don't know how much longer I can keep it from them. They are expecting much more from me. More of things I can't give, like the rest." Sarie knew if she couldn't pull her own weight she wouldn't be much help to her cousins and fellow fairies.
Her mother knew her thoughts. "They will never ask you to leave for not being strong enough."
"I know mother." Sarie rushed out, "But I want to give like they give to me."
"Sarie dear, it is time." There was silence as they both were afraid to talk about it. Finally her mother went on, "My sweet bearer, you are as important as those who bring life. We haven't had one of your affiliation in far to long and they have forgotten how important you are. Your powers call upon you when one passes to the earth as you are to help guide that soul to it's next life. They will look in the ancient records, and they will find the truth. The time has come child."
"Mother, I don't know if I can. I've lived in secret for so long."
"I know. But from the whispers I'm hearing, they are going to need your calling to help them all. There are evils unlike any they've seen in the past brewing in the distance. And they are coming this way."
"I'll try mother." Sarie wiggled her fingers on the waters surface, remembering the feel of her mothers long lost soft skin.
"You need to tell them dear. And if you are shunned, don't go far. They will be calling you back soon." Sarie felt the wind curl around her in a hug fashion and curled her shoulders with it.
"Thank you mother. I should head back before I'm missed."
"Safe travels my dear." Her mother said as the skeleton slipped into the murky water of night.
Sarie stood there for a moment longer before she left. The thorn tattoos had gone still on her shoulders once again. The village had always thought her mother left to travel the world, not that she had passed on from the vibrant living. She had always hoped to become strong enough to bring her mother back from the dead, but hadn't yet come to that level. Besides, what good was it to be a necromancer fairy in the world of living?
~~~~~~~~~~
My story is a bit shorter this week. Here's the preview and link to continue reading:
<i><b>The Darkness</b></i>, an original short story by Jackie Lester
As I lay in the dark room, I thought about all of the possibilities.
What if magic was real? Maybe I could grow a pair of wings. Great, diaphanous ones that could take me far away from here. They would be in shades of purple, my favourite colour, and would sparkle in the light like they’d been constructed from some material only found on the moon. They would be beautiful and powerful and see me safely through any situation.
The rest can be read by clicking here.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Flash Fiction (4)
Jackie, Blodeuedd, and I are back to working up some Flash Fiction fun. We will do flash fiction posts every two weeks, give or take due to holiday's and such. I will post my complete story here. Jackie will add the beginning and a link to her flash fiction on her Live Journal and Blodeuedd will be posting on her blog.
Enjoy our quick glimpses into worlds of the unknown.
~~~~~~~~~~
Bright Light and Dark Swirls
By: Melissa
The light reflected off her colorless eyes. He watched from the brush, returning his attention to her cupped hands as she created a butterfly out of the glowing light. She didn't know he was here or she wouldn't be using her magic. He knew when he first saw her that he couldn't do what he was sent to do, and hadn't returned to the Lord in a week. He'd be beheaded for not finishing the job.
His first view of her was of her cloaks hood hanging low, nothing but shadows visible underneath it. There were the dark veins curling over her hand and arm as she held it out. He notched his arrow and readied for the shot, then he paused as she reached for a blacked flower. He knew she had done that, was positive from what he'd heard of this hag of a witch that lived in the forest.
Stories raced through the town of the children she'd stolen, cooked, and eaten. The spells she put on their crops and animals, spoiling all so the town starved. Yet he paused when she bent. Strands of bright blonde hair slipped from the shadows of the cloak. He watched the section of hair. It was the color and movement of hair belonging to a young woman.
In that stalled moment of time he watched with intensity, as if he was caught in a spell, as she cupped her hands and light bloomed. The magic didn't surprise him, but what did was the flower grew into a vibrant lavender blossom, tall and strong. A squirrel came to sit beside her, along with rabbits and other small animals of the forest. He knew in that moment she was not the culprit of what was ailing his home town. The forest would not react to a being as so, not if it wished death upon it.
When she sat, she pushed her dark hood back. He dropped the bow and covered his mouth to keep from gasping. She was stunning. Her petite nose and thin lips accented her fragile structure. Her eyes are what he couldn't look away from, as pale as the blue sky on a clear summers day, almost of a pearl white. She smiled as the animals rubbed against her, and she petted them as they were her own companions.
Over the last week he's watched her nurture the soil and animals around her. Today, he watched the newly formed butterfly flutter from her hands and around her head, drawing a smile to her delicate face. He couldn't do what he was hired to do and he couldn't return home either. That would be certain death and disgrace to his family. Better they thought he died in the forest. Would she accept him here in the forest? He'd seen her each day for a week and couldn't bring himself to approach her. Surely she wouldn't turn him away, not from what he'd seen of her interactions with the forest.
"Come. I'm tired of waiting for you." She spoke softly.
He narrowed his eyes on her. Was she talking to him? She didn't look up from the rabbit she was petting.
"Yes. I'm talking to you. You've wasted a week in that brush. You think I wouldn't know? The forest tells me much." Her voice was felt like the breeze in his face, forward yet warming.
Now her pale eyes were on him. He was buried in the brush, she couldn't have known exactly where he was. Yet her eyes met his without searching. He birthed from the brush and walked to her, seen anew with her eyes.
The girl grinned. He had forgotten about the marks on her arm, until he saw the dark swirls curving up her wrist over her hand.
Jackie's sneak peek:
(untitled), an original short story by Jackie Lester
Enjoy our quick glimpses into worlds of the unknown.
~~~~~~~~~~
Bright Light and Dark Swirls
By: Melissa
The light reflected off her colorless eyes. He watched from the brush, returning his attention to her cupped hands as she created a butterfly out of the glowing light. She didn't know he was here or she wouldn't be using her magic. He knew when he first saw her that he couldn't do what he was sent to do, and hadn't returned to the Lord in a week. He'd be beheaded for not finishing the job.
His first view of her was of her cloaks hood hanging low, nothing but shadows visible underneath it. There were the dark veins curling over her hand and arm as she held it out. He notched his arrow and readied for the shot, then he paused as she reached for a blacked flower. He knew she had done that, was positive from what he'd heard of this hag of a witch that lived in the forest.
Stories raced through the town of the children she'd stolen, cooked, and eaten. The spells she put on their crops and animals, spoiling all so the town starved. Yet he paused when she bent. Strands of bright blonde hair slipped from the shadows of the cloak. He watched the section of hair. It was the color and movement of hair belonging to a young woman.
In that stalled moment of time he watched with intensity, as if he was caught in a spell, as she cupped her hands and light bloomed. The magic didn't surprise him, but what did was the flower grew into a vibrant lavender blossom, tall and strong. A squirrel came to sit beside her, along with rabbits and other small animals of the forest. He knew in that moment she was not the culprit of what was ailing his home town. The forest would not react to a being as so, not if it wished death upon it.
When she sat, she pushed her dark hood back. He dropped the bow and covered his mouth to keep from gasping. She was stunning. Her petite nose and thin lips accented her fragile structure. Her eyes are what he couldn't look away from, as pale as the blue sky on a clear summers day, almost of a pearl white. She smiled as the animals rubbed against her, and she petted them as they were her own companions.
Over the last week he's watched her nurture the soil and animals around her. Today, he watched the newly formed butterfly flutter from her hands and around her head, drawing a smile to her delicate face. He couldn't do what he was hired to do and he couldn't return home either. That would be certain death and disgrace to his family. Better they thought he died in the forest. Would she accept him here in the forest? He'd seen her each day for a week and couldn't bring himself to approach her. Surely she wouldn't turn him away, not from what he'd seen of her interactions with the forest.
"Come. I'm tired of waiting for you." She spoke softly.
He narrowed his eyes on her. Was she talking to him? She didn't look up from the rabbit she was petting.
"Yes. I'm talking to you. You've wasted a week in that brush. You think I wouldn't know? The forest tells me much." Her voice was felt like the breeze in his face, forward yet warming.
Now her pale eyes were on him. He was buried in the brush, she couldn't have known exactly where he was. Yet her eyes met his without searching. He birthed from the brush and walked to her, seen anew with her eyes.
The girl grinned. He had forgotten about the marks on her arm, until he saw the dark swirls curving up her wrist over her hand.
Jackie's sneak peek:
(untitled), an original short story by Jackie Lester
Sleep lifted from me at an infuriatingly slow place. I was aware of an intense heat around me though I still couldn’t quite manage to open my eyes yet. I struggled to pull at whatever was tied around my neck, making breathing seem impossible but my fingers failed me. There was nothing to grasp. I pushed hard against my eyelids, praying they would open and I could see where I was and what was going on around me.
Continue reading here.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Flash Fiction (3)
Jackie, Blodeuedd, and I are back to working up some Flash Fiction fun. We will do flash fiction posts every two weeks, give or take due to holiday's and such. I will post my complete story here. Jackie will add the beginning and a link to her flash fiction on her Live Journal and Blodeuedd will be posting on her blog.
Enjoy our quick glimpses into worlds of the unknown.
~~~~~~~~~~
Rooftop Angel
By: Melissa Hayden
Enjoy our quick glimpses into worlds of the unknown.
~~~~~~~~~~
Rooftop Angel
By: Melissa Hayden
Adon leaned forward as he placed his hand on the smooth
weather rounded edge of the roof top. Running his fingers through the warm
flakes and over the sleek perfect surface of the stone, even as the world fell
apart around him. It was one of the oldest structures on the city. He remembered
when it was built and how time had changed around it. The solid building held
together through hundreds of years as the weather beat on it, rounding the
edges to give way for nature.
Leaning forward Adon was to the point of gliding from the
top of the building to help the few remaining on the streets. He was stopped by
a strong hand on his shoulder, pulling him back to the flat walkway of their
temple.
“It’s for the best.” The deep baritone voice said.
Adon couldn’t take his eyes from the crumbling world below
him. “Is it? How do you know?”
“The world has done this before. It cleanses itself and
starts anew.” The calm in the deep voice started to rattle Adon’s thoughts.
It couldn’t be okay, to watch as this happened. It felt
wrong. After all the years with these creatures his heart knew a love for them,
even if they weren’t perfect. But that was the draw. They weren’t perfect. Not
like his kind. Not created in perfection and when they didn’t live up to that impossible
expectation, to simply be tossed away. The only reason his kind still lived was
in their creation they were born to immortality. A flaw their creature made
sure not to repeat. The powers that discarded them to this land know of ways to
kill the Fallen. Hunters had been sent over the years to eliminate his kind
from existence forcing them to live in hiding while trying to help the world as
best they could.
Adon shook the warm ashes from his hair and wings as he
turned on the balls of his feet to face the tall brilliant man behind him. “And
this is it? This way?” Adon could feel the anger rising in his voice with his
heart beats.
“You are young, Adon. You did all you could to help them.”
It was acceptance in the deep voice. Acceptance for what they were doing to
flesh and bone of mankind.
“It wasn’t enough!” Adon’s temper broke from the cage he was
containing it in.
The last hundred years had been his time. He was to help the
mere mortals through the changes, to not let them get away from themselves. And
he couldn’t do it. Not alone anyway. And Apyon, his father, wouldn’t help. He’d
given up on the race after Adon was born, his sweet love dying of the drugs humans
gave to their own kind behind barred windows in the place where those that
speak of ‘what’s not real’ end up calling home.
Adon turned to look over the edge again, working to his long
memory the world when it was at its prime. The gray fluffy flakes thinned as
the wind blew up to the sky allowing Adon the view of a woman staggering
against the wall stories below him. She coughed as the fires raged through
buildings and the streets. Adon felt the earth quake and saw it rip open. He
watched as the hungry earth awakened into a predatory monster as its gapping
maw grew, reaching to swallow her.
If he had a soul, he was sure what it would tell him to do.
The mortals he loves are now dying before his eyes.
This was the last leap of faith for him.
He heard his father call after him as he descended to her.
He had to try, even if the hunters saw him fly.
~~~~~~~~~~~
The Stone Guard, an original short story by Jackie Lester
He looked down from his vantage point. It was dark now, allowing the light from the penthouse apartment to shine brilliantly. It was made that much more spectacular by the falling snow. The floor to ceiling windows were still uncovered and he watched as the woman moved from her kitchen, cradling a steaming cup in her hands, to drop herself into the plush red sofa in the sitting area.
Raven tried to pull himself away, knowing it was time for him to rest. He also knew the woman would be safe now that she’d been returned to her home. Returned by him.
Click here to continue reading.
~~~~~~~~~~~
The Stone Guard, an original short story by Jackie Lester
He looked down from his vantage point. It was dark now, allowing the light from the penthouse apartment to shine brilliantly. It was made that much more spectacular by the falling snow. The floor to ceiling windows were still uncovered and he watched as the woman moved from her kitchen, cradling a steaming cup in her hands, to drop herself into the plush red sofa in the sitting area.
Raven tried to pull himself away, knowing it was time for him to rest. He also knew the woman would be safe now that she’d been returned to her home. Returned by him.
Click here to continue reading.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Flash Fiction (2)
Jackie, Blodeuedd and I are back to working up Flash Fiction fun. We will do flash fiction posts every two weeks, give or take due to holiday's and such. We are starting today with the first Flash Fiction. I will post my complete story here. Jackie will add the beginning and a link to her flash fiction on her Live Journal. Blodeuedd will be posting on her blog.
~~~~~~~~~~
((Title-less))
By: Melissa Hayden
Meesha dropped her chin a touch, raising the inside of her eyebrows knowing it gave her brown eyes a wide-eyed look. Her eyes roamed the dark street as she hobbled down the metal sidewalk. Meesha redirected her hand from rubbing at her sore thigh to weaving through the air with the growing volume of music. Good thing she found the decorative gold band in the dressing room with this outfit. The stocking and band will hold it together, hopefully long enough for her to get back.
She looked over her shoulder. Meesha cursed herself. That was a rookie response, but with her leg losing feeling with each step, she couldn’t chance he find or follow her.
Almost there. Just to the end of the block. The street was filling with others, men and women of all creations for the nightly bazaar. She leaned forward, picking up her pace. Step, slid, step, slid. She could do it. The attire she found in the dressing room will let her blend in. Everything was revealing in this heated world, and she looked at her amounting exposed skin. She thought she was lucky that one of the dancers had a lover on the side that liked to grace her with the gold and metals plentiful in this station. She should blend right in, even if she wasn’t used to this dress.
The buzz of a scooter hit her ears causing her to stumble. Don’t look. Keep moving. Act normal. Another coming to the bazaar. She kept telling herself as the scooter hovered at her back.
She turned at the tall door, reaching for the scanner as she was yanked back onto the scooter by hard hands. One clasped over her mouth, the other around her waist. In this costume she had nothing to fight with. No secreted knives, no blasters. With this much skin showing, she was lucky to have the sheer material draped at her back to put the minimal protection between her skin and the sticky seat she landed on.
“Now I have you.” The stench of death from his meal breezed through the man’s mask turned Meesha’s stomach as his hoarse voice went on. “You thought you could get away with it. It’s mine and you are too.”
He was an off-worlder, maybe a Theadian from the size of his hands. But what would he want with the wand? It didn’t matter; the magic in it was desired by many on this side of the galaxy, probably from the other side too.
“Go.” He roughly called to the driver. “I have what I came for. Get to the ship and off this station.”
When he looked down at her, Meesha saw his eyes blink. Twice - once down, once across. Definitely a Theadian and she’s in his fierce grasp.
~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~
((Title-less))
By: Melissa Hayden
Meesha dropped her chin a touch, raising the inside of her eyebrows knowing it gave her brown eyes a wide-eyed look. Her eyes roamed the dark street as she hobbled down the metal sidewalk. Meesha redirected her hand from rubbing at her sore thigh to weaving through the air with the growing volume of music. Good thing she found the decorative gold band in the dressing room with this outfit. The stocking and band will hold it together, hopefully long enough for her to get back.
She looked over her shoulder. Meesha cursed herself. That was a rookie response, but with her leg losing feeling with each step, she couldn’t chance he find or follow her.
Almost there. Just to the end of the block. The street was filling with others, men and women of all creations for the nightly bazaar. She leaned forward, picking up her pace. Step, slid, step, slid. She could do it. The attire she found in the dressing room will let her blend in. Everything was revealing in this heated world, and she looked at her amounting exposed skin. She thought she was lucky that one of the dancers had a lover on the side that liked to grace her with the gold and metals plentiful in this station. She should blend right in, even if she wasn’t used to this dress.
The buzz of a scooter hit her ears causing her to stumble. Don’t look. Keep moving. Act normal. Another coming to the bazaar. She kept telling herself as the scooter hovered at her back.
She turned at the tall door, reaching for the scanner as she was yanked back onto the scooter by hard hands. One clasped over her mouth, the other around her waist. In this costume she had nothing to fight with. No secreted knives, no blasters. With this much skin showing, she was lucky to have the sheer material draped at her back to put the minimal protection between her skin and the sticky seat she landed on.
“Now I have you.” The stench of death from his meal breezed through the man’s mask turned Meesha’s stomach as his hoarse voice went on. “You thought you could get away with it. It’s mine and you are too.”
He was an off-worlder, maybe a Theadian from the size of his hands. But what would he want with the wand? It didn’t matter; the magic in it was desired by many on this side of the galaxy, probably from the other side too.
“Go.” He roughly called to the driver. “I have what I came for. Get to the ship and off this station.”
When he looked down at her, Meesha saw his eyes blink. Twice - once down, once across. Definitely a Theadian and she’s in his fierce grasp.
~~~~~~~~~~
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Flash Fiction (1)
Blodeuedd, Jackie, and I were big fans of Flash Fiction Friday a while back. We participated in these every week, having a new short story to share every Friday. Then life happened. We got busy with so much going on. Along with the image protection of artists that slowed us in getting images to inspire. (Note: we are fans of artists getting recognition. We love their images and feel inspired ourselves from them.)
Now fast forward months, maybe even a year. We miss it. We want to do Flash Fiction again and we came about to doing it.
We will do flash fiction posts every two weeks, give or take due to holiday's and such. We are starting today with the first Flash Fiction. I will post my complete story here. Jackie will add the beginning and a link to her flash fiction on her Live Journal. Blodeuedd will be posting on her blog.
~~~~~~~~~~
The Ax's Call
By: Melissa L. Hayden
As the moon drifted behind clouds and the gaseous fog thickened, Ax tilted her head back causing the heavy hood to slide from her pale face, granting Ax a wider view of the dark street. She flexed her fingers, keeping the irritation of waiting from tightening her grip on her specially crafted crossbows.
Ax blinked three times. Knowing she should lower her hood, she didn't. She needed to put the call out. The towns people weren't her worry. If anyone saw her eyes from their barred windows they'd think they were glow stones at their neighbors, or some poor soul lost to the gases. The humans stayed in at night due to the thick fogs, it was safest, but once in a while there were those that lost their minds to the gases.
She hadn't heard of any lost to the gases here, but she'd not gone looking for those tales. The rumors of this town's horrors hit her ears three days prior and she wasted no time arriving, then out to hunting.
Ax turned, her metal crafted crossbows at the ready, to the sound of nails scraping on metal and stone. He was close and on the move.
Ax moved with her back to the wall, grateful she oiled the hinges in her armor after last night's fruitless search. Even though it didn't come to her last night, she'd left a trail for it. And it was baited. She needn't move far, it'd come to her. Ax felt her lips stretch across her teeth, she lived for these moments. This is what she was created for.
She saw the shine of her eyes flaring brighter off the swirling gases. Ax then noted the sudden shift of the mist. She steered the even weight of her crossbows into the mist moving toward her. Squeezing the trigger of one bow while coiling tension tightened in her other trigger finger, as the next spiced arrow of the first bow slipped into place.
Ax felt her heart jump at the wail of the beast. She widened her eyes, looking into the mist, drawing the evil to her, calling it with her glowing eyes.
The scrapping of nails and pounding of its feet answered her call. They always came to the glowing eyes of a potential mate. It would find no mate here. A fight for dominance, yes. But Ax would win, for she is the ax.
~~~~~~~~~~
Bird's Eye
by Jackie Lester
Kara stood with her back to the gate. Her senses were already heightened, now even more so since initiating the connection with Breen, her crow. Her normally hazel coloured eyes blazed with a light so bright, it blocked everything in front of her. It was always a little disorienting at first but she quickly adjusted to her new vantage point, looking over the town through the eyes of her bird.
To keep reading, click here: Bird's Eye
Now fast forward months, maybe even a year. We miss it. We want to do Flash Fiction again and we came about to doing it.
We will do flash fiction posts every two weeks, give or take due to holiday's and such. We are starting today with the first Flash Fiction. I will post my complete story here. Jackie will add the beginning and a link to her flash fiction on her Live Journal. Blodeuedd will be posting on her blog.
~~~~~~~~~~
The Ax's Call
By: Melissa L. Hayden
As the moon drifted behind clouds and the gaseous fog thickened, Ax tilted her head back causing the heavy hood to slide from her pale face, granting Ax a wider view of the dark street. She flexed her fingers, keeping the irritation of waiting from tightening her grip on her specially crafted crossbows.
Ax blinked three times. Knowing she should lower her hood, she didn't. She needed to put the call out. The towns people weren't her worry. If anyone saw her eyes from their barred windows they'd think they were glow stones at their neighbors, or some poor soul lost to the gases. The humans stayed in at night due to the thick fogs, it was safest, but once in a while there were those that lost their minds to the gases.
She hadn't heard of any lost to the gases here, but she'd not gone looking for those tales. The rumors of this town's horrors hit her ears three days prior and she wasted no time arriving, then out to hunting.
Ax turned, her metal crafted crossbows at the ready, to the sound of nails scraping on metal and stone. He was close and on the move.
Ax moved with her back to the wall, grateful she oiled the hinges in her armor after last night's fruitless search. Even though it didn't come to her last night, she'd left a trail for it. And it was baited. She needn't move far, it'd come to her. Ax felt her lips stretch across her teeth, she lived for these moments. This is what she was created for.
She saw the shine of her eyes flaring brighter off the swirling gases. Ax then noted the sudden shift of the mist. She steered the even weight of her crossbows into the mist moving toward her. Squeezing the trigger of one bow while coiling tension tightened in her other trigger finger, as the next spiced arrow of the first bow slipped into place.
Ax felt her heart jump at the wail of the beast. She widened her eyes, looking into the mist, drawing the evil to her, calling it with her glowing eyes.
The scrapping of nails and pounding of its feet answered her call. They always came to the glowing eyes of a potential mate. It would find no mate here. A fight for dominance, yes. But Ax would win, for she is the ax.
~~~~~~~~~~
Bird's Eye
by Jackie Lester
Kara stood with her back to the gate. Her senses were already heightened, now even more so since initiating the connection with Breen, her crow. Her normally hazel coloured eyes blazed with a light so bright, it blocked everything in front of her. It was always a little disorienting at first but she quickly adjusted to her new vantage point, looking over the town through the eyes of her bird.
To keep reading, click here: Bird's Eye
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