John Nixon
Friday Fictioneers offering for March 26. Join the fun at http://rochellewisofffields.wordpress.com/. I was inspired by the extra day Rochelle allowed us for this weeks Friday Fictioneers and did two–each one exactly 100 words.
New Magic
Pyewacket sat beside the ancient oak. He flicked his silver wings three times and kicked a dried piece of rabbit dung with the toe of his spiderweb boot.
Afternoon dwindled to dusk. At last, Peaseblossom settled beside him with a tinkling laugh.
“You’re late,” he snapped.
“Fairies don’t understand time. Country fairies least of all.” She held a shiny treasure in her hand. “I brought you real magic from the city.”
Pyewacket took the beautiful thing from her, turning it round and round. It shimmered and fluttered on his palm.
“What does it do?”
“Anything you want. It’s named iPhone.”
Second Wind
“Did you defeat the entire British army, then?” I stood amidst the ancient oaks, our rendezvous.
Blood and dirt streaked his face. His shirt hung in tatters. Mud stained the green and blue of his kilt.
“Only five or six. I hadnae time for them all. I knew ye were waiting.”
“You’re bleeding.” I reached to push a blonde lock from his eyes. He caught my hand pulling me closer.
“I’m not hurt.”
“I just hope you haven’t worn yourself out.” The heat of him and the peaty smell of whisky washed over me.
“Oh, I’ll last a wee bit.”
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Ooh loved them both but have a softer spot for the second wind 🙂
Thanks. Yeah–I like that one, too. Glad you enjoyed. I love doing these things!
Wow – 2 for the price of one! I love story sales and you succeeded so well! Both are wonderful and fun because they were so different. You are really, really good! Thanks, Nan 🙂
Thank you so much, Nan. I’m glad you liked them.
Dear Sorchia,
Happy to oblige with an extra day and an earthy, organic photo. 😉 I’d say you made great use of the extra (unintentional) time.
Both of your stories were entertaining in their own rights. They were different enough that it would be comparing apples to oranges. Suffice it to say they were both clever and I enjoyed them equally.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks, Rochelle. I am loving FF and look forward to Wednesdays. Tuesday was like getting to open a birthday present early!
Wow-you did two ?Both are so good Sorchia but my fav was the first-an iphone-what a cute twist 😉
Thanks. I’m glad you liked them–and thanks for commenting.
🙂
I’m envious. You came up with two great stories, and I had trouble being inspired this week. Could I borrow one of yours? I think my fav was the Scottish one, though it was a close call. Ron
That’s funny–usually my first thought when I see the photo is something like “Oh, Rochelle, why can’t you choose something earthy and organic–I could DO something with that.” And this time when I saw the trees I thought “Finally!!” and then I thought “wow, I have nothing!” Took that extra day for it to work:) Thanks for commenting. You’ll murder (perhaps literally) the next one 🙂
Two winds, completely different takes on the prompt- I’m in awe of your creativity! Impressive dialect with the second story to convey the historical setting. It felt very authentic and helped transport me back in time. Though, I believe I’m a bigger fan of the first story, as it is delightfully whimsical! Their names are quite intriguing, and I loved the curiosity around modern technology. Thanks for two entertaining tales!
I’m glad you enjoyed them. Thanks for your comment. The second story is probably a residual of my last book Just Like Gravity which is set in Scotland–having a hard time disconnecting from it 🙂 Pyewacket I first came across in a P.G. Wodehouse story though it is also the name of a witch’s familiar from accounts of a 1644 witchhunt. Peaseblossom is from Midsummer Night’s Dream. I figure if I’m going to steal, I should steal from the best. Thanks again.
Both great stories. I loved the fairy names in the first one – I always have real trouble thinking up names for characters and end up calling everyone “Frank” 🙂
I first came across Pyewacket in a P.G. Wodehouse story, but it is also the name of a witch’s familiar from a 1644 witchhunt–weird. Peaseblossom is from “Midsummer Night’s Dream”–one of the fairies attending the fairy queen. I go to baby name encyclopedias or to names for a particular culture–like Gaelic names or Italian names. But Frank is a great name, too 🙂
Both a fun read. Great stuff.
Thanks! I’m happy you enjoyed them.
One thing I noticed is how similar the format is for each story. Both great and different, but also the same structure. Just thought it was curious. Love your last lines on both stories 🙂
The idea of the tree as a meeting place is definitely deeply embedded in my psyche. I’m glad you enjoyed them.
I liked them both as well, but really liked the first one with that humorous twist at the end.
janet
Thanks, Janet.
Nice twist on the first. Enjoyed them both.
Thanks, Sandra.
Like them both, but the iphone is a terrific twist, totally unexpected. Thanks!
Thanks, Perry. Glad you liked them.
Ah.. two very different tales… an Iphone would for sure intrigue a country fairie.. The second one had a brilliant dialogue.. still have to learn to do dialogues.
Thanks! When I do dialogue, I kind of channel the character. Dialects are tricky in longer works because you have to be consistent. Glad you enjoyed the pair. Thanks for your comment.