Category:Flash Stories
From Earthen Ring Wiki
[edit] Introduction
Anansi suggested a contest for the best 'flash fiction', a complete story written in 99 words or less, with a title usually about 5 words or less as well. For this contest, the story must have a setting, characters (usually one or two), conflict, and resolution. There is usually a suggestion about where they are or what is going on without having to spell it out.
The contest concluded January 9th, 2007, with the following winners selected by Anansi, Kormok and Stamp.
The Winners
- Frelle with "Payment"
- Lightblinder with "Oh, She Was Good"
- Ogden with "Best Served Cold"
Honorable Mentions
- Elaran with "Bugger"
- Nagisakha with "Breathing"
- Ogden with "Collections"
- Pteswa-ni with "Mercy"
- Tai Jiang with "Games of Chance"
Worth-a-Mention-But-Doesn't-Fit-In-The-Competition
- Nock with "The Croatian" - a well-written story about one American's obsession with a foreigner.
(This last story was one we all agreed was really good, but stepped out of the true "spirit" of the competition and bent the rules. Still, it met what we were looking for as for a good story, just not one set in Azeroth or could be set in Azeroth.)
The things that the winners all had in common were:
- Setting - We could totally imagine what was going on and picture it in our minds.
- Story - Through subtle clues and word choice, the story was there, but not necessarily spelled out for us. Also, the stories didn't depend upon knowledge of who the character was.
- Conflict - Something happened or had happened previously that we were able to infer. More specifically, there was so much that happened before and after the story, but it was easy to imagine the bigger picture because of how well the story was written.
- Resolution - The conflict does get resolved. Whether it was what was expected or not wasn't part of our concern. Just that the story had a beginning, a middle, and a clear end.
The Stories
[edit] Adventures of Stamp (By Stamp)
“Did you do it?” the Steamwheedle Cartel goblin asked, green eyes narrowed and glinting. Booty Bay gulls squawked in the pink Stranglethorn sky. “Did you kill Gizmik Fazzle?”
“Stamp not stupid,” Stamp answered in Orcish.
“So you say. But 'Stamp hit' was carved in his forehead.”
“Gizmik got burned. Stamp hit. Stamp not burn. Stamp not be Stamp without Gizmik help. Stamp not hurt Gizmik.”
“That doesn't prove you didn't do it.”
“Stamp not know how to write.”
The goblin frowned. “Got any other good suspects?”
[edit] Assignment (By Gadhri)
"I... see."
Gadhri's eyes narrowed as he studied the paper. The forsaken in front of him shuffled, his armor creaking faintly.
"I'm not sure that you do." rasped the Deathguard. "No matter, do you wish to take this assignment?"
Gadhri snorted. This looked like nothing but a place to drop an unwanted soldier.
"I go where I am commanded. I was put under your authority, so lead on."
A hiss escaped the undead. Amazing how he could do that with no lower jaw. "So be it. Tarren Mill will soon teach you the ways of the horde."
[edit] Beast Way (By Drahliana)
"I require retraining Jocaste. to walk the way of Beasts."
"You seek weapons for war."
"You trained Bronil this path..."
"He sought closeness with his beasts, you have the way of the Bow, and the Third Path."
"I deny nothing of what you said. I ask again."
"I can not refuse."
"But you would if you could."
<silence>
"Daera of the Bright Spear, she sees from the gulf of Warsong. Keep peace between us."
[edit] Beauty (By Talula)
“I just don’t see the point. We’re kidding ourselves to think Gnomeregan isn’t lost. Where’s the beauty in that?” She put her head down on her knees like she hadn’t slept for a thousand years. He reached out to stroke her hair, then hesitated and dropped his hand.
“Sometimes you have to look for it. Sometimes, it’s right in front of you.”
She stood up. “So where’s your beauty?” she challenged.
He gave a crooked smile. She turned, irritated and headed toward the dormitory.
“You’re my beauty, Lu” he said quietly as he watched his friend disappear from sight.
[edit] Best Served Cold (By Ogden)
“The Faire is in town,” she said.
“Yes,” he replied.
“In Goldshire; it’s very popular.”
“Indeed; shall we go?”
She leaned into him. “That sounds like fun. You’re so much nicer than your brother.”
He smiled quietly and snuggled with her a moment. “Would you get me another ale?”
She nodded with a smile and stepped to the bar. Surreptitiously, he pinched the poison into her drink. She returned and asked. “How long’s it been?”
“He killed himself one year ago, today.”
[edit] Breathing (By Nagisakha)
Breathing brought scents to her nose. Exotic plants, old stone, and more importantly, troll. Red eyes stared down, crouched protectively behind a wall of leaves as another patrol marched past, grim countenance matching the smooth gait. A hunter too. Fingers curled just a bit tighter around the bowstring, leaning forward in eagerness, anticipation.
For a long minute their eyes met.
Smiling grimly, he sketched a bow and slung his spear over his shoulder, moving on. “Tanponi we, Wassa.” The adder dangled from the ledge above where his head had been, pierced by the arrow.
[edit] Bugger (By Elaran)
She was walking around, clutching her head tightly. Given that she was a Gnome, and that she was wearing engineer's overalls, most of the humans she passed under in Stormwind assumed that she was working on some new, incredible breakthrough. In a sense, this was correct, though not at all like the tall folk thought. And she still didn't know why she was wearing these ridiculous overalls.
"'ey, gnomie lady...ju should try dis stuff...is verrah, verrah rare...'"
"Never again. No more drinks from trolls. Ever. Again. No matter how cute he is."
[edit] Collections (By Ogden)
“What a beautiful baby,” his wife cooed.
“Yes.” He handed the child to her and stepped from the room to finish their business.
“She – is she wha’ you wanted?” asked the Westfall farmer, his dirty hat in his hands.
Replied the baron, “We’re settled up.”
Nodding the farmer asked, “No mo’ taxes on me farm?”
“So long as she lives.”
The farmer protested, “The ‘ast one ‘ived on’y six months!”
Said steely, “For the sake of your family this one better live a while longer.”
Lowering his eyes, the farmer nodded and walked away.
[edit] A Companion (By Merlet)
Sweat began to bead as the ice crackled.
How much time? Seconds? Longer?
Ice shatters with a snarl. Tearing claws and teeth raked a red trail down her body.
A grimace of pain, blood flows freely, gritting teeth in an effort not to loose concentration.
Eyes closed, hands out, using all the power within her for the task, claws still biting into her. Then nothing, a cool breeze over torn flesh as her eyes open.
Wild no longer the scaled face peered at her, eyes wary.
A sigh, an offering and collapse in triumph.
[edit] The Croatian (By Nock)
The Croatian sat deep in his soft-leather high backed recliner in front of his PC, unconsciously twirling a drumstick in his left hand. “Zemko” he said, breaking a long moment of boredom, “want to see something cool?” “What, that silly Warcraft game?” , Zemko retorts, “I’ve seen you play that game more than I’ve seen you drum, comrade.” “No, Zemko” , as the Croatian loads up the realms forum page for Earthen Ring, “this game”.
Within minutes, a stranger halfway across the globe clenched his fists, with every intention of finally putting that Croatian in his place.
[edit] Cry Wolf (By Sullivan)
Adjusting his long-glass, the figure views the scene below. Alliance descend upon horde townsfolk as a fleshripper does a carcass...
"Joining them, human?" A female voice softly asks.
The silverish figure glances back. "Miss, your folk enjoy sneaking up on old men?" - half grinning.
"My apologies human, I heard there was a battle raging."
"You waste your time then - hate - not honor, lie below in Crossroads."
The leathered elf blinks. "But... the wolf has fangs, yes?"
A moment hangs in the dusty air as the human walks away, "Perhaps, but this... is the wrong wolf."
[edit] Deals Made (By Taijiang)
The lines to the dock creaked. Inside the plush cabin, lit at this late hour by only one lamp, the goblin sat back in the leather-bound chair, assessing the dark-skinned man sitting across from him, weighing the risks, finally asking: “What if we eliminate his wife as well, Jiang?”
The human, in shadow, smiled and then leaned forward, taking a cigar from the mahogany box on the desk without asking. Savoring the aroma, he looked to the goblin, “In that case, we have a deal”. Putting the cigar in his mouth, Dao Jiang asked jauntily, “You have a light?”
[edit] Dinner (By Rataku)
“A poor shot…” he thought to himself as he traced his intended dinner by the spots of blood. “…age is gaining on me.”. He catches the smell on the light breeze. At last he had found his meal. Still slightly warm as it lay in the cool grass. He removes his arrow. An unfriendly growl alerts that he is not alone, he turns. Glowing yellow eyes, barred white fangs, it leaps. A roar, rustle of leaves. Deftly a rush of blue and black. A whimper and snap. “Looks like we both eat well tonight, Romeow” A gentle pat.
[edit] Divine Urge (By Frelle)
She stared at the altar. Was she worthy? Was it her time at last?
“Do it,” said her heart, said the air, said all the world about her. “Take your place on My altar. Worship Me.” And with the giddiness of surrender to the divine, she shed her encumbrances, leaping up onto the waiting platform, body moving in the patterns of joy in the Goddess.
Below, a Gnome glared up, grumbling as he tried to extract a delicate package from the mailbox. “Can’t the Fel-taken Elves find somewhere else to dance nude? Who wants to SEE that?”
[edit] Endings (By Gospel)
"I'm scared."
His touch was soft, "Don't be." His fingers were soft against my cheek, "I come for everyone…eventually."
"Do I have to go?"
"Yes. It is time."
Broken sobbing, "I don't want to."
"You have no choice." He held his hand out to me, and I took it reluctantly. It was inevitable. His hand was oddly warm, the look in his eyes lending the promise of Spring. Yet, his smile was winter cold.
"Will it hurt?"
"No. It is done now. All you need do is walk with me."
I walked with Death. I was only five.
[edit] The End (by Ogden)
Roses are red, You know the hue, Love or love lost, Which describes you?
Roses are red, Playing the fool, Lusting the wicked, Craving the cruel.
Roses are red, Violets are blue, Muzzle to temple, In mem’ry of you.
[edit] Entry Gained (by Iakona)
"Argh!" David's arms swung back and forth as his hands smacked his jacket and jeans. It had to be here somewhere. His heart clenched in panic and the feeling spread to his gut. Then dread took over. This was a long walk in the cold.
Finally, his hand finally felt the crinkle from his right breast pocket. A breath he did not know he held escaped between his teeth. He pulled out the ten and handed it over.
The bouncer moved out of his way and opened the door. The smell of stale beer, old sweat, and music greeted David.
[edit] The Final Duel (By Kyanali)
Rage splattered like the blood from her bruised and torn heart. She hesitated with no way out but to charge. Suddenly she lurched forward, desperate for revenge. The slap of her bare hand reverberated through the forest, leaving even birds silent. Shocked with her unarmed fury, she saw him dejectedly fall to his knees in defeat.
Biting her knuckle, tears sprang to her eyes. “Sorry…” She reached for him, but he was stone cold unresponsive. The duel was over. He’d let her win; yet, her heart still bled.
“Fight back!” she screamed.
“No more, I’m tired.”
[edit] First Night (By Bonnyjune)
The night began to lose its warmth as day broke over it. The predawn was quiet and still, but for the susurrus of a gnomish voice. She whispered truths; it was too late for kindness, too early for lies. She wasn't the first to make promises. Not the first to swear oaths. Still, she spoke solemnly and weaved her words with love and conviction.
The sun began to rise.
"June, let the baby sleep. Come back to bed," he yawned.
One final, lingering look. "I promise," she whispered.
[edit] Forsaken (By Ogden)
She held him tightly, desperately, lovingly. Her entire world was wrapped up with him, her hopes and dreams; her future; and he came back to her. Didn’t he know it; didn’t he know she needed him like candles need flames? He was very young but surely he knew it; that’s why he came back to her; that’s why he returned to her; that’s why he called her ‘mama’ and toddled into her embrace. He plunged his dagger between her ribs; she hardly felt it.
[edit] Games of Chance (By Taijiang)
Dice clattered on the dirty stone floor. A six and a one: another winner!
He pumped his fist. He’d never been on such a hot streak. Finally, he wouldn’t have to hide his gambling from his wife. She’d pleaded for him to quit, fretting about losing their shop. He strutted out of the gambling den, eager to get home ...
“Lucky”, Tai muttered, toying with the dice. “Pardon?” asked Talula, looking up.
Smiling, he held up an envelope, “His wife just sold us their shop today. Just glad to see they have enough for their first month’s rent, eh?"
[edit] Grace (By Wyst)
The flowing of her gown makes a soft rustle as she moves to the window. "One more day, one more then it is over" she turns to bars, then her eyes travel to the sill. A hand that should be beautiful reaches out to the light that falls threw the tattered curtains. This same ruined hand is quickly taken back out of the light. Shuffling feet as she turns away, the gown showing as a rotted ,decayed and putrid mess dragging behind a shell of a woman. She fades away to the door, leaving behind a memory of grandeur.
[edit] Iastine's Story (By Iastine)
As she waited, the tavern grew dark, and candles were lit. After forever, he entered, looked around the room, found her, smiled.
“My duties took longer than expected,” he stammered.
“No matter. You wanted to tell me… what?” Her cheeks were flushed.
He looked down, dark hair falling into his eyes as usual. “We are different, yet the same… We have studied together, prayed together, battled together. I think of you no longer as ‘friend’…”
Her breathing became ragged. “I… yes.”
Choking slightly, he replied, “This is more… difficult than expected.”
She laughed, nervously. “The blind leading the blind...”
[edit] Knife (By Wyst)
Blade in hand she moves carefully across the roof. A small turn to the left , then she stretches one foot over to a window, balancing between two buildings. The blade flashes once in the minimal light before she places the hilt in her mouth. Eyes close as she searches the night for her prey. Footsteps start into the alley. Silent falling before the slightest grunt is heard. Her foot on the fool's head, her right hand already removing the purse, her left hand pushing the blade deeper into the prey's back. A cold smile as she turns away.
[edit] Last Night (By Cerinkel)
I watched the sunset on the battlefield and feared it was my last. I thought of my home and feared it was no more. I thought of my wife and feared her lost to me.
Today I watched the sunrise on the battlefield and hoped I might see more. I thought of my home and hoped that it yet stood. I thought of my wife and hoped that she still lived.
I staggered to a flowing stream, to cleanse myself of war. Its clear, eternal waters made real my hopes and fears.
[edit] Manachan’s Vow (By Manachan)
Cold. It's always cold in the plaguelands. The wind chills the skin.
Cold. The Scourge know nothing but cold. Their stare chills the soul.
Cold. The silence here is especially cold. The quiet chills the mind.
Warm. These fields used to be warm. They were warm to the eye.
Warm. The ruins used to be homes. The homes would warm the heart.
Warm. The first rays of light from the rising sun. The Dawn warms the land.
Dawn. The Dawn breaks, driving away the Dark. I serve the Argent Dawn.
Warm. The plaguelands will be warm again.
[edit] Mana (By Kolenzo)
The lure bobbed, rippling the surface. Kolenzo always made his own lures. It made the catch more enjoyable.
The green waters lacked fish, but had solitude in abundance.
It was a feeling of something just beyond reach, tempting him. Seducing him. The water rippled.
Words floated by, "dangerous", "reliance", "abstain". His head moved slowly from side to side. The water rippled. Too much.
Noise punched through, roaring, pounding. A fiery mass of fire and stone behind him hurtled forward. Reaction.
Life so sweet, so pure. A chill spread, the stones crumbled. And Kolenzo rejoiced in the mana.
[edit] The Manipulator (By Limduul)
It is said beyond doubt by many a friend and foe,
I am the greatest liar they ever did know.
Never once did the truth pass through my lips,
Though not a single falsehood among my quips.
I've swindled dwarves and misled Tauren,
Misguided both my own and those called foreign.
My secret I might keep come the day I'm dying,
Oh fell, I'll tell you now;
I'm lying.
[edit] Mercy (By Ptesanwi)
Mercy
They walked quietly up the dusty road, their eyes staring forward dully. It wasn’t long till one broke the silence.
“Papa?’
“Yes?”
“Mama…isn’t coming home, is she?”
The dark-pelted bull looked to the calf at his side, and held up the small box he had been clutching to his breast.
“She is.”
He squeezed his son’s hand, and they continued on.
In mid-ambush, Ptesan-Wi’s fangs withdrew behind her lips and the huntress turned to leave.
She had already killed them… there was no need to do it twice.
[edit] Mine (By Ashaya)
“You brat! Those are mine!” Taku screamed at me. He had caught me playing on the dusty floor of our tent with the little wooden animals Uncle had made for him.
“You’re the worst brother! I hate you!” I shrieked back, and ran off weeping into the plains. When I could run no longer, I collapsed on the grass and cried myself to sleep.
I awoke at sunset. I panicked - late for dinner! Then I saw the smoke.
Centaur had come. My village, my parents, my only brother were gone. Now I can never say “I’m sorry.”
[edit] New Love (By Frelle)
The woman leaned forward, fascinated by the sailor’s tale. With easy laughter and broad gestures over the inn’s finest fare, he described the contretemps of a sea voyage with a drunken captain. When his hand rested briefly, she covered it with her own, eyes shining, laughter on her own lips.
Dinner done, with one accord they rose to walk hand in hand to the stairs upwards. I watched from my own table, idly wondering how long it would be before she tired of him. I’d lasted almost three months …
[edit] No Room To Rest in Azeroth (By Ginness)
He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, which he then wiped on his pants, but the majority of his dinner was still in his beard. He leaned back in his seat with his hands behind his head and smiled. His eye lids slowly closed. Then, as if awoken from a terrible dream, he lept from his seat, clutching his posterior with both hands.
He furiously stumbled over to the Innkeeper.
"Bathroom!"
"Wha?"
"Restroom!"
"Huh?"
"Ach!!"
He ran/waddled out of the inn, dropping his pants on the way, and lept over the stairs into the snow.
[edit] Oh, She Was Good (By Lightblinder)
"... and then?" Asked Lightblinder, eyeing Mortoy over his cards.
Mortoy, busily chewing on one of his own cards, did not answer immediately.
"You had the two of them alone..." Lightblinder prompted.
Mortoy tossed down two cards. A king with a sword through its head, and the Queen of Hearts, chewed in half. Then he tossed down the rest, face up. "Straight," he commented innocently.
Lightblinder laughed and slid a pile of gold coins across the table, not even bothering to look at his own cards.
[edit] Oriion (By Oriion)
Oriion crossed his arms, waiting for Mathrengyl Bearwalker. It was getting humid in the Darnassian tree.
"Alright, go like this--" Mat raised his arms in preparation for a spell.
"You're doing it wrong." Oriion mimicked the trainer's movements, but with his own arms at a different angle.
There air was silent.
[Oriion received three gold.]
[edit] The Paladin Who Bubbled Home (By Frelle)
Once there was a hero of the Light, always first to battle, last to leave. But his armor always got so battered.
“How can I be the Light’s example when I can’t sparkle?” he pleaded. And was heard.
A voice like mountains resounded. “You can stay shiny. Whenever you get too battered, call on your heart’s love of Light. You will sparkle.”
The hero tried it the next fight – and found himself home. Everyone there fawned on him, he was so glorious to see. He liked that much more. And from then on, that is how paladins ended battle.
[edit] Payment (By Frelle)
Fireworks bloomed, pulling sighs of wonder from the crowd. Heads crowned with circles of light tilted up towards the ramparts, hands clapped appreciation for the magnificent display.
My gaze raptly upwards with the rest, I edged my way through the throng towards the kegs. Free fireworks, free ale, who were they fooling? Someone was paying for all this. My brother, dead for lack of supplies at the front. My mother, lost to Redridge gnolls no soldier came to fight.
Well, someone was paying now. Hidden pocket heavy with lifted valuables, I hoisted a tankard and turned my steps away.
[edit] Phealea's Story (By Phealea)
The two women, one younger and one older, met in the open fields of Westfall and greeted each other with hard looks. Both women placed their hands on their swords as faced their foe. The younger woman placed her helm upon her head and stayed her hand as if waiting for the other.
"I don't need my helm to beat you, whelp" The older woman said with a crocked smirk about her lips.
"Then you will respect me in death." The younger woman said with a sort of stern calmness about her.
With words done the two lunged at each other and steel met steel. Footing was adjusted and no ground was given.
[edit] Rinnoa's Story (By Rinnoa)
A burning wish inside a darker dream.
Like wildfire that burns in the night, she set them alight and watched their souls fly free of the flames, watched their remains fall to the grass, forgotten by their owners.
But not so fast and skilled was she, to avoid the arrow that claimed her heart.
And so her form fell as if in repose to the grass, under the moonlight and illuminated by the flickering light of once-living torches. Her soul followed her victims into the night.
Far away, the archer nodded. The pass was open.
[edit] A Sandstorm Raged in Tanaris ... (By Gadarn)
Sand caked the moonkin. He entered the inn.
POOF!
A shower of sand added to the floor’s previous collection. A clean elf emerged, coughing dirt.
“Clean that up!” The bartender yelled.
Confused, the elf looked at the floor with its inches of sand.
Facing the barkeep, the elf pointed back to the door. A breeze started. “I’ll clean that up when druids fly!”
Strong wind filled the dwelling. Patrons gasped as the druid turned to see a clean floor inside - and a sand dune outside - the entrance to the inn.
Change was coming.
[edit] Search (By Calithos)
He rode up to the troll, expecting resistance. The troll moved not. He balanced, then hopped off the troll, roling to the ground and leapt to his feet. The troll moved not. He yelled. "Troll! In the name of the Alliance, surrender, and I shall be merciful!" The troll moved not. "ANSWER ME!" He swung his boot to kicked the troll, then stopped, to scare him. The troll moved not. He looked confused, then leaned in..and pushed. The troll fell over, eyes blank. He frowned. "Feh, another corpse." He walked back to his horse. Blank eyes stared.
[edit] Shame's Story (By Shame)
His eyes were the color of gold. Hers were the color of whiskey.
“I knew you’d come back.” He didn’t offer her a seat, she sat anyway.
“How’d you know? You told me not to.”
“You’re like a bad check.” The goblin laughed and the human girl grinned at his laughter.
“I’ve brought something,” she offered.
“Another present?”
“Of sorts. The elf retrieved it for me, died for me.”
“He’s still alive.”
“I wouldn’t leave him dead.”
Golden eyes and whiskey brown met. One or the other smiled. “Have a drink?” the goblin asked.
“Of course,” replied the girl.
[edit] Some Cold Eggs (By Arzamas)
Winterspring in March was its usual blistering cold self, but this was the only place, only time, to see a hatchling moonkin break free from its speckled cage and begin life.
Kithen had been watching a mating pair of moonkin since September, and knew they were soon to be the proud parents of not the normal one, but TWO moonkin chicks. She cautiously crept to her blind and looked towards the eggs. She expected to see one or both parents tending the nest. Instead, it was empty, abandoned in the middle of the night, save for some cold eggs.
[edit] Starting Out (by Shame)
He seemed rather single minded, standing there in the Abbey sun, so she tried to explain her position again.
“Mister Peltskinner - it’s not that I have a problem with your request. It’s just that,” she held up her worn mace - more of a stone tied to a stick, “They gave me this for self-defense and...really its not much good for cutting. If you could just lend me a knife maybe...” She looked at him. His face seemed grave, as if he understood. He spoke.
“Hey Sharam, I’m getting hungry...did you get that tough wolf meat?”
[edit] Tisina's Story (By Tisina)
“But, Magithter, ith my puppy! Hith name ith Rover!”
“Sorry, no do--… er, demons, allowed in the Brill Town Hall.”
“He’th not a demon, he’th a thweet, thweet, puppy. Aren’t you, Rover?”
“Young mage, I don’t know where you got such a tiny pink felhound, but you will take it outside immediately.”
“But I can’t leave him alone! Thomething will eat him!”
“Hmm… fair quantity of meat on his bones, might be good for a snack.”
“AAAAAGH, noooooo!!!”
And Tisina ran outside in abject terror, her “pup” in her arms, never to return again to the Brill Town Hall.
[edit] Ulaumao's Story (By Stamp)
A growl from purpling shadows and a flash of fangs.
Instinct drives the shift as he spins around, from looming Tauren to lethal horned cat.
The hecklefang isn't alone, but neither is he.
Fletched whispers and the plunk of bowstrings accompany howls of pain.
Dust clumps on bloodied claws. He looks over at the huntress.
“To the Flats,” she directs.
Into the purpling shadows they roam.
[edit] Unforseen Interruptions (By Langley)
"Have you been getting any sleep?" "Of course not. I'm up the moment she cries" "And the wife?" "She's .. well she's so exhausted; she did all the work, really" "You're not young enough for this sort of thing. Take some time off of work?" "Balderdash. I'll make do, you'll see." "I'm worried you're putting yourself in an early grave, you know." "Don't lose any sleep over it. You need to be compensating for me, after all."
[edit] Valstann (By Silverdawn)
I don't believe you.
Why not?
I can always tell when you're lying, Valstann.
I'll be alright. Trust me this time.
Do you promise?
Yes.
He leans into her embrace. She encircles bare arms around his front. Her verdant hair is loose and undone. Outside, the sands breath in the light of a low red moon. A phantom of a smile lingers on their lips.
[edit] Victim reversed (By Ausmandrea)
She waited till the last second. Spinning out side his reach, she cast a spell.
Her attackers skin now aglow, she backed away, her spells coming as fast as thought. An invisible shield of nature that would root him should he hit her. Fire from the moon to burn his flesh, then insects to eat at him.
His dagger lashed out, but her defense triggered, he could chase her no more.
With a nod trees came and attacked her attacker, with a timbermaw to heal her wound.
Her final spell, fire from the stars, to finish it.
[edit] Warmth (By Aevisceane)
Winter lives in the hearts of all men and women. These chains chafe my wrists as I test their hold. He stinks of rotting flesh, acrid and earthen. The ring of gold upon his finger glimmers dully in the dim light. Then winter takes her hold, enveloping me protectively. My bonds shattered, I watch him drop to the ground.
I gather my love to my bosom, ignoring the plagued horror that once stood before me. “My love, your warmth can still comfort me.”
He struggles only a moment against me and then let’s forth a soft ‘baahhh’.
[edit] Warm Trembles (By Iakona)
The ground trembled. The sun was warm. The ground trembled. A cool wind blew through fur. The single blade of grass trembled. The sound of a creek from ahead. The sun was warm. The sound of clumpity-clump from the dirt ahead. The breeze continued to blow. Jingle of metal from the dirt ahead.
Ground trembles grow. Shapes from ahead moving….lumbering, coming closer. Run to tall grass quickly. Watch shapes moving closer, but still on dirt. Stay still.
"What was that?" The orc asked himself. In these plains, probably a prairie dog.
The sun is warm.
[edit] Awards
|
|
|
[edit] Reflection (By Ramlas)
Their eyes are on me to see if I waiver. I stand quietly as the mass of hate rages towards us, returning their gaze with a benign smile, "Let them join us and be one."
I kneel, place my hand on the earth, and let my faith consecrate the land. Quietly, I repeat the mantra, "We are one with the Light. We are part of the whole. We welcome our adversaries to share in the Pain they bring. We are a mirror to their Souls."
The ring of metal surrounds us. I rise slowly and patiently await reflection.
This category currently contains no pages or media.
