#nmfic — Public Fediverse posts

#Airisu: The Crow and the Witch

Banchō Sarayashiki (Sumika POV): Post 41
#Wss366 Cable #TimeTravelAuthors Whatever

I hated to resume the story. The romance I sensed between the witch and Okiku should have had a happy ending, but only tragedy lay ahead. I pretended to sip my tea, now grown cold, and then began again:

“All would have been well for Okiku,” I continued, “if Aoyama had been content with that. But instead, he devised a plan to trap the maiden. When she was away, he hid one of the ten plates.”

When he called for them to be shown to him, Okiku was horrified to find only nine. She counted them over and over, but no matter how many times she did this, the tenth plate was always missing.

It was a sorrowful maiden who presented the remaining plates to Aoyama, for she knew the penalty for losing a plate was to be beheaded.

Instead of anger, the lord’s face bore a crafty look. His expression soon turned to rage when she declined his offer of “clemency.” That fury blossomed, turning into a beating, and finally, when she still refused him, he dragged her into the courtyard and hung her over a well.

“This is your last chance,” he raged. “Who are you to refuse me?” She met his demands with silence.

Infuriated, he dunked her into the well, nearly drowning her. When even that failed to break Okiku’s determination, with one final slash, Lord Aoyama severed the rope, and she plummeted to her death.

The witch held up her hand for me to stop; her face had grown grim. With a shaky hand, she poured more tea and threw grain for my familiar. When she’d calmed herself, she spoke. “It is as I feared. She acquitted herself well to the end. A vine #cable could not have been stronger than her honor. No shame will ever be attached to her name. Alas, if I were younger, I would avenge this slight. If her betrothed fails in his duty, then I’ll haunt both him and Aoyama.”

I trembled. This was not why I had come. Instead of rescuing Okiku, I was only bringing tragedy. The ghosts threatened to multiply. I looked pleadingly at Airisu and mouthed, “Do I have to finish my tale?”

“Go on,” she cawed. “The rest is sorrowful enough, but there is no need for the good lady to stain her karma with it. The taint lies upon the house of Aoyama. Even dead at the bottom of a well, Okiku’s name endured unclouded—besides, we’re here to rescue her!”

With these last words, Airisu fluffed up her feathers and strutted across the floor. At a less solemn time, I would have laughed.

#TootFic #Crows #Otherkin #Fantasy #UrbanFantasy #Serial #SlowBurn #Yuri #Folklore #NMFic #TimeTravel

#TimeTravelingGhost EP 10: Post 103 1191, Nicosia, Cyprus

#Wss366 Stream #TimeTravelAuthors 05/27. Wednesday POST-SIZED snippet (optional word: clever/smart)

While waiting for Emily to return, I reviewed what I knew about twelfth-century Christianity, particularly Byzantine and Coptic traditions. It took far less time than I would have preferred.

After exhausting my knowledge of Eastern Orthodox faiths, I sat back and enjoyed the evening breeze #streaming in off the veranda. The faint mix of citrus and blooming flowers was relaxing, and I fell into a reverie.

I could see Emily grimacing as she lost a trick at pinochle or laughing as she beat me at cards. It was the same smile she would flash when I snuck her a tidbit of food in a restaurant. Her smiles were generous. There was nothing shy about them, with a boldness that was unafraid to break into a grin or a grimace. She was a #clever woman, quick with snark or a witty comeback. Except for that hint of jealousy I’d seen, she made a great travel companion.

I was lost in those thoughts until she returned with news.

“The girl’s name is Zoe, and she’s quite taken with you. She even picked some white flowers for you. She swears she saw you walk through the courtyard wall, a miracle. The tutor has tried to dissuade her from this, but she insists. She calls you a saint and says she wants to be a nun. She has a bit of spirit, that one. The father seemed tolerant but not thrilled by this.”

She paused.

“….”

“There was brief talk of you being a demon, and even though they haven’t mentioned the mask, they have noticed and wonder what it signifies.”

“It’s good that you signed yourself and prayed to the icon of the Theotokos. That, along with your ‘saintly’ carriage, has convinced them to accept you as a foreign pilgrim blessed by the saints. The mother compared you to a desert hermit who is too pious to show their face. If you’re careful, you may carry it off.”

“I see,” I said. “Overall, that’s good. Let me adjust this mask to be more humble.” So saying, I roughened the mask, obliterating the smile and other embellishments; leaving only the crown of thorns.

Emily nodded and then suddenly said, “Oh, and they are planning to fete you. Sometimes I wish I had a material body like yours.”

“I’ll get you a doggy bag,” I said as she finished up.

“Charming.”

It was my turn to laugh. Her wrinkled nose was so cute.

#TootFic #NMFic #TimeTravel #HistoricalFantasy #UrbanFantasy #Mythpunk #Serial #Slowburn #Yuri

#TimeTravelingGhost EP 10: Post 103 1191, Nicosia, Cyprus

#Wss366 Stream #TimeTravelAuthors 05/27. Wednesday POST-SIZED snippet (optional word: clever/smart)

While waiting for Emily to return, I reviewed what I knew about twelfth-century Christianity, particularly Byzantine and Coptic traditions. It took far less time than I would have preferred.

After exhausting my knowledge of Eastern Orthodox faiths, I sat back and enjoyed the evening breeze #streaming in off the veranda. The faint mix of citrus and blooming flowers was relaxing, and I fell into a reverie.

I could see Emily grimacing as she lost a trick at pinochle or laughing as she beat me at cards. It was the same smile she would flash when I snuck her a tidbit of food in a restaurant. Her smiles were generous. There was nothing shy about them, with a boldness that was unafraid to break into a grin or a grimace. She was a #clever woman, quick with snark or a witty comeback. Except for that hint of jealousy I’d seen, she made a great travel companion.

I was lost in those thoughts until she returned with news.

“The girl’s name is Zoe, and she’s quite taken with you. She even picked some white flowers for you. She swears she saw you walk through the courtyard wall, a miracle. The tutor has tried to dissuade her from this, but she insists. She calls you a saint and says she wants to be a nun. She has a bit of spirit, that one. The father seemed tolerant but not thrilled by this.”

She paused.

“….”

“There was brief talk of you being a demon, and even though they haven’t mentioned the mask, they have noticed and wonder what it signifies.”

“It’s good that you signed yourself and prayed to the icon of the Theotokos. That, along with your ‘saintly’ carriage, has convinced them to accept you as a foreign pilgrim blessed by the saints. The mother compared you to a desert hermit who is too pious to show their face. If you’re careful, you may carry it off.”

“I see,” I said. “Overall, that’s good. Let me adjust this mask to be more humble.” So saying, I roughened the mask, obliterating the smile and other embellishments; leaving only the crown of thorns.

Emily nodded and then suddenly said, “Oh, and they are planning to fete you. Sometimes I wish I had a material body like yours.”

“I’ll get you a doggy bag,” I said as she finished up.

“Charming.”

It was my turn to laugh. Her wrinkled nose was so cute.

#TootFic #NMFic #TimeTravel #HistoricalFantasy #UrbanFantasy #Mythpunk #Serial #Slowburn #Yuri

#TimeTravelingGhost EP 10: Post 103 1191, Nicosia, Cyprus

#Wss366 Stream #TimeTravelAuthors 05/27. Wednesday POST-SIZED snippet (optional word: clever/smart)

While waiting for Emily to return, I reviewed what I knew about twelfth-century Christianity, particularly Byzantine and Coptic traditions. It took far less time than I would have preferred.

After exhausting my knowledge of Eastern Orthodox faiths, I sat back and enjoyed the evening breeze #streaming in off the veranda. The faint mix of citrus and blooming flowers was relaxing, and I fell into a reverie.

I could see Emily grimacing as she lost a trick at pinochle or laughing as she beat me at cards. It was the same smile she would flash when I snuck her a tidbit of food in a restaurant. Her smiles were generous. There was nothing shy about them, with a boldness that was unafraid to break into a grin or a grimace. She was a #clever woman, quick with snark or a witty comeback. Except for that hint of jealousy I’d seen, she made a great travel companion.

I was lost in those thoughts until she returned with news.

“The girl’s name is Zoe, and she’s quite taken with you. She even picked some white flowers for you. She swears she saw you walk through the courtyard wall, a miracle. The tutor has tried to dissuade her from this, but she insists. She calls you a saint and says she wants to be a nun. She has a bit of spirit, that one. The father seemed tolerant but not thrilled by this.”

She paused.

“….”

“There was brief talk of you being a demon, and even though they haven’t mentioned the mask, they have noticed and wonder what it signifies.”

“It’s good that you signed yourself and prayed to the icon of the Theotokos. That, along with your ‘saintly’ carriage, has convinced them to accept you as a foreign pilgrim blessed by the saints. The mother compared you to a desert hermit who is too pious to show their face. If you’re careful, you may carry it off.”

“I see,” I said. “Overall, that’s good. Let me adjust this mask to be more humble.” So saying, I roughened the mask, obliterating the smile and other embellishments; leaving only the crown of thorns.

Emily nodded and then suddenly said, “Oh, and they are planning to fete you. Sometimes I wish I had a material body like yours.”

“I’ll get you a doggy bag,” I said as she finished up.

“Charming.”

It was my turn to laugh. Her wrinkled nose was so cute.

#TootFic #NMFic #TimeTravel #HistoricalFantasy #UrbanFantasy #Mythpunk #Serial #Slowburn #Yuri

#TimeTravelingGhost EP 10: Post 103 1191, Nicosia, Cyprus

#Wss366 Stream #TimeTravelAuthors 05/27. Wednesday POST-SIZED snippet (optional word: clever/smart)

While waiting for Emily to return, I reviewed what I knew about twelfth-century Christianity, particularly Byzantine and Coptic traditions. It took far less time than I would have preferred.

After exhausting my knowledge of Eastern Orthodox faiths, I sat back and enjoyed the evening breeze #streaming in off the veranda. The faint mix of citrus and blooming flowers was relaxing, and I fell into a reverie.

I could see Emily grimacing as she lost a trick at pinochle or laughing as she beat me at cards. It was the same smile she would flash when I snuck her a tidbit of food in a restaurant. Her smiles were generous. There was nothing shy about them, with a boldness that was unafraid to break into a grin or a grimace. She was a #clever woman, quick with snark or a witty comeback. Except for that hint of jealousy I’d seen, she made a great travel companion.

I was lost in those thoughts until she returned with news.

“The girl’s name is Zoe, and she’s quite taken with you. She even picked some white flowers for you. She swears she saw you walk through the courtyard wall, a miracle. The tutor has tried to dissuade her from this, but she insists. She calls you a saint and says she wants to be a nun. She has a bit of spirit, that one. The father seemed tolerant but not thrilled by this.”

She paused.

“….”

“There was brief talk of you being a demon, and even though they haven’t mentioned the mask, they have noticed and wonder what it signifies.”

“It’s good that you signed yourself and prayed to the icon of the Theotokos. That, along with your ‘saintly’ carriage, has convinced them to accept you as a foreign pilgrim blessed by the saints. The mother compared you to a desert hermit who is too pious to show their face. If you’re careful, you may carry it off.”

“I see,” I said. “Overall, that’s good. Let me adjust this mask to be more humble.” So saying, I roughened the mask, obliterating the smile and other embellishments; leaving only the crown of thorns.

Emily nodded and then suddenly said, “Oh, and they are planning to fete you. Sometimes I wish I had a material body like yours.”

“I’ll get you a doggy bag,” I said as she finished up.

“Charming.”

It was my turn to laugh. Her wrinkled nose was so cute.

#TootFic #NMFic #TimeTravel #HistoricalFantasy #UrbanFantasy #Mythpunk #Serial #Slowburn #Yuri

#TimeTravelingGhost EP 10: Post 103 1191, Nicosia, Cyprus

#Wss366 Stream #TimeTravelAuthors 05/27. Wednesday POST-SIZED snippet (optional word: clever/smart)

While waiting for Emily to return, I reviewed what I knew about twelfth-century Christianity, particularly Byzantine and Coptic traditions. It took far less time than I would have preferred.

After exhausting my knowledge of Eastern Orthodox faiths, I sat back and enjoyed the evening breeze #streaming in off the veranda. The faint mix of citrus and blooming flowers was relaxing, and I fell into a reverie.

I could see Emily grimacing as she lost a trick at pinochle or laughing as she beat me at cards. It was the same smile she would flash when I snuck her a tidbit of food in a restaurant. Her smiles were generous. There was nothing shy about them, with a boldness that was unafraid to break into a grin or a grimace. She was a #clever woman, quick with snark or a witty comeback. Except for that hint of jealousy I’d seen, she made a great travel companion.

I was lost in those thoughts until she returned with news.

“The girl’s name is Zoe, and she’s quite taken with you. She even picked some white flowers for you. She swears she saw you walk through the courtyard wall, a miracle. The tutor has tried to dissuade her from this, but she insists. She calls you a saint and says she wants to be a nun. She has a bit of spirit, that one. The father seemed tolerant but not thrilled by this.”

She paused.

“….”

“There was brief talk of you being a demon, and even though they haven’t mentioned the mask, they have noticed and wonder what it signifies.”

“It’s good that you signed yourself and prayed to the icon of the Theotokos. That, along with your ‘saintly’ carriage, has convinced them to accept you as a foreign pilgrim blessed by the saints. The mother compared you to a desert hermit who is too pious to show their face. If you’re careful, you may carry it off.”

“I see,” I said. “Overall, that’s good. Let me adjust this mask to be more humble.” So saying, I roughened the mask, obliterating the smile and other embellishments; leaving only the crown of thorns.

Emily nodded and then suddenly said, “Oh, and they are planning to fete you. Sometimes I wish I had a material body like yours.”

“I’ll get you a doggy bag,” I said as she finished up.

“Charming.”

It was my turn to laugh. Her wrinkled nose was so cute.

#TootFic #NMFic #TimeTravel #HistoricalFantasy #UrbanFantasy #Mythpunk #Serial #Slowburn #Yuri

#Airisu: The Crow and the Witch

Banchō Sarayashiki (Sumika POV): Post 40
#Wss366 Wilt #TimeTravelAuthors Whatever

“I will do my best, Holy One,” I said. “There are many versions of the tale, and I don’t know which one is correct.”

The witch sat across from me. The firelight reflected on her face, giving it a deceptive ruddy glow, even though I knew she was very sick. Airisu had stopped pecking at the grain and was looking between us intently. I was pleased that she hadn’t said anything rude so far.

“So, she is well remembered,” the woman said. “Tell whichever version you please.”

“I’m sure to mix the stories up,” I said.

The witch coughed and waved her hand dismissively, so I took heart and began.

In Himeji Castle, there was a beautiful lady-in-waiting named Okiku. It was her duty to care for a precious set of ten plates. This was a great honor, showing her breeding and how much her lord, Aoyama, valued her. But the lord’s feelings didn’t end there. He lusted after her and wished to make her his concubine.

Okiku #wilted under his attentions and refused his many advances, spurning both offered rewards and threatened punishments, for she was betrothed to a samurai named Takesune and remained faithful to him.

I stopped, first looking at the woman and then at Airisu, and asked, “How am I doing?”

Airisu made a funny, unbird-like gesture that resembled a shrug. I'd need to reward her later for keeping silent as I had directed.

For her part, the witch said, “Good enough. Okiku was fonder of me than of any man." A gentle smile stole over her face, and her eyes grew distant. "But she had been promised, and no pleading would turn her from the path laid before her. We were as husband and wife in all but name, yet she had her duties and I mine. How then would Lord Aoyama ensnare her?”

A cough interrupted the witch’s speech. Wiping her lips, she said, “Continue.”

#TootFic #Crows #Otherkin #Fantasy #UrbanFantasy #Serial #SlowBurn #Yuri #Folklore #NMFic #TimeTravel

#Airisu: The Crow and the Witch

Banchō Sarayashiki (Sumika POV): Post 40
#Wss366 Wilt #TimeTravelAuthors Whatever

“I will do my best, Holy One,” I said. “There are many versions of the tale, and I don’t know which one is correct.”

The witch sat across from me. The firelight reflected on her face, giving it a deceptive ruddy glow, even though I knew she was very sick. Airisu had stopped pecking at the grain and was looking between us intently. I was pleased that she hadn’t said anything rude so far.

“So, she is well remembered,” the woman said. “Tell whichever version you please.”

“I’m sure to mix the stories up,” I said.

The witch coughed and waved her hand dismissively, so I took heart and began.

In Himeji Castle, there was a beautiful lady-in-waiting named Okiku. It was her duty to care for a precious set of ten plates. This was a great honor, showing her breeding and how much her lord, Aoyama, valued her. But the lord’s feelings didn’t end there. He lusted after her and wished to make her his concubine.

Okiku #wilted under his attentions and refused his many advances, spurning both offered rewards and threatened punishments, for she was betrothed to a samurai named Takesune and remained faithful to him.

I stopped, first looking at the woman and then at Airisu, and asked, “How am I doing?”

Airisu made a funny, unbird-like gesture that resembled a shrug. I'd need to reward her later for keeping silent as I had directed.

For her part, the witch said, “Good enough. Okiku was fonder of me than of any man." A gentle smile stole over her face, and her eyes grew distant. "But she had been promised, and no pleading would turn her from the path laid before her. We were as husband and wife in all but name, yet she had her duties and I mine. How then would Lord Aoyama ensnare her?”

A cough interrupted the witch’s speech. Wiping her lips, she said, “Continue.”

#TootFic #Crows #Otherkin #Fantasy #UrbanFantasy #Serial #SlowBurn #Yuri #Folklore #NMFic #TimeTravel

#Airisu: The Crow and the Witch

Banchō Sarayashiki (Sumika POV): Post 40
#Wss366 Wilt #TimeTravelAuthors Whatever

“I will do my best, Holy One,” I said. “There are many versions of the tale, and I don’t know which one is correct.”

The witch sat across from me. The firelight reflected on her face, giving it a deceptive ruddy glow, even though I knew she was very sick. Airisu had stopped pecking at the grain and was looking between us intently. I was pleased that she hadn’t said anything rude so far.

“So, she is well remembered,” the woman said. “Tell whichever version you please.”

“I’m sure to mix the stories up,” I said.

The witch coughed and waved her hand dismissively, so I took heart and began.

In Himeji Castle, there was a beautiful lady-in-waiting named Okiku. It was her duty to care for a precious set of ten plates. This was a great honor, showing her breeding and how much her lord, Aoyama, valued her. But the lord’s feelings didn’t end there. He lusted after her and wished to make her his concubine.

Okiku #wilted under his attentions and refused his many advances, spurning both offered rewards and threatened punishments, for she was betrothed to a samurai named Takesune and remained faithful to him.

I stopped, first looking at the woman and then at Airisu, and asked, “How am I doing?”

Airisu made a funny, unbird-like gesture that resembled a shrug. I'd need to reward her later for keeping silent as I had directed.

For her part, the witch said, “Good enough. Okiku was fonder of me than of any man." A gentle smile stole over her face, and her eyes grew distant. "But she had been promised, and no pleading would turn her from the path laid before her. We were as husband and wife in all but name, yet she had her duties and I mine. How then would Lord Aoyama ensnare her?”

A cough interrupted the witch’s speech. Wiping her lips, she said, “Continue.”

#TootFic #Crows #Otherkin #Fantasy #UrbanFantasy #Serial #SlowBurn #Yuri #Folklore #NMFic #TimeTravel

#Airisu: The Crow and the Witch

Banchō Sarayashiki (Sumika POV): Post 40
#Wss366 Wilt #TimeTravelAuthors Whatever

“I will do my best, Holy One,” I said. “There are many versions of the tale, and I don’t know which one is correct.”

The witch sat across from me. The firelight reflected on her face, giving it a deceptive ruddy glow, even though I knew she was very sick. Airisu had stopped pecking at the grain and was looking between us intently. I was pleased that she hadn’t said anything rude so far.

“So, she is well remembered,” the woman said. “Tell whichever version you please.”

“I’m sure to mix the stories up,” I said.

The witch coughed and waved her hand dismissively, so I took heart and began.

In Himeji Castle, there was a beautiful lady-in-waiting named Okiku. It was her duty to care for a precious set of ten plates. This was a great honor, showing her breeding and how much her lord, Aoyama, valued her. But the lord’s feelings didn’t end there. He lusted after her and wished to make her his concubine.

Okiku #wilted under his attentions and refused his many advances, spurning both offered rewards and threatened punishments, for she was betrothed to a samurai named Takesune and remained faithful to him.

I stopped, first looking at the woman and then at Airisu, and asked, “How am I doing?”

Airisu made a funny, unbird-like gesture that resembled a shrug. I'd need to reward her later for keeping silent as I had directed.

For her part, the witch said, “Good enough. Okiku was fonder of me than of any man." A gentle smile stole over her face, and her eyes grew distant. "But she had been promised, and no pleading would turn her from the path laid before her. We were as husband and wife in all but name, yet she had her duties and I mine. How then would Lord Aoyama ensnare her?”

A cough interrupted the witch’s speech. Wiping her lips, she said, “Continue.”

#TootFic #Crows #Otherkin #Fantasy #UrbanFantasy #Serial #SlowBurn #Yuri #Folklore #NMFic #TimeTravel

#Airisu: The Crow and the Witch

Banchō Sarayashiki (Sumika POV): Post 40
#Wss366 Wilt #TimeTravelAuthors Whatever

“I will do my best, Holy One,” I said. “There are many versions of the tale, and I don’t know which one is correct.”

The witch sat across from me. The firelight reflected on her face, giving it a deceptive ruddy glow, even though I knew she was very sick. Airisu had stopped pecking at the grain and was looking between us intently. I was pleased that she hadn’t said anything rude so far.

“So, she is well remembered,” the woman said. “Tell whichever version you please.”

“I’m sure to mix the stories up,” I said.

The witch coughed and waved her hand dismissively, so I took heart and began.

In Himeji Castle, there was a beautiful lady-in-waiting named Okiku. It was her duty to care for a precious set of ten plates. This was a great honor, showing her breeding and how much her lord, Aoyama, valued her. But the lord’s feelings didn’t end there. He lusted after her and wished to make her his concubine.

Okiku #wilted under his attentions and refused his many advances, spurning both offered rewards and threatened punishments, for she was betrothed to a samurai named Takesune and remained faithful to him.

I stopped, first looking at the woman and then at Airisu, and asked, “How am I doing?”

Airisu made a funny, unbird-like gesture that resembled a shrug. I'd need to reward her later for keeping silent as I had directed.

For her part, the witch said, “Good enough. Okiku was fonder of me than of any man." A gentle smile stole over her face, and her eyes grew distant. "But she had been promised, and no pleading would turn her from the path laid before her. We were as husband and wife in all but name, yet she had her duties and I mine. How then would Lord Aoyama ensnare her?”

A cough interrupted the witch’s speech. Wiping her lips, she said, “Continue.”

#TootFic #Crows #Otherkin #Fantasy #UrbanFantasy #Serial #SlowBurn #Yuri #Folklore #NMFic #TimeTravel

#TimeTravelingGhost EP 10: Post 102 1191, Nicosia, Cyprus

#Wss366 head #TimeTravelAuthors 05/25 Something pretty/beautiful in your story

I breathed a sigh of relief and collapsed onto a cushioned bench.

Emily entered the guest room right behind me. She gave me one look and burst into laughter, something I didn’t appreciate. I had been sweating bullets for the last few minutes, dreading they’d accuse me of being a heretic, fraud, or a Frankish spy.

“St. Bijou,” she chuckled. “Protect his charge’s virtue!”

“Don’t laugh. I nearly died when I crossed myself the wrong way. This is hard!”

“You did?”

“It should have been right-to-left. That's how the Byzantines do it. And I almost faltered when he said 'Theotokos.' At first, I didn’t know what he meant. It means 'Mother of God' or 'Virgin Mary.'" I gestured toward a #beautiful icon of the saint in one corner, complete with its golden halo and attendant lamp.

“Yes, Professor Bijou. Right-to-left.”

If she hadn’t been a ghost, I would've thrown a cushion at her. Instead, I said, “These things matter. Wars have been fought over less. I’d skip this whole thing, except we need a guide to St. George’s Shrine. Oh heck! Why don’t you scout while I wash up?”

For a second, she looked as if she were going to say something, then nodded her #head and departed.

#TootFic #NMFic #TimeTravel #HistoricalFantasy #UrbanFantasy #Mythpunk #Serial #Slowburn #Yuri

#TimeTravelingGhost EP 10: Post 102 1191, Nicosia, Cyprus

#Wss366 head #TimeTravelAuthors 05/25 Something pretty/beautiful in your story

I breathed a sigh of relief and collapsed onto a cushioned bench.

Emily entered the guest room right behind me. She gave me one look and burst into laughter, something I didn’t appreciate. I had been sweating bullets for the last few minutes, dreading they’d accuse me of being a heretic, fraud, or a Frankish spy.

“St. Bijou,” she chuckled. “Protect his charge’s virtue!”

“Don’t laugh. I nearly died when I crossed myself the wrong way. This is hard!”

“You did?”

“It should have been right-to-left. That's how the Byzantines do it. And I almost faltered when he said 'Theotokos.' At first, I didn’t know what he meant. It means 'Mother of God' or 'Virgin Mary.'" I gestured toward a #beautiful icon of the saint in one corner, complete with its golden halo and attendant lamp.

“Yes, Professor Bijou. Right-to-left.”

If she hadn’t been a ghost, I would've thrown a cushion at her. Instead, I said, “These things matter. Wars have been fought over less. I’d skip this whole thing, except we need a guide to St. George’s Shrine. Oh heck! Why don’t you scout while I wash up?”

For a second, she looked as if she were going to say something, then nodded her #head and departed.

#TootFic #NMFic #TimeTravel #HistoricalFantasy #UrbanFantasy #Mythpunk #Serial #Slowburn #Yuri

#TimeTravelingGhost EP 10: Post 102 1191, Nicosia, Cyprus

#Wss366 head #TimeTravelAuthors 05/25 Something pretty/beautiful in your story

I breathed a sigh of relief and collapsed onto a cushioned bench.

Emily entered the guest room right behind me. She gave me one look and burst into laughter, something I didn’t appreciate. I had been sweating bullets for the last few minutes, dreading they’d accuse me of being a heretic, fraud, or a Frankish spy.

“St. Bijou,” she chuckled. “Protect his charge’s virtue!”

“Don’t laugh. I nearly died when I crossed myself the wrong way. This is hard!”

“You did?”

“It should have been right-to-left. That's how the Byzantines do it. And I almost faltered when he said 'Theotokos.' At first, I didn’t know what he meant. It means 'Mother of God' or 'Virgin Mary.'" I gestured toward a #beautiful icon of the saint in one corner, complete with its golden halo and attendant lamp.

“Yes, Professor Bijou. Right-to-left.”

If she hadn’t been a ghost, I would've thrown a cushion at her. Instead, I said, “These things matter. Wars have been fought over less. I’d skip this whole thing, except we need a guide to St. George’s Shrine. Oh heck! Why don’t you scout while I wash up?”

For a second, she looked as if she were going to say something, then nodded her #head and departed.

#TootFic #NMFic #TimeTravel #HistoricalFantasy #UrbanFantasy #Mythpunk #Serial #Slowburn #Yuri

#TimeTravelingGhost EP 10: Post 102 1191, Nicosia, Cyprus

#Wss366 head #TimeTravelAuthors 05/25 Something pretty/beautiful in your story

I breathed a sigh of relief and collapsed onto a cushioned bench.

Emily entered the guest room right behind me. She gave me one look and burst into laughter, something I didn’t appreciate. I had been sweating bullets for the last few minutes, dreading they’d accuse me of being a heretic, fraud, or a Frankish spy.

“St. Bijou,” she chuckled. “Protect his charge’s virtue!”

“Don’t laugh. I nearly died when I crossed myself the wrong way. This is hard!”

“You did?”

“It should have been right-to-left. That's how the Byzantines do it. And I almost faltered when he said 'Theotokos.' At first, I didn’t know what he meant. It means 'Mother of God' or 'Virgin Mary.'" I gestured toward a #beautiful icon of the saint in one corner, complete with its golden halo and attendant lamp.

“Yes, Professor Bijou. Right-to-left.”

If she hadn’t been a ghost, I would've thrown a cushion at her. Instead, I said, “These things matter. Wars have been fought over less. I’d skip this whole thing, except we need a guide to St. George’s Shrine. Oh heck! Why don’t you scout while I wash up?”

For a second, she looked as if she were going to say something, then nodded her #head and departed.

#TootFic #NMFic #TimeTravel #HistoricalFantasy #UrbanFantasy #Mythpunk #Serial #Slowburn #Yuri

#TimeTravelingGhost EP 10: Post 102 1191, Nicosia, Cyprus

#Wss366 head #TimeTravelAuthors 05/25 Something pretty/beautiful in your story

I breathed a sigh of relief and collapsed onto a cushioned bench.

Emily entered the guest room right behind me. She gave me one look and burst into laughter, something I didn’t appreciate. I had been sweating bullets for the last few minutes, dreading they’d accuse me of being a heretic, fraud, or a Frankish spy.

“St. Bijou,” she chuckled. “Protect his charge’s virtue!”

“Don’t laugh. I nearly died when I crossed myself the wrong way. This is hard!”

“You did?”

“It should have been right-to-left. That's how the Byzantines do it. And I almost faltered when he said 'Theotokos.' At first, I didn’t know what he meant. It means 'Mother of God' or 'Virgin Mary.'" I gestured toward a #beautiful icon of the saint in one corner, complete with its golden halo and attendant lamp.

“Yes, Professor Bijou. Right-to-left.”

If she hadn’t been a ghost, I would've thrown a cushion at her. Instead, I said, “These things matter. Wars have been fought over less. I’d skip this whole thing, except we need a guide to St. George’s Shrine. Oh heck! Why don’t you scout while I wash up?”

For a second, she looked as if she were going to say something, then nodded her #head and departed.

#TootFic #NMFic #TimeTravel #HistoricalFantasy #UrbanFantasy #Mythpunk #Serial #Slowburn #Yuri

Of Pterodactylus and Gyrocopters

A #TimeTravelingGhost Side Story
#Wss366 #Gyro #TimeTravelingAuthors Whatever

“They look like dragonflies, don’t they?” Bijou said, looking out over the water at the gyrocopters.

One had just taken off from the nearest coral pyramid. Its wings flashed blue in the afternoon light.

“Indeed,” Emily responded, using a phrase she had picked up from Bijou. “They give me the heebie-jeebies, though. What if one spots us?”

Bijou chuckled. It was such an odd mixture of twenty-first-century and nineteen-thirties slang.

She laid a card down on the stone they were using as a makeshift table. The bones and guano around it had been cleaned away, and giant fern fronds had been laid down, forming a fragrant carpet. “Jack of spades,” Bijou said. “You’re in the soup now.”

“I’m no patsy,” she responded, playing the queen.

“I thought that was in the dummy. You could have melded it.”

“Sandbagging sometimes works. Your set.”

“Indeed. I’ve never seen anyone do that before.” Bijou threw down her cards and looked out over the Jurassic Coast.

“Pterodactyls,” she said, pointing.

The two stared out and watched a swarm of leathery creatures harass a gyrocopter that had wandered too close to the cliffs where they were hiding. The flying creatures swooped down, using their wings to buffet the plane with wind. A piercing shriek accompanied each attack.

“Good to know we have friends,” Emily said. “Your deal.”

#TootFic #MicroFiction #Fantasy #TimeTravel #HistoricalFantasy #NMFic

Of Pterodactylus and Gyrocopters

A #TimeTravelingGhost Side Story
#Wss366 #Gyro #TimeTravelingAuthors Whatever

“They look like dragonflies, don’t they?” Bijou said, looking out over the water at the gyrocopters.

One had just taken off from the nearest coral pyramid. Its wings flashed blue in the afternoon light.

“Indeed,” Emily responded, using a phrase she had picked up from Bijou. “They give me the heebie-jeebies, though. What if one spots us?”

Bijou chuckled. It was such an odd mixture of twenty-first-century and nineteen-thirties slang.

She laid a card down on the stone they were using as a makeshift table. The bones and guano around it had been cleaned away, and giant fern fronds had been laid down, forming a fragrant carpet. “Jack of spades,” Bijou said. “You’re in the soup now.”

“I’m no patsy,” she responded, playing the queen.

“I thought that was in the dummy. You could have melded it.”

“Sandbagging sometimes works. Your set.”

“Indeed. I’ve never seen anyone do that before.” Bijou threw down her cards and looked out over the Jurassic Coast.

“Pterodactyls,” she said, pointing.

The two stared out and watched a swarm of leathery creatures harass a gyrocopter that had wandered too close to the cliffs where they were hiding. The flying creatures swooped down, using their wings to buffet the plane with wind. A piercing shriek accompanied each attack.

“Good to know we have friends,” Emily said. “Your deal.”

#TootFic #MicroFiction #Fantasy #TimeTravel #HistoricalFantasy #NMFic

Of Pterodactylus and Gyrocopters

A #TimeTravelingGhost Side Story
#Wss366 #Gyro #TimeTravelingAuthors Whatever

“They look like dragonflies, don’t they?” Bijou said, looking out over the water at the gyrocopters.

One had just taken off from the nearest coral pyramid. Its wings flashed blue in the afternoon light.

“Indeed,” Emily responded, using a phrase she had picked up from Bijou. “They give me the heebie-jeebies, though. What if one spots us?”

Bijou chuckled. It was such an odd mixture of twenty-first-century and nineteen-thirties slang.

She laid a card down on the stone they were using as a makeshift table. The bones and guano around it had been cleaned away, and giant fern fronds had been laid down, forming a fragrant carpet. “Jack of spades,” Bijou said. “You’re in the soup now.”

“I’m no patsy,” she responded, playing the queen.

“I thought that was in the dummy. You could have melded it.”

“Sandbagging sometimes works. Your set.”

“Indeed. I’ve never seen anyone do that before.” Bijou threw down her cards and looked out over the Jurassic Coast.

“Pterodactyls,” she said, pointing.

The two stared out and watched a swarm of leathery creatures harass a gyrocopter that had wandered too close to the cliffs where they were hiding. The flying creatures swooped down, using their wings to buffet the plane with wind. A piercing shriek accompanied each attack.

“Good to know we have friends,” Emily said. “Your deal.”

#TootFic #MicroFiction #Fantasy #TimeTravel #HistoricalFantasy #NMFic

#TimeTravelingGhost EP 10: Post 101: 1191, Nicosia, Cyprus

#Wss366 vouch #TimeTravelAuthors 05/23. Saturday excerpt (optional word: rescue/save)

When we reached the top of the stairs, the scholar gestured to the left and stopped in front of a door. “The Delphinas’ are charitable. I must, however, look after my charge’s virtue. Do you have someone who can #vouch for you?”

“There is a monk at St. George’s Shrine,” I said. “I don’t know his name, but he can speak for me. And of course…” I reached into my robe and was relieved to feel a parchment I had just manifested. “A letter of introduction,” I said.

I proffered the missive to the man, and he glanced at it before returning it.

“I am humbly grateful for your master’s hospitality and will impose as little as possible,” I said. “I must leave tonight for the shrine. As Christ is my witness, you don’t need to worry about my bringing harm to the household.”

“You are a Frank?” The implications of the question hung in the air.

I touched a strand of blond hair that had escaped my cowl. “I am. There is a small community of us in Marseilles.”

“Then you are lucky to come so close to hearing the true word. Better an Egyptian Christian than a Latin. The Franks are Christians, but have strayed far; barbarians. Pray that Theotokos will guide your path to the full truth.”

“I will, brother, and that you may be #saved.”

With those sparring words between individuals of divergent faiths, we parted. My story had held up.

#TootFic #NMFic #TimeTravel #HistoricalFantasy #UrbanFantasy #Mythpunk #Serial #Slowburn #Yuri

#TimeTravelingGhost EP 10: Post 101: 1191, Nicosia, Cyprus

#Wss366 vouch #TimeTravelAuthors 05/23. Saturday excerpt (optional word: rescue/save)

When we reached the top of the stairs, the scholar gestured to the left and stopped in front of a door. “The Delphinas’ are charitable. I must, however, look after my charge’s virtue. Do you have someone who can #vouch for you?”

“There is a monk at St. George’s Shrine,” I said. “I don’t know his name, but he can speak for me. And of course…” I reached into my robe and was relieved to feel a parchment I had just manifested. “A letter of introduction,” I said.

I proffered the missive to the man, and he glanced at it before returning it.

“I am humbly grateful for your master’s hospitality and will impose as little as possible,” I said. “I must leave tonight for the shrine. As Christ is my witness, you don’t need to worry about my bringing harm to the household.”

“You are a Frank?” The implications of the question hung in the air.

I touched a strand of blond hair that had escaped my cowl. “I am. There is a small community of us in Marseilles.”

“Then you are lucky to come so close to hearing the true word. Better an Egyptian Christian than a Latin. The Franks are Christians, but have strayed far; barbarians. Pray that Theotokos will guide your path to the full truth.”

“I will, brother, and that you may be #saved.”

With those sparring words between individuals of divergent faiths, we parted. My story had held up.

#TootFic #NMFic #TimeTravel #HistoricalFantasy #UrbanFantasy #Mythpunk #Serial #Slowburn #Yuri

#TimeTravelingGhost EP 10: Post 101: 1191, Nicosia, Cyprus

#Wss366 vouch #TimeTravelAuthors 05/23. Saturday excerpt (optional word: rescue/save)

When we reached the top of the stairs, the scholar gestured to the left and stopped in front of a door. “The Delphinas’ are charitable. I must, however, look after my charge’s virtue. Do you have someone who can #vouch for you?”

“There is a monk at St. George’s Shrine,” I said. “I don’t know his name, but he can speak for me. And of course…” I reached into my robe and was relieved to feel a parchment I had just manifested. “A letter of introduction,” I said.

I proffered the missive to the man, and he glanced at it before returning it.

“I am humbly grateful for your master’s hospitality and will impose as little as possible,” I said. “I must leave tonight for the shrine. As Christ is my witness, you don’t need to worry about my bringing harm to the household.”

“You are a Frank?” The implications of the question hung in the air.

I touched a strand of blond hair that had escaped my cowl. “I am. There is a small community of us in Marseilles.”

“Then you are lucky to come so close to hearing the true word. Better an Egyptian Christian than a Latin. The Franks are Christians, but have strayed far; barbarians. Pray that Theotokos will guide your path to the full truth.”

“I will, brother, and that you may be #saved.”

With those sparring words between individuals of divergent faiths, we parted. My story had held up.

#TootFic #NMFic #TimeTravel #HistoricalFantasy #UrbanFantasy #Mythpunk #Serial #Slowburn #Yuri

#TimeTravelingGhost EP 10: Post 101: 1191, Nicosia, Cyprus

#Wss366 vouch #TimeTravelAuthors 05/23. Saturday excerpt (optional word: rescue/save)

When we reached the top of the stairs, the scholar gestured to the left and stopped in front of a door. “The Delphinas’ are charitable. I must, however, look after my charge’s virtue. Do you have someone who can #vouch for you?”

“There is a monk at St. George’s Shrine,” I said. “I don’t know his name, but he can speak for me. And of course…” I reached into my robe and was relieved to feel a parchment I had just manifested. “A letter of introduction,” I said.

I proffered the missive to the man, and he glanced at it before returning it.

“I am humbly grateful for your master’s hospitality and will impose as little as possible,” I said. “I must leave tonight for the shrine. As Christ is my witness, you don’t need to worry about my bringing harm to the household.”

“You are a Frank?” The implications of the question hung in the air.

I touched a strand of blond hair that had escaped my cowl. “I am. There is a small community of us in Marseilles.”

“Then you are lucky to come so close to hearing the true word. Better an Egyptian Christian than a Latin. The Franks are Christians, but have strayed far; barbarians. Pray that Theotokos will guide your path to the full truth.”

“I will, brother, and that you may be #saved.”

With those sparring words between individuals of divergent faiths, we parted. My story had held up.

#TootFic #NMFic #TimeTravel #HistoricalFantasy #UrbanFantasy #Mythpunk #Serial #Slowburn #Yuri

#TimeTravelingGhost EP 10: Post 101: 1191, Nicosia, Cyprus

#Wss366 vouch #TimeTravelAuthors 05/23. Saturday excerpt (optional word: rescue/save)

When we reached the top of the stairs, the scholar gestured to the left and stopped in front of a door. “The Delphinas’ are charitable. I must, however, look after my charge’s virtue. Do you have someone who can #vouch for you?”

“There is a monk at St. George’s Shrine,” I said. “I don’t know his name, but he can speak for me. And of course…” I reached into my robe and was relieved to feel a parchment I had just manifested. “A letter of introduction,” I said.

I proffered the missive to the man, and he glanced at it before returning it.

“I am humbly grateful for your master’s hospitality and will impose as little as possible,” I said. “I must leave tonight for the shrine. As Christ is my witness, you don’t need to worry about my bringing harm to the household.”

“You are a Frank?” The implications of the question hung in the air.

I touched a strand of blond hair that had escaped my cowl. “I am. There is a small community of us in Marseilles.”

“Then you are lucky to come so close to hearing the true word. Better an Egyptian Christian than a Latin. The Franks are Christians, but have strayed far; barbarians. Pray that Theotokos will guide your path to the full truth.”

“I will, brother, and that you may be #saved.”

With those sparring words between individuals of divergent faiths, we parted. My story had held up.

#TootFic #NMFic #TimeTravel #HistoricalFantasy #UrbanFantasy #Mythpunk #Serial #Slowburn #Yuri

#Airisu: The Crow and the Witch

Okiku (Airisu POV): Post 39
#Wss366 blaze #TimeTravelAuthors What ever

The two women sipped their drinks while I looked around. I had hoped to find vermin in the bedding, but nothing moved there. The miko kept an exceptionally clean place for a hermit.

“Your tsukai seems hungry,” the woman said. She reached into a bag and scattered a little millet among the pine needles.

I eyed her first, then the grain warily. She made no move toward her offering. Instead, she returned her focus to Sumika. Seeing it was safe, I hopped down and began pecking at the kernels that had fallen farthest from her, all the while keeping watch.

I jumped when she coughed again, then resumed eating.

The fire #blazed as a new leaf went into the flames.

“Holy one, I have something that might help,” Mistress said, removing the antibiotics from her sleeves. “These will cure you of most diseases.”

The shaman made a polite gesture of refusal. “Unlike Han Wu, I do not long for immortality. I am but a carp in a wheel rut. It dries, and my karma is upon me.”

The woman was neither melodramatic nor mournful; she was simply stating facts. Even Sumika picked up on the finality of her tone. Mistress held out the pills for a moment longer, then she put them away.

“But there is something you can do for me before I voyage on the Yellow River,” the elder witch said. “Free my lover from the bonds of the world, and I will pass you my power.”

Sumika sat bolt upright, the cup in her hand falling to the ground. “I–I don’t… can’t kill someone. I came to save them.”

“Could it be? Have you come for my Okiku?”

I stopped pecking at the grain and listened. “Okiku? How had the two of them divined each other’s purpose?” Regardless of how, it was a convenient “coincidence.”

“Yes, I came for Okiku,” Mistress said. “To save her.”

“Then I’ll rest easier,” the elder woman said. “Like the mountain pheasant, though we will sleep on opposite sides of the pass; I will know that she still enjoys the dawn. Now, tell me what you know of Okiku, and then I will help you.”

#TootFic #Crows #Otherkin #Fantasy #UrbanFantasy #Serial #SlowBurn #Yuri #Folklore #NMFic #TimeTravel

#Airisu: The Crow and the Witch

Okiku (Airisu POV): Post 39
#Wss366 blaze #TimeTravelAuthors What ever

The two women sipped their drinks while I looked around. I had hoped to find vermin in the bedding, but nothing moved there. The miko kept an exceptionally clean place for a hermit.

“Your tsukai seems hungry,” the woman said. She reached into a bag and scattered a little millet among the pine needles.

I eyed her first, then the grain warily. She made no move toward her offering. Instead, she returned her focus to Sumika. Seeing it was safe, I hopped down and began pecking at the kernels that had fallen farthest from her, all the while keeping watch.

I jumped when she coughed again, then resumed eating.

The fire #blazed as a new leaf went into the flames.

“Holy one, I have something that might help,” Mistress said, removing the antibiotics from her sleeves. “These will cure you of most diseases.”

The shaman made a polite gesture of refusal. “Unlike Han Wu, I do not long for immortality. I am but a carp in a wheel rut. It dries, and my karma is upon me.”

The woman was neither melodramatic nor mournful; she was simply stating facts. Even Sumika picked up on the finality of her tone. Mistress held out the pills for a moment longer, then she put them away.

“But there is something you can do for me before I voyage on the Yellow River,” the elder witch said. “Free my lover from the bonds of the world, and I will pass you my power.”

Sumika sat bolt upright, the cup in her hand falling to the ground. “I–I don’t… can’t kill someone. I came to save them.”

“Could it be? Have you come for my Okiku?”

I stopped pecking at the grain and listened. “Okiku? How had the two of them divined each other’s purpose?” Regardless of how, it was a convenient “coincidence.”

“Yes, I came for Okiku,” Mistress said. “To save her.”

“Then I’ll rest easier,” the elder woman said. “Like the mountain pheasant, though we will sleep on opposite sides of the pass; I will know that she still enjoys the dawn. Now, tell me what you know of Okiku, and then I will help you.”

#TootFic #Crows #Otherkin #Fantasy #UrbanFantasy #Serial #SlowBurn #Yuri #Folklore #NMFic #TimeTravel

#Airisu: The Crow and the Witch

Okiku (Airisu POV): Post 39
#Wss366 blaze #TimeTravelAuthors What ever

The two women sipped their drinks while I looked around. I had hoped to find vermin in the bedding, but nothing moved there. The miko kept an exceptionally clean place for a hermit.

“Your tsukai seems hungry,” the woman said. She reached into a bag and scattered a little millet among the pine needles.

I eyed her first, then the grain warily. She made no move toward her offering. Instead, she returned her focus to Sumika. Seeing it was safe, I hopped down and began pecking at the kernels that had fallen farthest from her, all the while keeping watch.

I jumped when she coughed again, then resumed eating.

The fire #blazed as a new leaf went into the flames.

“Holy one, I have something that might help,” Mistress said, removing the antibiotics from her sleeves. “These will cure you of most diseases.”

The shaman made a polite gesture of refusal. “Unlike Han Wu, I do not long for immortality. I am but a carp in a wheel rut. It dries, and my karma is upon me.”

The woman was neither melodramatic nor mournful; she was simply stating facts. Even Sumika picked up on the finality of her tone. Mistress held out the pills for a moment longer, then she put them away.

“But there is something you can do for me before I voyage on the Yellow River,” the elder witch said. “Free my lover from the bonds of the world, and I will pass you my power.”

Sumika sat bolt upright, the cup in her hand falling to the ground. “I–I don’t… can’t kill someone. I came to save them.”

“Could it be? Have you come for my Okiku?”

I stopped pecking at the grain and listened. “Okiku? How had the two of them divined each other’s purpose?” Regardless of how, it was a convenient “coincidence.”

“Yes, I came for Okiku,” Mistress said. “To save her.”

“Then I’ll rest easier,” the elder woman said. “Like the mountain pheasant, though we will sleep on opposite sides of the pass; I will know that she still enjoys the dawn. Now, tell me what you know of Okiku, and then I will help you.”

#TootFic #Crows #Otherkin #Fantasy #UrbanFantasy #Serial #SlowBurn #Yuri #Folklore #NMFic #TimeTravel

#Airisu: The Crow and the Witch

Okiku (Airisu POV): Post 39
#Wss366 blaze #TimeTravelAuthors What ever

The two women sipped their drinks while I looked around. I had hoped to find vermin in the bedding, but nothing moved there. The miko kept an exceptionally clean place for a hermit.

“Your tsukai seems hungry,” the woman said. She reached into a bag and scattered a little millet among the pine needles.

I eyed her first, then the grain warily. She made no move toward her offering. Instead, she returned her focus to Sumika. Seeing it was safe, I hopped down and began pecking at the kernels that had fallen farthest from her, all the while keeping watch.

I jumped when she coughed again, then resumed eating.

The fire #blazed as a new leaf went into the flames.

“Holy one, I have something that might help,” Mistress said, removing the antibiotics from her sleeves. “These will cure you of most diseases.”

The shaman made a polite gesture of refusal. “Unlike Han Wu, I do not long for immortality. I am but a carp in a wheel rut. It dries, and my karma is upon me.”

The woman was neither melodramatic nor mournful; she was simply stating facts. Even Sumika picked up on the finality of her tone. Mistress held out the pills for a moment longer, then she put them away.

“But there is something you can do for me before I voyage on the Yellow River,” the elder witch said. “Free my lover from the bonds of the world, and I will pass you my power.”

Sumika sat bolt upright, the cup in her hand falling to the ground. “I–I don’t… can’t kill someone. I came to save them.”

“Could it be? Have you come for my Okiku?”

I stopped pecking at the grain and listened. “Okiku? How had the two of them divined each other’s purpose?” Regardless of how, it was a convenient “coincidence.”

“Yes, I came for Okiku,” Mistress said. “To save her.”

“Then I’ll rest easier,” the elder woman said. “Like the mountain pheasant, though we will sleep on opposite sides of the pass; I will know that she still enjoys the dawn. Now, tell me what you know of Okiku, and then I will help you.”

#TootFic #Crows #Otherkin #Fantasy #UrbanFantasy #Serial #SlowBurn #Yuri #Folklore #NMFic #TimeTravel

#Airisu: The Crow and the Witch

Okiku (Airisu POV): Post 39
#Wss366 blaze #TimeTravelAuthors What ever

The two women sipped their drinks while I looked around. I had hoped to find vermin in the bedding, but nothing moved there. The miko kept an exceptionally clean place for a hermit.

“Your tsukai seems hungry,” the woman said. She reached into a bag and scattered a little millet among the pine needles.

I eyed her first, then the grain warily. She made no move toward her offering. Instead, she returned her focus to Sumika. Seeing it was safe, I hopped down and began pecking at the kernels that had fallen farthest from her, all the while keeping watch.

I jumped when she coughed again, then resumed eating.

The fire #blazed as a new leaf went into the flames.

“Holy one, I have something that might help,” Mistress said, removing the antibiotics from her sleeves. “These will cure you of most diseases.”

The shaman made a polite gesture of refusal. “Unlike Han Wu, I do not long for immortality. I am but a carp in a wheel rut. It dries, and my karma is upon me.”

The woman was neither melodramatic nor mournful; she was simply stating facts. Even Sumika picked up on the finality of her tone. Mistress held out the pills for a moment longer, then she put them away.

“But there is something you can do for me before I voyage on the Yellow River,” the elder witch said. “Free my lover from the bonds of the world, and I will pass you my power.”

Sumika sat bolt upright, the cup in her hand falling to the ground. “I–I don’t… can’t kill someone. I came to save them.”

“Could it be? Have you come for my Okiku?”

I stopped pecking at the grain and listened. “Okiku? How had the two of them divined each other’s purpose?” Regardless of how, it was a convenient “coincidence.”

“Yes, I came for Okiku,” Mistress said. “To save her.”

“Then I’ll rest easier,” the elder woman said. “Like the mountain pheasant, though we will sleep on opposite sides of the pass; I will know that she still enjoys the dawn. Now, tell me what you know of Okiku, and then I will help you.”

#TootFic #Crows #Otherkin #Fantasy #UrbanFantasy #Serial #SlowBurn #Yuri #Folklore #NMFic #TimeTravel

#Airisu: The Crow and the Witch

Okiku (Airisu POV): Post 38
#Wss366 color #TimeTravelAuthors 05/21. Do characters meet any relatives when they time travel?

The fog had lifted, and we found ourselves on a narrow mountain path. The moon now hung over pines growing along the bottom of a cliff face. In their shadows, a lean-to of boughs stood between the trees. It was from this rude dwelling that the firelight and voice had emerged.

Sumika took a deep breath. "Let me do the talking. There's no point in freaking them out."

Without waiting for an answer, she stepped toward the shelter, ducked, and entered.

Inside sat a woman with sallow skin, wild hair shot with gray, and weathered robes. She looked up from tending a pot and a teakettle hanging over a small fire and gave a welcoming smile, revealing teeth rotted from age. She might have been a Buddhist hermit, but her clothes were unsuitable for someone of that holy profession. Instead, I judged her to be a mountain witch, a wandering shaman, or a folk healer.

The space was neat with few belongings. Pine needles covered the floor, filling the room with a heavy, resinous scent. Behind her was a shallow cave containing a bed of ferns and a few tattered blankets.

I cocked my head, inspecting the woman. Then, crooning so only Sumika could hear, I said, “I hate to tell you, but she looks like you.” And she did. Age had dulled the #color of her black hair and wilted her flesh, but her oval face and mischievous eyes were the same. The tilt of her chin and the motion of her hands were calmer than Sumika’s, yet had the same natural grace. She could have been Mistress’s older sister or mother.

“As I might,” the woman said, coughed, and wiped the blood that appeared on her lips with a dried dock leaf. “Instead of finding the blessed land, I shall dwell in Kakuriyo until Dōken-shin calls me back to the world. Life is like this leaf,” she said, throwing the red-stained object into the fire, where it briefly blazed. “But the wheel turns, and tender buds spring forth where they once grew.”

“Hmm,” I thought and began puzzling over the metaphors.

“But sit,” she continued. “I forget my hospitality. I have tea and a poor stew. You’ll pardon my humble abode. I never could abide roofs and loathe flattery and insincerity. Here I can listen to the spirits, far from the floating world.”

Sumika lowered herself to the ground and knelt by the fire. “Holy Mother, who are you?”

“I have told you, child. We are the same spark. Gagaimo seeds adrift on the mountain’s wind.”

“Ah,” I thought. “This is the wandering miko Dōken-shin referred to. Not Sumika’s forebear, but Sumika herself at a different time and place.”

The woman coughed again, wiped her lips, and then poured tea into chipped cups.

#TootFic #Crows #Otherkin #Fantasy #UrbanFantasy #Serial #SlowBurn #Yuri #Folklore #NMFic #TimeTravel

#Airisu: The Crow and the Witch

Okiku (Airisu POV): Post 38
#Wss366 color #TimeTravelAuthors 05/21. Do characters meet any relatives when they time travel?

The fog had lifted, and we found ourselves on a narrow mountain path. The moon now hung over pines growing along the bottom of a cliff face. In their shadows, a lean-to of boughs stood between the trees. It was from this rude dwelling that the firelight and voice had emerged.

Sumika took a deep breath. "Let me do the talking. There's no point in freaking them out."

Without waiting for an answer, she stepped toward the shelter, ducked, and entered.

Inside sat a woman with sallow skin, wild hair shot with gray, and weathered robes. She looked up from tending a pot and a teakettle hanging over a small fire and gave a welcoming smile, revealing teeth rotted from age. She might have been a Buddhist hermit, but her clothes were unsuitable for someone of that holy profession. Instead, I judged her to be a mountain witch, a wandering shaman, or a folk healer.

The space was neat with few belongings. Pine needles covered the floor, filling the room with a heavy, resinous scent. Behind her was a shallow cave containing a bed of ferns and a few tattered blankets.

I cocked my head, inspecting the woman. Then, crooning so only Sumika could hear, I said, “I hate to tell you, but she looks like you.” And she did. Age had dulled the #color of her black hair and wilted her flesh, but her oval face and mischievous eyes were the same. The tilt of her chin and the motion of her hands were calmer than Sumika’s, yet had the same natural grace. She could have been Mistress’s older sister or mother.

“As I might,” the woman said, coughed, and wiped the blood that appeared on her lips with a dried dock leaf. “Instead of finding the blessed land, I shall dwell in Kakuriyo until Dōken-shin calls me back to the world. Life is like this leaf,” she said, throwing the red-stained object into the fire, where it briefly blazed. “But the wheel turns, and tender buds spring forth where they once grew.”

“Hmm,” I thought and began puzzling over the metaphors.

“But sit,” she continued. “I forget my hospitality. I have tea and a poor stew. You’ll pardon my humble abode. I never could abide roofs and loathe flattery and insincerity. Here I can listen to the spirits, far from the floating world.”

Sumika lowered herself to the ground and knelt by the fire. “Holy Mother, who are you?”

“I have told you, child. We are the same spark. Gagaimo seeds adrift on the mountain’s wind.”

“Ah,” I thought. “This is the wandering miko Dōken-shin referred to. Not Sumika’s forebear, but Sumika herself at a different time and place.”

The woman coughed again, wiped her lips, and then poured tea into chipped cups.

#TootFic #Crows #Otherkin #Fantasy #UrbanFantasy #Serial #SlowBurn #Yuri #Folklore #NMFic #TimeTravel

#Airisu: The Crow and the Witch

Okiku (Airisu POV): Post 38
#Wss366 color #TimeTravelAuthors 05/21. Do characters meet any relatives when they time travel?

The fog had lifted, and we found ourselves on a narrow mountain path. The moon now hung over pines growing along the bottom of a cliff face. In their shadows, a lean-to of boughs stood between the trees. It was from this rude dwelling that the firelight and voice had emerged.

Sumika took a deep breath. "Let me do the talking. There's no point in freaking them out."

Without waiting for an answer, she stepped toward the shelter, ducked, and entered.

Inside sat a woman with sallow skin, wild hair shot with gray, and weathered robes. She looked up from tending a pot and a teakettle hanging over a small fire and gave a welcoming smile, revealing teeth rotted from age. She might have been a Buddhist hermit, but her clothes were unsuitable for someone of that holy profession. Instead, I judged her to be a mountain witch, a wandering shaman, or a folk healer.

The space was neat with few belongings. Pine needles covered the floor, filling the room with a heavy, resinous scent. Behind her was a shallow cave containing a bed of ferns and a few tattered blankets.

I cocked my head, inspecting the woman. Then, crooning so only Sumika could hear, I said, “I hate to tell you, but she looks like you.” And she did. Age had dulled the #color of her black hair and wilted her flesh, but her oval face and mischievous eyes were the same. The tilt of her chin and the motion of her hands were calmer than Sumika’s, yet had the same natural grace. She could have been Mistress’s older sister or mother.

“As I might,” the woman said, coughed, and wiped the blood that appeared on her lips with a dried dock leaf. “Instead of finding the blessed land, I shall dwell in Kakuriyo until Dōken-shin calls me back to the world. Life is like this leaf,” she said, throwing the red-stained object into the fire, where it briefly blazed. “But the wheel turns, and tender buds spring forth where they once grew.”

“Hmm,” I thought and began puzzling over the metaphors.

“But sit,” she continued. “I forget my hospitality. I have tea and a poor stew. You’ll pardon my humble abode. I never could abide roofs and loathe flattery and insincerity. Here I can listen to the spirits, far from the floating world.”

Sumika lowered herself to the ground and knelt by the fire. “Holy Mother, who are you?”

“I have told you, child. We are the same spark. Gagaimo seeds adrift on the mountain’s wind.”

“Ah,” I thought. “This is the wandering miko Dōken-shin referred to. Not Sumika’s forebear, but Sumika herself at a different time and place.”

The woman coughed again, wiped her lips, and then poured tea into chipped cups.

#TootFic #Crows #Otherkin #Fantasy #UrbanFantasy #Serial #SlowBurn #Yuri #Folklore #NMFic #TimeTravel

#Airisu: The Crow and the Witch

Okiku (Airisu POV): Post 38
#Wss366 color #TimeTravelAuthors 05/21. Do characters meet any relatives when they time travel?

The fog had lifted, and we found ourselves on a narrow mountain path. The moon now hung over pines growing along the bottom of a cliff face. In their shadows, a lean-to of boughs stood between the trees. It was from this rude dwelling that the firelight and voice had emerged.

Sumika took a deep breath. "Let me do the talking. There's no point in freaking them out."

Without waiting for an answer, she stepped toward the shelter, ducked, and entered.

Inside sat a woman with sallow skin, wild hair shot with gray, and weathered robes. She looked up from tending a pot and a teakettle hanging over a small fire and gave a welcoming smile, revealing teeth rotted from age. She might have been a Buddhist hermit, but her clothes were unsuitable for someone of that holy profession. Instead, I judged her to be a mountain witch, a wandering shaman, or a folk healer.

The space was neat with few belongings. Pine needles covered the floor, filling the room with a heavy, resinous scent. Behind her was a shallow cave containing a bed of ferns and a few tattered blankets.

I cocked my head, inspecting the woman. Then, crooning so only Sumika could hear, I said, “I hate to tell you, but she looks like you.” And she did. Age had dulled the #color of her black hair and wilted her flesh, but her oval face and mischievous eyes were the same. The tilt of her chin and the motion of her hands were calmer than Sumika’s, yet had the same natural grace. She could have been Mistress’s older sister or mother.

“As I might,” the woman said, coughed, and wiped the blood that appeared on her lips with a dried dock leaf. “Instead of finding the blessed land, I shall dwell in Kakuriyo until Dōken-shin calls me back to the world. Life is like this leaf,” she said, throwing the red-stained object into the fire, where it briefly blazed. “But the wheel turns, and tender buds spring forth where they once grew.”

“Hmm,” I thought and began puzzling over the metaphors.

“But sit,” she continued. “I forget my hospitality. I have tea and a poor stew. You’ll pardon my humble abode. I never could abide roofs and loathe flattery and insincerity. Here I can listen to the spirits, far from the floating world.”

Sumika lowered herself to the ground and knelt by the fire. “Holy Mother, who are you?”

“I have told you, child. We are the same spark. Gagaimo seeds adrift on the mountain’s wind.”

“Ah,” I thought. “This is the wandering miko Dōken-shin referred to. Not Sumika’s forebear, but Sumika herself at a different time and place.”

The woman coughed again, wiped her lips, and then poured tea into chipped cups.

#TootFic #Crows #Otherkin #Fantasy #UrbanFantasy #Serial #SlowBurn #Yuri #Folklore #NMFic #TimeTravel

#Airisu: The Crow and the Witch

Okiku (Airisu POV): Post 38
#Wss366 color #TimeTravelAuthors 05/21. Do characters meet any relatives when they time travel?

The fog had lifted, and we found ourselves on a narrow mountain path. The moon now hung over pines growing along the bottom of a cliff face. In their shadows, a lean-to of boughs stood between the trees. It was from this rude dwelling that the firelight and voice had emerged.

Sumika took a deep breath. "Let me do the talking. There's no point in freaking them out."

Without waiting for an answer, she stepped toward the shelter, ducked, and entered.

Inside sat a woman with sallow skin, wild hair shot with gray, and weathered robes. She looked up from tending a pot and a teakettle hanging over a small fire and gave a welcoming smile, revealing teeth rotted from age. She might have been a Buddhist hermit, but her clothes were unsuitable for someone of that holy profession. Instead, I judged her to be a mountain witch, a wandering shaman, or a folk healer.

The space was neat with few belongings. Pine needles covered the floor, filling the room with a heavy, resinous scent. Behind her was a shallow cave containing a bed of ferns and a few tattered blankets.

I cocked my head, inspecting the woman. Then, crooning so only Sumika could hear, I said, “I hate to tell you, but she looks like you.” And she did. Age had dulled the #color of her black hair and wilted her flesh, but her oval face and mischievous eyes were the same. The tilt of her chin and the motion of her hands were calmer than Sumika’s, yet had the same natural grace. She could have been Mistress’s older sister or mother.

“As I might,” the woman said, coughed, and wiped the blood that appeared on her lips with a dried dock leaf. “Instead of finding the blessed land, I shall dwell in Kakuriyo until Dōken-shin calls me back to the world. Life is like this leaf,” she said, throwing the red-stained object into the fire, where it briefly blazed. “But the wheel turns, and tender buds spring forth where they once grew.”

“Hmm,” I thought and began puzzling over the metaphors.

“But sit,” she continued. “I forget my hospitality. I have tea and a poor stew. You’ll pardon my humble abode. I never could abide roofs and loathe flattery and insincerity. Here I can listen to the spirits, far from the floating world.”

Sumika lowered herself to the ground and knelt by the fire. “Holy Mother, who are you?”

“I have told you, child. We are the same spark. Gagaimo seeds adrift on the mountain’s wind.”

“Ah,” I thought. “This is the wandering miko Dōken-shin referred to. Not Sumika’s forebear, but Sumika herself at a different time and place.”

The woman coughed again, wiped her lips, and then poured tea into chipped cups.

#TootFic #Crows #Otherkin #Fantasy #UrbanFantasy #Serial #SlowBurn #Yuri #Folklore #NMFic #TimeTravel

Miss Ossy’s Garden

#FanFic #WitchHatAtelier
#Wss366 5/20 Inform

“So what are you doing, little girl?”

Coco looked up at a tall man wearing a mage’s robe and a tall, peaked hat. His staff landed next to the straw doll she was playing with, scattering dust and sand that partly obliterated the drawing she had been doing in the dirt.

“Playing with Miss Ossy. It’s spring, and we’re planting a garden.”

“I hear there’s an excellent cloth and tailoring shop nearby. Could you direct me to it?” The man flashed a small bronze coin at the cute, blonde, five-year-old girl.

“That’s my mother’s shop,” Coco said with a bright smile. “It’s just over the hill there, where the smoke is.”

“I see,” the mage said, exchanging the coin in his hand for a silver one as bright as the girl’s smile. The coin landed next to Coco’s crouched form, sending up a small puff of dust. “Thank you.”

As cute as the girl was, he had business to attend to and turned in the direction she’d pointed.

“Okay, Miss Ossy cast your growth spell,” Coco said, returning to her game.

The man stopped abruptly and turned back to her. For the first time, he registered the drawing in the dirt: a circle with a many-pointed star in it. His brows knit and lips pinched. “Spell! What do you know of spells!”

“Miss Ossy’s a witch.” The girl added a stock and leaves to the circle.

“I see. A sunflower,” the mage said, relief in his voice. He would have hated to #inform the Knights Moralis that the girl knew the secret of magic circles. “Enjoy your game, but I must warn you: be careful what you say; someone might misunderstand. Magic is not for the likes of you or Miss Ossy.”

#TootFic #MicroFiction #Fantasy #NMFic

Miss Ossy’s Garden

#FanFic #WitchHatAtelier
#Wss366 5/20 Inform

“So what are you doing, little girl?”

Coco looked up at a tall man wearing a mage’s robe and a tall, peaked hat. His staff landed next to the straw doll she was playing with, scattering dust and sand that partly obliterated the drawing she had been doing in the dirt.

“Playing with Miss Ossy. It’s spring, and we’re planting a garden.”

“I hear there’s an excellent cloth and tailoring shop nearby. Could you direct me to it?” The man flashed a small bronze coin at the cute, blonde, five-year-old girl.

“That’s my mother’s shop,” Coco said with a bright smile. “It’s just over the hill there, where the smoke is.”

“I see,” the mage said, exchanging the coin in his hand for a silver one as bright as the girl’s smile. The coin landed next to Coco’s crouched form, sending up a small puff of dust. “Thank you.”

As cute as the girl was, he had business to attend to and turned in the direction she’d pointed.

“Okay, Miss Ossy cast your growth spell,” Coco said, returning to her game.

The man stopped abruptly and turned back to her. For the first time, he registered the drawing in the dirt: a circle with a many-pointed star in it. His brows knit and lips pinched. “Spell! What do you know of spells!”

“Miss Ossy’s a witch.” The girl added a stock and leaves to the circle.

“I see. A sunflower,” the mage said, relief in his voice. He would have hated to #inform the Knights Moralis that the girl knew the secret of magic circles. “Enjoy your game, but I must warn you: be careful what you say; someone might misunderstand. Magic is not for the likes of you or Miss Ossy.”

#TootFic #MicroFiction #Fantasy #NMFic

Miss Ossy’s Garden

#FanFic #WitchHatAtelier
#Wss366 5/20 Inform

“So what are you doing, little girl?”

Coco looked up at a tall man wearing a mage’s robe and a tall, peaked hat. His staff landed next to the straw doll she was playing with, scattering dust and sand that partly obliterated the drawing she had been doing in the dirt.

“Playing with Miss Ossy. It’s spring, and we’re planting a garden.”

“I hear there’s an excellent cloth and tailoring shop nearby. Could you direct me to it?” The man flashed a small bronze coin at the cute, blonde, five-year-old girl.

“That’s my mother’s shop,” Coco said with a bright smile. “It’s just over the hill there, where the smoke is.”

“I see,” the mage said, exchanging the coin in his hand for a silver one as bright as the girl’s smile. The coin landed next to Coco’s crouched form, sending up a small puff of dust. “Thank you.”

As cute as the girl was, he had business to attend to and turned in the direction she’d pointed.

“Okay, Miss Ossy cast your growth spell,” Coco said, returning to her game.

The man stopped abruptly and turned back to her. For the first time, he registered the drawing in the dirt: a circle with a many-pointed star in it. His brows knit and lips pinched. “Spell! What do you know of spells!”

“Miss Ossy’s a witch.” The girl added a stock and leaves to the circle.

“I see. A sunflower,” the mage said, relief in his voice. He would have hated to #inform the Knights Moralis that the girl knew the secret of magic circles. “Enjoy your game, but I must warn you: be careful what you say; someone might misunderstand. Magic is not for the likes of you or Miss Ossy.”

#TootFic #MicroFiction #Fantasy #NMFic

Miss Ossy’s Garden

#FanFic #WitchHatAtelier
#Wss366 5/20 Inform

“So what are you doing, little girl?”

Coco looked up at a tall man wearing a mage’s robe and a tall, peaked hat. His staff landed next to the straw doll she was playing with, scattering dust and sand that partly obliterated the drawing she had been doing in the dirt.

“Playing with Miss Ossy. It’s spring, and we’re planting a garden.”

“I hear there’s an excellent cloth and tailoring shop nearby. Could you direct me to it?” The man flashed a small bronze coin at the cute, blonde, five-year-old girl.

“That’s my mother’s shop,” Coco said with a bright smile. “It’s just over the hill there, where the smoke is.”

“I see,” the mage said, exchanging the coin in his hand for a silver one as bright as the girl’s smile. The coin landed next to Coco’s crouched form, sending up a small puff of dust. “Thank you.”

As cute as the girl was, he had business to attend to and turned in the direction she’d pointed.

“Okay, Miss Ossy cast your growth spell,” Coco said, returning to her game.

The man stopped abruptly and turned back to her. For the first time, he registered the drawing in the dirt: a circle with a many-pointed star in it. His brows knit and lips pinched. “Spell! What do you know of spells!”

“Miss Ossy’s a witch.” The girl added a stock and leaves to the circle.

“I see. A sunflower,” the mage said, relief in his voice. He would have hated to #inform the Knights Moralis that the girl knew the secret of magic circles. “Enjoy your game, but I must warn you: be careful what you say; someone might misunderstand. Magic is not for the likes of you or Miss Ossy.”

#TootFic #MicroFiction #Fantasy #NMFic

Miss Ossy’s Garden

#FanFic #WitchHatAtelier
#Wss366 5/20 Inform

“So what are you doing, little girl?”

Coco looked up at a tall man wearing a mage’s robe and a tall, peaked hat. His staff landed next to the straw doll she was playing with, scattering dust and sand that partly obliterated the drawing she had been doing in the dirt.

“Playing with Miss Ossy. It’s spring, and we’re planting a garden.”

“I hear there’s an excellent cloth and tailoring shop nearby. Could you direct me to it?” The man flashed a small bronze coin at the cute, blonde, five-year-old girl.

“That’s my mother’s shop,” Coco said with a bright smile. “It’s just over the hill there, where the smoke is.”

“I see,” the mage said, exchanging the coin in his hand for a silver one as bright as the girl’s smile. The coin landed next to Coco’s crouched form, sending up a small puff of dust. “Thank you.”

As cute as the girl was, he had business to attend to and turned in the direction she’d pointed.

“Okay, Miss Ossy cast your growth spell,” Coco said, returning to her game.

The man stopped abruptly and turned back to her. For the first time, he registered the drawing in the dirt: a circle with a many-pointed star in it. His brows knit and lips pinched. “Spell! What do you know of spells!”

“Miss Ossy’s a witch.” The girl added a stock and leaves to the circle.

“I see. A sunflower,” the mage said, relief in his voice. He would have hated to #inform the Knights Moralis that the girl knew the secret of magic circles. “Enjoy your game, but I must warn you: be careful what you say; someone might misunderstand. Magic is not for the likes of you or Miss Ossy.”

#TootFic #MicroFiction #Fantasy #NMFic

The Mad Frank's Dreams: Post 14 Kan Lakan’s Dream

#FanFic #TheApothecaryDiaries
#Wss366 relegate

The carriage stopped outside the building. From the outside, it appeared abandoned. It was the kind of place where people who were down on their luck might shelter for the night. Only it wasn’t, and the locals knew it.

Kan Lakan looked out impassively and wiped a dew of fruit juice and rice cracker crumbs from his lips. His fingers drummed as he waited until a man emerged from the shadows, ran over, and bowed, keeping his eyes downcast, as was appropriate for a ruffian like him.

To Lakan, the man was just another faceless piece, so it made little difference. All he wanted was the man’s report. “Well?” he asked.

“Soldiers came last night and broke in, milord,” came a rough, apologetic reply.

“The woman? Was she all right?”

The man quaked at Lakan’s tone and burning eyes.

“They carried her out. Alive, I think.”

The lord relaxed. He should have been the one to rescue his daughter. She would surely have looked more favorably on him if he had.

Upon hearing that his daughter was safe, the fire in his eyes died, replaced by a look of contemplation. Unforeseen events were always part of a game. He was confident that he would win in the long run. Yes, he thought. His birthday was coming up, which would provide an opening.

“The Frank escape, milord. Your orders?”

Lakan made no reply. The ruffian has ceased to exist in his world.

As for The Mad Frank, he was a piece #relegated to the backboard until he was useful again. But as I said, that is a story for another day.

[FINIS]

#TootFic #ApothecaryDiaries #NMFic #Serial

The Mad Frank's Dreams: Post 14 Kan Lakan’s Dream

#FanFic #TheApothecaryDiaries
#Wss366 relegate

The carriage stopped outside the building. From the outside, it appeared abandoned. It was the kind of place where people who were down on their luck might shelter for the night. Only it wasn’t, and the locals knew it.

Kan Lakan looked out impassively and wiped a dew of fruit juice and rice cracker crumbs from his lips. His fingers drummed as he waited until a man emerged from the shadows, ran over, and bowed, keeping his eyes downcast, as was appropriate for a ruffian like him.

To Lakan, the man was just another faceless piece, so it made little difference. All he wanted was the man’s report. “Well?” he asked.

“Soldiers came last night and broke in, milord,” came a rough, apologetic reply.

“The woman? Was she all right?”

The man quaked at Lakan’s tone and burning eyes.

“They carried her out. Alive, I think.”

The lord relaxed. He should have been the one to rescue his daughter. She would surely have looked more favorably on him if he had.

Upon hearing that his daughter was safe, the fire in his eyes died, replaced by a look of contemplation. Unforeseen events were always part of a game. He was confident that he would win in the long run. Yes, he thought. His birthday was coming up, which would provide an opening.

“The Frank escape, milord. Your orders?”

Lakan made no reply. The ruffian has ceased to exist in his world.

As for The Mad Frank, he was a piece #relegated to the backboard until he was useful again. But as I said, that is a story for another day.

[FINIS]

#TootFic #ApothecaryDiaries #NMFic #Serial

The Mad Frank's Dreams: Post 14 Kan Lakan’s Dream

#FanFic #TheApothecaryDiaries
#Wss366 relegate

The carriage stopped outside the building. From the outside, it appeared abandoned. It was the kind of place where people who were down on their luck might shelter for the night. Only it wasn’t, and the locals knew it.

Kan Lakan looked out impassively and wiped a dew of fruit juice and rice cracker crumbs from his lips. His fingers drummed as he waited until a man emerged from the shadows, ran over, and bowed, keeping his eyes downcast, as was appropriate for a ruffian like him.

To Lakan, the man was just another faceless piece, so it made little difference. All he wanted was the man’s report. “Well?” he asked.

“Soldiers came last night and broke in, milord,” came a rough, apologetic reply.

“The woman? Was she all right?”

The man quaked at Lakan’s tone and burning eyes.

“They carried her out. Alive, I think.”

The lord relaxed. He should have been the one to rescue his daughter. She would surely have looked more favorably on him if he had.

Upon hearing that his daughter was safe, the fire in his eyes died, replaced by a look of contemplation. Unforeseen events were always part of a game. He was confident that he would win in the long run. Yes, he thought. His birthday was coming up, which would provide an opening.

“The Frank escape, milord. Your orders?”

Lakan made no reply. The ruffian has ceased to exist in his world.

As for The Mad Frank, he was a piece #relegated to the backboard until he was useful again. But as I said, that is a story for another day.

[FINIS]

#TootFic #ApothecaryDiaries #NMFic #Serial

The Mad Frank's Dreams: Post 14 Kan Lakan’s Dream

#FanFic #TheApothecaryDiaries
#Wss366 relegate

The carriage stopped outside the building. From the outside, it appeared abandoned. It was the kind of place where people who were down on their luck might shelter for the night. Only it wasn’t, and the locals knew it.

Kan Lakan looked out impassively and wiped a dew of fruit juice and rice cracker crumbs from his lips. His fingers drummed as he waited until a man emerged from the shadows, ran over, and bowed, keeping his eyes downcast, as was appropriate for a ruffian like him.

To Lakan, the man was just another faceless piece, so it made little difference. All he wanted was the man’s report. “Well?” he asked.

“Soldiers came last night and broke in, milord,” came a rough, apologetic reply.

“The woman? Was she all right?”

The man quaked at Lakan’s tone and burning eyes.

“They carried her out. Alive, I think.”

The lord relaxed. He should have been the one to rescue his daughter. She would surely have looked more favorably on him if he had.

Upon hearing that his daughter was safe, the fire in his eyes died, replaced by a look of contemplation. Unforeseen events were always part of a game. He was confident that he would win in the long run. Yes, he thought. His birthday was coming up, which would provide an opening.

“The Frank escape, milord. Your orders?”

Lakan made no reply. The ruffian has ceased to exist in his world.

As for The Mad Frank, he was a piece #relegated to the backboard until he was useful again. But as I said, that is a story for another day.

[FINIS]

#TootFic #ApothecaryDiaries #NMFic #Serial

The Mad Frank's Dreams: Post 14 Kan Lakan’s Dream

#FanFic #TheApothecaryDiaries
#Wss366 relegate

The carriage stopped outside the building. From the outside, it appeared abandoned. It was the kind of place where people who were down on their luck might shelter for the night. Only it wasn’t, and the locals knew it.

Kan Lakan looked out impassively and wiped a dew of fruit juice and rice cracker crumbs from his lips. His fingers drummed as he waited until a man emerged from the shadows, ran over, and bowed, keeping his eyes downcast, as was appropriate for a ruffian like him.

To Lakan, the man was just another faceless piece, so it made little difference. All he wanted was the man’s report. “Well?” he asked.

“Soldiers came last night and broke in, milord,” came a rough, apologetic reply.

“The woman? Was she all right?”

The man quaked at Lakan’s tone and burning eyes.

“They carried her out. Alive, I think.”

The lord relaxed. He should have been the one to rescue his daughter. She would surely have looked more favorably on him if he had.

Upon hearing that his daughter was safe, the fire in his eyes died, replaced by a look of contemplation. Unforeseen events were always part of a game. He was confident that he would win in the long run. Yes, he thought. His birthday was coming up, which would provide an opening.

“The Frank escape, milord. Your orders?”

Lakan made no reply. The ruffian has ceased to exist in his world.

As for The Mad Frank, he was a piece #relegated to the backboard until he was useful again. But as I said, that is a story for another day.

[FINIS]

#TootFic #ApothecaryDiaries #NMFic #Serial

The Mad Frank's Dreams: Post 13 Auntie Chue’s Head Part 2

#FanFic #TheApothecaryDiaries
#Wss366 Resign

The Moon Prince laid down his quill with a sigh. “You’re not looking good, Maomao.”

"You should talk, Milord. You're the one who called me here. When I arrived, I found you had disregarded my advice and were working. Please inform your attendants that I am not to blame if you die.”

Oh well, it was hard to respect someone, no matter their rank or beauty, if they refused to take care of themselves.

A wan smile appeared on his face. “I did indeed call you here. Your sage words are badly needed.” He glanced at his attendants as if to say, “See? Let me rest.”

His attention returned to Mao just long enough to offer the excuse, “I had to see for myself that you had survived,” before turning to Chue.

He touched a paper with a finger, saying, “I read your report. Anything new to add?”

Chue bowed, pressing her forehead against the floor. “Mighty lord, Miss Chue is sorry. She failed to guard the gem of your eye and offers her head in payment.”

A frown touched Mao’s usually stoic face, and she prepared to plead for Chue’s life. “She’s a pain, but better than ‘Steel.’” She looked sideways at the mercenary who had rescued her. To Mao’s disappointment, she looked as healthy as ever.

The Moon Prince waved his hand in negation. “You did what you could. We would hate to lose such a valuable servant. Besides, We wouldn’t want to deny Maomao a dear friend.”

Mao’s frown grew wider. She might be a little fond of Miss Chue, like a bothersome auntie, but calling her a friend was taking things too far.

“Any fresh news?” Jinshi pressed.

“The Shaoh and Mad Frank have disappeared, somewhere to the north,” Chue said. “The Shaoh were seen crossing the border, but The Frank wasn't with them, so I believe he's still in hiding. When Miss Maomao is well again, I would like her to search the hideout for clues.” All trace of humility from her earlier confession of guilt had vanished.

“Take Böktemür,” the prince said, looking at the guard Mao had nicknamed Steel. “I don’t want her kidnapped again. The mercenary has proven herself to be a competent soldier and guard. And she's one of the few people who can keep Mao in line.”

Mao rolled her eyes. Now she needed to deal with both “Auntie Chue” and Steel.

But that is another story.

#TootFic #ApothecaryDiaries #NMFic #Serial

The Mad Frank's Dreams: Post 13 Auntie Chue’s Head Part 2

#FanFic #TheApothecaryDiaries
#Wss366 Resign

The Moon Prince laid down his quill with a sigh. “You’re not looking good, Maomao.”

"You should talk, Milord. You're the one who called me here. When I arrived, I found you had disregarded my advice and were working. Please inform your attendants that I am not to blame if you die.”

Oh well, it was hard to respect someone, no matter their rank or beauty, if they refused to take care of themselves.

A wan smile appeared on his face. “I did indeed call you here. Your sage words are badly needed.” He glanced at his attendants as if to say, “See? Let me rest.”

His attention returned to Mao just long enough to offer the excuse, “I had to see for myself that you had survived,” before turning to Chue.

He touched a paper with a finger, saying, “I read your report. Anything new to add?”

Chue bowed, pressing her forehead against the floor. “Mighty lord, Miss Chue is sorry. She failed to guard the gem of your eye and offers her head in payment.”

A frown touched Mao’s usually stoic face, and she prepared to plead for Chue’s life. “She’s a pain, but better than ‘Steel.’” She looked sideways at the mercenary who had rescued her. To Mao’s disappointment, she looked as healthy as ever.

The Moon Prince waved his hand in negation. “You did what you could. We would hate to lose such a valuable servant. Besides, We wouldn’t want to deny Maomao a dear friend.”

Mao’s frown grew wider. She might be a little fond of Miss Chue, like a bothersome auntie, but calling her a friend was taking things too far.

“Any fresh news?” Jinshi pressed.

“The Shaoh and Mad Frank have disappeared, somewhere to the north,” Chue said. “The Shaoh were seen crossing the border, but The Frank wasn't with them, so I believe he's still in hiding. When Miss Maomao is well again, I would like her to search the hideout for clues.” All trace of humility from her earlier confession of guilt had vanished.

“Take Böktemür,” the prince said, looking at the guard Mao had nicknamed Steel. “I don’t want her kidnapped again. The mercenary has proven herself to be a competent soldier and guard. And she's one of the few people who can keep Mao in line.”

Mao rolled her eyes. Now she needed to deal with both “Auntie Chue” and Steel.

But that is another story.

#TootFic #ApothecaryDiaries #NMFic #Serial

The Mad Frank's Dreams: Post 13 Auntie Chue’s Head Part 2

#FanFic #TheApothecaryDiaries
#Wss366 Resign

The Moon Prince laid down his quill with a sigh. “You’re not looking good, Maomao.”

"You should talk, Milord. You're the one who called me here. When I arrived, I found you had disregarded my advice and were working. Please inform your attendants that I am not to blame if you die.”

Oh well, it was hard to respect someone, no matter their rank or beauty, if they refused to take care of themselves.

A wan smile appeared on his face. “I did indeed call you here. Your sage words are badly needed.” He glanced at his attendants as if to say, “See? Let me rest.”

His attention returned to Mao just long enough to offer the excuse, “I had to see for myself that you had survived,” before turning to Chue.

He touched a paper with a finger, saying, “I read your report. Anything new to add?”

Chue bowed, pressing her forehead against the floor. “Mighty lord, Miss Chue is sorry. She failed to guard the gem of your eye and offers her head in payment.”

A frown touched Mao’s usually stoic face, and she prepared to plead for Chue’s life. “She’s a pain, but better than ‘Steel.’” She looked sideways at the mercenary who had rescued her. To Mao’s disappointment, she looked as healthy as ever.

The Moon Prince waved his hand in negation. “You did what you could. We would hate to lose such a valuable servant. Besides, We wouldn’t want to deny Maomao a dear friend.”

Mao’s frown grew wider. She might be a little fond of Miss Chue, like a bothersome auntie, but calling her a friend was taking things too far.

“Any fresh news?” Jinshi pressed.

“The Shaoh and Mad Frank have disappeared, somewhere to the north,” Chue said. “The Shaoh were seen crossing the border, but The Frank wasn't with them, so I believe he's still in hiding. When Miss Maomao is well again, I would like her to search the hideout for clues.” All trace of humility from her earlier confession of guilt had vanished.

“Take Böktemür,” the prince said, looking at the guard Mao had nicknamed Steel. “I don’t want her kidnapped again. The mercenary has proven herself to be a competent soldier and guard. And she's one of the few people who can keep Mao in line.”

Mao rolled her eyes. Now she needed to deal with both “Auntie Chue” and Steel.

But that is another story.

#TootFic #ApothecaryDiaries #NMFic #Serial

The Mad Frank's Dreams: Post 13 Auntie Chue’s Head Part 2

#FanFic #TheApothecaryDiaries
#Wss366 Resign

The Moon Prince laid down his quill with a sigh. “You’re not looking good, Maomao.”

"You should talk, Milord. You're the one who called me here. When I arrived, I found you had disregarded my advice and were working. Please inform your attendants that I am not to blame if you die.”

Oh well, it was hard to respect someone, no matter their rank or beauty, if they refused to take care of themselves.

A wan smile appeared on his face. “I did indeed call you here. Your sage words are badly needed.” He glanced at his attendants as if to say, “See? Let me rest.”

His attention returned to Mao just long enough to offer the excuse, “I had to see for myself that you had survived,” before turning to Chue.

He touched a paper with a finger, saying, “I read your report. Anything new to add?”

Chue bowed, pressing her forehead against the floor. “Mighty lord, Miss Chue is sorry. She failed to guard the gem of your eye and offers her head in payment.”

A frown touched Mao’s usually stoic face, and she prepared to plead for Chue’s life. “She’s a pain, but better than ‘Steel.’” She looked sideways at the mercenary who had rescued her. To Mao’s disappointment, she looked as healthy as ever.

The Moon Prince waved his hand in negation. “You did what you could. We would hate to lose such a valuable servant. Besides, We wouldn’t want to deny Maomao a dear friend.”

Mao’s frown grew wider. She might be a little fond of Miss Chue, like a bothersome auntie, but calling her a friend was taking things too far.

“Any fresh news?” Jinshi pressed.

“The Shaoh and Mad Frank have disappeared, somewhere to the north,” Chue said. “The Shaoh were seen crossing the border, but The Frank wasn't with them, so I believe he's still in hiding. When Miss Maomao is well again, I would like her to search the hideout for clues.” All trace of humility from her earlier confession of guilt had vanished.

“Take Böktemür,” the prince said, looking at the guard Mao had nicknamed Steel. “I don’t want her kidnapped again. The mercenary has proven herself to be a competent soldier and guard. And she's one of the few people who can keep Mao in line.”

Mao rolled her eyes. Now she needed to deal with both “Auntie Chue” and Steel.

But that is another story.

#TootFic #ApothecaryDiaries #NMFic #Serial

The Mad Frank's Dreams: Post 13 Auntie Chue’s Head Part 2

#FanFic #TheApothecaryDiaries
#Wss366 Resign

The Moon Prince laid down his quill with a sigh. “You’re not looking good, Maomao.”

"You should talk, Milord. You're the one who called me here. When I arrived, I found you had disregarded my advice and were working. Please inform your attendants that I am not to blame if you die.”

Oh well, it was hard to respect someone, no matter their rank or beauty, if they refused to take care of themselves.

A wan smile appeared on his face. “I did indeed call you here. Your sage words are badly needed.” He glanced at his attendants as if to say, “See? Let me rest.”

His attention returned to Mao just long enough to offer the excuse, “I had to see for myself that you had survived,” before turning to Chue.

He touched a paper with a finger, saying, “I read your report. Anything new to add?”

Chue bowed, pressing her forehead against the floor. “Mighty lord, Miss Chue is sorry. She failed to guard the gem of your eye and offers her head in payment.”

A frown touched Mao’s usually stoic face, and she prepared to plead for Chue’s life. “She’s a pain, but better than ‘Steel.’” She looked sideways at the mercenary who had rescued her. To Mao’s disappointment, she looked as healthy as ever.

The Moon Prince waved his hand in negation. “You did what you could. We would hate to lose such a valuable servant. Besides, We wouldn’t want to deny Maomao a dear friend.”

Mao’s frown grew wider. She might be a little fond of Miss Chue, like a bothersome auntie, but calling her a friend was taking things too far.

“Any fresh news?” Jinshi pressed.

“The Shaoh and Mad Frank have disappeared, somewhere to the north,” Chue said. “The Shaoh were seen crossing the border, but The Frank wasn't with them, so I believe he's still in hiding. When Miss Maomao is well again, I would like her to search the hideout for clues.” All trace of humility from her earlier confession of guilt had vanished.

“Take Böktemür,” the prince said, looking at the guard Mao had nicknamed Steel. “I don’t want her kidnapped again. The mercenary has proven herself to be a competent soldier and guard. And she's one of the few people who can keep Mao in line.”

Mao rolled her eyes. Now she needed to deal with both “Auntie Chue” and Steel.

But that is another story.

#TootFic #ApothecaryDiaries #NMFic #Serial

The Mad Frank's Dreams: Post 13 Auntie Chue’s Head Part 1

#FanFic #TheApothecaryDiaries
#Wss366 Resign

Mao had #resigned herself to being carried to the palace on a litter, less so that Steel and Miss Chue stood guard on either side of the procession. She wondered why things couldn't be handled more discreetly.

At least the litter was smoother than a coach would have been. Her headaches still came and went. Ginger and radish leaf tea, along with persimmon cakes, helped with the nausea. A coach would have been pure torture.

It was a relief when they arrived at the palace and were ushered into Jinshi’s office.

Mao sighed. Inspecting the prince confirmed her fears. “Pale. Low yang. He’s been working despite what I told him. Recovering from being poisoned isn't simple.”

The paperwork in question was stacked in front of the Moon Prince. It was way too much for a healthy man, and Jinshi was hardly that. “Just let someone else deal with that paperwork,” she thought.

If she had been alone, she would have just said it, but with witnesses present, she needed to present a veneer of respect.

The events of the last few months had been trying for both of them. First, Jinshi survived an assassination attempt by a hair’s breadth, and now Mao was recovering from a head injury.

Her assumption that she had been called to the palace to care for his wound was dispelled when he didn’t send the attendants away. Perhaps they had captured The Mad Frank. But if that were the case, why not just send a message?

#MicroFiction #TootFic #ApothecaryDiaries #NMFic #Serial