⚠️Grapphic blood and death⚠️

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Doc breathed in the tangy scent of smoke and blood. The night had started with a celebration of the growth of a new era. Now she sat nearby, looking over the remains of the party. Sparklers made hissing and sputtering noises in a cake nearby. Bodies lay on the ground, and she carried a kit with her.

“You know the Drill” a man said simply as he lit a cigarette. He wore a tweed jacket and fedora, a combination of money and practicality. Doc, herself, hid in her own clothing. Only a few of these made men even knew she was a woman. Those who did despised her; those who didn’t,feared him, the persona she wore. Her hair was tucked away under a newsy cap, and a jacket and men’s shirt helped hide her feminine features. Sighing, she bent down and checked the pulse on the first body. A beautiful woman in a champagne-colored dress riddled with bullet holes.”Dead.” She said simply and moved onto the next.

One by one she covered the downstairs party before turning her attention to the upstairs of the two story home. The men in suits began their work the moment she headed upstairs. She heard them rolling bodies up in sliced carpet and dragging them out the front door.

The upstairs was more of the same. Each body she placed a marker on a black cloth or similar as men would come in behind her. This was what happened when you angered the man lording over the city, you lost it all.

She pushed open the door to a room at the end of the hall. Leaving behind her grisly work as she came face to face with a set of children. Both alive, both looking terrified as one had been halfway out a window and the other apparently keeping watch. They stared at her wide eyed, the child closest to her and the door crying softly as his eyes welled up with tears.

Doc stared for a long moment as she heard murmurs start up down the hall. Slowly she closed the door and secured it. Turning away, she walked back down the corridor. “ Hey anything else?” one asked, and she shrugged. “No just the usual.” Is all she said leaving behind the hallway, the men and eventually the house.

( a fun one to write though dark featuring Doc way back in the 20s. Shes seen alot and I may do more later on I love short prompts like this.)

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The guest chamber)

Rita twitched in her sleep before sitting up with a groan. Her head didn’t hurt, but a strange sound rang in her ears for a few heartbeats. A high note that is filled with soft, clicking sounds and a low breath of the waves and sea surf on the ocean.

Blinking, the sounds fade. “What a strange dream.” She muttered ,remembering being submerged in warm water’s, the sea buffeted her as strange shapes swam just at the edge of her vision.

She sighed and ran a hand through her messy hair.” Shit, I passed out yesterday, that room, what even was it? That couldn’t have been the library of relics and knowledge the monks guarded. No one was even around, and it was clearly unopened for a good while.”

Rita felt hungry and exhausted, which made sense. The trip has been hard with two stops for rest before reaching their destination. She glanced down at herself, realizing someone had stripped her down to her thermal underwear. “I don’t think I want to know who helped me while I slept.” She thought ‌a bit of pink dusted her cheeks at the idea.

Rita was relieved to see someone had left her some bread and a ceramic bowl with a spout. She let out the most delighted sound she was glad no one else heard when it produced a pungent but still warmed broth.“ I see someone must have brought them some decent kitchenware,”she said softly and sipped on the soup from the smaller dish that had been left for her. Normally, Rita couldn’t stand fish, but something about the taste and scent was perfect today. “Hmm, probably because I was out for a while, you burn enough calories, you’ll eat about anything.”

She emptied the first bowl and was dipping bread in the second. *mmm* Rita practically shuddered in joy and had downed three bowls of broth and half of her bread before she felt satisfied.

She was just setting aside her bowl when she heard a gentle knock on her door. Jonathan peeked in after a quiet, “You decent, Wilson?” waiting for Rita to yank the blankets up around herself before he stepped in. He was in some thick cotton breeches and a knit sweater to keep away the chill.

“Good to see you’re alive still, the nun looking after you was making an awful racket when our hosts tried to check on you.’’

He said with a chuckle and a knowing smile.

“She was just being kind, I’m sure. She was very helpful with my cuts from the incident outside,” Rita huffed and glanced at the side table. “Did they bring me the food or was that you?” She asked, smirking, when he rolled his eyes and slowly sat down on the end of her bed. If they hadn’t traveled together for so long, Rita hadn’t bothered scolding him about not being her husband or even fiance.

“I told them you wouldn’t probably touch the broth. I got some rations sat in the hall,” he said, throwing his thumb in that direction.

“Thanks, Jonathan ,but it wasn’t half bad. I was more hungry than I thought. “She admits and smiles some before that smile falters. “My pack! The music, did they take it?” She scrambled up, not caring that he saw her in her thermals.

“They got it, yes, but we got Hersh with it. I kept them on the agreement that it won’t go in the archives and you get the last say. Made sure they won’t touch it without one of our men with it,”

he muttered as he pulled out a cigarette and lit it up. “Whatever it comes from, they seemed a bit too excited. They tried to hide it, but I used to run cons on the back streets. I know when someone hides shit.”

Rita sighs, sitting back down on the bed and pulling the blanket back up. It was chilly, but not as bad as it could be. “Well,l keep an eye on them then.” She said, feeling a bit sad when she realized she couldn’t really tell Johnathon about the opened door. She would have totry to see the Nun again. They may be able to open the door again. The monks probably needed to know but, would it hurt to look at again?.

“The nun, was she ok? You said she was worried?” Rita asked quietly and he nodded.

“yeah they kinda had the younger boy take her from the room. Didnt see anything off, but we thought something had happened we’d missed. The cold can make it hard to tell when you’re hurt. We were luckythat one of the monks had some medical training. I stayed right in the room, made sure he didn’t do anything sketchy.”

“...thanks, John.” Rita sighed, feeling a bit tired. “Weev had a long day, so I think I’ll rest a bit more. We can talk with them in the morning.”

Rita watched her friend get up and walk to the door. “If you need me im just down the hall. Squirrel and I are sharing a room, and the others are spread out down this side of the Abby.”

Rita nodded and sighs closing her eyes once he was gone. She could feel the exhaustion hit her as her eyes closed again and she took the opportunity to sleep.

A smell of something fatty and with a stink was what woke Rita next. She groaned, rolling over to try and blink the sleep from her eyes. Standing before her was the Nun the young woman smiled at Rita and gently pushed a bowl of soup towards her.

“Oh, Um oh thank you. But you could have knocked it a bit odd you’re in here.” slowly sitting up though the other makes a motion with her hand knocked then her eyes closed with soft snoozing noises.

“Ah! I slept through it, got it.”Rita chuckled and reached out, taking the wooden bowl into her hands. It was warm to the touch, and the moment it was in her hands, she started to drool. It was a steaming yellow broth with thick off-white cubes of meat dropped in. “This smells so good, I really must be tired from the trip. Anything fatty tastes amazing today.”

She took the bowl, slurping the soup directly from it, and shivered with how good it tasted. It wasn’t fish, something a bit gamey, but it wasn’t half bad, honestly. Weeks of travel in the cold and only some semi-safe stops she wasn’t surprised at the larger appetite.

The other woman smiled as Rita ate and slowly sat down on the edge of the bed. Finishing up pretty quickly the explorer sat the bowl aside. “ So now what happened? We found some kind of hidden r-” She barely got it out and the Nun quickly covered her mouth looking distressed. She shook her head and then slowly removed her hand once Rita didn’t speak for a moment.

“So I’m guessing the Monks don’t know or you don’t want them to?”she asked, avoiding the room talk for now. When the other nodded looking upset, her eyes misting, Rita quickly reached out and gripped her hand.“Hey, hey its alright, sweetheart. Look um, if they don’t know or anything, I guess we can wait but my men should probably be updated eventually. I mean, we left it open or I thought, but John would have said something if they’d found it,” she said, realizing as she looked at the other woman that she was smiling a small smile.

“Ah you closed the door when they came.” she said quietly looking down trying to puzzle it out. Why would a Nun of the order hide such a thing from the men she lived with day by day?

Looking at the woman’s collar and the lock, Rita slowly reached out. Her companion didn’t shy away, but her eyes lowered, and she wouldn’t meet Rita’s gaze. She thumbed ‌the lock. It was strange, and she saw no keyhole as if it was never meant to be removed. Looking at the Nun she asks quietly. “Are you in trouble? Did you agree to this vow of silence or even being here?”She asks quietly and tears begin to spill down the blonde woman’s cheeks as she coverd her face with her hands and cried quietly. Rita froze watching her, eventually managing the courage to hug her and rub her back.

“I’ll figure this out, okay? I’ll see what we can do to get you out of here. Just hold on,”She said softly, firmly as a bit of rage flickered inside her.

“Those fucking bastards. They just have her working like a damn slave, and she’s the only woman I’ve seen. Are there even other Nuns?”

The nun rubbed her eyes brushing away her tears, and smiled at Rita, leaning in to kiss her cheek. Slowly, she gets up and gathers the bowl.

“Wait, before you go, what’s your name?”

The woman hesitated and reached out as Rita quickly grabbed her logbook from her bedside table and held it out with a pencil. The Nun quickly wrote down her name and another line before handing it back and quickly leaving the room.

“Kaelani,” “ be careful who you trust, the archives weren’t always the Monks. They are thieves of all good things,even lives.”

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The sound of the chalk scraping the ground was a welcome one for Eugenia. Today’s chalk was white, a sigh of purity. Though any color and material could make a magic circle. It was always better to use red, black, or white. Today was white because of purity, to keep the dungeon miasma from rising to this level.

She pulled out a sewing needle and pricked her finger, empowering the circle with her blood. Folk magic could be as weak or powerful as the one whose belief cast it.

Unlike a well-trained mage, Eugenia couldn’t just whisper a circle into existence, so analog magic or folk magic would have to suffice.

As the circle’s power took hold, she could feel the dark beings and tiny leftover monsters skitter into hiding spots and flee into the lower levels.

“ Ok that should hold for about a week time to get this level set up as a landing.” She said with a smile, running her leather glove hand through some well-kept green hair as she grabbed a bucket filled with tools and explored the dungeon level.

This one has been particularly interesting,the heros had caught a rogue mage. Which had left scars all over. One walk had been busted completely, mixing a chamber filled with water into one that was a library.

The maintenance woman smiled and went to work. Starting, she drained the water using a spell into a pocket dimension. The black chalk was hard to establish, but she used a small brick just out of water, and it sucked it in with slurping noises. Once the water was all gone she threw out any books to damaged to save, collected a few that seemed valuable, and placed the rest on shelves. Interestingly, some involved magic, but many in loved how-to manuals and even cook books.

Clearly the mage had been someone who got bored sometimes before the corruption drove them mad.

Once the last book was reshelved she pulled out a hammer. It had a crystal embedded in the handle and when she whispered a spell and let go of floated. “ Ok repair the wall and pipes while I’m busy and put in a heating crystal..that big pool of water will make a great bathing area”!” She said with a smirk as the hammer began hitting stone and it smacked a brick in the wall. That brick was, cloned replacing the damaged materials.

The woman eventually left the library and began the real work. First she emptied a small artifact room. The only thing really left was a book of cooking spells and an animated broom..

“ Okay, you get to work. I want these floors spotless, and any monsters sneaking up, wack!” She ordered leaving the broom to sweep off with its new orders.

Once the room was empty, she took off her pack and began emptying the contents. She placed a few jars of canned goods on the shelves, a couple of scrolls with stories, and then rolled out three bedrolls. It wasn’t perfect, but it would be a saving grace before the deeper dungeons.

Sighing once it was all laid out, including some flint and steels she placed a small chest on the nearby counter with a sign labeled. “Maintenance fund.”

She knew she might get lucky to get a copper or silver from time to time, but that was only half the reason she was doing this. “If I can keep levels clean they reach the dungeon codes sooner, and then I’ll swoop in and sell this place off to whoever needs a settlement.” She thought with a smirk.

Eugenia stretched and began moving around. This level wasn’t very large, and the ones above had been cleared; however, there were still areas on this level that housed dangers. Traps and monsters loved these locations.

Glancing around, she spots a blooming vine and smiles. Taking out a knife, she cuts off pieces with roots quickly picketing them. “ Okay, so poisonous dandle is so valuable in spells and cooked it’s delicious. Those heroes must be from some rich towns. To not even know they could use you.” She said with a tisk leaving the rest of the vine to continue growing.

Humming to herself Eugenia then mopped up the remainder of a blue slime. Jarring it up she puts it in her bag.” Ok that’s good. Then you’ll make a great ingredient too. I wonder if Yander is busy today; he always gives me a good deal. “ She muttered as she passed a now steaming water room.

“ Ok good bathes are in place , I think we’re good to go home for today. More work tomorrow “ she said with a chuckle.

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( hey guys so this short was alot of fun, if you had a character non hero in a fantasy setting what job would they have?)

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The sound of angry people and the glow of torches filled Henri’s heart with fear. She pushed through the open doorway to the bridge that led beyond the casim surrounding the castle.

Standing with her back to the castle was Rosa; the woman was no longer dressed as a peasant but as a noblewoman. Her gown was a gossamer blue with silver embroidery of unknown symbols. “Rosa!” Henri called, stopping short as the woman glanced back at her. Rosa’s skin had grown so pale it was frightening. Gone were the sweep peasant women who had made simple meals and spent the last several months of endless winter with Henri. She had been replaced by something not quite human.

Henri’s heart raced, and the other smiled at her sad, distant look.” I know you saw my lab…the fact you stayed touches my heart. However, I can’t give them the same grace I gave you…” she said, sending a chill down the other woman’s spine.

“You don’t have to do this. This isn’t you, “she said, remembering the warm smiles the sweet girl in simple clothes. Nights spent by the fire sharing stories from the castle’s library together.

She heard screaming as the mob had made it halfway across the bridge. It was the howling and snarling of at least six monstrous beasts. They lunged onto the bridge, emerging from the forest like shadows of death that tore into the suddenly panicked and shrieking villagers.

Henri ran, moving past her host, but something tipped her. She yelled, squirming as a thick vine cradled her around the stomach and she was lifted off the ground. The The shorter woman squirmed as the vine even snared her suspenders for an extra hold.

“No…Henrietta they are unworthy of your care. They are monsters. If they knew how smart you were, they would throw stones. They would lock you away and break you.” Rosa snarled, her voice full of venom.

“You can’t do this! Please call them off! There are still people, Rosa!”

Henri begged, smacking at the infuriating object around her waist. She couldn’t stand magic; it was unfair and an advantage she still had no chance against.

The pale sorceress sighed softly. Slowly a hand gripped the inventor’s jaw, pulling her close.” Shhhh” she whispered as a pink haze filled Henri’s eyes.

“N-no!” she struggled, to try to look away and hold her breath.

“I’m sorry. I have one last theory to test. I will not be caged any longer…so just sleep now. I take no pleasure in this and I don’t want you to suffer if I’m wrong.” Rosa whispered as the outsiders eyes start to flutter close against her will.

“ N-no don’t do this…”Henri begged softly as the world turned into a fuzzy confusing blob. She felt a soft kiss on her forehead and then the cold rush of wind at her back. Her eyes tried to make out the bridge above her. But her drugged brain couldn’t put together why part of her said that was bad.. especially as it was getting smaller and the sound of rushing water was getting closer.

However, her eyes closed before she could puzzle out the alien worry and her body relaxed into the sleep she didn’t want.

( Rosa )

Rosa heard the mob but didn’t turn to face them. They screamed witch and monster as her vines slowed them. She felt it when the first was set of fire. However her eyes stayed on the figure shrinking as she fell. Her stomach soured ,if she was wrong one of the only people who had smiled at her, who was brilliant and full of curiosities would be dead in the time she inhaled next.

“Forgive me Henri. I’d rather you not see what’s about to happen, regardless. To hold me in your heart as the young woman you shared dinner with and such lofty ideals.” She kept the image in her mind of the strange girl with short black hair, warm brown eyes, and a penchant for dressing in men’s clothes. That is how she would keep her always even if this was a failure.

At the moment just before there should be a splash in the river lined with jagged rocks below, there was instead a burst of light and the air even from so far up smelled like bookbinding glue and fresh ink.

A smile tugged at Rosa’s almost bruised-looking lips as the pale figure in the elegant layers blue dress finally turned her eyes towards the crowd on the bridge.

The vines fell away as she put her thumb and forefinger to her lips. A sharp whistle cut across the bridge and the door behind her only a few heartbeats later, burst off its hinges. The great beast snarled his blind eyes no issue..large bat like ears flicked and pivoted. His drooling maw snapped as the nearly mindless animal crawled forward. Villagers screamed and some loosed bolts only for the beast to keep in front of Rosa taking the damage. His hide was speckled with scars and he wore the purple tattered remains of a mans coat.

He didn’t hesitate any longer leaping into the fleeing crowd, slashing or biting..one unlucky man was gored on his deer like antlers. Laughing Rosa sighed her heart full of an unusual hope.

”Yes run you fools this castle and soon your village will be mine….”

Rosa slipped back into the castle smiling as a couple howls could be heard. “The proto beasts were alte but I suppose they were deeper in the forest.” she thought with a nasty smile.

Slowly her smile faded as the dark haired woman traveled deeper into the eerily quiet castle. She came to the drawing room pausing at the door where she found a human Ms. Platts carefully setting up tea. She was whispering to herself. Rosa heard more than one prayer for guidance and safety.

The pale woman slipped Into the room feeling a pain in her chest as the older woman quickly stood straight and finished setting the small snack and the table up.” Oh, miss please forgive me I was late there was just so much to do and your bedding needed changing I-”

Rosa silenced her with a raised hand. It hurt something inside herself to see the woman tremble before her. She tried to hide her fear at least and had done as asked. “ Thank you for the extra care Ms. Platts I am aware we have very few staff to do such things. “ She said calmly.

Her mind was already working out what would need to be done. What she was planning for this world or rather how to leave this place behind. Slowly she grabbed a small wooden box on the nearby table and fished out a bag of gold coin. She tossed it to the other woman, who caught it nearly dropped it. “Miss?!” She said sounding uncertain, even afraid as the other smiled, leaning back in her chair.

“I will be leaving eventually, you served me well. Take Charlie and go. The carriage is yours though I can’t promise it won’t deconstruct once you reach the forest border. Do not seek the village but the city beyond the forest. If you go to the village. That won’t stop what I’m planning, and you both won’t leave, understand?” She asked firmly, seeing tears stream down the other woman’s face.

“ Y- yes t-thank you for this mercy young Miss..” she said quickly bowing her head and practically running from the room.

Rosa couldn’t blame her really. After all only a small fragment of the original staff was sentient any longer, let alone human. Breaking the curse of being a living object has been Rosa’s gift to Miss Platts and yet the woman had tried to betray her sneaking away to seek help in the night. Oh well, she would have a chance away from this place with her grandson now.

As for Rosa, she has a few experiments left to run and a village to level and replace with something more pleasant to look at.

(Miss potts)

The woman ran out once she’s secured a cloak to keep warm. The coins were heavy in her pocket. The carriage waited, it had not horses but it’s wheels were able to move on its own. The moment she opens it, she gasped and openly sobbed as Charlie hugged her. “Grandma!” The child cried as a soft bark came from inside.

“Fang is coming too Rosa said. he’d be happier with us.” The boy said as his grandmother checked him over. He wasn’t harmed in fact he was chubbier than The last time they’d spoken. His gold hair well kept and his clothes were brand new and well made. When she climbed into the carriage the door closed behind her once she was seated and it moved on its own.

The older woman sighed letting out an exhausted breathe and closing her eyes. Beside Charlie on the seat next to him we’re several boxes. He’d told her that several had clothes and some had various valuable items from the castle that were already in the carriage when Rosa brought him to it.

The servant wasn’t sure what to think. Rosa had been a kind of quiet from when she’d taken her father’s place at the castle. Many times miss Platts had to console her when she feared their former master. He had not always been cruel just a foolish and selfish youth. Miss Platts had warned the others to leave the girl alone. Even their master who had fits of rage and despair, had lost hope not long before Rosa.

He’d kept his distance the first two weeks, believing she would only hate him.” Those two fools they pushed them both too hard.” Miss Platts clutched her hands shaking some. She’d been peeking into the ballroom, as had others, the night everything had been destroyed.

Her poor master had finally had hope again,but the girl…

“ Rosa you have given me everything I lov-” the old woman shuddered remembering his words cut off as he’d fallen to the floor writhing in pain. Rosa did not smile not at first and it had been horrible what came next.

Miss Platts was pulled from her thoughts as her grandson grabbed her hands.”Grandma, where almost to town I see the lights!”

The woman looked up sighing in relief as the carriage pulled up to the guarded gates of the city and opened its door. Come, then we must pray for miss Rosa to find peace one day. The others are gone but at least we remain.”

( Rosa)

Rosa touched the locket resting around her neck. Taking a deep breath she felt it’s magic thrum against her skin. Her dress transformed the arms torn away by vines mixed between magical tattoos and living thorny wood. Her fingertips elongated into obsidian claws, and her eyes changed color.

She stepped out of the forest as a mist and snow swirled around her. Villagers gathering at the fountain were talking clearly, afraid. Three women flanked Rosa each equipped with an animal mask. One was in a rams mask with blond hair. They all moved in Unison minds connected by magic when they dawned their masks and gear.

The massive drooling beast slowly passed alongside Rosa as the woman pet his head. “ I think it’s time we take our freedom don’t you?” She asked coldly pulling back as the monster lunged forward towards the crowd and the other woman elegantly walked behind.

The screams were sharp and the sound of gunfire. Though Rosa’s mind wandered to the last moments the castle has been alive with voices and music.

She’d been sitting at a vanity as Miss Platts watched some makeup brushes dust the girls cheeks on command. She was dressed in an elegant green dress and her hair up.

Rosa could hear music being rehearsed below and let out a sigh as she slowly stood...“are you alright dear? I know things have been hard, but if you don’t want to go you don’t need to.” She said gently causing the girl to pause. She clutched at tarnished silver locket around her neck.

“ Thank you for caring for me Miss Platts. You seem to be the only one. Sometimes it feels like the others are only kind until they walk away “ she admitted and rubs away a tear.

“ Oh no! Sweetheart im sure there just a bit anxious. Your our only guest for some time. I’m sure they do care they just act before they think sometimes.” Miss Platts said gently. “ We still have a bit of time why not sit with old Miss Platts and we’ll have a fun go of it.” The other said gently causing a genuine smile to touch the girls lips.

“ Thank you. I really needed you as a friend.” She admitted softly but visibly flinches at a knock at the door. Pier peaked in the silver candle stick with fleck accents spoke with excitement. “ The master awaits dear Rosa and the music, a grand feast is being prepared for afterwards!” He said shuffling back as Rosa approached the door.

“ The master seems to pick up good habits from you my lady. Surely it won’t be long now and we can celebrate properly perhaps even a wedding!”

Rosa’s smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Of course I mean it should be an honor right? As a peasant for a noble to want to marry me.” She admitted as pier chuckles.” Why of coarse, not to mention children. You are clearly very intelligent miss Rosa.” He said brightly and the girl sighed glancing back at Miss Platts.

“once our prince is restored the kingdom will remember his bloodline and the curse broken you will be well cared for!”

The small glass domed clock quickly skittered down the hall on four little lion paws meant for decoration.” Quickly now! Rehearsal is finished ,we must have the young lady on the floor. It took the wash staff two hours to comb out Masters fur!” The clock called in an annoying voice.

Rosa finally nodded and slowly walked down the hall towards the staircase.” Oh come now surely a small wait will make my entrance better.” She said politely which please the candle holder.

So Rosa made her grand entrance and below the beast stood. His deep blue velvet jacket the only thing covering him. It made her sick to see his ,anatomy on display. As she approached he didn’t stink at least and today she had a special surprise for all of them. Her fingers closed around the locket on her neck.

The great horned animal took her hand and lead her towards the ballroom. The swirling Mosaic floor had once been grand and beautiful now was faded but still held a piece of its old majesty as they danced together.

The beast sniffed the air and smiled or she thought it was a smile his snout made it look more like a snarl. “You look beautiful tonight Rosa.” He pulled her close nuzzling into her hair and Rosa didn’t pull away. Though the feeling made her squirm and she shivered a bit. Slowly he started dancing again.

Finally he let go and came to rest on one bent leg. He held it a paw like hand and pressed the other where his heart was.

Rosa you have given me everything I lo-” he’d managed before gasping gripping his chest as she gripped her locket. Slowly she reached out stroking a large bat like ear.Tears welled up in her eyes. could she really do this? Looking down at him her hesitation vanished and a cold smile slowly took its place.

“ Oh but beast , I find that I absolutely Hate you…” she said with such cold venom as his eyes widen. Slowly she reached into a hidden slit in her dress showing him the remnants of the rose. It was plucked on one side slightly.

“Rosa what?” He growled sounding broken and for once in the last several weeks, she smiled a true and unpleasant one. “I don’t love you and I never will. Iv been a pawn in your servants’ games sense I arrived, but they were fools all of you to dare underestimate me. Just like the village, just like. Hans…” she snarled and gripped the rose in her hand causing blood to trickle from her fingers and palm.

The beast writhed with a howl as she picked more petals and then crushed it in her hand in front of him tossing it to the ground.” Fuck you! And your rose ! Fuck you and your happily ever after that cost me everything!”

She laughed a short, sharp sound as her skin turned pale and her lips dark..images swirled along her hands and she stepped on the rose.

The beast whimpers morphing his jaw elongating his eyes going blind as she smirked. She could hear the calls and cries of confusion as the staff Stiffened and began turning into objects one by one. The wardrobe made it half down the hall before she became inanimate and topped over mid step.

“iv been studying the rose ever sense You showed it to me. It took so long and I lost so much but it was worth it to understand...Thank you for that much.”

Rosa threw up her hands feeling truly free, and sighed slowly, walking towards the edge of the room as the monster who had wanted to become a man growled and slowly followed. “ The castle is under new rule beast, and you’ll be my loyal dog, won’t you?

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( I belive this prompt was one put up by Blackmere last year LOL i got pretty sick so didnt get to really iron out any until now. But Ill have this in a few parts so for now heres part one!)

Rita Wilson had never in her life led an expedition like this. However, nearly two years ago, the brunette had taken on the role after the death of an old friend. He had left her everything, including many artifacts that had sparked her first expeditions into South America. Shed nearly died of a bug bite; however, she had learned much since then.

This was a new adventure, to be certain; she felt like a fool. She knew how important layers were, but she and her team were in so many. Long underwear, sweaters, trousers, socks, windproof jackets, fur mitts and fur line caps, they had it all. Not to mention scarves, and that the inner layers had to absolutely be made of wool.

The wind and ice howled past the group, trying to push them back. Thankfully, Jonathan and some of the larger men took point, others careful to keep Rita grouped in the middle as the smallest amongst them. “You sure know how to pick your locations, Wilson!” Jonathan called with a muffled cackle. 

Rita snorted behind her scarf, the mist of her breath turning to frost on the outer edges. Finally, they saw the lights break through the snow, a man waving a bell they could just barely hear past the wind. They pushed forward; however, someone ahead Rita wasn’t sure who suddenly tumbled sideways. The group let out their collective shouts, grabbing at the lines that tethered them together.

However, the man she realized was going too far, falling towards the edge of the cliff trail they had been taking. They had been too confident in the wide, winding trail. That seemed like a gift at the time compared to the rest of the mountain pass. Rita grabbed onto her own line trying to help; she may be small, but every iota of strength mattered at that moment.

The men’s bodies had other ideas, though, as the snow slid with him, causing two larger people on the ground, including Jonathan, to lose their footing as the group member slid over the edge of the drop-off.

There was a scream for help just as everyone was being dragged towards the edge. There were screams; Rita took an elbow to the face with a grunt, hitting the ground hard as a whoosh of air was knocked out of her lungs. She didn’t even get to collect her senses when all fell silent. She sat up quickly, spitting out some blood as she glanced around.

The men were still on the trail; several were standing, staring at the cliff edge. That’s when she finally saw it. In Johnathan’s hand was their tether. Or part of it the end severed by a knife. It took her a few seconds to piece together what had happened. The woman covered her mouth on instance and looked away. “One lost…” a voice echos softly the wind seemed to have died down in the incident filling the area just abut twenty yards from the entrance of the stone Abbey with an erie quiet.

 It wasn’t too long later, the exhausted group stumbled into the abbey itself. The ancient building had been carved into the cliffside of the mountain. A few spoke mumbling, but most were silent as a few monks in brown robes slowly approached. “What happened? I was told there was some sort of misfortune?” The young man in front of them said gently.

He looked so young to be in charge. However, in a place like this, Rita doubted they lived very long. “ We had cut a line; we lost a man who went over the cliff. He would have dragged us down with him. Was a good man our medic to.” Jonathan said, sounding exhausted as he set his backpack down against a nearby stone pillar. The others began to follow his example, wanting at least one weight off their shoulders for the night.

Rita was yet to remove her pack; what it contained was too precious to leave alone, though now that she thought about it an icy weight filled her belly. “What if I was damaged because of what happened out there? I’ll need to check it soon.” With a tired grunt, she touched the swollen left side of her face. Before she could ask, a monk seemed to notice. ”Oh, ma’am, you’re hurt? Anyone needing aid, please come forward.” He said, calmly motioning to them.

None stepped forward, and Rita knew her face would be red if not from the swelling and bruise already forming. “I just need some water and some salve and ill be just fine.” She mumbled, knowing she had some emergency supplies at least in her pack. She couldn’t fix severe wounds but could handle minor ones and make a decent splint.

“ I insist ma’am for everyone. In this cold, you could break a bone and not know. Iv known a man to die of a broken ankle.” he said calmly, smiling gently at Rita in a way that kinda made her infuriated.” either way, we do have a woman attendant a nun who can aid you miss as we check the men. If it makes you more comfortable.”

Rita glanced at the men, she hated this type of treatment. It had taken months to gain what respectful standing she did have with them. With an aggravated sigh the woman nodded. “ Very well, Though I thought your establishment only housed men?” She said calmly, slowly removing her mitts, exploding silken undergloves before removing those as well.

“She is a special case with her own housing opposite of our own. The keeper of the waters is always kind to those in need. She would not be a part of our home if she didn’t belong.”

Rita nodded, not looking back at her group again. It took everything she had, but she wouldn’t burden Jonathan with her own uncertainty.” Thank you, lead the way then. I have to check my bag anyway.” The woman grumbled as she pulled off her hat, exposing her auburn hair, which had been cut back long ago like a man’s fashion.

The young man in front of her stumbled on his way to meet her, looking shocked at the sight. However, he quickly dipped his head silencing whatever thoughts would have escaped his lips and motioned for her to follow him further in.

“ may I ask about the keeper of the waters?” The young man known simply as Nore seemed to smile at her question. Rita glanced around as he started speaking, His earlier hesitation all but gone. “ Ahh well you see she is a deity figure first established with our home. It is said she can gift healing and great change to those who please her.”

The woman sighed, glad that thanks to the smaller hall they had ducked into the air was much warmer. “ I see, I would love to question you about more later then. I adore historical places like this. I can only image what may have started these beliefs.

“The robed figure paused, glancing around and smiling. “ I only joined five years ago, ma’am, However there is a spring of both cold and hot water that is said to be the source of our goddesses power.” He admits gently and tugs open a door, holding it for her. 

“ Thank you I know I wont have access to your records without supervision. But after losing Bill today i doubt anyone will be in the mood to do much the next day or so.” Rita heard her voice thicken, seeing the flash of Bill’s smile and an echo of his laugh in her head. He was always telling jokes and half the time the only one to laugh. She wished shed laughed more. As the door closed behind her, she rubbed away a runaway tear and smiled a little. Remembering the last time she had truly laughed for him.

“Oy ! She snorts like a little piglet! Look at her turn red, haha!” Rita chuckled a little despite herself. The woman’s shoulders slumped as if weighed down once the pain came crashing in after such a happy memory.

 The adventurer was pulled from her thoughts by the sound of music. A soft note or two that emanated from deeper in the chamber. The room was a bit open and round. It seemed to have been carved from the stone of the mountain side. At its center were a couple tables lined with chairs. It was when she stepped around a pillar, she spotted who was making the noise.

A nun sat at a piano, her back turned to the other woman as she tested the keys. She played out a small set of notes that seemed to hang in the air long after they were played. “Oh, You must be the one they sent me to talk to.” Rita said, regretting it immediately as she tenderly touches her cheek.

The other woman stopped playing and glanced back at Rita. Her lovely face was filled with concern, but it was the collar with a strange lock on her throat that caught Rita’s attention. The other woman rose quickly and made her way over to the explorer. She seemed curious but said nothing.

 The girl reached out, Rita managed to grab her wrist stopping her hand short. The shorter woman blushed as the Nun tilted her head. It was odd almost animal like, but it was the tender smile that made her heart flutter in her chest. She hesitated, slowly letting go. The blue eyes of the stranger stared into her own as the Nun cupped her cheek, gently tracing along the bruise and cut there. Rita let out a hiss swiftly followed by a chuckle as the other woman’s face shifted from a smile into a very sad almost pouting appearance like she may cry.

“I’m fine, there was an accident, that’s all. I’m not the one who got the worst of it. This is also why my men are made aware of where I am as much as possible. So I don’t end up worse if they panic or fall.” She admitted glancing up as the other women quickly turned away. She moved to a basket, one of several stacked next to the piano and began digging through it with soft grunting noises.

Rita took a seat at a nearby table, smirking when the other woman swiftly returns. She had a wooden jewelry box in her hands. Shes quick to pull a chair out and sit across from the adventurer as she sets out a small glass bottle of cream and a bottle.

“ You really don’t need all this, do you?” The newcomer asked, she immediately quieted down when she got a pointed glare. Resting her hands in her lap, she smiled despite herself and held still as the other woman rubbed a strange yellow material on her cheek. It stung for a moment and then numbed, which was such a relief.” Oh, thank goodness ,well at least you know what you’re doing.” She started and then gasped. 

The Nun froze as the other women quickly shrugged off her backpack, placing it gingerly on the table. “ I was in such a sort after…” She closed her eyes as Bill’s smiling features filled her mind. His dimples and rusty colored beard. Shaking her head, she carefully undoes the straps holding her pack closed. “ My friend died not long ago. He left this to me, I was so distracted I nearly forgot I fell outside. It could be damaged, and I’d never forgive myself.”

Rita was careful, pulling out a leather wrap. “ My friend sent this by mail at a certain death for after he died. All he told me was the monks here could help me. Though He said someone smuggled it to him for safe keeping long ago.” She admits softly, she sighed in relief as she slowly unrolls the object. Inside was a piece of sheepskin. 

The piece had been torn when she received it but inked onto it was a set of music notes. A song incomplete. Her counterpart peered closely, seeming very curious. “I’m just glad it’s not damaged, The men here agreed to look, but you already know they can catalog things or look up from their own collection of lost knowledge.” She admits wishing she could see the library herself, but knowing only order members were allowed. Though she refused to let them see this without supervision and she wouldn’t leave it alone with them.

Rita glanced up as her companion reached out, she panicked for a second, believing the girl would snatch up the piece. However, she very gently traced a finger along the line of notes and smiled so brightly. Her eye teeth seemed a bit…sharp, but she was truly gorgeous when she seemed happy.

Rita didn’t get much of a chance to react as her hands were grabbed, and she was tugged off her seat by the other woman. The stranger let go of one hadn’t turning way to lead her towards the Piano. “ Oh! Right, you play, Well I suppose even hearing a piece of it could be nice.” She admitted curious. She knew the basics of the music keys for another instrument, her father insisting on violin at a young age.

The nun lets go, pulling out the stool and tugs at Rita’s arm pointing to it.” O-oh …” She said quietly, but does as asked, sitting at the piano.” I don’t really know how to play, I mean the notes I know but not exactly the keys.” She admitted with a chuckle, but didn’t resist as the other woman gently took her hand and placed it on part of the keyboard. Then, on the other hand, the opposite.

She touched her chin, seeming to think for a moment before her face lit up. The woman pulled down a brush meant for ink from a cup on top of the piano and a small ink vial, smiling.

Rita waited patiently as the other woman started painting the keys with note marks. She even dusted them with sand to dry the ink. Stepping back, the Nun looked very satisfied with herself. Rita chuckled,  “ok, yes you’re clever, i see that now.” She admitted not saying anything, though she noticed a strand of blonde hair sticking out of her habit. 

Rita sighed, running her fingers along the ivory keys. The notes made sense now she knew the basics anyway. In her mind swam the piece of music that she knew well. Shed memorized that fragment over and over, trying to understand where it could have come from.

Taking a deep breath she began to play the melody began slow and soft. Gentle and appealing, as if sung by a beautiful voice in her mind. She could almost feel it, the echo of something shed never experienced no music had done such a thing to her. Her eyes eventually closed as she found the keys on her own, lost by the sound. 

Halfway through, a soft humming melody joins her notes. Not a voice per se, but when opening her eyes to look the young woman who had sat beside her. She hummed softly an interwoven melody.” Have you heard this song before? Is it from the Abbey? It’s too bad we can’t complete it.” She thought to herself.

However, just as they were reaching the end when a second set of notes joined the first on the parchment. “Of course, a song meant for two players…”

The Nun’s hands joined hers on the keyboard, plunking out notes that danced with her own. She gasped, and the other smiled, nodding her head as she hummed and they played together. She kept up the basic melody repeating the first herself unsure otherwise what to add, but ti felt right as the other kept up making a strange heart-wrenching sound together that evolved into an elated music that felt almost like something playful before sharp and swift as if a beast hunting its prey then back once more to the soft melody of joys and sorrows.

Rita was dazed when the fingers stopped playing, and she blinked a bit confused. It took a few seconds to realize there was a warmth pressed against her. The woman blushing as she turned her head to find the nun resting against her, the lovely blonde woman’s head on the explorer’s shoulder. 

Rita sat quietly a moment as the music hummed in the air of the room for a before it faded. *Click,* The short haired woman glanced towards the wall beyond the piano as she spotted the moment. The small noise revealing a door shaped to look like the stone wall had partially opened.” what is that? Have you seen that before?” She asked the woman beside her. However, her companion shook her head and got up, standing back from the piano.

The door seemed simple enough, though the outside looked completely like a stone wall. There was no switch or contraption she could see on glance. Pushing it inward, she stepped inside. She felt the breath leave her as she found herself staring at something immeasurable. Stacks of objects made of gold and tomes bound in leather littered the room. The wall was filled with cubbyholes covered in countless treasures.

At the room’s center was the only object creating light, a strange oval stone. It pulsed with a glow from within.” how is this lit? Is it an oil reservoir but…” She glanced around, realizing the room was filled with cobwebs. “ No, no one’s been in here for years there shouldn’t be anything still functioning . I know by correspondence the monks don’t bother with electricity, the cold damages what they tried to set up too often to bother.”

 Rita moved in closer but keeps her distance, feeling a strange warmth emanating in the area closest to the object. It began to pulse quicker as a tune, a very familiar song, filled the air. It was a voice mixed with another she realized too late it was her own. Her own voice woven with someone she didn’t know. Before she realized what she was doing, her hand rested on the thing’s surface, and a heat swept up her arm.

Rita’s vision filled with a flash of pulsing gold and blue light. She felt herself jerk backwards and everything went dark before she hit the ground as a thick heat jolted through her core and a song with a third sound not a human voice like nothing she could imagine, filled her thoughts and the darkness swept her away with the tune.

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If you guys want to support my work consider checking out my published book The Dina Term. A Cosmic horror short story. U.S/ U.k International link

It rested in the woods for over two decades, a theater that no longer hosted an audience, but the rumor was the actors had never truly left the stage. Connie hopped out of the old van her friend Ronan had borrowed from his mother. Her combat boots kicked up dust the moment they hit the old dirt road surrounded by trees. She’d done her research, and the Charnel Playhouse wasn’t too far off this old beaten path.

She stretched, groaning from the long trip they’d taken to get here, two hours just to find the old overgrown road. Another to get someone to tell them the location. “Rumors said the Black Rose Vaudeville House was in this area? Is it really worth it, Connie? I hear you get more views from places like those crazy asylums full of trash.”

Connie gave Ronan an annoyed glance as she started pulling out equipment. “That’s why I wanted to do this. A playhouse of any kind is mysterious and old. Asylums are creepy and terrifying, but you want to stand out.”She huffed, smirking at her taller friend.

He had a bit of a beer belly, but a sweet chub to his face, which he tried to hide with a beard. She strapped on a GoPro, hoping to catch some interesting footage as Seasel finally grumbled from the very back of the van where he’d been sleeping.

“I hate dolls, and I hate live art, so seeing a place like this is gonna be fun as hell. Movies are better.”He growled as he peeked his head out the back. Unlike Ronan, Seasel was a scrawny toothpick of a man with a goatee that reminded Connie of a goat. He had messy brown hair, and unlike Ronan, who always wore a baseball cap to hide his own blonde curls, he didn’t bother to brush his hair from what she could tell.

Connie felt her shoulders tense as she checked over her shoe laces. The last thing you wanted in an abandoned building was to get caught on something. The floors could be rotted, so they’d have to bring a couple of sticks or poles to poke the floor and make sure some areas were safe.

“I’m actually really excited! Even if we never get terrifying footage, I used to love the idea of the theater as a kid. Especially ballet, Mom got me lessons when I was very little. We had to drop them when dad started getting violent.”She admitted feeling a heat rise up her neck.

“Either way, I can’t wait to see what we find, and so few of these old places are featured like this. Maybe we’ll get lucky, and it really will be haunted.”

Seasel laughed while Ronan started digging into the back of the van for his own gear. “Yeah, well, it’s not like those channels actually ever see ghosts. The popular ones just play people for fools.” He muttered, shaking his head.

He grabbed a backpack for emergencies. Everyone had a small pack of food, water, and some basic supplies for injuries. Including a piece of rope and a nice knife. Connie herself had also insisted on radios and an emergency flare if someone fell into a hole or worse.

Connie led the trek beyond the old raspberry thicket and into a small driveway. “I heard a long time ago that this place was the heart of this town. Or people came from all over to see the shows.”

Ronan cut in from behind her.” Yeah, then the lead star went missing, and everyone jumped ship. I hear it’s cursed people don’t talk about it for a reason.”

“I know you said you wanted a spooky atmosphere, right? I’m sure the Phantom of the Opera is still a big thing for a lot of women my age.”She called back with a laugh.”But seriously, it was a ballerina who vanished; they say all her costars, even after they left just disappeared or something like that.”

“You guys are gold, keep going !” Came from Seasel, the only one with the actual recording camera and not simple headgear or a body cam.

Finally, they came across the old Charnel Playhouse. Connie smirked at the name, it fit the old building as it was now. it was given in recent times by very paranoid townsfolk. It stood with marks on its entrance like it had been burned, but the fire put out before real damage was done. Statues stood all over the yard, where there was gravel set aside for parking. They had to even walk around a fountain filled with cherubs to get to the entrance.

“So cute.”Connie chuckled, making sure to get a close-up on the tarnished statues. “I think these guys are bronze, that’s crazy!”

“Its even weirder that they haven’t been stolen.” Seasel stepped up beside her. “You two stand by the fountain state location and all that junk I’ll get a few takes.”he said with a smirk letting the two of them start their job.

***

Connie was pressed against the glass of the box office. The buttons on her overalls scratched the glass as she covered her eyes and peeked in. Smiling, she dug into her pockets. “In the original date Vaudeville House’s would take ten cents or more for pay, at least I think so. I’m gonna pay for us to keep bad intentions away.” She said, for the camera, happily dropping fifty cents into the little tray in front of her. As expected, nothing happened, and the boys weren’t too impressed but as they moved to go to the entranc,e Ronan cleared his throat.

“ Did you see that?” he asked Seasel, who shook his head.

“What?”

“ I swear I saw a shadow in the box office booth thing. It moved after Connie turned away…”

Connie rushed back to peer into the old office, but she couldn’t really see anything. “If it was a ghost we missed, we’ll have to go over our footage later,” she mumbled and hesitated reaching into the slot under the glass. She came back with tickets in her hand. Three of them , very extravagant-looking with gilded edges.

“Wah….woah..these must have been just past the glass, look at them! Souvenirs, I guess! And there in great shape, wow.”She says with a smile, fanning them out and offering them to the men.

“Dude, that’s crazy. Are there more? We could totally sell these on our site if we can get in, and there are more ”is that real gold leaf or something?” Seasel snatched his, looking it over carefully.

Though Ronan kept his hand back, like it would burn him. “Um, were there just three?” he asked, looking a bit nervous.

Connie leaned in, reaching in again, though Ronan looked appalled, like she’d get bitten by a snake. She ended up pulling out a small stack of playbills that hadn’t been too far beyond the window. “Oh yeah, looks like it, but we do have some playbills, we should grab some of those too.”She said with a smirk.

Connie quickly put the tickets away in her messenger bag. “These are very extravagant, I’d say they were for a special show or even the balcony tiers, but that would be like going to a third check point to even get them..that’s insane, these are so special!”

The boys exchanged a look behind Connie’s back, but she was the star of the show, even if Ronan was ready to turn tail. They’d never been anywhere actually haunted, always just chased shadows. Their channel ended up more of a historical run-down; thanks to Connie loving to learn about the various locations. An actual haunting would bring views, but most people just faked that stuff as far as they knew.

Ronan quickly moved to catch up with his adventurous friend and the star of their show as she reached the entry and slowly pushed the doors open. She paused as expected, getting a careful look at the floor and the ruined carpets before stepping aside to let Ronan poke the spot with a rod he had carried with him.

Once he was sure the flooring seemed mostly sound and the place, though it smelled like dust, didn’t seem moldy, he stepped aside to let her inside. Together, they finally got into the foyer, a large lavish area with some pillars. They were currently covered in creeping vines. The plants bloomed with strange black trumpet-like flowers dotted with white stars and paint splatter patterns.

“ oh wow…” Connie whispered and wandered over to some old velvet furniture that, with a touch, produced a cloud of dust. “Ew, this stuff smells weird. I think it’s dry rotted…” She glanced around, making her way to a couple of doors. They are extravagantly covered in old carving,s but one had come partially off its hinges, revealing the House and stage beyond.

“ I’ll need help moving this door, guys…”

“Maybe there’s another way in,” Ronan grumbled as Seaseal checked out a side door with a velvet rope.

“I think I found the way to those special seats you mentioned. We should totally take some shots up there in a bit, or well, I’ll go first. You guys get some exploration shots. Split-ups pay great people love multiple perspectives!’ he said, clearly enthusiastic at the idea of getting some actual followers this time around.

“ Maybe for once we won’t have people complaining they don’t come to our channel for a history lesson,” he said as he half fell trying to climb over the rope and disappeared into the doorway beyond.

Connie was peering past the door and squinting as Ronan grabbed at the old door, trying to brush her aside.“Ronan…is there electricity in this place? I did most of the research, but you did the city data checks..”She said softly, staring at something. Ronan peers past her shoulder and sees a light filtering down from the ceiling. It takes him a moment to realize that a second light shone not from a hole but a light center stage.

‘It was so faint with daylight spilling from the damage to the building hed not have even seen it if Connie hadn’t said something. “Oh ugh… it’s possible with the old grid if nothing’s been running, they wouldn’t notice. Some places get forgotten if it’s no trouble and people just move on,”he said, though his eyes lingered on that light on a stand center stage.

With a grunt and Connie’s help, they managed to set the door up and he used a pin from the floor to put hinges back in place temporarily, at least.
Connie was smiling so big that Ronan worried she would run off before he could check the flooring ahead. She didn’t, though, thankfully, instead decided to combust in excitement beside him. She squirmed and ran her hands through her hair to try to contain herself.

“I can’t believe it’s a ghost light! They use them to let you see the stage at night and not fall off, but I mean, they are also kept as a type of protection to ward off spirits. Someone must have set it up before they left, and they forgot it.”

Ronan nodded with a quiet “uh-huh. Well, if that’s true, maybe it will keep the monsters away,” he said calmly and smiled. “Seasel must be having a ball. If that lights on, I can only imagine the spiel he’s feeding our viewers.”

***

Connie was in awe of the house deep within the Black Rose establishment. The seats rose up three floors around them. Some were decayed and rotting thanks to a huge hole in the ceiling, while others closer to the stage and around were in better shape.

Ronan made sure the area was safe before leaving Connie to explore. “I need to grab a couple of things. I set my stuff down when we fixed the door. I’ll be right back, and we can check out the backstage!”He finally called, a little excited, after all, he did enjoy the exploration part.

It was the supernatural or danger that bothered Ronan. He cared about his friends and wanted to make sure they made it out all right.

Ronan made his way back as Connie was talking and looking around. She stopped short at the end of the front row. She’d been right, there was a light on a stand center stage. It was still going and looked very old. “How long have you been burning?” she asked softly.

She was about to look for a way on stage or back stage if it came to it when she heard a soft piano chord. Then a strum of a violin. Before she could understand what was going on, a rush of wind flung some of the old trash, such as playbills and more, around her. Black feathers floated down from above, punctuated by the sound of a raven’s call. Connie couldn’t tell where they came from. The sunlight from the hole in the ceiling blocked out anything above.

She reached out to try and catch one and managed to snag a beautiful black iridescent feather. It was so large she wasn’t sure a bird could even have shed it. *SLAM*

Connie jumped as she heard Seasel from above say something, but she couldn’t make it out. The door to the stage and seating had sealed itself with a bang. The woman’s heart began to flutter so quickly that she was sure it would pop out of her chest. She ran to the door, doing her best to avoid some soft spots she and Ronan had found earlier.

Connie pushed on the door, then pulled, trying to open it as she heard Ronan smacking and slamming his fists against it on the other side. “Connie, are you alright?!” he called, clearly worried.

“Yeah, yeah im ok! Um, the door closed, and there was a huge gust of wind. I-I don’t know where it came from. Grab seasel and I’ll try to find another entry way, ok? There should be more than one.”She called, trying to calm herself and Ronan all at once.

She was breathing heavily when the music started up slowly. The instruments that were no longer in the orchestra pit decided to play a ghostly tune.”Ronan…do you hear anything ?”She asked softly, but then asked a second time and louder, when she realized she may not be speaking loudly enough.

“What do you mean? I just heard you and Seasell came back down, cussing about something touching him up in the upper seating. You gotta get out of there! were gonna find a way to you, so get you a walkie out, ok.”

Connie turned, pressing her back to the door. She didn’t want to keep her back to the room, that decided to suddenly perform a show with no crew or staff.

The music swelled, and with it the room began to come back to life. Black Flowers on vines bloomed on ruined seats. The old isle carpet turned a brilliant red again. The torn and drooping stage curtain flutters and glowed softly as it is revived.

“ What is… what’s going on!”

The stage curtain, which had been partially closed, slowly opened once more, revealing a restored stage. At its back is a portrait of a woman in a white swan costume for the ballet Swan Lake.

Connie slowly pulls away from the door and backs up against it again as the seats suddenly swirl with dust and shadow. A crowd filled the seats, quietly watching the stage. Above, the ceiling hole vanished, replaced by a chandelier and turned down lights.

Connie felt faint, her heart still beating quickly; she was sure she was going to die tonight. Slowly, a spotlight ignites on stage, at its center stands a dancer, her stage wear was black, made up of countless feathers. She was as pale as a porcelain doll, the upper half of her face obscured by a feathered mask with a sharp beak over the nose.

The stranger stood en pointe and began an aggressive twirl and routine. Connie found herself transfixed. The movements were so aggressive but beautiful. Connie felt a twinge in her chest, a couple tears streamed down her cheeks while she watched the other woman dance.

When she finally paused the routine, the spotlight shifted and came to rest on Connie herself.

The explorer gasped as she felt a sudden warmth spread over her body. Very simple lessons and movements from her childhood filled her thoughts. Things she’s pushed away, she thought, forever. Looking down, she found herself in a white ballet outfit with a tutu covered in white feathers that trailed up her top.

Connie glanced up, staring at the deep brown eyes of the stranger in black. The woman smiled and held out a hand tipped in claw-like black nails. She glanced back over her shoulder toward the stage, motioning towards it.

Connie hesitated a moment and bit her lip.” Are…you going to hurt me?” She asked softly. The other smiled, shaking her head, her long dark hair framing her beautiful face.

Slowly, Connie reached out and took the other woman’s hand. She felt a warm energy flow through her. She felt a mix of joy and sadness as another woman filled her mind’s eye, the original white swan long gone now. Tears pricked her eyes, and she nodded. “ Yes, I’ll dance with you. Please teach me. I’m sorry she left you behind…”

Together, they approached the stage. The music changed to a slower, gentle melody, and the dark dancer, no, the Raven, took lead. Connie did her best to follow; long-forgotten habits returned to her. She froze midstep as the Raven spun around her and then reached out, gently correcting her posture. Taking moments to help her, as the crowd’s gentle murmurs mixed with the music, made her heart soar.

As the Raven performed a lift. Connie couldn’t help but giggle seeing flashes of color as several other dancers joined them in the background of the stage. The audience clapped as she was lowered once more, and they continued.

***

Ronan finally managed to get the door to start to give

“She’s not answering. I even tried the emergency tone, that things annoying as hell.” Seasel said, messing with the walkie-talkie.

The last thing Ronan had heard from Connie was that she was talking about music. All they could hear on this side was the sounds of creaking wood, nature, and his own heavy breathing as the door finally popped open.

As they rushed in, Seasel smacked into Ronan’s back. Before he could say anything, both froze at the sight on the stage. Connie, dancing like a ballerina, barefoot, she’d discarded her boots. She acted like she was playing out the other half of a two-person show, reacting to someone they couldn’t see.

She moved around on the damaged stage, avoiding the worst areas as if she knew they were there without looking.

“Connie!!” Ronan screamed, rushing for the stage, he tried to climb up and paused, staring as he saw a figure in black and one in white reflected in several mirrors in the background of the stage.

Before he could respond, he heard Seasel curse, and he glanced up to realize that Connie had vanished. There was no sign of her other than her boots, center stage, where a set of white and black feathers tumbled across the old wood, carried by a soft gust of wind.

As the men stared in shock, the ghostlight flickered and went dark.

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(I love a fun prompt, it gives me a break from my usual stories and gives me perspective. I hope you guys enjoy. Please comment, let me know your thoughts.)

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Gracie slowly stepped down from her father’s carriage. Unlike her sister, she didn’t have one of her own. This one even had glass windows, an expensive addition alongside its silk curtains. Her father had given her permission to use it in order to make an impression.

She felt a bit exposed as the coachman took Gracie’s hand and helped her down. Gracie was dressed in a soft summer green and cream empire-waist gown with pink ribbon accents. Her maid had insisted on the color, saying it complemented her slightly darker skin tone and blonde hair.

Taking a deep breath, the young woman wandered onto a small path just inside a treeline in front of her. Elizabeth Thorn had sent out several invitations to the local nobles’ daughters. She was known for being eccentric, and gossip flowed about Lady Thorn even in the higher courts. However, several houses had dealings with hers regardless.

Gracie knew, for instance, this small wooded area was part of Lady Thorn’s massive estate, and even her message had insisted on flat-bottomed shoes. Due to her preference for nature and privacy for her tea parties, it made sense she’d use a quiet, secluded spot.

As expected of a young woman of Gracie’s status, she had taken several days to go over what she could find about her host. Unfortunately, her personal likes and dislikes were hard to discern due to Gracie’s limited access, except for Lady Thorn’s obvious love of nature, as evidenced by the funds being submitted to keep some local areas undeveloped.

Gracie passed up a set of guards at the inner sanctum of the trees. The birds chirped, and she caught sight of small crystal growths and mushrooms sprouting around the grove. The temperature dropped to something more comfortable as the shade of the canopy overtook the sun’s unrelenting gaze.

She saw a couple of other girls ahead; they chatted and laughed. Their dresses were much more extravagant than her own. Gracie gripped the fabric of her own gown nervously. “Father said this event was important, but he still made me choose something ready-made. I wish he would just give me a chance; maybe if I do well today, things will get better.”

She passed under an archway of branches and vines woven into a trellis. Her eyes were drawn to the beautiful purple flowers that grew from the archway, and she felt a smile tug at her lips. “I wonder who Lady Thorn pays to care for things like this. It must have taken so much effort and time…”

“Hmm, you girl, let me see your invitation.” A warm voice rumbled from Gracie’s right. The poor girl nearly jumped out of her skin. “Oh, I-I…” she paused, taking a deep breath as she patted down her skirt, taking a moment to find her pockets. Gracie could still hear the other women laughing and talking up ahead. She’d seen them round a corner a few moments before.

Eventually, she pulled out the invitation, a lovely green envelope that smelled like lilacs and amber. “Here you are, my lady. She squeaked as the dark-haired stranger who had been leaning against a large tree in the shade stepped forward. She was in the midst of snuffing her clay tobacco pipe as Gracie got a glimpse of long, elegant black nails.

Soft, plump red lips quirked into a smile as moss-green eyes met Gracie’s. There was something there, experienced and calm, and a gaze that made Gracie feel like the other saw right through to her core.

“It’s the invitation we received for the Goldshire family, my lady.” She said, giving the woman a curtsy and lowering her head.

The other looked at the envelope and gently touched it to her lips with a “hmm.” Gracie stood up straight, and Lady Thorn’s chuckle made something warm flutter in her chest. She wished she could hear someone, anyone, make such a sound, and it have an effect like that on the daily.

“My apologies, this invitation was strictly for Lucenda, the eldest of your father’s line.” The older woman replied calmly, and the girl flinched, looking down. She hadn’t been given her coming-of-age ceremony yet, and even tea parties were rare other than with her closest friend.

The beautiful stranger slowly lowered the black hood she’d been using to obscure her hair and some of her features. Waves of chestnut hair with braids and woven flowers fell around her shoulders. ”Hmm, you misunderstand.” She said, stepping closer and gently cupping the girl’s cheek, “Don’t cry, young Gracie Goldshire. This party wasn’t meant for one as soft-hearted and kind as you.”

She said softly and tucked a strand of blond hair behind Gracie’s ear. The young woman’s face and ears bloomed into a lovely pink color. “O-oh. Then I’ll just go, I suppose.” She mumbled, trying to look away from the beautiful hostess.

“I think it’s for the best; this kind of event is more so the spoiled bloodline and brats can be put in their place.” She looked Gracie up and down and started to walk away in the same direction the other women had gone. “However, my next invitation will be for you. Have you noticed yet, by the way?” the woman asked, pausing, waiting quietly.

It took the young noble a couple of moments to really understand what she meant. The woman herself was a bit distracting in her autumn orange dress during the summer. Finally, though she heard it and covered her mouth with her hand. The clearing within the trees was totally silent, other than the two of them. The laughter and talking were just gone...

Gracie looked at Lady Thorn, her eyes wide as the stranger chuckled and stepped around the corner.” You should ask your father sometime why the nine most powerful families in this region have such powerful generational magics. Until we meet again…”

The young blonde couldn’t help herself. She ran around the corner after the other. She wanted to ask what she meant why her sister was wanted other than being a bully.

The scene that awaited Gracie was confusing at best. A lavish set of three tables, each one covered in tea cups and plates filled with snacks. However, the table was overrun with vines. Some of the chairs rotted out where the cushions had been destroyed by nature over time. None of the young noble women where in sight. It seemed that other than the fresh food, they had never been there in the first place.

Gracie fell to her knees, shaking. Her eyes fixated on an overturned teacup. Someone had reacted before they just disappeared. It was, however, the small line of blue-capped mushrooms that formed a circle around the three tables that made her heart start to race

“ Oh dear gods protect me, iv not trespassed, I pray…”

She stumbled to her feet and ran back the way she came, not daring to turn back towards the clearing again.

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( ⚠️warning graphic imagery ahead) ( This is based in my Sawbones of the Circus universe . Though it should read as a standalone just fine.)

The blonde teenage girl who stumbled through the crowd went unnoticed. She passed striped tents, jesters in elaborate costumes, and other such actors. Her eyes were glazed over, and blood splattered across a teal cardigan and plaid skirt. Her button-up blouse was ruined and partially untucked from her waistband.

It was the local vampire who spotted her, or rather smelled her first. Moving swiftly to meet the girl, she stopped short of her hands out.

“Oh my goddess, darling, are you alright?” The redhead in a green Victorian gown asked softly.

It was about then the young girl seemed to snap back into reality. She whimpered, stumbling over her words. “I-I he…he’s dead.”

She managed to whisper before breaking into a sob, reaching out to grip the older woman’s arms. She was swiftly pulled into a gentle embrace. “Shhh, oh you poor thing. Come, let’s get you to the med tent. My name’s Rosalite; you’re safe now.”

(The circus medical tent a short time later)

Gracie Carbine was sitting almost silent as she stared ahead blankly. A blanket had been wrapped around her shoulders, and her fingers grasped at a warm cup of tea. Gracie was still visibly shaking, only glancing up as someone addressed her.

“Huh?” She asked softly, looking at the shorter redhead in front of her. The woman couldn’t be too much older than herself or Roselite, though she was clearly the oldest of the three in the room. However, she was dressed so provocatively, it bothered Gracie. “Does she really go out like that?”

The woman was in shorts that came up to her thighs, as well as a leather jacket with a ghastly black shirt showing a realistic bleeding heart. The so-called medical professional’s hair was wild, like she’d teased it up recently. The fact she was called a doctor was a bit odd, though she supposed a woman like her could only be a doctor at a carnival.

“I said, ‘Where do you come from, kid?’ You walked down the main corridor covered in blood…” The doctor’s blue and green eyes were intense, but her face was unusually calm as she asked the horrible question that brought Gracie crashing back to the reality of what had happened.

Gracie shuddered, taking a deep breath. James and I we-we were in the tunnel of love. I d-don’t know what happened.”

The redhead tilted her head and glanced at Roselite, who was standing to the side sipping her own cup of tea. She carried a knowing look that made Gracie’s stomach ache. What weren’t they telling her?

“Tell me when Gracie was it? What year is it ?”

Nineteen fifty-three, ma’am…” the girl answered, hunching over a bit as she tried to avoid the leather-clad woman’s gaze when even she finally looked troubled.

The woman was silent for a long moment and glanced over at Rosalite. “Gracie Carbine, isn’t it?” She said calmly, causing the girl to feel a heavy pit form in her stomach.

“Yes? How do you know my full name?”

“First, you can call me Doc; I’ll be looking out for you for a bit. And secondly…” She sighed and turned her attention to Rosalite. The tunnel of love is back. Tell Whysteria. I was told about this forever ago…” She pinched the bridge of her nose, letting out an exasperated noise before her attention fully returned to her young guest.

“Gracie, when you were in the tunnel, did you get into an argument of some sort?”

When she asked, the young blonde girl flinched, looking down. “James said that I was plain. A plain Jane, and he liked Cilicia better. That she knew how to please a man. I don’t even remember much after that.” Gracie whispered, shuddering as she tried to block out the bloody images of the aftermath.

“I know I felt so happy, and I said how much I loved him. The tunnel was his idea…why did he say such horrible things?” She asked, her shoulders hunched as she started to see the signs across their short relationship. His hints, his excuses, the times he had asked for something as if it was her job to do it.

Doc slowly sat down in a wheeled desk chair. She hunched over herself, gripping the girl’s hands gently in her own. ” Look, what happened wasn’t your fault… that location was,was um…brought here because it’s dangerous. It brings people to it even when it’s blocked off.”

Gracie gripped the other’s hands, her knuckles turning white. “But it was lit up. Did we go into a condemned ride? Was it a gas leak? Is that why I-I...”

Doc snorted; she seemed so old at that moment despite her young appearance. ” I wish it was so simple. If a couple goes in that actually both love each other, nothing happens except they admit it. But, you see the pattern already, don’t you? You admitted real love. He admitted his contempt…”

The Doctor held up a hand before Gracie could ask what she was going to. “Before you in the twenties, there was a couple both using each other. When they came through, they were a dead, mangled mess, but the tunnel of love didn’t disappear. When you and your boy went through, it vanished like it couldn’t decide how to handle it.”

Gracie stared at this woman like she’d grown a second head. Was she insane? Why would or how could a building vanish, and why were people dying?

“Think of it as a curse; I’m not asking you to believe me. But I can guess what happened. You were suddenly angry and then nothing. You felt nothing, and the next thing you knew, you were standing over a corpse, right?” She asked calmly and nodded as Gracie went pale and covered her mouth with a shudder.

“I-I couldnt stop myself. I cant remember where I picked up that old piece of pipe. I don’t even know... when we got off the ride”

“Yeah, that’s happened before. I’m guessing you don’t feel guilty. The ultimate wingman that tunnel. Doesn’t even let you feel ashamed when the other person was using you.”

Groaning, the redhead stood and cracked her back. “The point is you aren’t to blame and the tunnel is being investigated as we speak, ok.”

The woman said, staying close as Gracie broke down again, crying softly. “I’m scared. I don’t understand…what happens now? Am I going to be arrested?”

Doc sat down close by and ran a hand through her wild hair. “No kid, we’ll look out for you, and this wasn’t you in control. No one here will blame you. And I’m afraid you need to understand something. The year is two thousand thirty. You’ve been missing a very long time, darling.

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The Cargo Hold

( These shorts next were made using winter prompts. They are in order and tend to build on one another but can be read alone. They are a cozy found family set of shorts in a medieval or Renaissance style fantasy setting.)

Ginger

The family That chooses us

Going Out

A Memory Most Foul

The Fre Keeper's Yule

Next up is my Beacon of The endless night short serial. A hunter finds herself in a world cast into darkness forever. However, there may be a chance to bright light to the world once more by aiding the very vampire who caused the plunge in the first place.)

Beacon of The Endless Night

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

The Tunnel of Love and ruin!

A flash fiction short for a prompt by one of my favorite Substackers. .

The next two would be featured from her prompts as well.

Tea Time

Another short that basically has the fun of a ruined tea party! Fantasy and noble household setting. I'm considering adding more aches to this one soon.

Tea Time

Decaying Theater!

This one was a lot of fun about an urban exploration team and their journey in a haunted theater. I may edit as expand this later.

The exit sign!

A short about a woman's normal route home and the unexpected deviation from that path.

The lost Relic and the Sea!
a small monster romance pulp feel adventure. Featuring a female lead and a monster lover! As well as a magical artifact and unexpected changes.

Index

Prev~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ginger hugged herself and rubbed her hands together, breathing on them. The snowfall had slowed today, and so she and Poppy had stepped out to do some work. While Ginger was gathering some berries from a winter-burst bush, Poppy had insisted on checking the woodpile.

She has been rather excited as Ellen was sleeping due to a growth spurt and likely wouldn’t be awake for a couple of days. “ This is perfect! It’s Yule in just a few days and you enchant things, right?” She’d asked before running out to check the wood for the “ perfect piece” to carve a new toy for their child.

Ginger did have a few smaller pieces from the local wood nymph. Normally, they smoked meat, giving it special properties. She paused to think as she picked the purple berries. “ Hnn, I suppose that innate magic could make something interesting.” She muttered, glancing down at her stained fingers. She smiled, considering if she had anything else that could make paint.

“ A colorful toy would be a wonderful gift, I think Poppy can paint it after I enchant it,”she thought as she made her way back to the house. It took only a couple of seconds for her to realize. She paused. The woodpile was out of sight, but an unusual quiet had filled the area.

Ginger dropped the basket and ran around the corner. Poppy had been just out of sight, but the witch had heard her mumbles and the sound of things moving only moments before. The witch’s heart nearly stuttered to a stop as she stared at the empty space.

Where the halfling had been, there remained only footprints and a mess. The snow was scattered and larger prints nearby. The woman’s heart sped up, her fists clench. Taking a deep breath, she slowly walked up to the scene.

The larger prints were clean; they just walked up, but were clearly bigger than Ginger, who was of average size for a human. No larger humanoids outside of werewolves lived in these woods, so they were outsiders. She crouched down, touching the larger Disturbed patch of snow. “ They silenced you but you fought back didn’t you poppy…”she whisperd seeing a couple drops of grey ooze.

Her eyes narrowed, and the witch stood pulling her hood up over her head.” Orcs…but this is far from a battlefield. Either they were sent for me, or they are very lost. “ She muttered ,a few sparks of purple electricity trailing down her fingers.

She followed the trail of fresh prints to the edge of the wood and found Poppy’s smaller knife stabbed into a tree. It wasn’t a message that the orc’s were after Ginger; they would have made sure she knew.

“That means Poppy doesn’t have long and they don’t know who I am…” she thinks behind her, the holes doors and windows latched. Her familiar’s head popped up, peering out a window. The Maroon catlike creature is settling in close to the sleeping Ellen.

“ Protect our home, Faust. I’ll be back soon, and if I’m not, do what you must.”The witch said before stepping into the shadow of the wood. Ginger knew the woods well, and it didn’t take long to follow the trail. Poppy had hit something, if not vital, very sensitive, as the small blood drops led her true.

The woman didn’t dare to dream that Poppy might be alive. That would give her hope, and if it were true, that was good, if not… She shook her head, trying to push away the thoughts dwelling there. The witch felt it, the cold barrier between her heart and her thoughts. Something that came often when it came to surviving in this world.

“ What will you do when she dies? She’s a halfling; they’re not humans, but unlike elves, her lifespan will be a drop in the bucket to you. This may be for the best if she’s gone; then you won’t be broken as you watch her age.”

She paused only a moment. “No, it doesn’t matter, I won’t abandon her. My choices that got me here were my own. If she cannot be there for me in my life, then I will be there for hers. Every moment of triumph and sorrow, we will share. The moment she leaves will just make them all more special.”

                               The Camp

The clearing Ginger happened upon was filled with four large orc warriors. Two were settled down on the ground, huddled in blankets. One stood close to her. She wasn’t even far from him, using a stand of trees and a reflective spell to hide in plain sight.

The beastly man looked familiar, with floppy ears and a set of tusks long with his pig’s nose and scaled hide. “They’re from the Obsidian mages’ army, but that army is long dead. What are scraglers doing here?” Such beasts differed depending on what a mage could find to make a template and create an orc. Those with the skill were often conscripted to make armies or at least powerful enforcers.

The redhead gave the beastly man another glance. He was wrapped in rags and a wool blanket cut to make a cloak. When she recognized his face, it gave her pause. His left eye was gone, with a symbol of magic burned around the damage.

Slowly, she stepped out into the open. The man gripped his spear and snarled. “Intruder, boss Intruder!”he said, his voice lisping, which caught Ginger off guard. “Tidus Deathmarch…why are you in my woods?” The witch said calmly, holding her spot when he charged up to her.

He lifted his spear and seemed to be ready to strike, only to hesitate. His good eye, animalistic and gold, seemed to recognize something in her. His words came, it seemed, with difficulty, when he had once been a proud commander. One Ginger had driven off by taking his eye in front of his own men. She never blamed the orcs for what they were driven to do. Most had charms and curses on them that caused pain if they disobeyed their masters.

Slowly, the man lowered his spear, breathing in deeply.” I know smell, you are…war mage,” he said, touching where his eye had been once.

“ Tidus, what has happened to you? And where is my mate? She was the one you took from my cabin. “She snarled, her fists clenching as a bit of her outrage slipped into her voice and the electricity sparked around her body. He slowly pulled his hood back to get a better look at her. His eye saw, but didnt seem right as if it only gleaned a little.

It was when his hood fell away, she realized why. Along one side of his head, a mark mixed with scars. He’d either gotten a head injury or by the magic symbol that had been cut at as if trying to destroy it.

He’d been …corrected. His master likely hadn’t liked Tidus failing and destroyed part of his mind so he’d never question orders again. An unfortunate fate often for those who chose to be noble or good in a world where they had been made to be tools.

“ You mean... fire maker?”He asked, smiling a little as he said it. “ Fire maker is small but makes good stew and fire!” he said, sounding almost like a happy child. Ginger felt a twinge in her heart, and the relief washed over her. A few tears slipped down her cheeks.

”So she’s alive…” She says, cautiously glancing past the orc man as a larger female slowly approached. The warrior was made much like him. However, she had a head full of dark hair filled with braids. None were decorated with adornments; likely, she had never seen a battlefield.

“Intruder? Why don’t you kill it, Tidus? Are you a fool? “She said and then sighed, running a hand through her hair.” I am sorry, Tidus, you and others are not fools, but we cannot be seen. Get rope, we will keep the firepelt one until we leave.” She says with an annoyed-sounding grumble.

Ginger took a defensive stance, glaring at the taller woman.”But is a warrior mage! She took my eye.” Titus says, rubbing the eye spot but smirking when he does.” Small but scary,” he admits, causing his female friend to quirk an eyebrow.

“This one? This runt is scary?”She said and grabbed a small and balanced warhammer from her belt. “ I won’t make her suffer then.”

As the orc moved in, she was quick and well built but clearly inexperneced. Ginger threw up a shield, the purple crackling energy taking the hit from the weapon as she rolled aside, casting away her cloak.”You have my mate, and I want her back!” She snarled as they got a look at her. She was in leather pants and a tunic; her arms were exposed.

They were covered in scars with chain-like tattoos. They wove up her arms past her elbows and disappeared under her green wool top.

The orc hesitated at the sight of the markings on the other woman.“If you are her mate, I will spare, but we need her.” She said firmly as a small bell rang from the clearing. Ginger brushed the snow off her front.

She knew that sound well; it was a small bard spell the other would use to get her to come inside for meals.” She really is alive.” The woman whispered, and she looked towards the clearing. With the orcs out of the way, she saw the two remaining ones get up and walk up to a nervous but unharmed halfling.

The shorter woman was carefully doling out stew into a bowl and holding it up for each Orc to take. As the female lead reached out for Ginger, the witch took a breath and stilled her own instincts to let the orc lead her towards the camp.

It was in shambles, and ginger, getting a better look, realized the orcs were pale and thin-looking compared to what they should be. “ You will stay in the tent with the fire keeper, and then when the cold leaves you will too.” The leader says calmly. Ginger yanks free from her grasp and runs up to the redhead, giving them food.

Before Poppy knows what’s happening, she lets out a yelp of surprise as her lover scoops her up and hugs her against herself. Ginger, one who never showed this deep of a reaction to losing anyone, burst into tears as she held onto Poppy and buried her face in the other women’s hair.

“H-hey, it’s ok, I’m ok, I promise, they scared me to I get it. I promise, I’m ok.” She babbled, gently gripping Ginger’s top and letting the larger woman pet her head and just make sure for a few moments that she was real.” I thought I’d lost you. I thought…”

The witch managed as the other shushed her.” It’s ok, yeah, I was scared too, but they were just ginger their half-starved, they don’t even know how to make fire. I couldn’t just run off, and squirrelburt is hibernating. I’m sorry I couldn’t send a message.”

Ginger sighed as her breathing slowed down, very aware they had a curious audience. “ Poppy, you realize orcs are created war machines? If they hadn’t been a band of the broken, you’d be dead, or you would be the stew,” she said as she felt a new, aggravated burst of outrage on Poppy’s behalf.

The halfing grunted and slowly pulled away. “ I get it, it’s why I stabbed one so you could find us. I know what you can do, iv seen you incinerate a wall during one of your episodes, Ginger. “ The shorter woman said, crossing her arms.” Look, I’m being serious, they were half dead. I even had to use that mending spell you taught me, the blankets they were given are full or well were full of holes.”

Ginger couldn’t help but smile a little at that. Poppy did have a natural affinity for magic, but it tended to be more art-based, unlike hers. Standing, she turns to look at the large female who clearly ruled over the damaged group. “ Tell me something, if you are a capable leader, why can’t you make fire? Why are you starving rather than using snares or at least raiding a village? Not that I condone raiding a village, it just comes to mind.”

The orc woman looked uncertain; she gripped her arm, not meeting Ginger’s eyes. The witch took a second to think, looking her over. It was then she noticed, this orc looked more human than the others, especially in the face. Her eyes widened.” You’re a made man, I’m guessing a former enemy. That makes no sense, you should have been trained afterwards. What happened?”

The orc sighed and slowly sat on a nearby log, causing it to creak beneath her. “ The war ended right after I woke. Our unit scrambled, and I was told to take the ruined ones. They said that the ruined didn’t listen, and without the mage who made us, they weren’t worth anything.”She admits running a hand through her hair.

“They are my brother and sisters. What am I to do? I can’t leave them. But I don’t know how to make fire, I don’t know how to hunt. We don’t remember when we are broken.” She admits looking exhausted and not meeting Ginger’s gaze.

Ginger heard the soft gasp and whimper from Poppy, and she glanced down at her.
“Oh, no, no, no, there are enough in our cottage,” Ginger said firmly as the other looked up at her. The halfling’s soft hazel eyes were full of tears.” But they’re just big kids, look at them. If we leave them out here, they’ll starve.”

Ginger sighed, glancing back at the group. They weren’t even in proper armor, but rags. She could imagine they’d sold it for what little they did have. Pinching the bridge of her nose, she nods after a moment.

”Fine, they can come for a couple of nights to warm and eat. Meantime, you and I will teach them to mend and basic survival. I have some snares. If she is a made man blank or not, our lovely lady is made to learn.” She says calmly, glancing at the orc woman, who looked uncertain before she nodded.

“Y-yes, I’ll learn anything we will pay you back.” She said firmly, standing up and lumbering over the ginger. Before the witch could protest, she was scooped up into a massive hug of the orc woman.”UGh! Oh, ok um, that’s nice, dear. Only a few nights well get you set up close by after.” She muttered into the stranger’s neck before being sat back down.

“Thank you, you may call me Ofelia! I will be in your debt.” She says firmly as the other orcs echo her claim, each touching a spot on their chest close to their hearts.

                                 Home 

When Ellen woke, it was the sound of many voices that greeted her. Four orcs, one cooking, on the outside splitting wood, and another two in the houses helping Ginger take her time working on different pieces of wood. Parchment was scattered across the table, showing various ways to make paint, runes, and images of soldiers or horses, and even a princess.” Mine is a bit.” Ofelia said, looking at the badly carved horse in her hands.

Ginger smiled and looked it over.” You need to switch tools. The basic shape is good now, you smooth it.” She says gently, glancing towards the door as she spots their starry-eyed child staring at the group of strangers with an excited smile on her face.” Momma, we have guests!” She called as she ran up to the table, trying to peek at the new toys. “Yes, and you’ll be helping us make gifts as well. So come and join us, little one.” The woman said softly to her daughter as the group began preparations for their unexpected shared holiday.

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( authors note) this is a cozy winter prompt challange response! Provided by I hope you guys enjoy and I love my little found family. Seems to get bigger by the day hehe.

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Previous~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

( The village outskirts)

​

Alba stood outside the village of Pern Castle. The sounds of joy, the smell of fried foods cooking, and even the scent of flowers nearly overwhelmed her. After Esmemray’s talk, Alba had taken her offer and immediately been given a chance to wear less constricting clothes. “I simply had hoped you’d adjust, but perhaps you’d prefer breeches to a dress? Like the first day we met?” The vampire had asked before taking her hand and leading the human woman away from the balcony.

​

She was in some pants and a loose linen shirt, and her hair was tied back loosely with a red ribbon. The woman stood just beyond the light’s reach, feeling almost like an unwelcome invader. Her stomach was twisted in knots as she hugged herself in the dark, just beyond the touch of humanity.

A hand came to rest on her shoulder; the chill of it was all too familiar. The castle’s cold seemed to cling to her very soul. Alba felt like an intruder even in the light she once reveled in. Esmeray looked down at the raven-haired human. The ethereal blonde was dressed in black leather trousers and a brown dyed shirt of her own. Her smile was no longer stained by her makeup. “Go on then, you have been starving yourself for weeks, I insist you at least have a pastry if not for you then me. I often wonder what your food tastes like. Humans revel in it so often, it must be special.” She said with a soft chuckle, sharp fangs flashing in the semidarkness.

Before the human could protest, she was gently pushed forward. Stumbling into the light, the woman froze, very aware of several eyes on her. A small group of woman who had been chatting close to a smaller crystal cluster about the size of a cow paused their conversation. One with pigtails of dark hair similar to Albas smiled so brightly and wandered over after a very enthusiastic wave.

​

“ Hello! Oh, you must be an import like me, it’s a pleasure to meet you! I’m Ninda.” The girl said brightly. She couldn’t have been more than fifteen but was dressed in a lovely layered green and cream ensemble.

“ Wait, are you Nobility? “The hunter asked, a bit surprised to see a Noble living amongst the serfs. The girl smirked and curtsied for the other.” Yes, I had my coming of age banquet just before the plunge, actually.” She held her hand up to, whisper to the other. “ If you’re going to insist on men’s clothes, I think you should bow, silly. It’s only polite.” Ninda said with a chuckle, ruffling her dress with a strange joy that brought a smile to the pale visitor’s face.

Alba took a moment to bow properly to the young lady, crossing her hand over her chest instead of her stomach to show a heartfelt response rather than just something respectable.” My apologies, oh noble lady.” She said with a snort, bursting into a soft chortle as the other girl clapped and giggled.

​

“Yes, that’s more like it! Oh, you must be starving. Come on, then my father is cooking for us. We just learned how to make street foods more recently, and he adores it, says he’s going to corner the market in hand pies!” Ninda said, gently gripping Albas hand and tugging her towards the group of other women.

The hunter glanced back, seeing that Esmeray had stayed just out of the light’s reach. The vampire had pulled her hood down and was standing with her arms crossed, watching. She had a satisfied but almost broken look on her face. How had Alba begun to read her so well? Her thoughts were interrupted as a warm hand pie was thrust into her grip by one of the women. A redhead in more common dress. The new stranger had a bit of weight to her, suggesting she’d been eating well.

​

Tears well up in Alba’s eyes at that thought. That the people of the villages of light were getting real food and enough to be healthy like this. The thoughts however, come to a screaming halt when Ninda speaks somewhere behind her.

Oy, who’s that at the village line? Did she come with you, gentleman, lady?”Ninda said, giving the hunter only a moment to look back and see the girl starting to step away.” She’s like a beautiful living marble, my gods, I’m jealous!

“Wait, Ninda! Alba called beyond a mouthful of the pie, the meats, veggies, and the warm buttery scent had been too much to ignore, so she had already taken a mouthful. Albas’ words came out a bit muffled, and Ninda didn’t even look back as she practically ran to the edge of the village light.

Smiling, the girl in pink spoke up gently and, before the group’s eyes, reached out, grabbing the tall blonde’s hand. The former Hunter snorted, a bit mortified and actually finding the situation funny, as a very surprised-looking vampire was tugged into the crystal’s light by the teenager.

​

The vampire didn’t resist and once close enough to the women, was surrounded, and the larger redhead gently nudged Alba towards her. “Let’s get a proper look at the two of yah in the glow, yeah?”

​

She said, resting her hands on her hips as the matriarch looked the two of them up and down. Alba felt the scrutiny but was finishing up her pie; she needed the fuel. A couple of woman gently reached out, getting a look at Esermay first. One gently played with a lock of hair, while another lifted back her cloak a little to spy at her clothes.

​

“ My she’s dressed like a rouge !” the one checking behind Esermay said as the other with her hair smiled.” Oh, your hair is just lovely, girl, my, my, you must make the men swoon.” The white haired villager said with a sound of delight.” If you like, I can help you style it sometime, anything you want. I’ve learned so much from different places since coming here.”

​

Ninda smirked with her arms crossed, looking the vampire up and down, who was giving a look of utter uncertainty about what to do in the situation. She was stiff as Ninda gently took her hand and smiled.” Hey, it’s alright, love, well, look after you both. You shouldn’t skulk around all alone in the dark yah know. “

​

Alba gently brushed the teenager aside, taking her spot beside the other.” she comes from the castle, she’s a guard there, and I am a resident hunter and servant.” The hunter said calmly, causing a curious mix of glances as the redheaded woman spoke up.”Ah, I see, usually we have many come from all sorts of places. The beacon villages only come to certain places full of magic, I hear. So we all traveled as we must. Come on, then let’s sit an eat. “ The older woman said, motioning for the group to follow her.

Esermay let out a soft breath as the women broke apart and followed, though Ninda stayed close to the two newcomers.

“ Thank you, Alba, I didn’t know what to do. Is this normal for human women? To be so close and fawn over one another?” she asked quietly. Alba glanced up at her, taking the time to play with the ribbon in her own hair.

​

“ It usually takes trust or a really good person. They turn on each other and sabotage one another just as harshly.” She admits with a small smile and a shrug.

​

Ninda spoke up, having fallen back to be next to the two of them. “You know I hear the villages are being made by dark beings? They are popping up, and people speak about traveling bands of night creatures forging the crystals. I wonder how many more will form over time…” The teen said and smiled at the two as they headed further into the village towards the smell of cooking stew and the sound of laughter mixed with music.

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(Authors Note) well, that’s the final note for now. I’d love to answer any questions about this world you have. Also, if you guys are interested in possibly more later, please tell me. Give me some ideas what you think the world is like or the Nature of those vampires not like Esermay.

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The Grand Hall bustled with dancers decked in lace and silk that night. It was an important celebration that the crown prince, by sunrise, would become the nation’s king.

Ginger felt surrounded even though she wore a butterfly mask. Her dress was too much, in her opinion, with too many layers and sequins made of crushed crystals. The prince had insisted, and though his servants had brought it, she remembered the accompanied letter very well.

“A green as deep as the forest to match your eyes. I make my announcement after my first dance. Will you save yours for me?”

She’d turned a humiliating shade of red, much to the glee of her chambermaid. It still shocked the witch to know that a man of royal blood would even turn his attention her way.

With a sigh, she sipped the drink in hand, taken from a passing tray. Her eyes scanned the crowd, and though she didn’t see his mother, she saw the prince. He stood across the room chatting with several high-born men and women. All of them dressed in excess; however, William’s outfit with tender blues and golds seemed different. His mask was, funnily enough, a dog. She smiled at the thought of that and the time she had been at his side when he pulled one from a puddle. The servants had been aghast, but Ginger’s heart had mended a small bit that day just seeing how proud he looked.

“Of course, it wouldn’t do for him to ignore his subjects.” She thought, smiling despite herself as she watched him.

His eyes caught hers, and Ginger realized his playful smile was only for the woman in her green dress, standing alone while others mingled.

“Ginger! How is my favorite warmonger, a smooth voice called.” The very sound of Igreu’s friendly tone made the witch’s skin crawl. “Court mage.” The woman acknowledged dipping her head and lifting one side of her dress skirt. “It’s a former warmonger to you. I’ve been the prince’s personal guard for months now. “

She said, reminding the man who no longer made poisonous gas and magical traps that; the peace treaties had finally been signed. Ginger would know there was one less enemy faction because of her own unit on the battlefield.

“Ah, yes, to peace!” the man said with a bright grin, tossing back his own drink. He was a bit scrawny for a well-paid man. Though she had to admit his beard and hair were well cared for, and it gave him a disarmingly kind look. Though she’d seen that kind face smiling rather cruelly as blood splashed across it.

“Indeed.” She glanced back towards the prince, surprised to see he was being talked to by another servant. “Why not share the first dance with me tonight, Ginger? Let another magic user serve you well?” Igrue asked, his voice calm as he held out his hand to her.

Ginger didn’t care for the rules of engagement. ” I’m sorry Igreu, you’ll be my second. The prince has asked me to be his first tonight. So who am I to deny him on such an important evening?” The other mage sighed. “That really is too bad; I thought you’d rebuke his approaches. When he admitted he planned to announce your engagement tonight, I really thought you’d laugh in his face.” The man said, sounding upset.

When Ginger glanced back at him, her eye caught the black voids of his. The woman looked away quickly, and purple electricity sparked across her palm. The woman didn’t even flinch when the wine flute in her hand exploded. The pain would be useful; it would make it harder for Igreu to ensnare her mind.

The pure joy she had felt knowing the Prince would ask for her hand had been snuffed instantly as her trained instincts took over. ” Igreu, I can look at anything I want besides your eyes and keep you in sight. Do you think you’re going to hit me first?” Almost whispered, her voice calm.

“Oh, I doubt you’ll struggle much after that…” He said calmly, sipping his drink and glancing past her. Ginger’s eyes snapped towards where she’d last seen William. She shouldn’t have looked away, but the sudden screams as she did and the blood on the floor answered her unspoken fear.

People panicked trying to flee as mages stepped from the shadows and cast fire into them. It was the black spectral chains that grabbed Ginger’s wrists and neck that stopped her from striking Igreu down. She screamed in pain as power flowed down the chains, shocking her. ” Witch Hunters…”

“I had really hoped a war dog like you would have been smart and chosen the side that has more to give. Well, more than some happy peasants and a forest full of Fae and monsters.” He chastised, grabbing her hair and leaning in.

The woman glared at him, but a strange smell distracted her. (Rosemary, there was no rosemary that night?) She thought, looking around as the scene shifted, looking not so real. Faces now became less well-defined, and colors began to blur softly.

Screams slowly faded, replaced with the sound of voices she knew. “Mommy?”

Ginger heard herself gasp, even sob softly, as her hands gripped something solid and metal. Eventually, the world bled back in.

The sounds of that night left her behind, replaced by the sound of a crackling fire and soft voices. “Easy, Ellen, last time I touched her too soon she nearly took my head off. Ginger-nut…sweetie, it’s us. Your home, the little cottage in the woods, remember?” The voice called, steady and gentle.

Poppy—yes, her name was Poppy. Memories of a bed full of warm halfing and cold dragon-blooded feet filled the former warmage’s mind. Ginger let out a sigh, clinging to the edge of the pot she’s been scrubbing. The woman couldn’t even remember what had triggered the episode.

“Ginger you ok? I got a blanket. Can I touch you?” Poppy called to her a little louder this time. Slowly the witch nodded, closing her eyes and letting out a soft breath. “Yes, I… I’m sorry.” The witch whispered, almost choking on the words as a warm blanket was wrapped around her lower back. The halfling was too short to put it around her shoulders. “No need to be sorry, ok? Come on, you need a warm drink…” The redheaded halfing muttered, carefully tugging at Ginger’s hand to lead her back to the table in the center of their cramped little kitchen.

Ginger pulled her sleeves down as she sat, trying to hide the scars on her wrists and upper arms. However, a small child’s fingers touched Ginger’s left hand. It had an old scar on the back of it, the shape of a bursting star. Ellen couldn’t know the pain or the story, but she traced her tiny fingers along it, and for some reason Ginger felt seen, not judged.

“One day when you are older I will tell you the stories of all of them if you wish.” The woman said gently and didn’t fight it when their child climbed into her lap and cuddled up against Ginger’s front, settling in.

The sound of Poppy whistling and working to make a pot of hot cocoa was a welcome change from the many years Ginger spent in isolation. Closing her eyes, the woman just relaxed, taking in this new moment, hoping it would help counter the old ones that often gave her trouble. Thankfully, they seemed to come less frequently these days.

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(Authors Note)

I hope you guys enjoyed another Ginger oriented short. Please comment below, let’s chat. This was a suggested prompt by

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The former hunter took a few deep breaths, wringing her hands and trying to stay calm. The woman’s black hair had been pulled back and tied with a ribbon. The former hunter grunted as the corset Esmeray’s thralls had stuffed her into was being secured. “My apologies, Lady Alba, I’ll be sure not to secure this too tightly. If the Queen intends to bring you to her chambers tonight, I’d prefer not to be punished if you have bruising. “ The woman said with a shaky voice.

Alba felt numb, aside from the growing feeling, like she had a pit in her stomach. “ So this is it then? She’s done waiting. I suppose it won’t be so bad, I’ll not remember, or she can tug at my mind to make me want it anyway.” The young woman thought as she stared at the ground. How could she hope to outmaneuver something so ancient? The woman bites her lip, letting out a stifled gasp as the corset was adjusted again.

​

“ I worry so deeply she will seek me until the end, do you believe this to be true?” It was a lot to deal with, to even absorb. Being called a vampire, the most treasured object of affection. Though Alba didn’t want the title, she could see it more now.

​

Food was always available, servants who should spit at her or treat her as a feeder acted as if she were nobly born. Something Alba had never been; her family were serfs. A farm hand and a seamstress, actually.

Her chambers had always been warm; servants brought hot coals to put under the mattress. The servant interrupted her thoughts as she helped pull her dress down over the undergarments.

​

“I believe so, my lady, our mistress has doted on you since your arrival. Many of her chambermaids are jealous. She feeds on them and simply sends them away. Yet she speaks of you often and asks them about you, especially as you insisted on sharing our duties.” The servant said calmly, beginning to tie ribbons to secure the dresses back.

“Though unlike you, huntress, most of us have been raised to serve the nobility of the land. We are often traded or grandfathered in with the younglings. It depends on who you serve. “ With a grunt, she shifted the back off the dress before returning attention to the ribbons.

​

“You can be cherished, even loved, but in the end, it is their choice to trade you off or give you more. If we truly will have no food soon, and the cold will kill the land. Is it such a terrible thing to have the eyes of the one who can feed and clothe you, ma’am?”

​

Alba smiled despite herself and grunted. These clothes were so restrictive, she was used to breeches and men’s clothes. They were better for the hunt. The woman closed her eyes, thinking about what she could do. If the vampire brought her to its chambers, that may be the chance to end it. However, if Esmeray were a born vampire, would the standard tactics even work? What was she even weak to, except perhaps the sun?

​

“ I was a hunter, as you know, and it feels wrong to even be here. My companions, there, were three of us and a man waiting outside with the horses. We knew she was planning to kill the sun, my group had worked so hard to get to her, and I-I…”

​

Alba felt the trickle of tears down her pale cheeks. “ I hesitated. My companions, my closest friends, died in front of me that day. She slaughtered them. I can’t even fully remember what happened to me.” She pinched the bridge of her nose, trying to steady herself for what was about to come next.

The other woman gently gripped the distraught hunter’s shoulder and rubbed her back.” There, there, dear, I can’t tell you much. I joined the castle shortly after you arrived, myself. We all make mistakes; sometimes, fate puts us on a path we least expect. Usually, as sad as it must be, we often find we leave those behind we always thought would travel that road with us.”

​

The former hunter smiled a little despite herself. It was true they had lost others on their initial journey, and now she was the last. “ Thank you.” The woman said simply. Taking a deep breath, she runs her hands down her skirts, smoothing them out. Once the last of the preparations were made, Alba left the chambers and made her way deeper into the castle, seeking out the upper floor.

​

The huntress felt a twinge of guilt-laden fear as she stared at the door. Her breathing came quick, and her lungs felt like they weren’t getting enough air. Dresses were so heavy, how did most women stand it? No wonder noble ladies often had attendants or men doting on them; she couldn’t have handled growing up this way. She sighed, pressing her forehead to the door. “Look at me, thinking about everything I can to not wonder about Esmeray and what’s beyond this fucking door.”

When the door finally slipped open, Alba found herself looking at an empty castle hall. The walls were broken away in some places, revealing the night sky. She could feel a strange warmth on her skin. “Why is it warm here? If the castle is broken, the chill of the night should be worse.” The hunter thought as she reached out, feeling a warm breeze that caused goose bumps to rise on her skin.

​

Finally, her eyes fixed on a figure in red standing at the end of the hall. Ezermay stood with her back turned to Alba. The other woman was bathed in a strange light coming from beyond the stone balcony where she was waiting.

​

“She’s not even worried about having her back to me. What was it like? I, Alba, only managed to take a few steps into the hall when Esemeray called to her. “Come, my Sol, I wish to show you something special here tonight.”The vampire said, gently shifting to look at Alba and smile at her. It was a sad, wistful smile as if she could break at any moment, especially if Alba denied her.

Each step felt like the world was shrinking for the former hunter. She kept her head high, hoping the night would end swiftly. However, as the human approached the balcony, she heard the first soft notes of music. It was May Day celebration music, a song Alba knew all too well.

​

She paused, not reaching the spot next to Esmeray, staring towards the balcony with uncertainty. It was true vampires liked music, but this felt too alive to be imperfect, to be the songs of the elegant predators.

The blonde woman at the end of the hall smiled brighter and motioned to the spot at her side. “So you hear the music even at this distance, I was worried, please come.’’ The elegantly dressed vampire practically purred, smiling at the younger woman who approached cautiously. Alba was almost like a timid deer afraid to hope as she reached the balcony and the light. It filled the hall and at first, she mistook it for the fixtures that often lit the oppressive castle halls.

​

Below in the castle’s massive outer ward, a village of serfs was filled with light. Large crystals, purple and blue hued with a green tint, pulsed and stood out at its center. Wild fragments similar to the main mass were scattered around the area. She heard the songs more clearly now, mixed with the sound of singing voices and laughter.

A strangled whimper escaped her lips as tears flowed down her cheeks. She was staring at humans, living villagers and the sound of merriment. The shadows of children running and playing, along with the scents of warm food, wafted up from below. The savory taste of rabbit stew filled her senses. Looking beyond the courtyard, she saw similar glows far into the distance, like beacons in the night.

“ I did not leave your people to freeze and starve, Alba, nor will I ever do so. Please forgive me for waiting this long. I had hoped I could show you once you had chosen to be at my side.” The Vampire’s voice had a deeper note to it, and with a lick of her lips, she looked down, avoiding Alba’s gaze.

“I see now that likely won’t happen, and I wanted to let you see there is still light in this dark world waiting for you and the other humans.” The blonde reached out slowly, looking at the hunter with an expression she couldn’t name. “ May I?” she asked softly, her voice thick with emotion as she rubbed a thumb across Alba’s cheek, brushing away her tear.

​

The hunter slowly fell to her knees, sobbing softly, filled with a sudden, fragile hope. Her body and heart felt so light compared to what they had been. A steady hand rested on her shoulder, but the vampire didn’t do anything else. Just sitting with the crying woman patiently.“ She cast us into darkness, but she.. She saved them, I can feel warmth like a crackling fire from here, like a springs’ day. Is that why they are singing for May Day even though we should be winter?” She wondered to herself as she gripped the railing and stared out at the beautiful sight.

“The other lights are they?” The woman managed to whisper, unable to tear her gaze away from the beautiful glow. The blonde creature reached out and brushed her fingers through Alba’s dark hair. “Five villages and a small city known as Umbra. “ The creature said, gently pulling her hand back after the initial touch as if aware it may make the other uncomfortable.

​

“ I cast power into the earth, and she answers my call. Old mines, the lay lines, and the moon’s power create those stones. So even when I have long gone, humanity will have warmth and light.”

​

Alba let out a soft sob, pure joy and disbelief filled her thoughts as she stared down at the people. “ But why? Why bother? Unless just to feast?”

​

There was a soft chuckle from the vampire. “Well, that would be useful, having food, yes. However, there is more to it. My children have spread far and wide. They have grown fat and lazy, just like your human nobles. So I assumed, with no sun to cage them, they would erupt from the darkness in their arrogance.” She sighed, her voice filled with a note of anger.

​

“I have killed two clans already, and I don’t intend to stop until the unruly and animalistic are cast from this world. “ Slowly rising, she offered a pale hand to the human woman.” Do you want to see the village up close, Alba? They often speak of wanting to meet you, after all, you were my inspiration for this, my beautiful light in the darkness…”

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{Authors Note}

Hey everyone I hope your enjoying this as much as I am. This is the second serial segment of my story and one more for now is on the way. Continue below for a special chapter image!

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Ginger sat on a rocking chair wrapped in her fur-lined cloak. Notes of tangled wild red hair poked out around her pale, freckled face. She worked her needle and thread carefully, making a triple knot on a piece of fabric she’s been working on for the last several days.

The snow fell all around her porch, covered in piles of junk. It would look like chaos to others, but to her, it was order, she knew where every haphazard piece and scrap was.

She heard the running steps and muffled voices inside just before Ellen burst through the door. The blonde child was barefoot and in a refitted green tunic that used to be Ginger’s. “What have I told you about kicking the door, Ellen? It’s not so easily repaired. And until you learn that spell, I expect you to treat it with care.”

Ellen ran up to her adoptive mother and pouted. ” But you can use magic to fix it. I’ve seen you, Momma Ginger!” She said, stamping her foot with a little huff and a plume of purple fire from her lips. Ginger has to smile at that. The child’s fire color seemed to pick up on Ginger’s enchantment color.

“It may be true that I could repair it as often as I wish. That’s not the point, child, when you can care for something. It shows how important it is.” She reached out and gently poked the child on the nose.

Standing up, the witch stretched and sighed. Glanced at the child touched by dragon’s blood and shook her head. “Magic is a double-edged sword. It can do much, but if you can do something yourself just by taking the extra time. It means you earn more from it. That way when the magic does come. It’s all the more valuable.”

The witch in her favorite green dress with a couple brown cloth patches on the skirt of it stopped down to grab some small leather boots next to the door. She always kept them covered in a cloth to protect them while outside. The child’s eyes lit up the moment she saw the boots.

“We’re going out, Momma?” She cried brightly and snagged the boots, running back inside. The woman waited until Ellen had gone to the bedroom they all shared. She chuckled as she heard her chattering so excitedly to a very confused and drowsy-sounding Poppy.

Sure that their child wouldn’t see it yet. The witch unfastened her embroidery hoop and pulled free a cloak enchanted to grow with the ever-changing child in their home.

From what Ginger’s non-human friends have told her. A child like Ellen would age quickly until the beginning of her adult development, meaning a teenager. Thankfully, that would likely take two years. However, Ginger wasn’t even sure how old the child truly was, as she had been left in a basket at the cottage door shortly before a drunk and lost Poppy had shown up.

Ginger stepped inside long enough to start packing a satchel with bread, cheeses, and dried soup she had wrapped in waxed cloth. Smiling, she found a small pile of meat pies on the table. She took some of those as well. They were filled with dried peas, carrots, and potatoes with rabbit meat.

Poppy’s recipes were always hearty and flavorful. The meat and vegetables had been cooked in a thick gravy to bring them back to life. The witch took a bite out of one, eating it quickly to wake up her body for the coming trip.

Spotting a small pile of sweet bread as well, she actually chuckled. “Ahh, it wouldn’t be a Halfling breakfast without the salty and sweet. She admitted tucking away three of the sweet bread slices in her bag. They still had about three months left of winter, but Ginger was no longer as worried.

Ellen was happily chatting with Poppy. Ginger caught the whole conversation, being only a hung-up piece of cloth and a walk away from the two.

“Poppy! C’mon, we’re going out.” There was a soft, grumbly sigh. ” I’ll go next time. Elli, I promise, but I’m not much for winter. Usually got more energy in the sunny months. I’ll be up later in the day.” She grumbled and looked up with a head of messy hair and bags under her eyes when Ginger wandered in.

The witch came to the halfling’s rescue with a gentle hand on top of the child’s head. ” Ellen, Poppy’s people are more in tune with nature and the shift of season than we are. Now in an emergency, she’d already be alert. However, this time of year she’ll snooze the early hours away like a bear sleeps in its den.” She says with a gentle smile, letting out a snort when Poppy pointed a finger at her.

“Yeah, that! That’s it, kid, go on and take your ride; I’ll make it up to you, Okies.” She grumbled, smiling gratefully to the witch as she buried herself under the several layers of blankets on the bed.

Ellen smiled and giggled. ” It’s like the rabbit burrow you showed me. All buried up so she can sleep through winter.” She says with a smile as she leads Ginger from the room by her hand.

“Very true, I think Poppy stays up longer than she would alone.” The witch says calmly, waiting and responding as the question comes. ” Wait…why? If she’s tired, she should sleep.”

“Because she cares very much about us, and she doesn’t want to miss time she can afford to share.” The woman says simply. The child was quiet and well-behaved, and Ginger finished preparation.

The witch even donned flexible leather armor for her torso. It wasn’t much, but it would give her a chance if they were ever caught off guard. As she took care of that, the young dragon touched was happily munching away at the food left on the table.

Finally, they made it out the door. The woman walked steadily toward the edge of the wood, not too far beyond her porch. While Ellen jumped through the snow and left as many marks as she could along the way.

Ginger felt a small twinge of pride, seeing the child in the green cloak she had made. It had brown earthy marks that made it beautiful. The little girl’s smile made it an even more special sight. She sighed, surprising herself with how she felt. The little girl and Poppy hadn’t even arrived too long ago.

“Are you ready?” She asked absently, not waiting for an answer, as she brought her forefinger and thumb to her lips and blew. A sharp, whistle-like crack filled the clearing, causing what few birds were singing nearby to go quiet.

Ginger felt him before seeing him. As her child clung to her arm, digging fingers into old exposed scars, Ginger’s eyes focused on the woods.

A large deer with no antlers slowly pranced out. He had fang-like tusks and a soft creamy brown coloration. His dark eyes glanced at the two of them before he slowly trotted forward.

The witch glanced down as she felt her child shy away. Slowly she bent down, looking at her. This caused her hair to fall around her face, so when Ellen giggled at the sight, Ginger smiled in return.

“This is my friend Thistle; he likes sarsaparilla root and apples. I doubt he eats spicy little girls.” She said a bit too seriously, causing a nice bout of laughter from the little one.

“So he doesn’t eat people?” She asks, clearly no longer scared as Ginger picked her up and sat her carefully on the beast’s back. “No, but he will protect us, and his kick can hurt, so you must never stand behind him.”

Ginger lifted her skirts and sighed. With a snap of her fingers and the sound of shears cutting fabric, her skirt was transformed into men’s breeches. She ignored the startled gasp of surprise from Ellen and climbed up behind her.

Tucking her arms around the little girl, a set of reins appears in her hands. ” Lean back against me. I’m excited to show you the local village. Perhaps we can find playmates for you.” She said Ellen did speak, but before she could really be heard, the deer bounded off into the woods. The child’s warmth helped keep the chill at bay. Ginger made sure to tuck her own cloak around the little one; the butter-colored fur was soft and inviting even after all these years.

His body moved like living water, firm and powerful yet elegant. Ginger tried to hear her daughter’s words, but the wind was a bit too much of a hassle, and eventually Ellen gave up, just cuddling back against her.

Slowly they drifted through the lightly falling snow and the trees covered in downy blankets of frost. Even on a cloudy day, they could see the lights of the waiting village behind the trees and the sounds of singing and laughter waiting for them.

Authors note

hey everyone this has been a fun This is part two of my Ginger short serial and I keep getting inspired by winter prompts lol. Here is the prompt giver this theme I believe was magic books leading to travel, but I may be quoting it wrong. (continue below for a bonus image for our story and you guys who made it this far!)

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Gothic Lunarpunk / Dark Romance (Lesbian)

( conent warning ⚠️CONTENT WARNINGS (CW): This post contains Mentions of captivity, attempts at food control, violence, Mentions of blood ⚠️

Alba scrubbed the floors close to the entrance of the castle. Fingers were stiff, and her knees burned. However, she accepted this fate compared to what else she’d been offered.

The black-haired woman paused only a moment to stare out the window above her. The stars shine brightly, and a crescent moon mocked the world like a cruel smile. She felt her aching fingers curl into fists. The sky had been in a never-ending rotation of night for a month now.

The moon changed and was out half the day, as it should be. However, when the sun should have risen, all that came was twilight. It was as if the sun were afraid to cross the threshold of the horizon. “How many people are beginning to starve now? Surely no crops will grow, and the cold will spread unending.” She slowly picked up her bucket and brush, ignoring the dust and grime on her dress and bare feet.

It was about that time; her internal clock had always been keyed in for the times of day. Even now, it didn’t fail her. Alba stiffened when a set of men in fancy clothes stepped out of the dining room door.

“The queen wishes an audience.” One said stiffly, “But at least he faked some formality.” The other man just looked agitated. “This again, really? Why must the queen even ask again and again?” He muttered, stepping up to Alba.

The young woman didn’t even flinch; she’d learned most of the staff wouldn’t dare touch her. He glared down at her. “Make your choice already, girl. You should be grateful; you’re going to die one way or another. Sooner or later, our lady only needs to grow bored, and she’ll stop having food collected for you. So you should submit and humble yourself in response to her patience and offerings.”

He said, turning on his heel and walking away. The other motions for Alba. ” Come, Lady Alba, it’s time for your nightly meal with the mistress of the castle.

Esmeray was waiting, as always, at a small table to the side of the main one. Her blonde hair and pale skin already marked her for a rare nobility. Though, the deep crimson eyes gave the vampire away for what she was. Alba often wondered what Esmeray’s eyes had been like in life.

The human woman came to stand at the edge of the table. It was much too small for her liking. ” A servant’s table doesn’t belong in the dining room, my lady. “ She said shakily, giving a curtsy to the monster before her.

“Why, why couldn’t I just stake her? It’s my own damn fault my partners are dead. That there is no more sunlight.” She shook her head, focusing on the beautiful, pale woman staring at her. The lady of the castle’s eyes seemed just as tired as Alba felt.

She bore a red smile thanks to her lip stain, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “I may be able to hear things very well, but you do not. I thought it only fair that both of us not have the urge to yell in order to be heard.” She said with a soft shrug, the woman’s blue dress was speckled with red hearts.

Esmeray glanced down at the human legs; Alba felt her face turn red, and she could feel her knees trying to knock together. The vampire nodded towards the empty seat with a covered plate. ” Sit, Alba, please don’t make me command it tonight. I can hear your joints and the knocking of your knees.”

Alba wanted to deny it, to scream at the other, but she was exhausted. Slowly she sat, tucking her hands under the table. The raven-haired Hunter felt so exposed to the vampire’s calm gaze.

The human didn’t touch the silver cover on the dish. Instead, she took the teacup next to it, sipping from it. Likewise, the blonde vampire sipped from her own. Alba wondered which of the staff had been bled to supply her new mistress’s meal.

Esmeray spoke once she placed her cup down. ”So you will refuse to eat tonight as well, Alba?” The blonde asked softly, tilting her head. The former huntress across from the vampire shuddered. They could appear so human, but the non-human instincts often peeked through even the oldest of them.

“You surprise and disappoint me. I would have assumed someone who hates me with such fury as you do. Would save her strength and eat, if anything, to look for the opportune time to kill me.” She said calmly, twining her fingers together and placing her elbows on the table, looking over them at the rather stubborn human.

Alba stared at the offending plate and said nothing. Getting a sigh from the other. This has become their routine. In silence, she hoped perhaps the other would finally lose interest. Letting the dark-haired huntress join her brethren on the other side.

“Alba, I have something I wish to show you on the upper floor.” The blonde said, her voice oddly gentle, as if she was afraid of spooking a rabbit.

“What is it? I’m not allowed there; I’ve been thrown down the stairs before for trying to go there.” Alba said her body tensed as a growl erupted from the beautiful woman across from her. The human woman’s fingers wrapped around her wooden fork. It wouldn’t do much, but any weapon right now would make her feel better.

“Who would dare?”

The vampire snarled in a very cold, almost distant tone. The former huntress nodded towards the door. “The guy in pantaloons, he told me to surrender tonight, that I would waste away and starve once you got bored enough.” She said, hoping to poke the bear a bit, she doubted the other would kill her personal guard. But any distraction may be a chance to slip out of an unguarded door.

The vampire stood with unsettling ease, looking down at Alba with a strange, half-angry glare. “I will return in a moment.” Esmeray whispered, her voice nearly inaudible as she stalked towards the doors.

Alba grabbed the small loaf of bread on the table, stuffing the pockets on her apron. She got up and was about halfway across the dining room heading towards the kitchen when the door was thrown open.

The human ducked on instinct as the man she’d accused landed hard on the dining table. Silverware and a candelabra were thrown onto the floor. The former huntress barely understood what was going on before a chair was snagged by Esmeray; the angry blonde vampire snapped a wooden leg off in her rage-filled elegance.

“Oh shit! Is she actually going to kill her most trusted aide because of me? Is she insane?”

The blonde vampire had the man in the powdered wig pinned to the dining table. He was terrified, pleading for his life. “M-my lady! I swear whatever that filthy wretch has told you is a lie. I am your most trusted advisor and protector!” he said in a strangled cough. Vampires didn’t need to breathe; however, it seemed Esmeray, his maker, could cause the sensation of suffocating.

“Is it true that you threw my Sol down a flight of stone stairs?” The vampire queen snarled, her voice dangerously calm. She glared at the man, silent, waiting for his answer. The other vampire looked mortified and stumbled to make an excuse, which, oddly enough, at the very least turned out to be the truth.

“She is just food, my lady, and she was trespassing. You gave us orders to turn her away from the upper floor until you felt the time was right. I was just following orders,” he said, rushing to answer as Alba felt the pit in her stomach grow. It wasn’t because of the situation so much as the tired smile and exhausted sigh from Esmeray.

“I truly wish you had told me something different. You speak so highly of yourself, Douglas, but you need to remember your place.” She said all this while calmly petting his head and pulling off the man’s wig, which she tosses aside with a disgusted look.

“You could have killed my Sol, my only source of light in this unending darkness. For that I must punish you. What saddens me most with your ilk is that even at two hundred, you are still so young.” She let go of the man, running her hands over the chair leg as if truly contemplating what to do next.

Douglas was no idiot; he stayed right where he was, worried any movement would trigger action. “Douglas, you were once human too; once you were just another source of food. I, however, was born as I am long before you were a twinkle in your mother’s eye.” She muttered with a small smile.

The hunter was shivering, tucked behind an overturned chair. Alba did everything to stay still; a predator ready for the hunt could be triggered by even a soft noise. Though, Esemeray’s voice filled the room with a soft tone that reminded the other two occupants of someone lost in thought.

“I remember my first years vividly. I remember the stone tool-bearing ancestors of your kind. They huddled in caves, terrified of the darkness that wrapped around me like a cloak of warmth.” She flicked a hand back for emphasis as a black shadow flowed over her limbs and then vanished with a soft puff of black smoke.

“They kept it at bay with fire and used these tools to fight the monsters and things so much bigger than them. Just like my little Sol, who fights the monsters that are the same.”


Her eyes gazed up at the ceiling for a moment as if she were looking at the night sky. “How you humans have grown so lazy, especially your nobility; you simply wear costumes and pretend you’re better than the ones you should walk hand in hand with.” With a flourish, the blonde woman’s hand gripped the man’s throat, pinning him properly once more. He let out a startled keening noise as the chair leg was lifted overhead.

“For your transgression, your prejudice, and your jealousy, I must now punish you, my old friend. Have peace in knowing the lady of darkness waits for you, as she does us all.”

Alba heard the strangled cries before fiery ash and blood trickled down from both sides of the table. She barely heard the gagging sounds, and then finally it was over.

The human servant was shaking when a pale hand cupped her cheek. Red eyes tinged with gold stared into her own. ”You’re safe, my Alba; the servants will dress you properly and bring you to the upper floor. I have something important to show you. I hope you’ll give me the chance.” Esmeray said with a voice soft as silk before walking away.

Authors Note

( So thats our begininging ! I want to make a note here that though this will be Gothic and have dark in it. I do not often go full Grim Dark there is hope at the end of this tunnel! Im excited to upload the other images. Im also trying to tool out my own drawn versions for the chapters. This will be a serial it seems.)

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This is being posted as inspired by the Frozen bueaty Prompt suggestion by ( it seems the prompts in this site are really inspiring me to flex my muscles. Iv been having a wonderful time.

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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ next

The sound of leaves underfoot had been replaced with the crunch of fresh snow. Normally this was a good thing. Snow meant fewer villagers and travelers in the area. This year however, it meant more hardship.

Sighing, a woman with fiery wild hair tucked into her fur lined cloak stepped into the small animal pen on her property. The cold of winter was shut out immediately, and this caused a small stirring of pride in her chest. She smiled and ran a finger along several runes carved into a wooden beam close to the entrance.

Some were for protection, others for temperature regulation. A few glowed red like hot coals, and that’s why the pen stayed warm even now. Ginger grabbed a small canister, relaxing at the familiar sound of clucking chicken’s.

The creatures that scurried out to meet her hissed and squawked. They looked mostly like chickens, but a purple flame erupted from their breaks. Where a fluffy feathered backside should be where scaly tails with spade tipped ends.

“ Good morning, oh don’t make a fuss now, you don’t scare me.” Ginger chuckled, tossing a couple handfuls of feed on the ground.

She took the opportunity to pile blue and brown flecked eggs into a basket. She was thankful at least that the chicken’s food should last the winter. More so that their eggs were very hearty. But her brow creased with worry. “ They need more than eggs, it’s true I always stock well before winter, but …” she sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.

“ Why did you have to arrive just before winter? I’m Glad I was able to trade for some potatoes and bone for broth, but that will get us only so far, even with my stores. I really should have made them move on.” she said tiredly as she dusts off the front of her green dress with a grunt.

But that I could get poppy to leave, she clings like an excited dog waiting for scraps.” A chuckle burbled past her lips and from deep within as she imagined the halfling’s smiling face and freckles.

“ Maybe we can make you a travel pack and take it to a village. They’d welcome you both with open arms. You’d don’t have to live in the woods cut off from others there like I do…”

She lingered as long as she could before returning to the brisk chill outside. The falling snow has changed the land. Shaping it into something otherworldly. Trees often green and kind enough to share their shade now stood naked. Slumbering waiting to offer their bounty the coming year.

Snow drifted down all around her like a curtain, promising quiet reflection and magic.

When she finally reached the front door of her cottage, Ginger hesitated to enter. She could hear laughter within and Poppy’s happily chattering. That one never worried about anything. The witches gaze ran across her porch, covered in various junk. Including broken cast iron pots that could form into a golem and protect her home.

Finally, the woman pushed open the door and stepped into the waiting warmth. She could see her familiar Faust sleeping in the currently active fireplace. His tauny maroon fur and glowing yellow marks adding color to the fire that was heating up a pot of stew.

“ I have the eggs, they should be good for a couple of weeks.” She muttered, pausing as poppy stood up from where she had been leaning over something. “ Oh good! We can make bread in a couple days then!”

Ginger paused, wondering why the other would want to wait to make bread. It was a good filler and if rationed could add to what meager meals late winter would bring. “Well, I was thinking I could make some tonight, I-”

Poppy smirked and suddenly dropped a bag filled with acorns on the table. They spilled out across the top of it, and she stood so proud of herself.

My familiar Squirrelburt brought me all he could find! I’ll make some special cakes for us. I also set up some small game snares while you were resting.” The smaller woman said she then grabbed a chair, shoving it against the counter to climb on so she could reach the wooden bowls in a cabinet above.

“ You been working none stop to take care of me and little bit for months. So it only makes sense I pull my weight too. So sit down, and I’ll get you a bowl of stew. It’s nice and fatty, I had a couple old pork bones from my last village job with some adventurers.”

The tired witch smiled despite herself and sat her basket of eggs on the table. When she took a seat she huffed, but it seemed with poppy she could never really keep her annoyed demeanor.

“ I didn’t even consider you have your own supplies and skills to share. You’re a bard, when you first arrived I expected you to offer sex and music for trade, not that any art skill isn’t valuable, especially sharing stories.” She admitted smiling more when poppy started to hum to herself. The smaller redhead stirring up the stew to get a good bowl for her host.

“ Could have, but you would have tossed me on my arse, no question. The halfing laughed and as always ginger was pulled into an unexpected laugh with her.

“ Momma ginger !” An excited voice called from the small bedroom they all shared. Glancing up, the witch prepared herself as a blonde child no older than perhaps four or well in appearance suddenly wrapped her arms around the witches waist and buried her face into the woman’s stomach.

“ You said I’d get to help you with the chickens today!” The child said with a annoyed pout. The older woman chucked and stroked her fingers through the child’s golden hair gently.” It’s your first day of snow, Ellen, I wanted you to rest so we could have some fun later. “ She admits, and gets a huff and some smoke coming from Ellen’s nostrils for her efforts.

“ Your only a few months old Ellen, you should have as much fun as you do work, perhaps more.” The woman chides, gently smirking when Ellen groaned mumbling something she can’t quite hear.

“ Ok, but I want magic if you gonna not let me help !” Ellen grumbled, stamping her foot as she takes up her chair on the left of ginger at the table.” Well, see, I think the snow itself should be more than enough magic.” Ginger glanced up when poppy placed the stew in front of her, then her eyes shifted to Ellen. Ginger couldn’t help but agree in her head when Poppy sat across from her that it felt right.

The other two began to chat, they were both so lively and unafraid to laugh and smile. It took effort and familiarity for ginger to do anything of the sort. Yet with them sometimes it felt effortless.

“ What was I thinking? I couldn’t make them leave if I tried, and poppy is already helping gather extra resources. I would be a fool to be so ungrateful of what they both have given me. So I suppose then I’ll give them everything I can in return.”

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Ginger shortly after Ellen’s arrival, baby dragon blooded humans age rather quickly. Thankfully, it tends to even out at teenager age feel. ( I honestly had so much fun with this, I have never done a prompt before, so when someone I enjoy following a suggested cozy winter prompt. I thought right away of my favorite witch from old writing with some friends.) ( the person who suggested this

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Cleo Drez shook out her hands and let out an exasperated breath. Ok, not really exasperated, more nervous as hell. She knew if she told herself she was annoyed and not worried, it would make things go easier. Nerves could keep you alive, but when you’re locked in a spacesuit about to board a ship that had once been a well-known disappearing act, well then nerves could be a damn liability.

All it took was one wrong grab in a panic, and your suit was unsealed, or your filtration system was shot. Well, that, or you activated some defense protocols on board the vessel.

“Yo, Co, Co!” Jameson called over the scratchy com in Cleo’s ear. Shaking her head, she responds. The suit was old but thankfully had a feature where you didn’t have to press buttons to answer back like her last suit model.

“Y-yeah, I’m ok. You know I always get the jitters on the high-pay runs. I’m just taking a moment. I already found the cargo hold, so I’m here, but give me a second, damn it.” The brunette muttered, rolling her eyes when she heard the laugh on the com.

Jameson was a good man, but he had a weird way of laughing at the worst times. Though she had to admit after being around him two years in a small clunker. His laugh and overall noises tended to make her feel more at home than anything else.

“Look, Co, I know you hate the Datasnag contracts, but they pay damn well. This one’s no big deal either. If there’s any biological or even radiation-type situation in that hold well, you’re covered. Just keep updating me, keep your camera running, and check the cargo is secure,” he said, his voice full of confidence.

“Of course, it’s easy for you; you get to stay in the damn ship. I’m the one with the gun skills.” She muttered, remembering the last mission for this company and how it led to a firefight over the item they were after. Thankfully, he was right, and this one was just about knowing it was secure and reporting back location.

Letting out a sigh, the scavenger touched the small pad at the door side. The metal was a silver polish with a bronze trim. “Pretty bougie So whatever this thing was supplying was probably a high-end product. I only know maybe three businesses that are about appearance as much as being efficient.”

With a snick, the data pad took the code that Jameson had prepared. As it slid away, a thick mist filled the hall. “Yeah, figures. It looks like whoever ditched the ship turned off the environmental controls in the cargo hold, damn.” Her radio hissed a bit as he spoke. ”Don’t worry, love, I’ll get it online for yah just a minute. Suit should do the heavy lifting in the meantime.”

Cleo stepped in, glad she couldn’t feel more than a residual chill thanks to her suit. Though, the helmet fogged up for a moment before the inner systems fed a see-through microgel into the gap between segments. It cleared up the sight issue immediately. However, as she got her first glimpse inside the darkened hold, the explorer had to switch on her helmet light.

“Shit, Co. I’m losing visuals; I’ll work on it. Just take plenty of pictures. If I can’t get through, I’d say I might be able to get into the actual camera systems on the ship. I’ll have my Ap work that in the background.”

“Just fucking great, as if this wasn’t bad enough. No one pays to just check if something is there; I’m sure I’m about to get some crazy readings or something…” She thinks feeling fatigue eats at her. They’d only agreed to this because so many small jobs just weren’t enough.

Cleo takes a careful look around; her light slips over partially covered crates and strange banners. She’d never seen the symbol before, a strange multi-limbed creature with claws and swords behind it. It was a purple banner, the symbol marking much of the cargo. Even some of the crates didn’t look quite right. She paused at one that was oddly rounded and had a strange porous look. She took some images and, looking closer, gasped.

“What. What is it? Are you ok?!” Came over the line imminently, and Cleo actually laughed, feeling better for the first time that day. ”Yeah, yeah, um, sorry, I was just surprised. Um, some of the crates are grown.“

“ …just don’t do that, Cleo. I thought someone was waiting, or a trap got your ass or something. I’m blind other than your vocals on this end and a vitals display.”

The woman chuckled again and sighed, glancing around carefully but not moving before she was ready. “It was just a surprise; some of these crates look like they’re grown from coral. I haven’t heard about tech like that being near active areas since my granddad was at war.”

“Cleo…”

The woman paused, glancing around her; light was catching jars and weird paintings or containers of fluid now. “What is it, Jameson?” She swore someone had said something, but she’d only caught a bit of it.

“No, I’m almost through the camera feeds, though. I’ll keep you updated; you do the same.”

He said calmly, and she blew up in her face, dislodging a wet piece of hair. The scavenger was still sweating from her earlier panic. Though she didn’t feel nearly as worried anymore. If there were traps, they probably would have triggered already. That didn’t stop her from checking ahead, though; she wasn’t stupid. In fact, she was sweeping an open floor segment surrounded by vats of fluid and…possibly clones. When she spotted something tucked behind a pillar, just a soft glimmer of green and blue.

“Cleo…come”

The scavenger felt a weird prickling behind her eyes, but it was gone as soon as it came. She found herself climbing over a crate to try and get at the strange shiny thing she had spotted. “Yo Co, you went quiet. You’re still alive, no slacking!” Jameson said, however, his voice felt farther away than usual.

“Oh, right, sorry, shit. Uhh, I spotted something. You said our cargo check was sector five at the back, yeah?” She asked, surprised she remembered at all. Half the time, with a larger ship layout like this, she needed to double-check her notes. “Oh, uh, yeah, that’s the sector; just get some picker and get back. I got some soup on for us. I mean, it’s dehydrated drivel, but it’s somethin.”

“Right soup, better be beef.” Cleo muttered as she squeezed behind the last box. It felt like such a chore to concentrate on anything else. Cleo stumbled to a halt in front of a strange meteor. It was gray and pitted with a metal-looking sheen. Tears began to spill down the woman’s cheeks as whispers filled her ears.

“Cleo…”

She’d been hearing a woman’s voice that sounded so happy to see her. That’s right, I heard it earlier too, but I didn’t remember. Like a mother who had been waiting, worried about her for so long. Cleo heard something, a grumbling voice calling her.

“Cleo. Cleo! Your camera’s back. What is that? Answer me, what do you mean you got to go?” The stranger called, and the woman felt sad for a moment. However, that feeling was washed away as the stone lit up. Revealing cracks filled with blue gems and a green fiery glow that surrounded the structure itself.


“It’s time to come home, my love; return to me, Cleo…”

The scavenger reaches out to touch the object, her gloved hand and body outlined by an unearthly light. In an instant, there’s a flash so bright it burns out the cameras in the helmet and surrounding area.

A lone voice calls out over the old helmet speakers as it tumbles across the ground empty. Its light highlights different objects in the darkness before coming to rest on its side. Slowly, its lamp flickers, stuttering a few times before turning off.

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{ authors note}

Hey guys, I hope you liked my short, I actually dreamed this up a very long time ago. It was a precursor to me actually writing. So I’m so happy to actually share it again and the little art I did all on my own! I can’t wait to start doing characters and figures myself. Either way, what do you think happened to Cleo?

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