The day death came to the village of Brigmarsh, it arrived not with a scream, or a roar, or a clap of thunder, but with a gentle murmur on every tongue. At first Leora dismissed it as some dispute in the street, some upset that would quickly be resolved according to the Strictures of Grievance. But then customers were rising and going to the windows, pointin...
I'm not sure how it started but it started on the dance floor. I was shimmying along with everybody else when these gorgeous green eyes caught me. His smile ensnared me, drew me into his rhythm, left me no other choice but to smile back and move into him, with him. His hand rested on my hip, subtly guiding my moves, guiding me closer to him. He leaned in to...
Prologus~ the Feast of Fatus Majorus~ Neophytes are Summoned Trevethall, the capital city of the Western Reach, bustled with celebratory anticipation. This was the day of the Feast of Fatus Majorus, the great decree, the yearly recalling of the Codes of Assumption which were revealed to the forebears of the Shining Realm, whereby they were bound in mutual...
In the morning, when I wake up, Selam is already outside, baking eggs for breakfast. Mareshet is also up, mashing the coffee beans. How can she be up already; why am I last to get out, even though I'm the only one without a job? Mareshet has taken Alem-Tsehay with her. "How is she," I ask, even though I can already tell that I'm in for another long day of...
This is a work of fiction. Even the country is fictitious. Any resemblance to actual people, events or places is accidental. ***** Julie gave her passport and reservation to the check-in agent. "Buram. That's exotic," the agent commented as he typed on his computer. After a bit of typing, he apologized: "I am sorry, but I cannot check you all the way to B...
It had been a normal Saturday morning until the phones started ringing. Cyril had been trying to consume a sufficient amount of painkillers to get through the morning. Lydia was cleaning the kitchen. Dylan was over, doing a few hour's work. First off was a client of Lydia's. They wanted her to do something for her by Monday morning. She argued that she'd al...
After a quiet night of slumber Jack Ramse was up before the dawn. Leaving the shelter of a rundown Tuna Boat called Heaven's to Betsy. Within it he found bound letters to a long lost lover left by a crew member. He decided to respect the Writers privacy and leave them intact. That and in opening them he knew his heart would find more thoughts on both Ruby Go...
**Terms to remember: Rudis ~ double weighted wooden sword used for training, awarded upon retirement; Stola ~ A dress of a matron; Lanista ~ owner or manager of a ludus; Ludus ~ a gladiatorial school; Synthesis ~ a colorful decorative gown worn by both Roman men and women for; Patrician ~ the highest caste in Rome of the privileged, noble families; Not sure...
Note: This story is kind of a follow-up to the story called "Roxanne." #### So, there I was a 100+ miles from my home town in 15 degree weather dumped unceremoniously at a truck stop in rural Iowa. I had less than 16 bucks in my pocket, a single change of clothes and a jacket that wasn't nearly up to the task of battling the elements. It was rapidly appro...
Note: Sirina wakes up to find out her dream to be human come true. When she goes out to celebrate she bumps into Ansa, who just recently moved into the same apartment building and they decide to explore the city together, getting real close when evening comes. Close enough to let him tie her up with yarn in their carnal desires and believe they will stay tog...