The Goal is Zero

[favoritebean]

Pallas walked down the hall at a brisk pace. With each clack made by her heels against the ground, sparks flew from the marble tile skyward. Her hair surged toward the halls, an unruly fire seeking kindling. Lips pursed, and fists clenched, she made her way to the Dean’s office, dragging a rather large carcass behind her

Comments

[marlawentmad]

What a delight! I love this characterization, "He scratched his three beards, and clouds emanated as he scratched. The clouds rained on his desk as they came closer to Pallas, whose hair swatted at them like they were flies."

[favoritebean]

I'm glad that you like the characterization. I really wanted to point out the idea that this school houses beings that aren't exactly in our image. Between Purva's multiple beards and heads, Pallas being a fire elemental, and the headmistress (whom I really wanted to name Undine) being a water elemental, I'm sure there are plenty of other characterizations that could come out. Probably the most subtle was that of Para, whose inspiration was the Devi Tara. Tara is often depicted to carry scissors with her.

Sorry, that got rather long.

Thank you for your comment. It made my day.

[marlawentmad]

I enjoyed the lengthy response, no need to apologize! I love stories that hint at archetypes, myths, deities...there is so much texture behind a story set somewhere most of us can relate to, like a school. Thank you so much for the extra background information on your characters. I think I will find myself down the rabbit hole of the google machine to peek behind more curtains.

[i_17bingo]

This was both epic and mundane at the same time. I envisioned the tiny college I went to, with its cramped, wood-paneled offices and classrooms and windows that don't close too easily, and it really entertained me.

[rayaso]

If only colleges worked the same way! Boring administrators would be a thing of the past. The names you used sent me on a prolonged Google quest, with fun results. This was very enjoyable, with some very creative parts. I loved the description of Pallas at the beginning.

[halfshellvenus]

We decide the position in an arena- gladiatorial style.”
This sounds very much like what Draxys said their school was NOT about. Or perhaps that's one of the reasons she doesn't want the position.

I have a weakness for those whose hair sets itself on fire now and then. :)

[bleodswean]

AH!! This was a really nice derivative piece. Soooo visual. I could SEE Purva's three beards!