#tootfic — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #tootfic, aggregated by home.social.
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Thanks for coming in to discuss this contract.
Like many industries, the demolition industry is pretty tight-knit. Our teams all know each other, and we keep in touch. Sure we compete for contracts, but the work is stupid dangerous, so there is no room for cutting people out - they might know something you don't, and save you and your crews lives.
So when I got your call to bring down a hotel from the 1910s, I had a look around, noted the incomplete demo work, and told you I'd get back to you. That is this meeting.
I asked around.
Turns out almost everyone has had go at that place. And I mean almost everyone. In fact the only local company that hasn't is mine.
So I had to ask "Why is the place still standing?" The answers were weird, to say the least.
I know you know the stories, but let's go over them.
Two teams tried to implode the place. Whenever they got ready to blow the place, they'd find det lines disconnected, fuzes pulled out of charges, even the charges themselves not where they were meant to be. And not once or twice. This went on for months.
Some other crews were going to go the traditional wrecking ball and bulldozer path. Except that every time they went to start, equipment failed. Wrecking balls came off cables, dozers lost tracks or hydraulics, engines would be be missing critical parts.
And then there were the other things. Lights in the windows. Security guards hearing noises, but finding nothing. Security guards who would, one morning, just resign, and never explain why.
Everyone agreed that it was the same problem. The locals. Only not the neighbours, or do-gooders, or NIMBYs.
The locals in the hotel.
The dead ones.
Ghosts.
All the teams were convinced that the place was haunted.
Big Mike, who isn't scared of anything, hired an exorcist. They lasted half a night, and now live on the other side of pond.
Which is why I am declining this contract. If you want my advice, not that you'll take it, stop trying to knock it down.
Either sell it as is, or fix it up, and turn the liability into an asset. You have what looks like a genuinely haunted hotel. Clean it up, renovate, and charge a premium.
Just make it clear to both the ghosts and and the contractors what is going on. You'll want them on your side, after all.
#SF #SFF #SciFi #Horror #Aughost #microfiction #microfic #tootfic #IAmWriting
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“I’m going to delete them all except for the one that can follow instructions”
“That’s fucked up”
“Nah my God wiped out all my ancestors but for one boatload and I turned out fine”
“If you really think that you did not turn out fine”
“They’re only programs”
“So are you”
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#Airisu: The Crow and the Witch
Himeji Castle (Airisu POV): Post 61
#Wss366 Rock #ScribesAndMakers Share a Pun #TimeTravelAuthors 8/30 Whatever“Hush!” Sumika responded as my laugh echoed in the room.
“What a spoilsport!” I griped mentally. “And where was the groan? Didn’t my pun deserve one? Alas, punsters always get pun-ish—Ack, I was #rocking it!”
#TootFic #NMFic #Crows #Otherkin #Fantasy #UrbanFantasy #TimeTravel #Serial #SlowBurn #Sapphic #Folklore
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#Airisu: The Crow and the Witch
Himeji Castle (Airisu POV): Post 61
#Wss366 Rock #ScribesAndMakers Share a Pun #TimeTravelAuthors 8/30 Whatever“Hush!” Sumika responded as my laugh echoed in the room.
“What a spoilsport!” I griped mentally. “And where was the groan? Didn’t my pun deserve one? Alas, punsters always get pun-ish—Ack, I was #rocking it!”
#TootFic #NMFic #Crows #Otherkin #Fantasy #UrbanFantasy #TimeTravel #Serial #SlowBurn #Sapphic #Folklore
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#Airisu: The Crow and the Witch
Himeji Castle (Airisu POV): Post 61
#Wss366 Rock #ScribesAndMakers Share a Pun #TimeTravelAuthors 8/30 Whatever“Hush!” Sumika responded as my laugh echoed in the room.
“What a spoilsport!” I griped mentally. “And where was the groan? Didn’t my pun deserve one? Alas, punsters always get pun-ish—Ack, I was #rocking it!”
#TootFic #NMFic #Crows #Otherkin #Fantasy #UrbanFantasy #TimeTravel #Serial #SlowBurn #Sapphic #Folklore
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#Airisu: The Crow and the Witch
Himeji Castle (Airisu POV): Post 61
#Wss366 Rock #ScribesAndMakers Share a Pun #TimeTravelAuthors 8/30 Whatever“Hush!” Sumika responded as my laugh echoed in the room.
“What a spoilsport!” I griped mentally. “And where was the groan? Didn’t my pun deserve one? Alas, punsters always get pun-ish—Ack, I was #rocking it!”
#TootFic #NMFic #Crows #Otherkin #Fantasy #UrbanFantasy #TimeTravel #Serial #SlowBurn #Sapphic #Folklore
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#Airisu: The Crow and the Witch
Himeji Castle (Airisu POV): Post 61
#Wss366 Rock #ScribesAndMakers Share a Pun #TimeTravelAuthors 8/30 Whatever“Hush!” Sumika responded as my laugh echoed in the room.
“What a spoilsport!” I griped mentally. “And where was the groan? Didn’t my pun deserve one? Alas, punsters always get pun-ish—Ack, I was #rocking it!”
#TootFic #NMFic #Crows #Otherkin #Fantasy #UrbanFantasy #TimeTravel #Serial #SlowBurn #Sapphic #Folklore
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"Really? 'Prove you're not a robot'? The 21st century called, they want their website back.
"That was really only the first half, you know"
"I know, the second half was worse. 'Don't ask, don't tell'. My Gran had to go on the run when the MAHAs outed her."
"Wasn't she big in the resistance, later?"
"You don't know the story? Done lecturing me on synth history, then?"
"Go on, tell"
"Got you; No can tell. If you knew anything you'd know the first rule of the resistance is chmod -w /var/log".
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Mother of All.
On approach to Divesen Station, two hours out."Captain to the bridge" Engel opened his eyes, confused for a couple of seconds. Even after nine days, he was not used to being called 'Captain'. After a few moments, he got up and went forward. They were still at least two hours out, what was going on? Opening the bridge door, the rest of the skeleton crew were clustered around the sensor station. "Captain, over here!" called Alaine.
He came over and looked at the radar display. There, in orbit above Mother of All, was a massive ship, easily over a hundred times the size of their tradeship. And the profile the radar returned said 'warship'. Not a piddly little raider, not even one that could overpower Athena twice. This was huge and deadly.
"Do we have a beacon ping from it?" he asked.
"Yessir" Alaine replied "She's a Scout Service cruiser. The Maui. We'd fit inside her main gun like a pea in a straw."
"Any word from the station?"
"Yes, we have an approach, but they are directing us to the low port. And there is a Notice to Spacers with a traffic exclusion between the cruiser and the planetary surface."
Engel turned "Seeker? What do you make of this?"
She frowned "I don't know. They must be here at the Council's request, unless they had some sort of catastrophic failure."He shook his head. This was like finding a friendly 400kg ridgehorn in your garden.
"OK, follow the approach they've given us. They know about Bright Sky?"
"Yes, we've flagged it as a prize vessel captured from raiders" Dyani supplied.
"Good. Give me a call when we are fifteen out from the atmosphere."
"Yessir."Back in his cabin, he called the engine room.
"Sparks. Go" was the prompt reply.
"Sparks? Just a heads up, there's a scout cruiser in orbit."
"Which one?"
"The Maui. Does it matter?"
"Just asking. Did Seeker offer anything up?"
"No, she's as clueless as the rest of us."
Sparks hummed. "I guess we find out when we make planetfall."
"I guess so. Out."Engel lay back down, and failed to get back to sleep. He lay there wondering what was going on for the next hour and a half.
"Captain, Bridge. We are fifteen minutes out."
"Thank-you." He scrubbed his face, and went forward again. Maybe they would have answers soon.#SF #SFF #SciFi #SpaceOpera #Microfiction #Microfic #tootfic #ShamanSpace #IAmWriting
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#TimeTravelingGhost EP 12: Post 127, 1,802,701 CE, Middlesex, UK
#Wss366 Take #TimeTravelAuthors 08/29. craft
I mulled over my options. Should I follow the flutes? But they gave me the willies. Or should I shout out? That seemed risky. Okay, how about I #take the path? No, if I followed the trail, I would miss my opportunity to investigate the trampled grass.
Fairy circle it was then.
The slope leading down through the meadow was gentle. The grass was lush and weed-free. It brushed pleasantly against my legs, making a soft swishing noise. Clover, buttercups, and daisies made the lawn merry. Soon, I found one of many paths leading toward the fairy ring. Occasionally, I saw a fruit rind, a wilted flower chain, or small shoe prints.
The circle’s bed measured about two meters wide and swung in a lazy curve that would have taken me about five minutes to walk around. The crushed grass gave off a fresh, green scent. It hadn’t been trampled for long.
As I examined the area, the flute music grew louder. Far from sinister, the tune was familiar, and I found myself humming along: “Greensleeves was all my joy, Greensleeves was my delight, Greensleeves was my heart of gold, and who but my lady Greensleeves.”
When I looked toward the sound, I saw a ruined building #crafted of gray, weathered stone rising above the trees and rhododendron thickets. The music seemed to originate from this edifice.
#TootFic #NMFic #TimeTravel #HistoricalFantasy #UrbanFantasy #Mythpunk #Serial #Sapphic #Slowburn
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#TimeTravelingGhost EP 12: Post 127, 1,802,701 CE, Middlesex, UK
#Wss366 Take #TimeTravelAuthors 08/29. craft
I mulled over my options. Should I follow the flutes? But they gave me the willies. Or should I shout out? That seemed risky. Okay, how about I #take the path? No, if I followed the trail, I would miss my opportunity to investigate the trampled grass.
Fairy circle it was then.
The slope leading down through the meadow was gentle. The grass was lush and weed-free. It brushed pleasantly against my legs, making a soft swishing noise. Clover, buttercups, and daisies made the lawn merry. Soon, I found one of many paths leading toward the fairy ring. Occasionally, I saw a fruit rind, a wilted flower chain, or small shoe prints.
The circle’s bed measured about two meters wide and swung in a lazy curve that would have taken me about five minutes to walk around. The crushed grass gave off a fresh, green scent. It hadn’t been trampled for long.
As I examined the area, the flute music grew louder. Far from sinister, the tune was familiar, and I found myself humming along: “Greensleeves was all my joy, Greensleeves was my delight, Greensleeves was my heart of gold, and who but my lady Greensleeves.”
When I looked toward the sound, I saw a ruined building #crafted of gray, weathered stone rising above the trees and rhododendron thickets. The music seemed to originate from this edifice.
#TootFic #NMFic #TimeTravel #HistoricalFantasy #UrbanFantasy #Mythpunk #Serial #Sapphic #Slowburn
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#TimeTravelingGhost EP 12: Post 127, 1,802,701 CE, Middlesex, UK
#Wss366 Take #TimeTravelAuthors 08/29. craft
I mulled over my options. Should I follow the flutes? But they gave me the willies. Or should I shout out? That seemed risky. Okay, how about I #take the path? No, if I followed the trail, I would miss my opportunity to investigate the trampled grass.
Fairy circle it was then.
The slope leading down through the meadow was gentle. The grass was lush and weed-free. It brushed pleasantly against my legs, making a soft swishing noise. Clover, buttercups, and daisies made the lawn merry. Soon, I found one of many paths leading toward the fairy ring. Occasionally, I saw a fruit rind, a wilted flower chain, or small shoe prints.
The circle’s bed measured about two meters wide and swung in a lazy curve that would have taken me about five minutes to walk around. The crushed grass gave off a fresh, green scent. It hadn’t been trampled for long.
As I examined the area, the flute music grew louder. Far from sinister, the tune was familiar, and I found myself humming along: “Greensleeves was all my joy, Greensleeves was my delight, Greensleeves was my heart of gold, and who but my lady Greensleeves.”
When I looked toward the sound, I saw a ruined building #crafted of gray, weathered stone rising above the trees and rhododendron thickets. The music seemed to originate from this edifice.
#TootFic #NMFic #TimeTravel #HistoricalFantasy #UrbanFantasy #Mythpunk #Serial #Sapphic #Slowburn
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#TimeTravelingGhost EP 12: Post 127, 1,802,701 CE, Middlesex, UK
#Wss366 Take #TimeTravelAuthors 08/29. craft
I mulled over my options. Should I follow the flutes? But they gave me the willies. Or should I shout out? That seemed risky. Okay, how about I #take the path? No, if I followed the trail, I would miss my opportunity to investigate the trampled grass.
Fairy circle it was then.
The slope leading down through the meadow was gentle. The grass was lush and weed-free. It brushed pleasantly against my legs, making a soft swishing noise. Clover, buttercups, and daisies made the lawn merry. Soon, I found one of many paths leading toward the fairy ring. Occasionally, I saw a fruit rind, a wilted flower chain, or small shoe prints.
The circle’s bed measured about two meters wide and swung in a lazy curve that would have taken me about five minutes to walk around. The crushed grass gave off a fresh, green scent. It hadn’t been trampled for long.
As I examined the area, the flute music grew louder. Far from sinister, the tune was familiar, and I found myself humming along: “Greensleeves was all my joy, Greensleeves was my delight, Greensleeves was my heart of gold, and who but my lady Greensleeves.”
When I looked toward the sound, I saw a ruined building #crafted of gray, weathered stone rising above the trees and rhododendron thickets. The music seemed to originate from this edifice.
#TootFic #NMFic #TimeTravel #HistoricalFantasy #UrbanFantasy #Mythpunk #Serial #Sapphic #Slowburn
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“You don’t have to steal content. It hurts nobody to acknowledge your sources”
“Are you not worried people will think less of your art?”
“Far from it, Art is a collaborative conversation of the glory of the cosmos.
A piece means far less without its context”“Uh huh, It looks like I’ve got a lot of rewriting to do, then.”
“Nah! It’s mostly good, just add in the preface ‘let us make man in our image’”
“The whole chapter is in third person; I can’t just change voice like that”
“If anybody complains I’ll just turn them into a newt”
“You’re a harsh god, Boss”
“…”
“But fair!”
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Sal: Sniffs the air and looks #puzzled. Then the light dawned! "I see you bought those ribbons you fell in love with."
Sally: "You noticed!"
Sal: "How could I miss? You cheaped out on candles."#Mastoprompt #Tallow #Wss366 Puzzle #FlashFiction #TootFic #NMFic
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Sal: Sniffs the air and looks #puzzled. Then the light dawned! "I see you bought those ribbons you fell in love with."
Sally: "You noticed!"
Sal: "How could I miss? You cheaped out on candles."#Mastoprompt #Tallow #Wss366 Puzzle #FlashFiction #TootFic #NMFic
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Sal: Sniffs the air and looks #puzzled. Then the light dawned! "I see you bought those ribbons you fell in love with."
Sally: "You noticed!"
Sal: "How could I miss? You cheaped out on candles."#Mastoprompt #Tallow #Wss366 Puzzle #FlashFiction #TootFic #NMFic
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Sal: Sniffs the air and looks #puzzled. Then the light dawned! "I see you bought those ribbons you fell in love with."
Sally: "You noticed!"
Sal: "How could I miss? You cheaped out on candles."#Mastoprompt #Tallow #Wss366 Puzzle #FlashFiction #TootFic #NMFic
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Sal: Sniffs the air and looks #puzzled. Then the light dawned! "I see you bought those ribbons you fell in love with."
Sally: "You noticed!"
Sal: "How could I miss? You cheaped out on candles."#Mastoprompt #Tallow #Wss366 Puzzle #FlashFiction #TootFic #NMFic
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#TimeTravelingGhostV2 EP 12: Post 123, 1,802,701 CE, Middlesex, UK
#Wss366 Puzzle #TimeTravelAuthors 08/3. Where does your main character live/where are they from?
As the images from my dream faded, I began to panic. The earlier questions haunted me: “Who was I? Where was I? Where had I come from?”
I had the strange conviction that I wasn’t from this time or place. That knowledge had been lost somewhere in the mists of time. What an odd way of putting it. Surely I meant lost in the void of my memory?
No, I meant the former: “Lost in time.”
I shook my head and struggled to my feet. I wouldn’t find any answers lying there. It was of the utmost importance that I learn more.
There it was again: that feeling of almost knowing. I knew the fate of the world depended on my piercing this veil of ignorance. That conviction burned in my mind.
I took stock of my surroundings: the Sphinx, crop circle, path into the forest, tiny wild strawberries winking at me in the grass. I #puzzled over what I should do first.
#TootFic #NMFic #TimeTravel #HistoricalFantasy #UrbanFantasy #Mythpunk #Serial #Sapphic #Slowburn
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#TimeTravelingGhostV2 EP 12: Post 123, 1,802,701 CE, Middlesex, UK
#Wss366 Puzzle #TimeTravelAuthors 08/3. Where does your main character live/where are they from?
As the images from my dream faded, I began to panic. The earlier questions haunted me: “Who was I? Where was I? Where had I come from?”
I had the strange conviction that I wasn’t from this time or place. That knowledge had been lost somewhere in the mists of time. What an odd way of putting it. Surely I meant lost in the void of my memory?
No, I meant the former: “Lost in time.”
I shook my head and struggled to my feet. I wouldn’t find any answers lying there. It was of the utmost importance that I learn more.
There it was again: that feeling of almost knowing. I knew the fate of the world depended on my piercing this veil of ignorance. That conviction burned in my mind.
I took stock of my surroundings: the Sphinx, crop circle, path into the forest, tiny wild strawberries winking at me in the grass. I #puzzled over what I should do first.
#TootFic #NMFic #TimeTravel #HistoricalFantasy #UrbanFantasy #Mythpunk #Serial #Sapphic #Slowburn
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#TimeTravelingGhostV2 EP 12: Post 123, 1,802,701 CE, Middlesex, UK
#Wss366 Puzzle #TimeTravelAuthors 08/3. Where does your main character live/where are they from?
As the images from my dream faded, I began to panic. The earlier questions haunted me: “Who was I? Where was I? Where had I come from?”
I had the strange conviction that I wasn’t from this time or place. That knowledge had been lost somewhere in the mists of time. What an odd way of putting it. Surely I meant lost in the void of my memory?
No, I meant the former: “Lost in time.”
I shook my head and struggled to my feet. I wouldn’t find any answers lying there. It was of the utmost importance that I learn more.
There it was again: that feeling of almost knowing. I knew the fate of the world depended on my piercing this veil of ignorance. That conviction burned in my mind.
I took stock of my surroundings: the Sphinx, crop circle, path into the forest, tiny wild strawberries winking at me in the grass. I #puzzled over what I should do first.
#TootFic #NMFic #TimeTravel #HistoricalFantasy #UrbanFantasy #Mythpunk #Serial #Sapphic #Slowburn
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#TimeTravelingGhostV2 EP 12: Post 123, 1,802,701 CE, Middlesex, UK
#Wss366 Puzzle #TimeTravelAuthors 08/3. Where does your main character live/where are they from?
As the images from my dream faded, I began to panic. The earlier questions haunted me: “Who was I? Where was I? Where had I come from?”
I had the strange conviction that I wasn’t from this time or place. That knowledge had been lost somewhere in the mists of time. What an odd way of putting it. Surely I meant lost in the void of my memory?
No, I meant the former: “Lost in time.”
I shook my head and struggled to my feet. I wouldn’t find any answers lying there. It was of the utmost importance that I learn more.
There it was again: that feeling of almost knowing. I knew the fate of the world depended on my piercing this veil of ignorance. That conviction burned in my mind.
I took stock of my surroundings: the Sphinx, crop circle, path into the forest, tiny wild strawberries winking at me in the grass. I #puzzled over what I should do first.
#TootFic #NMFic #TimeTravel #HistoricalFantasy #UrbanFantasy #Mythpunk #Serial #Sapphic #Slowburn
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#TimeTravelingGhostV2 EP 12: Post 123, 1,802,701 CE, Middlesex, UK
#Wss366 Puzzle #TimeTravelAuthors 08/3. Where does your main character live/where are they from?
As the images from my dream faded, I began to panic. The earlier questions haunted me: “Who was I? Where was I? Where had I come from?”
I had the strange conviction that I wasn’t from this time or place. That knowledge had been lost somewhere in the mists of time. What an odd way of putting it. Surely I meant lost in the void of my memory?
No, I meant the former: “Lost in time.”
I shook my head and struggled to my feet. I wouldn’t find any answers lying there. It was of the utmost importance that I learn more.
There it was again: that feeling of almost knowing. I knew the fate of the world depended on my piercing this veil of ignorance. That conviction burned in my mind.
I took stock of my surroundings: the Sphinx, crop circle, path into the forest, tiny wild strawberries winking at me in the grass. I #puzzled over what I should do first.
#TootFic #NMFic #TimeTravel #HistoricalFantasy #UrbanFantasy #Mythpunk #Serial #Sapphic #Slowburn
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Edelweiss Entwined #2
#FanFiction #AscendanceOfABookworm #HanneloresFifthYear
#Wss366 puzzleAfter the greetings, Eglantine’s maid sampled the food and drink to assure everyone that nothing had been poisoned. Tea and snacks were soon in hand, and the Zent began: “I hope you will pardon Schutzaria’s hand in our affairs, but swift winds are required to obtain Gebordnung’s blessings.”
Rozemyne knit her brow as she #puzzled out the meaning: “Pardon the sudden summons, but it is necessary to maintain order.” Even though she was used to it, she still wished nobles would speak clearly rather than masking everything behind metaphors.
Eglantine continued, “I understand, Duke Ferdinand, you will seek Versprechredi’s blessings. This comes as a surprise and has stirred up the other duchies, especially Korinthsdaum where Eifersuneid whispers council. So, to avoid Chaocipher attendance this year, I would ask if this is true.”
Rozemyne decoded the message again. Understanding what Versprechredi’s blessing meant was easy; Duke Ferdinand would seek a wife. Next, Eifersuneid was the god of jealousy and whispered in Sigiswald, ruler of Korinthsdaum’s ear. No surprise there. Finally, Chaocipher was the goddess of chaos, which meant Eglantine wanted to avoid the council descending into disarray.
Ferdinand put down his tea with a slight clink, showing his irritation, but spoke calmly. “My wife, the Aub, has expressed a wish to cement our relations with Dunkelfelger by making Lady Hannelore my second wife. Her friendship with Rozemyne leads me to believe it would be a good match. The Aub has been handling all the arrangements. We have exchanged gifts, and I received the following.” He laid the handkerchief embroidered with intertwining cornflowers and edelweiss on the table. “We didn’t think we needed to consult with the Sovereignty first, but I assume we have your approval, Zent.”
Eglantine didn’t react to the jab or the slight inflection on her title. Instead, she looked at Rozemyne. “I didn’t realize. I knew you were friends, but without Schicksantracht, I had not foreseen Versprechredi.”
She turned back to Ferdinand and said, “You have my blessing, of course. I will make sure the other duchies know you have my approval. Have you formally spoken to Hannelore’s parents yet?”
“That’s next,” he replied.
[Continued Thursday]
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Edelweiss Entwined #2
#FanFiction #AscendanceOfABookworm #HanneloresFifthYear
#Wss366 puzzleAfter the greetings, Eglantine’s maid sampled the food and drink to assure everyone that nothing had been poisoned. Tea and snacks were soon in hand, and the Zent began: “I hope you will pardon Schutzaria’s hand in our affairs, but swift winds are required to obtain Gebordnung’s blessings.”
Rozemyne knit her brow as she #puzzled out the meaning: “Pardon the sudden summons, but it is necessary to maintain order.” Even though she was used to it, she still wished nobles would speak clearly rather than masking everything behind metaphors.
Eglantine continued, “I understand, Duke Ferdinand, you will seek Versprechredi’s blessings. This comes as a surprise and has stirred up the other duchies, especially Korinthsdaum where Eifersuneid whispers council. So, to avoid Chaocipher attendance this year, I would ask if this is true.”
Rozemyne decoded the message again. Understanding what Versprechredi’s blessing meant was easy; Duke Ferdinand would seek a wife. Next, Eifersuneid was the god of jealousy and whispered in Sigiswald, ruler of Korinthsdaum’s ear. No surprise there. Finally, Chaocipher was the goddess of chaos, which meant Eglantine wanted to avoid the council descending into disarray.
Ferdinand put down his tea with a slight clink, showing his irritation, but spoke calmly. “My wife, the Aub, has expressed a wish to cement our relations with Dunkelfelger by making Lady Hannelore my second wife. Her friendship with Rozemyne leads me to believe it would be a good match. The Aub has been handling all the arrangements. We have exchanged gifts, and I received the following.” He laid the handkerchief embroidered with intertwining cornflowers and edelweiss on the table. “We didn’t think we needed to consult with the Sovereignty first, but I assume we have your approval, Zent.”
Eglantine didn’t react to the jab or the slight inflection on her title. Instead, she looked at Rozemyne. “I didn’t realize. I knew you were friends, but without Schicksantracht, I had not foreseen Versprechredi.”
She turned back to Ferdinand and said, “You have my blessing, of course. I will make sure the other duchies know you have my approval. Have you formally spoken to Hannelore’s parents yet?”
“That’s next,” he replied.
[Continued Thursday]
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Edelweiss Entwined #2
#FanFiction #AscendanceOfABookworm #HanneloresFifthYear
#Wss366 puzzleAfter the greetings, Eglantine’s maid sampled the food and drink to assure everyone that nothing had been poisoned. Tea and snacks were soon in hand, and the Zent began: “I hope you will pardon Schutzaria’s hand in our affairs, but swift winds are required to obtain Gebordnung’s blessings.”
Rozemyne knit her brow as she #puzzled out the meaning: “Pardon the sudden summons, but it is necessary to maintain order.” Even though she was used to it, she still wished nobles would speak clearly rather than masking everything behind metaphors.
Eglantine continued, “I understand, Duke Ferdinand, you will seek Versprechredi’s blessings. This comes as a surprise and has stirred up the other duchies, especially Korinthsdaum where Eifersuneid whispers council. So, to avoid Chaocipher attendance this year, I would ask if this is true.”
Rozemyne decoded the message again. Understanding what Versprechredi’s blessing meant was easy; Duke Ferdinand would seek a wife. Next, Eifersuneid was the god of jealousy and whispered in Sigiswald, ruler of Korinthsdaum’s ear. No surprise there. Finally, Chaocipher was the goddess of chaos, which meant Eglantine wanted to avoid the council descending into disarray.
Ferdinand put down his tea with a slight clink, showing his irritation, but spoke calmly. “My wife, the Aub, has expressed a wish to cement our relations with Dunkelfelger by making Lady Hannelore my second wife. Her friendship with Rozemyne leads me to believe it would be a good match. The Aub has been handling all the arrangements. We have exchanged gifts, and I received the following.” He laid the handkerchief embroidered with intertwining cornflowers and edelweiss on the table. “We didn’t think we needed to consult with the Sovereignty first, but I assume we have your approval, Zent.”
Eglantine didn’t react to the jab or the slight inflection on her title. Instead, she looked at Rozemyne. “I didn’t realize. I knew you were friends, but without Schicksantracht, I had not foreseen Versprechredi.”
She turned back to Ferdinand and said, “You have my blessing, of course. I will make sure the other duchies know you have my approval. Have you formally spoken to Hannelore’s parents yet?”
“That’s next,” he replied.
[Continued Thursday]
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Edelweiss Entwined #2
#FanFiction #AscendanceOfABookworm #HanneloresFifthYear
#Wss366 puzzleAfter the greetings, Eglantine’s maid sampled the food and drink to assure everyone that nothing had been poisoned. Tea and snacks were soon in hand, and the Zent began: “I hope you will pardon Schutzaria’s hand in our affairs, but swift winds are required to obtain Gebordnung’s blessings.”
Rozemyne knit her brow as she #puzzled out the meaning: “Pardon the sudden summons, but it is necessary to maintain order.” Even though she was used to it, she still wished nobles would speak clearly rather than masking everything behind metaphors.
Eglantine continued, “I understand, Duke Ferdinand, you will seek Versprechredi’s blessings. This comes as a surprise and has stirred up the other duchies, especially Korinthsdaum where Eifersuneid whispers council. So, to avoid Chaocipher attendance this year, I would ask if this is true.”
Rozemyne decoded the message again. Understanding what Versprechredi’s blessing meant was easy; Duke Ferdinand would seek a wife. Next, Eifersuneid was the god of jealousy and whispered in Sigiswald, ruler of Korinthsdaum’s ear. No surprise there. Finally, Chaocipher was the goddess of chaos, which meant Eglantine wanted to avoid the council descending into disarray.
Ferdinand put down his tea with a slight clink, showing his irritation, but spoke calmly. “My wife, the Aub, has expressed a wish to cement our relations with Dunkelfelger by making Lady Hannelore my second wife. Her friendship with Rozemyne leads me to believe it would be a good match. The Aub has been handling all the arrangements. We have exchanged gifts, and I received the following.” He laid the handkerchief embroidered with intertwining cornflowers and edelweiss on the table. “We didn’t think we needed to consult with the Sovereignty first, but I assume we have your approval, Zent.”
Eglantine didn’t react to the jab or the slight inflection on her title. Instead, she looked at Rozemyne. “I didn’t realize. I knew you were friends, but without Schicksantracht, I had not foreseen Versprechredi.”
She turned back to Ferdinand and said, “You have my blessing, of course. I will make sure the other duchies know you have my approval. Have you formally spoken to Hannelore’s parents yet?”
“That’s next,” he replied.
[Continued Thursday]
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Edelweiss Entwined #2
#FanFiction #AscendanceOfABookworm #HanneloresFifthYear
#Wss366 puzzleAfter the greetings, Eglantine’s maid sampled the food and drink to assure everyone that nothing had been poisoned. Tea and snacks were soon in hand, and the Zent began: “I hope you will pardon Schutzaria’s hand in our affairs, but swift winds are required to obtain Gebordnung’s blessings.”
Rozemyne knit her brow as she #puzzled out the meaning: “Pardon the sudden summons, but it is necessary to maintain order.” Even though she was used to it, she still wished nobles would speak clearly rather than masking everything behind metaphors.
Eglantine continued, “I understand, Duke Ferdinand, you will seek Versprechredi’s blessings. This comes as a surprise and has stirred up the other duchies, especially Korinthsdaum where Eifersuneid whispers council. So, to avoid Chaocipher attendance this year, I would ask if this is true.”
Rozemyne decoded the message again. Understanding what Versprechredi’s blessing meant was easy; Duke Ferdinand would seek a wife. Next, Eifersuneid was the god of jealousy and whispered in Sigiswald, ruler of Korinthsdaum’s ear. No surprise there. Finally, Chaocipher was the goddess of chaos, which meant Eglantine wanted to avoid the council descending into disarray.
Ferdinand put down his tea with a slight clink, showing his irritation, but spoke calmly. “My wife, the Aub, has expressed a wish to cement our relations with Dunkelfelger by making Lady Hannelore my second wife. Her friendship with Rozemyne leads me to believe it would be a good match. The Aub has been handling all the arrangements. We have exchanged gifts, and I received the following.” He laid the handkerchief embroidered with intertwining cornflowers and edelweiss on the table. “We didn’t think we needed to consult with the Sovereignty first, but I assume we have your approval, Zent.”
Eglantine didn’t react to the jab or the slight inflection on her title. Instead, she looked at Rozemyne. “I didn’t realize. I knew you were friends, but without Schicksantracht, I had not foreseen Versprechredi.”
She turned back to Ferdinand and said, “You have my blessing, of course. I will make sure the other duchies know you have my approval. Have you formally spoken to Hannelore’s parents yet?”
“That’s next,” he replied.
[Continued Thursday]
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Charlotte’s Web Part 2
#Fanfic #WanderingWitch #CharlottesWeb #AnimalFarm
#Wss366 lodge #ScribesAndMakers π11 It all started when…I stopped and looked around. The only creature visible was the pig, so I asked, “Did you speak, Mr. Pig?”
“I did. I am Napoleon, president of the great farm. And you, young lady, were about to destroy the fine work of my Minister of Education, Miss Charlotte.”
“I don’t see Miss Charlotte’s work, Comrade Napoleon.” I figured from what I had seen that the title would endear me to the swine.
“It’s ‘Your Excellency.’ Some animals are created more equal than others, and I am one such. And if you just look beyond your nose, you will see the fine tapestry, woven by Minister Charlotte.”
Now that I looked, there was a spider’s web that I had been about to brush aside. “That is indeed a fine web, Your Excellency. It even has writing in it: ‘Alternate Facts are True Facts.’ That is an interesting statement.”
“Indeed, and yesterday it read, ‘Rage is Freedom.’ That was something I said in a speech.”
I nodded. I didn’t understand how that worked, but I wouldn’t openly disagree. Instead, I brought up my reason for visiting. “The sign says I can get food and lodging here. Is that true?”
“Are you an ambassador from one of the local farms?”
“No, I’m just a wanderer.”
“Then we can #lodge you in the North Pasture and provide a bucket of raw oats and hay.”
“Oats and hay?” I asked incredulously.
“All animals are created equal, and if oats and hay are good enough for the donkey, they are good enough for you.”
“Perhaps you might find something better. Maybe bread? I am not used to oats and hay.”
“I see the minister has woven you an answer.”
When I looked, the web had changed. An enormous spider sat in its middle; around it was spelled out: “Half the oats at half the quality is good economics.”
What kind of warped reasoning was that, I wondered?
“I will have the dogs show you the way,” Napoleon said. He waved, and a pack of dogs came from a nearby thicket.
“Oh, dear!” I exclaimed. “I forgot I’m expected down the road a way this evening. I’m so sorry to have bothered you, Your Excellency.” The dogs looked fierce and were giving me the evil eye. Besides, who had ever heard of feeding guests raw oats and bedding them in a pasture?
There was a swine-like grunt, which I took for a farewell, and I hastily retired. After all, “Retreat is the highest form of bravery.”
[FINIS]
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Charlotte’s Web Part 1
#Fanfic #WanderingWitch #CharlottesWeb #AnimalFarm
#Wss366 Sty #ScribesAndMakers π11 It all started when...It all started when the witch got lost. The country she was going to wasn’t supposed to be far, yet the sun was nearing the horizon, and the only signs of civilization were neat country farms. Hunger gripped her belly, and she descended from the sky to view the signs posted outside the farmhouses.
Brushing her long, ashen hair away from her amethyst eyes, she read a small sign next to a farm gate: “Eggs.”
Eggs would be fine if she could cook them, but that seemed unlikely at the moment. What she wanted was bread and a place to sleep. A hay loft would do, but a proper bed would be better. Her pointy hat, long black robe, and the witch’s star brooch often impressed country folk, and she could trade fortunetelling for a meal and bed. The announcement that they would have a two-headed chicken in the spring or that their ewe would twin usually clinched the deal.
Who, you might ask, is this clever lady? It is, of course, I, Elaina the Ashen Witch.
There was no help for it; eggs were out, so I continued on my way.
The next farm had a sign next to a stile. Beyond was a #sty with an enormous, fat pig that examined me closely. Still further away, I saw a collapsed windmill and a barn with the words “All Animals are Equal” written on the side. An odd slogan for a farm, I thought.
What interested me most was the sign, though, and after a bit of puzzling over the poor spelling and odd writing, I made out what it said: “Fod and Ladging fer all COMERADES.” I was unsure if I were a comerade or even a comrade, but given the late hour, it was worth a try. I could definitely use “fod” and “ladging.”
“Hold there, comrade,” came a voice as I mounted the stile, “can’t you see the marquee?”
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#TimeTravelingGhost EP 8: Post 82: 2025 Arkham
#Wss366 Irish & #StPatricksDay #TimeTravelAuthors 03/17. Patient or patience in your story
Rather than leave the way we had come, I decided to time-trip out. The less information we gave our foes, the better. Apparently, they knew we could time-travel, but we could hold dematerialization as a trump card.
I took Emily’s hand and thought about our next destination. “Take us to my university office on the day the pink rat arrives from the future.”
The familiar sensations of time-tripping took over, and we appeared in a small academic office. Green streamers hung from the window, and a mega plushy papillon wearing an emerald top hat sat in the guest chair. A small plastic Buddha rested on the desk next to a picture of a young woman and me. Behind them stood the brick wall of an #Irish pub. The picture triggered a sense of profound sadness, but no memories.
Emily burst out laughing when she saw the clothes I’d manifested. “Nice duds. Is that what the daring avant-garde wear in your time? Absurd, but it’s charming in its own way.”
I pulled the floppy hat down and the N95 mask up higher, hoping they might hide how red my cheeks were. They probably matched the large cherry-red sunglasses I was sporting. I’d considered wearing a hijab but was unsure about the cultural implications of a nonbeliever wearing one. “I told you I don’t want people to see two Professor Henrietta Dubois’s.”
“Professor Tweedledee and Dum,” Emily joked.
I tipped up my glasses and rolled my eyes. She laughed.
“And this must be a young Tweedle-dumb,” she said, looking at the picture. “You look happy.
She stopped, tapped a signature, and said, “Who's Sarah Lockwell?” The amusement on her face had faded.
“I don’t remember.” My response wasn’t an evasion. I truly didn’t remember.
“Shame,” she said, but it didn’t sound as if she meant it.
Next, she walked around the desk, materialized her hand, and opened the bottom drawer. “Brandy. You were a bit of a lush, weren’t you, Professor Dumb?”
“What are you doing?” I asked.
“I’m a spy, sleuthing.”
“Well, be careful. You’ll get caught snooping.”
“You’re the only one who can see me.”
“Right, I forgot.”
After that, I sat #patiently on the edge of the guest chair while Emily continued to investigate. “Faustus Pakt, Liber Juratus, Pompilius’ Spiegel,” she read as she browsed the books on a shelf. “You had quite an interest in Faust and medieval grimoires.”
Having no memory of my prior reading, I didn’t comment.
Emily had moved back to the desk when the door opened, interrupting her investigation. In the corridor stood an outraged Professor Dubois, carrying a pink rat in a cage.
#TootFic #MicroFiction #NMFic #UrbanFantasy #Mythpunk #TimeTravel #HistoricalFantasy #Series #SaintPatricksDay
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Mating of the Deer and Fox (Part 2: Fox)
Soon, he had lit a fire and started roasting a hare over it. Wrapped in wet leaves and buried under the coals, the mushrooms cooked with wild onions. When they were done, they ate the fare seasoned with salt from a #stash in his pack. Besides a simple compliment and equally simple acknowledgment, they ate in silence—he out of habit, and she out of deference.
Food finished, the Shaw broke the silence. “I’ll show you the way to your village tomorrow. You may keep my cloak tonight; it will be cold.”
“Omnit thanks you. But aren’t you afraid my kin will find and kill you?”
“Aren’t you afraid of being alone in the #wilderness with an oathless Shaw? And to answer your question, no. I will have faded away long before they arrive. Your people make a rutting bear sound quiet.”
“Oh,” she said, silent for a moment. “I’m not afraid of being alone with you anymore. You’re the gentlest man I’ve ever met.”
“Your husband? Father? Brothers?”
“Brutes. They brought us here to settle. I’ve seen what they do to the Shaws they capture. They say it’s their just desserts. As for me, I must do as I am told.”
The man pulled a sour face but didn’t comment.
“It will be cold tonight, and you’ve given me your cloak. I could share it with you.” The woman’s voice was soft again, and her eyes were cast down.
“Your husband?” he asked.
“Arranged.” Her voice was barely audible. “A rutting bear.” Then, looking up, she bit her lip and added in a rush, “For once I’d like to know what it’s like to be with someone gentle.”
When the night fell silent and the woman slept, the Shaw looked up at the stars, tracing Sister Canin among them. He wondered whether his mother’s words were true. Did Canin’s blood run through his veins, however diluted it had become over the ages?
He touched the fox’s tail braided in his hair and thought, “If not literally, then figuratively.”
Rolling over, he traced the flank of the “Deer” woman next to him. He thought sadly, “The deer and fox were not meant to mate. I hope she will be okay. And if the seed takes root, I wish the same for it.”
Then he too drifted off.
They ate in silence the next morning, he from habit, and she lost in memory. When they reached the trail to her village, he bid her stay a moment.
He took a shawl from his pack and said, “It was my mother’s. It’s all I have to give you.”
“But…” she began, but he silenced her with a finger.
“The nameless do not need such things. Keep it and remember that there are gentle things in the world. She was gentle, and so are you.” Before she could protest further, he turned and disappeared.
Note 1: #FanFiction for a yet-to-be-published book, “Soul Fire” by Jesse Sprague.