Week 712 of #ThursThreads was a success, a remarkable feat for 13 solid years. Thank you to everyone who writes each week. You are why we’re still doing this. I’m truly grateful for all y’all!
If you’ve just found us, welcome to the crew! May you come back again and write more great flash. A thousand thanks to George Varhalmi for judging this week. Follow Siobhan Muir on Bluesky or check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction server on Discord or the #ThursThreads group on Facebook to keep up with news, etc.
Entries:
- Bill Engleson
- Silver James
- Siobhan Muir
- Richard Gibney
- Joseph P. Garland
- David A. Ludwig
- Sheilagh Lee
Honorable Mention
Bill Engleson | Website
George says: Talk about getting punched in the gut. And then curb stomped when you’re down. The small bit holds tension in a bad situation where no one can be left behind because it will turn out fatal.
Special Mention: Siobhan Muir
George says: And to Siobhan, while ineligible for being the host, it is a pleasure to see a glimpse of Three Lakes again and how it connects to many of the tales you write. Thank you for a beautiful tale of friendship and support.
winner announcement
Week 712 Winner
George says: The quiet secrecy of the tale was what drew me in. There is an interesting backstory regarding Sade that makes the reader want to continue to the next phase or scene. Last time Sade was here was when she was four but it felt very familiar to her even with all of the years that passed. Great intrigue and tone, I loved the tale from start to finish. Thank you for entering this into the challenge.
“The Seelie Court?”
“Never been there before.”
Sade shrugged. “Well, there’s a first time for everything.”
Aisling blinked owlishly behind her glasses. “You can’t be serious.”
“As serious as a heart attack. I’m tired of this sh—these shenanigans. I want answers. Since Titania is less than forthcoming, time to beard the king in his castle.”
“Oberon has a beard?”
“What?” Sade stared at the other woman.
“Why do you keep using trite metaphors?”
Sade rolled her eyes skyward and muttered, “Lord, save me from the librarians and English teachers of the world.” Focusing back on Aisling, she said, “You’re a nice girl and I’m trying not to cuss.”
“Why would you cuss?”
“Because beating people is frowned upon by my boss. And Sinjen thinks I should be more…”
“Refined?”
She burst into laughter. “That’s a lost cause. He’d settle for civilized.” Sade started walking.
Aisling hurried to fall in beside her. “Do you know where we’re going?”
“Vaguely.”
“So you’ve been there before.”
“I have. It’s been a while, though.”
“How long is a while?”
Hesitating, Sade finally replied. “I was four the last time I was here and a gargoyle made sure I got home.”
Aisling stopped dead in her tracks, mouth open, eyes wide. “Four? A gargoyle?”
“It’s a long, boring story.”
“But it might have relevance.”
“Fine. My mother was a showgirl in Vegas. She told Oberon I was his kid. Titania wasn’t happy.”
“Are you?”
“No.” But Sade was beginning to wonder about Aisling’s parentage.
~~~~~~~
Congratulations EIGHTY-SEVEN TIME WINNER Silver, and Honorable Mention Bill! Don’t forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it!
Pass on the great news on Facebook, Discord, MeWe, Bluesky, Mastodon, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the original tales HERE. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! 🙂
