The Ways of the Paths
She didn’t look back. After all, she was of the Bakiai, and the Bakiai always looked forward. That was how their paths stayed true. … More The Ways of the Paths
She didn’t look back. After all, she was of the Bakiai, and the Bakiai always looked forward. That was how their paths stayed true. … More The Ways of the Paths
“Ssh,” he soothed. “It’s all right now. Everything’s fine.” Magic effervesced beneath his fingertips as he ran his hand in calming strokes down her back, his powers reinforcing his words… … More The Touch of his Hand
The Touch of his Hand “Are you coming, my dear?” Millie looked up at the sound of his voice. Tommy stood in the doorway, his hand outstretched, waiting for hers to join it. She still remembered the first time their hands had touched, all those years ago. She’d shyly slid her fingers into his as they’d … More The Touch of his Hand
A Mother’s Grief “We didn’t do anything to it, Ma,” Aeliene said, a waiver in her voice that broke Shylie’s heart all over again. “We were just playing. It came out of nowhere and attacked us. Baen tried to stop it, but, he… he fell… and… and…” Shylie gathered her daughter close. Grief encased her … More A Mother’s Grief
The Name on the Stone Kaeri murmured a prayer and dropped the stone into the urn, calmly meeting the gaze of the priest on the temple steps. He watched her with narrowed eyes, his attention unwavering until she moved out of sight. She’d performed the ritual every day for years. Each stone had borne the … More The Name on the Stone
Lessons Learned Hunger gnawed, growing increasingly harsh and insistent as hours dragged by. The dish of food remained frustratingly out of reach. Finn scowled, trying again to rise. This was ridiculous. He didn’t know what she’d done to him, but the old woman was clearly deranged. “If you wish to eat,” she’d said, “use the … More Lessons Learned
The Truth in the Tale Jonin enjoyed telling stories. He couldn’t deny it. As a knight of many years’ service he had numerous exploits to share. But there was one thing everyone wanted to know – what really happened after the Battle of Ebden Moor? There were only a few known facts. He and Mikael had … More The Truth in the Tale
Promises Broken The day had promised so much. Bright skies and a clear forecast meant their shift at the lifeguard station should have been pleasant – with only the usual idiots and accidents to worry them. The crystalline sea had lapped at the beach as if no dangers lurked in its depths. It was a … More Promises Broken
Artistic Representations “Will you hold still!” Pikey scowled. “You try standing still this long and see how well you manage it.” He rolled his shoulders. “How much longer?” “I’ll be done a lot sooner if you’d just hold still.” “Fine. Just hurry up, ‘fore I freeze like this forever.” Squiffle gave him a jaunty grin over … More Artistic Representations
Homecoming Something was wrong. Majif frowned. He’d spent too long evaluating his enemies’ weaknesses to overlook the lack of guards on the gate. He freed his blades, fearing the worst… Reality outdid expectation. Within the walls guards and servants alike sprawled in macabre display: blood drenched and staring; throats slashed open. The attack had occurred … More Homecoming
The Search “They were around here somewhere. I swear!” Tynen scrambled recklessly over the rocks ahead, peering into each nook and cranny with almost feverish intensity. Velana followed at a slower pace, choosing each footstep carefully as she climbed the craggy slope. “No one’s found any in years, Ty. Admit it – you imagined ’em.” Her … More The Search
Waiting for the Returning Tide “Suzy would’ve loved it here,” Janet said, her gaze fixed on the panoply of vessels bobbing idly in their moorings. “She was always fascinated by boats. Do you remember? They filled the bathtub!” “I remember.” “She was such a happy child. And that smile was so infectious. But she was … More Waiting for the Returning Tide
Winter’s Child He had to wait for winter to arrive. Or so they told him. The summer, they said, belonged to others. He had to wait for the air to turn chilly and the wind biting; for the frost to form on the trees. Only then would it be his time. But the summer seemed … More Winter’s Child
Greeting the Four The seats had been placed with utmost precision: north, south, east and west, each one carefully aligned. Veraen nodded in satisfaction. “Anything else, Sir?” his assistant – Jaeden? Jened? – said, and he gestured in dismissal, shooing the man out of the sacred space. He’d spent too long in preparation to let … More Greeting the Four
The Lady’s Advice “You need to hold your head up high, child,” the lady said, lifting Gilli’s chin with elegant fingers. “Keep your spine straight and your shoulders back.” “I can do that.” “Act as if nothing anyone says or does bothers you. Confidence is essential. You must remain cool, calm and collected at all … More The Lady’s Advice
Victim? she felt sick seeing him there performing his songs as if he didn’t have a care in the world after everything he’d put her through everything he’d done to her and to those she loved seeing him so blithely carefree set her guts to roiling * she carried the knife in her bag for protection … More Victim?
Silenced It seemed an age since music had last filled Abigail’s home. The piano remained covered: its melodies smothered by leather; its keyboard untouched. But it hadn’t always been so. Once, joyous refrains had resonated throughout the building. Music had been her life. Her passion. And Robert’s, too. Their skillful playing had filled concert halls around the globe. Their life together … More Silenced
Testing Times Gretnya gripped her husband’s hand, writhing anxiety choking her as the final calf was led into the testing area. Please, she prayed to any deity listening. “It’ll be fine,” Brindel said. “This time it’ll have worked, you’ll see.” The tremble in his voice contradicted the confidence of his words. She squeezed his hand tighter. The … More Testing Times
Puddle Splashing “What are you doing?” Mikey pulled a face. What a daft question. “I’m splashing in puddles, of course.” He was tempted to add ‘silly girl’, but Mummy said he should be nice, even when he didn’t want to be. “Why?” “Because it’s fun.” He leapt towards the next puddle. “Can I have a go?” … More Puddle Splashing
Happy Families It was supposed to be a celebration. David drummed his fingers on the tabletop as his siblings exchanged barbs. Couldn’t they make an effort to get on? Just one evening was all he asked for. But no – they couldn’t even maintain the facade of a happy family for a few hours. He gritted his teeth. … More Happy Families
The End? “It’s finally over.” Jonin’s voice held a mixture of relief and sorrow as he gazed at the courtyard below. Helleni hummed her agreement. Leaning into his embrace, she watched in satisfaction as the final cobble was laid. Only they and the workmen were aware of the crypt hidden beneath the stones – and no word of … More The End?
Time to Leave The boats were full, despite the lateness of the day. Ingrid paused, her foot poised on the gangplank as she looked back at the town. Her throat tightened as tears threatened to fall. How could she leave? The place was central to all of her memories: she’d married Jimmy in the church on the market place; … More Time to Leave
Unexpected Consequences Adrugian gazed wearily over the arid landscape, the insistent beat of the sun sapping energy he could ill afford to lose. He knew the villagers below didn’t understand why he traipsed so often to the heights. He’d seen the looks they exchanged. He’d heard their snide comments. Unfortunately, the truth was something they … More Unexpected Consequences
Light and Dark Tammy hummed a tune as she walked, contentment a pleasing weight on her shoulders. Home’s warmth drew her onwards. Until light shattered the darkness. She stumbled back, shielding watering eyes. Her throat tightened with sorrow. She’d known the summons would arrive someday – but, so soon? How could she leave everything behind? She wasn’t ready… … More Light and Dark
Sidelines Jenny hurried past the sports field with her head down, eyes fixed on the path before her. The hubbub of the players stirred memories she’d rather ignore. Plus, he was there. She could hear his voice, bellowing orders over the field. She could feel the weight of his knowing gaze. She’d spent so many hours standing on the sidelines, cheering … More FFfAW: Sidelines
The Children “For your disregard of our laws-” “Father, please,” Lia said, tears flowing. But no trace of her doting parent was visible. It was the High Councillor who faced her: stern and forbidding as he passed sentence. “-you are hereby banished.” Her hand tightened on the pony’s reins, and she avoided looking at the children on the … More FFfAW: The Children
The Birth of Ambition “This used to be one of the greatest gardens in the area.” The rough voice caught Finley’s attention as he stomped along the path. “Some day it could be great again.” Finley paused, juggling his armfuls of equipment as he peered at the old gardener who stood beside the path, leaning … More FFfAW: The Birth of Ambition
This post is for Priceless Joy’s Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. This week’s prompt was provided by me. Imaginary Friends “It’s just your eyes playing tricks on you,” everyone always told her. “None of it’s real.” Even her grandmother – who told the most wonderful stories – had always waved a dismissive hand and said, “Your imagination is running away … More FFfAW: Imaginary Friends
This post is for Priceless Joy’s Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers, a challenge that asks you to write a story of 100-175 words based on the photo prompt below. This week’s picture was provided by TJ Paris. Thank you TJ! Crisis Point The library had always been her sanctuary, her escape from life’s hubbub – until her world … More FFfAW: Crisis Point
His post is for Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers, a flash fiction challenge run by Priceless Joy, that asks you to write a story of 100-175 words based on the photo prompt below. This week’s prompt was provided by Nonnaci. Thank you Nonnaci. The Window Raen stood in the doorway and considered the benefit of retreat. … More FFfAW: The Window
This post is for Priceless Joy’s Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers, a challenge that asks you to write a story of 75-175 words based on the photo prompt below. This week’s prompt was provided by TJ Paris. Thank you, TJ! Perfect Position Viordan clambered up the scaffolding with the ease of long practice, the familiar weight … More FFfAW: Perfect Position
This post is for Priceless Joy’s Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers, a challenge that asks you to write a story of 75-175 words based on the photo prompt below. This week’s prompt was provided by Yinglan. Thank you Yinglan! Seeing is Believing “Did you see that?” “What?” “That sign – the dinosaur – it moved!” … More FFfAW: Seeing is Believing
This post is for Priceless Joy’s Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers, a flash fiction challenge that asks you to write a flash fiction of 75-175 words based on the photo prompt below. This week’s prompt was provided by S. Writings. Inconspicuous “They’re staring at us.” “Oh, I’m sure they’re not, boss.” Fingers pointed. Eyes clearly … More FFfAW: Inconspicuous
This post is for Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers, a flash fiction challenge hosted by Priceless Joy that asks you to write a piece of flash fiction of 75-175 words based on the photo prompt below. This week’s prompt was provided by momtheobscure. Thank you momtheobscure! The Weight of Duty Ieldu stared at the ruins … More FFfAW: The Weight of Duty
This post is for the Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers (FFfAW) Challenge, run by Priceless Joy. The FFfAW challenge is that you write a story of 75-175 words inspired by the photo prompt below. This week’s prompt was provided by Uday . Thank you Uday! Creations Studio The moment Tessa saw the strange doorway her world shifted out of … More FFfAW: Creations Studio
This post is for the Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers (FFfAW) Challenge, run by Priceless Joy. The FFfAW challenge is that you write a story of 75-175 words inspired by the photo prompt below. This week’s prompt was provided by me. Celebrations and Sorrows For the third time in less than a week Lili climbed the steps … More FFfAW: Celebrations and Sorrows
This post is for the Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers (FFfAW) Challenge, run by Priceless Joy. The FFfAW challenge is that you write a story of 75-175 words inspired by the photo prompt below. This week’s prompt is from Pixabay. Breaking the Silence Edan’s steps faltered, halting his furtive progress as faint strains of music reached his … More FFfAW: Breaking the Silence
This post is for the Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers (FFfAW) Challenge, run by Priceless Joy. The FFfAW challenge is that you write a story of 75-175 words inspired by the photo prompt below. This week’s prompt was provided by TJ Paris. Thank you TJ! Solitude’s Isle He watched from the clifftop as she meandered along … More FFfAW: Solitude’s Isle
This post is for the Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers (FFfAW) Challenge, run by Priceless Joy. The FFfAW challenge is that you write a story of 75-175 words inspired by the photo prompt below. This week’s prompt was provided by Ady. Thank you Ady! Gifts “Thompson here yet?” Billy jumped, squawking in surprise at the sound … More FFfAW: Gifts
This post is for both the Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers (FFfAW) Challenge, run by Priceless Joy and last week’s Tale Weaver prompt from MindLoveMisery’s Menagerie. The FFfAW challenge is that you write a story of 75-175 words inspired by the photo prompt below. The Tale Weaver prompt is the sending of an SOS. I hope you like it. Worth the … More FFfAW: Worth the Risk
The place where you can find out what Lillie thinks
Looking at life through blue eyes
: around the world :
Myriad memories frozen in time
Looking into why we do the things we do (and some crochet) each Monday
Amanda Tuke - writer: nature, people, places
A photographic journey.
Here and now, with all of it.