30 Days R2/S2 - Day 10 a story set in three different time periods
This a Flashfic based on a prompt from 
aldersprig and
kc_obrien's 30 Days of Flash Fiction: Round 2 Meme
My 30 Days of Flashfic: Round 2 Index Page (Um, yeah, this one clocks in at over 2700 words, five and a half pages in print)
Day 10 - write a story set in three different time periods
Setting:
aldersprig's Tir Na Cali
Content warnings: slavery, potentially questionable consent (to be fair he doesn't say no and doesn't object, but he is a slave), no on page sex but it's pretty strongly implied.
Title: --- (Don't have one yet)
Part 1: Kids
Caera
Caera paused in her glum walk through the halls certain she heard something. She had worked herself into sulk at how utterly boring the day was, but perhaps slipping away from her tutor wouldn't be a waste of time after all. Nine ought to be old enough to go out and do things. But none of her older sisters or her brothers had any time for her.
There was the sound again. Crying? Curiosity took over and a short search later she found a black haired boy about her own age curled up crying in the corner of a storeroom. Haven't seen him before. Must be one of the ones Rhonwen bought.
She was just about to give her try at her mother's Obey Me Now voice when he rubbed at his face and she saw blood on his hand. Startled she called out to him in a rather softer voice, "What's wrong boy? Come over and let me see."
The boy looked up and rubbed at his eyes and bloodied nose again, "Sorry ma'am, didn't mean t'get in way..." He paused in his words, looking at her again his eyes going wide before quickly bowing. "Oh! Sorry your ladyship! I'll get out of your way ma'am. Ladyship, I meant ma'am. Sorry!"
Caera couldn't help herself and giggled. "You're a silly boy." Reaching out to turn his head up to face her again, "we'd better get you to a sink. What happened to you?"
"H-hogan an Dillon were teasing again. Tried ignoring it like Miss Einin said to. Honest! But Dillon said, he said my ma," He sniffled again as she lead him to the closest bath. "Told him to shut up an he hit me. An then Hogan said I didn't know nothing an I should shut up not Dillon."
Grabbing a washcloth Caera wiped his face clean. She was frowning and trying to decide what she should do when she realized his face wasn't getting any cleaner because the red that was left was a blush and not blood.
"I was gonna ignore them, really! Was going to be quiet and just do the cleaning. But they wouldn't stop!"
"Well, we can't have that." She gave his nose a pat with the washcloth before pressing it into his hands. "I better go an tell them they have to behave. Where were you cleaning?" She frowned again as she realized something else. "Oh. That means you've run off from where you are supposed to be."
"I... But... Yes ma'am, um, your ladyship ma'am."
She giggled again as he went all nervous and speaking silly again. He's kind of cute like that.
Barclay
Barclay was sniffling again as he returned to the room he was supposed to be cleaning, rubbing his now sore bottom while the girl lead him along with a finger tucked under his collar. Stupid collar, I'd come even if she didn't... he glanced up at her, remembering the rumors that some of them could hear what you were thinking. Um. Nice collar? And you don't tug on it like some of the others do. Not having much time to worry before she lead him through the door into the room.
Hogan and Dillon both noticed the girl was family faster than he did. A quiet sort of argument of glances and nudges erupting before Dillon finally spoke up.
"Thank you for bringing Barclay back your ladyship. We were about to go let someone know he was missing."
"Really?" Recognizing the tone of her voice, Barclay gave his bottom another rub and fought the urge to edge away from her. He could see Dillon knew he was in trouble as well.
"Mmm, and you're Dillon?"
"Y-yes, your ladyship."
He didn't even see her make the fist, just her nod as she stepped closer and her fist smacked into Dillon's nose. Barclay grinned at the older boy's startled squawk and stumbling step backwards that turned into Dillon falling back on his butt.
She didn't say she was going to do that! He stared at the girl as she turned her glare from Dillon to Hogan. Feeling like he should be bowing or maybe running and hiding again.
"Stupid! You want to do the all the chores without any help? Just because he talks a little funny?" She glared at Dillon, who stopped standing and dropped back on his butt again. "Keep teasing and you'll really get in trouble."
"Is that why they haven't finished tidying up yet miss Caera?"
"Oh! Hello Miss Einin. Yes, I think so. Oh, I kind of, sort of punished two of the boys for you."
Barclay wasn't sure which was more startling. Miss Einin showing up without his noticing or the sudden change that came over the girl. This stammering girl, scuffing the floor with her shoes, was the same one who pulled him along by his collar?
The girl looked up with a shy smile, "We don't have to tell mother do we?"
Part 2: Coming of Age
Caera
Mother meant well. Caera knew that and it was just about the only thing keeping her from screaming in frustration. Yet for all that mother was trying to be helpful it still didn't make all the suggestions for her first time with the harem any less annoying.
Mother simply kept talking, not seeming to notice her growing frustration any more than the teacup that was surely cold by now. "Or if you want cute you could pick Nicholas."
"Nicky?" Caera somehow remembered no to say his name as, Icky. "Is he not the one who keeps writing Rhonwen those poems?"
"He is a sweet boy, isn't he. You're right I suppose, best not to pick him if she is likely to call him to personal service soon."
Caera smiled and nodded and pretended that was exactly what she meant. Better that than getting in a conversation about how Rhonwen's favorite's insipid little verses always made her want to gag.
"Perhaps Dougal? He's easy to look at and quite skilled."
She closed her eyes a moment and tried to get the image of Dougal and her mother out of her head. There was nothing so much wrong with Dougal as there was nothing particularly good other than occasional mentions of his skill in bed. A first time with the harem was supposed to be something new and fun. But the past day she had been realizing that every last man in it left her longing only the distraction of her studies. Maybe inoffensive is the way to go. Just pick the least awkward of Mother's pretty little collection of dolls. She opened her eyes again and was just about to agree to Dougal when she saw a better solution.
"Hold that thought a moment please." Standing before her rescue could finish helping to carry a load of boxes inside. "Barclay, come over here boy!"
She watched him as he came around the flowerbeds to the steps of the gazebo, thankful to whomever had ordered the delivery he was helping to carry in. "Go tell the chatelaine that you will need to be released from your evening duties and come to my room after dinner."
"Caera, the boy isn't part of the harem."
"Oh, you're right! I really wasn't thinking was I?"
She smiled to her mother, then turned to her mother's personal assistant, "Cora? Could you help me out and take Barclay to the chatelaine and let her know to send him to my room after dinner? She might think the poor boy was making up stories if he went and told her on his own. Ask her to have him bring some wine and something light to snack on as well?"
Barclay
Barclay didn't think it ought to feel strange to watch someone else eating. Of course, normally he would be busy serving or waiting quietly off to the side. He most certainly was not normally stretched out in someone else's bed with his arms tied to the headboard while he watched them eat.
"Now are you staring at me because you're hungry or because you think I'm beautiful?"
Barclay looked away, giving the question a desperate moment's thought. "Yes, your ladyship?"
He relaxed a little at Caera's laughter. "Smart boy. Well, I can't have you starving. I'll just have to share some of this with you."
"Thank you, your ladyship." He stretched a little then waited for her to untie him. Only to realize he would have to wait longer when she held a sliver of cheese to his lips instead. More cheese, pieces of fruit and vegetables, and sips of wine followed.
"Your ladyship? Shouldn't I be serving you?"
"Silly boy. I would have to untie you."
She put a finger to his lips, stopping him from risking another question. "I have a question for you. I don't want your good-little-slave answer, I want the truth. Whether it's yes or no I won't get mad as long as it's the truth. Okay?"
Mindful of the finger still on his lips Barclay kept quiet and nodded slightly.
"Do you trust me." She tapped his nose with her fingertip on each word. "Not will you obey, I know you will. Do you trust me?"
Barclay couldn't remember ever being asked that. He almost said yes without even thinking about it. Questions from the free were usually just polite orders and not something to risk saying no to. His mouth hung open while he turned the question about in his head.
Finally he nodded. "I trust you your ladyship, scared sometimes and confused, but I trust you."
"Good, because there are so many things I want to try tonight." She smiled, picking up his discarded shirt and rolled it into a long strip. While she was tying it around his head as a blindfold she paused.
"Well, one more question. Have you ever been tempted to write poems for me?"
"No, your ladyship. I wouldn't even know how to start."
"Good. Don't start."
Part 3: Gifts
Caera
Caera nursed a large mug of tea letting it warm her and soothe her throat. Just as she knew in summer that the worst time to be in the desert was then, she knew now in winter that it was clearly the worst time for long desert patrols. They had received a tip that someone would be trying to sneak across the border. It simply would have been nice if the forecasters had been as accurate predicting the weather. Her people were good and even a winter dust storm hadn't been enough to keep them from catching their prey. But only after they had all choked on dust and suffered through a freezing winter desert night.
Somehow Moira had talked her way into reading Barclay's letter aloud. Probably something to do with the suggestion that she simply hold onto the mug and let the tea warm her. Paper was shuffled and she saw Moira smile.
"If this is your Barclay, then this must be your little Dee."
Caera managed to get a quick glance at a sketch in pencil and ink before that page was passed around her table of fellow junior officers. "That," she managed in a scratchy voice, "would be by my boy Oscar. He's very good with a pen."
Moira looked over the first page of the letter and started reading, "Hello my love, blah blah, your mother sends her love. Congratulations on your promotion, blah blah blah." Moira looked over to her, "Caera where's the juicy gossip. This thing is so, so domestic. A drawing from your son, Shan getting high marks on an essay, all we need now is something cute Dee has done. No, wait, she's being cute napping in Barclay's lap in the drawing."
Caera shrugged and turned to the others, "A drawing I notice still hasn't made it over to me."
"I can't believe I offered you one of my letters for this." Moira, after shaking her head looked back at the letter. "Let's see, blah blah more domestic boredom, love best wishes as always Barclay. P.S. Sorry, there's no room for any sappy poems, you'll have to wait for the next letter. Oh please, you're grinning over that? There's still another page, let's see, this is promising. He and your mother are excited, Dee surprised them with sign... huh? Oh that jerk, he didn't really say what happened!"
Caera leaned across the table snatching the letter back and started reading the last page. "Oh... Oh!"
"Come on Caera, what the heck does he mean by, 'the time you brought the wrong key.' I know there has to be a story behind that."
She looked up, shaking her head, "Nope. No story. Completely boring. You'd fall asleep. But at least there was a nice picture in the letter." Knowing her flushed cheeks were making clear her lie.
Barclay
Barclay was enjoying a quiet morning in the garden with his children. Dee resting in his lap and Oscar with pen and paper in hand working on a drawing. Shanley, well even if Shanley was busy peppering two of her aunts with questions, she was at least out in the garden with the rest of them.
He looked down at Dee, who had suddenly sat up in his lap with a question. "How did momma and poppa meet? Well, we actually met here on the estate. We were younger than Oscar, but a little older than you."
He thought back over the years a smile coming to his face. "You know how momma is out protecting everyone? Well, momma was a little like that back then too. You have a good family, one you can be proud of. But back then it could be scary for daddy. I wore a collar then, and even if this is a good family I wasn't born here I was bought, so I didn't have any family or friends yet."
Dee's eyes had grown wide, so he stopped to give her a hug before going on. "That's part of why momma and I always say not to pick on other kids, poppa has been there and it's scary if it's happening to you. But momma saw it one day and decided someone should tell the other kids this family doesn't let thing like that happen."
He could see Dee thinking about that and gave her another hug. "And sometimes after that momma would come and ask me to do things. Not just ask for someone to help with things but actually ask for me. So even if I was still lonely sometimes, momma still made sure the other kids stopped teasing."
"The way you would follow her around like a little lost puppy was really rather cute." He was startled by Lady Enora's voice suddenly sounding from behind him and turned to face his mother-in-law while she kept speaking. "Then that lost little boy grew into a good man and a fine addition to our family."
"I certainly hope so Lady, the two greatest gifts Caera has given me are her love and family."
He looked down at Dee who hadn't said anything to her grandmother yet and found her with a puzzled expression on her face. "Was there something else you wanted to know?"
Dee looked up and seemed to spot Lady Enora for the first time. "Oh. I was curious, I thought maybe it was just a funny dream but it makes sense now. All but the end."
Barclay and Enora both asked at the same time, "What about the end?"
"Well, if momma had the wrong key, why would poppa get spanked? Any why would poppa look--"
Barclay spoke up quickly, lifting Dee and setting her on her feet before Lady Enora. "Oh my! It seems our little lady's gift is appearing."
Dee blinked at the sudden move. "But why would poppa want to--"
She was cut off this time by Lady Enora. "How about we go inside and get some ice cream. Then we can talk about your gift and what you are seeing."
Lady Enora gave him an amused grin, "And while we do that we can give your father time to write and let your momma know what has happened."
*****
The days so far:
1) the story starts with the words "It's going down." (LJ link)
2) write a scene that takes place in a train station (LJ link)
3) the story must involve a goblet and a set of three [somethings] (LJ link)
4) prompt: one for the road (LJ link)
5) write a story using an imaginary color (LJ link)
6) write the pitch for a new Final Fantasy styled RPG (LJ link)
7) prompt: frigid (LJ link)
8) write a scene in the middle of a novel called "The Long, Dirty Afterwards." (LJ link)
9) prompt: mourning dead gods (LJ link)
10) write a story set in three different time periods (LJ link)
11) Write a movie trailer style trailer for a story, existing or not-yet-written (LJ link)
12) prompt: sweet iced tea (LJ link)
13) re-write a story that everyone knows
14) write a vanilla story dealing with kinky subject matter (LJ link)
15) prompt: ascension (LJ link)
16) write a scene that takes place at the end of a long road trip (LJ link)
17) write an uncomfortable story (LJ link)
18) prompt: a step too far
19) write a story in which something goes BOOM
20) Write the end of the story "The Purple Bag."
21) Roll a d20 twice (Random.Org). Combine the themes of the two previous stories for those numbers
22) prompt: knight in shining armor
23) write a scene that takes place in a place that is war-torn
24) prompt: founding fathers
25) write a story set in a library
26) prompt: elemental
27) write a story using only one period. Bonus: write the story using only one /ending punctuation at all.
28) write a story set in a laundromat
29) (from Lilifluff) Randomly pick a number between 1 and 28 (Random.Org) . Re-write that prompt as a Spaghetti Western or Melodrama
30) the story ends with the words "coming up."
(This is a crossposting |
replies at the original post on dreamwidth | Comment at dreamwidth | You can comment on DW posts even if you don't have an account there Using OpenID!)
aldersprig and
kc_obrien's 30 Days of Flash Fiction: Round 2 Meme
My 30 Days of Flashfic: Round 2 Index Page (Um, yeah, this one clocks in at over 2700 words, five and a half pages in print)
Day 10 - write a story set in three different time periods
Setting:
aldersprig's Tir Na Cali
Content warnings: slavery, potentially questionable consent (to be fair he doesn't say no and doesn't object, but he is a slave), no on page sex but it's pretty strongly implied.
Title: --- (Don't have one yet)
Part 1: Kids
Caera
Caera paused in her glum walk through the halls certain she heard something. She had worked herself into sulk at how utterly boring the day was, but perhaps slipping away from her tutor wouldn't be a waste of time after all. Nine ought to be old enough to go out and do things. But none of her older sisters or her brothers had any time for her.
There was the sound again. Crying? Curiosity took over and a short search later she found a black haired boy about her own age curled up crying in the corner of a storeroom. Haven't seen him before. Must be one of the ones Rhonwen bought.
She was just about to give her try at her mother's Obey Me Now voice when he rubbed at his face and she saw blood on his hand. Startled she called out to him in a rather softer voice, "What's wrong boy? Come over and let me see."
The boy looked up and rubbed at his eyes and bloodied nose again, "Sorry ma'am, didn't mean t'get in way..." He paused in his words, looking at her again his eyes going wide before quickly bowing. "Oh! Sorry your ladyship! I'll get out of your way ma'am. Ladyship, I meant ma'am. Sorry!"
Caera couldn't help herself and giggled. "You're a silly boy." Reaching out to turn his head up to face her again, "we'd better get you to a sink. What happened to you?"
"H-hogan an Dillon were teasing again. Tried ignoring it like Miss Einin said to. Honest! But Dillon said, he said my ma," He sniffled again as she lead him to the closest bath. "Told him to shut up an he hit me. An then Hogan said I didn't know nothing an I should shut up not Dillon."
Grabbing a washcloth Caera wiped his face clean. She was frowning and trying to decide what she should do when she realized his face wasn't getting any cleaner because the red that was left was a blush and not blood.
"I was gonna ignore them, really! Was going to be quiet and just do the cleaning. But they wouldn't stop!"
"Well, we can't have that." She gave his nose a pat with the washcloth before pressing it into his hands. "I better go an tell them they have to behave. Where were you cleaning?" She frowned again as she realized something else. "Oh. That means you've run off from where you are supposed to be."
"I... But... Yes ma'am, um, your ladyship ma'am."
She giggled again as he went all nervous and speaking silly again. He's kind of cute like that.
Barclay
Barclay was sniffling again as he returned to the room he was supposed to be cleaning, rubbing his now sore bottom while the girl lead him along with a finger tucked under his collar. Stupid collar, I'd come even if she didn't... he glanced up at her, remembering the rumors that some of them could hear what you were thinking. Um. Nice collar? And you don't tug on it like some of the others do. Not having much time to worry before she lead him through the door into the room.
Hogan and Dillon both noticed the girl was family faster than he did. A quiet sort of argument of glances and nudges erupting before Dillon finally spoke up.
"Thank you for bringing Barclay back your ladyship. We were about to go let someone know he was missing."
"Really?" Recognizing the tone of her voice, Barclay gave his bottom another rub and fought the urge to edge away from her. He could see Dillon knew he was in trouble as well.
"Mmm, and you're Dillon?"
"Y-yes, your ladyship."
He didn't even see her make the fist, just her nod as she stepped closer and her fist smacked into Dillon's nose. Barclay grinned at the older boy's startled squawk and stumbling step backwards that turned into Dillon falling back on his butt.
She didn't say she was going to do that! He stared at the girl as she turned her glare from Dillon to Hogan. Feeling like he should be bowing or maybe running and hiding again.
"Stupid! You want to do the all the chores without any help? Just because he talks a little funny?" She glared at Dillon, who stopped standing and dropped back on his butt again. "Keep teasing and you'll really get in trouble."
"Is that why they haven't finished tidying up yet miss Caera?"
"Oh! Hello Miss Einin. Yes, I think so. Oh, I kind of, sort of punished two of the boys for you."
Barclay wasn't sure which was more startling. Miss Einin showing up without his noticing or the sudden change that came over the girl. This stammering girl, scuffing the floor with her shoes, was the same one who pulled him along by his collar?
The girl looked up with a shy smile, "We don't have to tell mother do we?"
Part 2: Coming of Age
Caera
Mother meant well. Caera knew that and it was just about the only thing keeping her from screaming in frustration. Yet for all that mother was trying to be helpful it still didn't make all the suggestions for her first time with the harem any less annoying.
Mother simply kept talking, not seeming to notice her growing frustration any more than the teacup that was surely cold by now. "Or if you want cute you could pick Nicholas."
"Nicky?" Caera somehow remembered no to say his name as, Icky. "Is he not the one who keeps writing Rhonwen those poems?"
"He is a sweet boy, isn't he. You're right I suppose, best not to pick him if she is likely to call him to personal service soon."
Caera smiled and nodded and pretended that was exactly what she meant. Better that than getting in a conversation about how Rhonwen's favorite's insipid little verses always made her want to gag.
"Perhaps Dougal? He's easy to look at and quite skilled."
She closed her eyes a moment and tried to get the image of Dougal and her mother out of her head. There was nothing so much wrong with Dougal as there was nothing particularly good other than occasional mentions of his skill in bed. A first time with the harem was supposed to be something new and fun. But the past day she had been realizing that every last man in it left her longing only the distraction of her studies. Maybe inoffensive is the way to go. Just pick the least awkward of Mother's pretty little collection of dolls. She opened her eyes again and was just about to agree to Dougal when she saw a better solution.
"Hold that thought a moment please." Standing before her rescue could finish helping to carry a load of boxes inside. "Barclay, come over here boy!"
She watched him as he came around the flowerbeds to the steps of the gazebo, thankful to whomever had ordered the delivery he was helping to carry in. "Go tell the chatelaine that you will need to be released from your evening duties and come to my room after dinner."
"Caera, the boy isn't part of the harem."
"Oh, you're right! I really wasn't thinking was I?"
She smiled to her mother, then turned to her mother's personal assistant, "Cora? Could you help me out and take Barclay to the chatelaine and let her know to send him to my room after dinner? She might think the poor boy was making up stories if he went and told her on his own. Ask her to have him bring some wine and something light to snack on as well?"
Barclay
Barclay didn't think it ought to feel strange to watch someone else eating. Of course, normally he would be busy serving or waiting quietly off to the side. He most certainly was not normally stretched out in someone else's bed with his arms tied to the headboard while he watched them eat.
"Now are you staring at me because you're hungry or because you think I'm beautiful?"
Barclay looked away, giving the question a desperate moment's thought. "Yes, your ladyship?"
He relaxed a little at Caera's laughter. "Smart boy. Well, I can't have you starving. I'll just have to share some of this with you."
"Thank you, your ladyship." He stretched a little then waited for her to untie him. Only to realize he would have to wait longer when she held a sliver of cheese to his lips instead. More cheese, pieces of fruit and vegetables, and sips of wine followed.
"Your ladyship? Shouldn't I be serving you?"
"Silly boy. I would have to untie you."
She put a finger to his lips, stopping him from risking another question. "I have a question for you. I don't want your good-little-slave answer, I want the truth. Whether it's yes or no I won't get mad as long as it's the truth. Okay?"
Mindful of the finger still on his lips Barclay kept quiet and nodded slightly.
"Do you trust me." She tapped his nose with her fingertip on each word. "Not will you obey, I know you will. Do you trust me?"
Barclay couldn't remember ever being asked that. He almost said yes without even thinking about it. Questions from the free were usually just polite orders and not something to risk saying no to. His mouth hung open while he turned the question about in his head.
Finally he nodded. "I trust you your ladyship, scared sometimes and confused, but I trust you."
"Good, because there are so many things I want to try tonight." She smiled, picking up his discarded shirt and rolled it into a long strip. While she was tying it around his head as a blindfold she paused.
"Well, one more question. Have you ever been tempted to write poems for me?"
"No, your ladyship. I wouldn't even know how to start."
"Good. Don't start."
Part 3: Gifts
Caera
Caera nursed a large mug of tea letting it warm her and soothe her throat. Just as she knew in summer that the worst time to be in the desert was then, she knew now in winter that it was clearly the worst time for long desert patrols. They had received a tip that someone would be trying to sneak across the border. It simply would have been nice if the forecasters had been as accurate predicting the weather. Her people were good and even a winter dust storm hadn't been enough to keep them from catching their prey. But only after they had all choked on dust and suffered through a freezing winter desert night.
Somehow Moira had talked her way into reading Barclay's letter aloud. Probably something to do with the suggestion that she simply hold onto the mug and let the tea warm her. Paper was shuffled and she saw Moira smile.
"If this is your Barclay, then this must be your little Dee."
Caera managed to get a quick glance at a sketch in pencil and ink before that page was passed around her table of fellow junior officers. "That," she managed in a scratchy voice, "would be by my boy Oscar. He's very good with a pen."
Moira looked over the first page of the letter and started reading, "Hello my love, blah blah, your mother sends her love. Congratulations on your promotion, blah blah blah." Moira looked over to her, "Caera where's the juicy gossip. This thing is so, so domestic. A drawing from your son, Shan getting high marks on an essay, all we need now is something cute Dee has done. No, wait, she's being cute napping in Barclay's lap in the drawing."
Caera shrugged and turned to the others, "A drawing I notice still hasn't made it over to me."
"I can't believe I offered you one of my letters for this." Moira, after shaking her head looked back at the letter. "Let's see, blah blah more domestic boredom, love best wishes as always Barclay. P.S. Sorry, there's no room for any sappy poems, you'll have to wait for the next letter. Oh please, you're grinning over that? There's still another page, let's see, this is promising. He and your mother are excited, Dee surprised them with sign... huh? Oh that jerk, he didn't really say what happened!"
Caera leaned across the table snatching the letter back and started reading the last page. "Oh... Oh!"
"Come on Caera, what the heck does he mean by, 'the time you brought the wrong key.' I know there has to be a story behind that."
She looked up, shaking her head, "Nope. No story. Completely boring. You'd fall asleep. But at least there was a nice picture in the letter." Knowing her flushed cheeks were making clear her lie.
Barclay
Barclay was enjoying a quiet morning in the garden with his children. Dee resting in his lap and Oscar with pen and paper in hand working on a drawing. Shanley, well even if Shanley was busy peppering two of her aunts with questions, she was at least out in the garden with the rest of them.
He looked down at Dee, who had suddenly sat up in his lap with a question. "How did momma and poppa meet? Well, we actually met here on the estate. We were younger than Oscar, but a little older than you."
He thought back over the years a smile coming to his face. "You know how momma is out protecting everyone? Well, momma was a little like that back then too. You have a good family, one you can be proud of. But back then it could be scary for daddy. I wore a collar then, and even if this is a good family I wasn't born here I was bought, so I didn't have any family or friends yet."
Dee's eyes had grown wide, so he stopped to give her a hug before going on. "That's part of why momma and I always say not to pick on other kids, poppa has been there and it's scary if it's happening to you. But momma saw it one day and decided someone should tell the other kids this family doesn't let thing like that happen."
He could see Dee thinking about that and gave her another hug. "And sometimes after that momma would come and ask me to do things. Not just ask for someone to help with things but actually ask for me. So even if I was still lonely sometimes, momma still made sure the other kids stopped teasing."
"The way you would follow her around like a little lost puppy was really rather cute." He was startled by Lady Enora's voice suddenly sounding from behind him and turned to face his mother-in-law while she kept speaking. "Then that lost little boy grew into a good man and a fine addition to our family."
"I certainly hope so Lady, the two greatest gifts Caera has given me are her love and family."
He looked down at Dee who hadn't said anything to her grandmother yet and found her with a puzzled expression on her face. "Was there something else you wanted to know?"
Dee looked up and seemed to spot Lady Enora for the first time. "Oh. I was curious, I thought maybe it was just a funny dream but it makes sense now. All but the end."
Barclay and Enora both asked at the same time, "What about the end?"
"Well, if momma had the wrong key, why would poppa get spanked? Any why would poppa look--"
Barclay spoke up quickly, lifting Dee and setting her on her feet before Lady Enora. "Oh my! It seems our little lady's gift is appearing."
Dee blinked at the sudden move. "But why would poppa want to--"
She was cut off this time by Lady Enora. "How about we go inside and get some ice cream. Then we can talk about your gift and what you are seeing."
Lady Enora gave him an amused grin, "And while we do that we can give your father time to write and let your momma know what has happened."
*****
The days so far:
1) the story starts with the words "It's going down." (LJ link)
2) write a scene that takes place in a train station (LJ link)
3) the story must involve a goblet and a set of three [somethings] (LJ link)
4) prompt: one for the road (LJ link)
5) write a story using an imaginary color (LJ link)
6) write the pitch for a new Final Fantasy styled RPG (LJ link)
7) prompt: frigid (LJ link)
8) write a scene in the middle of a novel called "The Long, Dirty Afterwards." (LJ link)
9) prompt: mourning dead gods (LJ link)
10) write a story set in three different time periods (LJ link)
11) Write a movie trailer style trailer for a story, existing or not-yet-written (LJ link)
12) prompt: sweet iced tea (LJ link)
13) re-write a story that everyone knows
14) write a vanilla story dealing with kinky subject matter (LJ link)
15) prompt: ascension (LJ link)
16) write a scene that takes place at the end of a long road trip (LJ link)
17) write an uncomfortable story (LJ link)
18) prompt: a step too far
19) write a story in which something goes BOOM
20) Write the end of the story "The Purple Bag."
21) Roll a d20 twice (Random.Org). Combine the themes of the two previous stories for those numbers
22) prompt: knight in shining armor
23) write a scene that takes place in a place that is war-torn
24) prompt: founding fathers
25) write a story set in a library
26) prompt: elemental
27) write a story using only one period. Bonus: write the story using only one /ending punctuation at all.
28) write a story set in a laundromat
29) (from Lilifluff) Randomly pick a number between 1 and 28 (Random.Org) . Re-write that prompt as a Spaghetti Western or Melodrama
30) the story ends with the words "coming up."
(This is a crossposting |
replies at the original post on dreamwidth | Comment at dreamwidth | You can comment on DW posts even if you don't have an account there Using OpenID!)