Goldie awoke. Daylight streamed through the thin fabric of the kitchen curtains. She’d been up late the night before, tending to her mother, who was never sick enough to seek aid from the healer, but never well enough to rise from her own bed in their own one-bed cottage. Continue reading
tale
Dragon Tale
The tunnel was twisted and long, hard rock alternating with slippery sand, no light shining through its natural chimneys as she’d been told to come during night time; she knew the way, having traversed so many times, and knew that the rising humidity heralded the glow of underground mushrooms.
Zillarda waited for the visitor, curled tight around her steadily-decreasing horde. Continue reading
Citronella (Parts 1-3)
Citronella (Part 1)
Citronella leaned over the balcony and sighed, staring down at the village parti-gras. Before, she’d been content to lean on the iron parapet, separate from the mad goings-on below. Before, she’d been satisfied with her mother’s witchy warnings of the dangers of joining the sweaty rabble. Before, she’d felt empowered by her choice of who she’d let climb her long, golden braid to the top floor. She’d lived there for as long as she could remember.
*** Continue reading
Song of the Sea
From Jenne Gray and C.E. Ayr’s photo prompt, The Unicorn Challenge (03/24/2024). No more than 250 words in length.
“So many to choose from,” Douglass breathed, mouthpiece in one hand, carefully considering his next step. He’d waited under the dock, saving the oxygen in his scuba tank. The docks ceased their sway and rattle as the heavy footfalls of captains and crew stumbled up to the clubhouse for an exclusive marina fundraiser. They’d strung lights on boom, mast, and stays, sure that the sea gods wouldn’t rain on their parade. Continue reading
Savage Starfish
From Jenne Gray and C.E. Ayr’s photo prompt, The Unicorn Challenge (03/15/2024). No more than 250 words in length.
Trigger Warning: Do NOT read this before bed!
Stella Starfish had heard all about it from Momma Bear. While Poppa and Baby built sand castles down the beach, Momma had leaned in, broad, clawed toes in the water and gripping the sand, related how Goldie had lured Poppa Bear into an affair with her golden curls, intense blue eyes, and silky hairless skin. Granted, Poppa wasn’t the brightest — some even said he was a couple sandwiches short of a picnic – but still! Continue reading



