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| Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash |
Happy
Valentine’s Day!
Over the years, I've taken to sharing a little short story, or some kind of post on love, every Valentine's.
If at all interested in my old stories/articles, you can find the few I have done here:
Over the years, I've taken to sharing a little short story, or some kind of post on love, every Valentine's.
If at all interested in my old stories/articles, you can find the few I have done here:
>> Fictitious Letter of St. Valentine <<
>> A Letter for Lillian <<
>> Valentine Post <<
This year I have a fresh new story for you!
And it's one I'm SO EXCITED TO SHARE. I was racking my brains & scrolling through Pinterest for writing prompts to inspire a short story of some kind, but in the end THIS piece kinda happened. I honestly have NO IDEA where it's gonna lead, but it's been super fun playing with the idea, the plot's concept, & of course the characters. *squeals*
All that said...
*pauses for effect*
ENJOY. :]
Sooooo.
Whaddya think??
TALK WITH ME!
I'd love your thoughts. *^ - ^*
> > > > > < < < < <
I was totally thinking of some kind of sweet, typical love story of some kind for today's post, and instead, BAM!---you get this. I must admit, I love this whole concept already. Annnnnd I'm considering doing a short story once a month now. Surprise! *confetti* This may or may not happen, could be a month or two if so, but I think it'd be fun & a great way to keep my writing & creativity fresh. I can also experiment with other genres & characters, though I'm seriously thinking a mini-series with these two would be AH-MAZING.
> > > > > < < < < <
Well. Enough rambling. Have a lovely weekend, y'all! It's Friday!!!
And it's one I'm SO EXCITED TO SHARE. I was racking my brains & scrolling through Pinterest for writing prompts to inspire a short story of some kind, but in the end THIS piece kinda happened. I honestly have NO IDEA where it's gonna lead, but it's been super fun playing with the idea, the plot's concept, & of course the characters. *squeals*
All that said...
*pauses for effect*
ENJOY. :]
short
story
Panic welled.
Hidden,
she caught herself biting her lip as she watched the guards change
shifts—no spoken words, no teasing gestures about the coming
hours—everything as smooth as the rhythm of her favorite dance. In
minutes they would begin their patrol of the hanger, and only then
would she have her chance.
Sooner
than she felt ready, it came.
And
before she could listen to the terror in her heart, she dodged and
wove her way to the ramp of the closest cruiser. Once aboard, she
slid through the first door, hoping against all hope it was a
little-used cargo hold.
To
her undying horror, she collided with the solid chest of a man—the
force knocking her to the floor. Breathless, she scrambled to her
knees. His bare arms, tattooed like permanent sleeves, and the brash
symbol of the galactic Elite at his throat did not escape her notice.
But she felt too stunned to react in relief or suspicion.
Before
he could respond, she fumbled with her skirts and stood, avoiding eye
contact and quickly offering the respectful bow proper of the status
she was keeping. “Sir, forgive me,” she breathed, feeling the
adrenaline still pounding through her veins. “I seek safe passage
from this place and will pay whatever price you wish to keep my
presence unknown.”
This
was her only chance. If he gave her up, her life was forfeit.
When
he spoke, it was a deep sound, wary, but not entirely unfriendly.
“It
is not every day I am graced by the presence of a member of Court.”
His voice sounded younger than she first believed. “Rise, domina.
I cannot assist every noblewoman who comes escaping her lovers.
Allow me to escort you—”
Her
cheeks heated at his words, but how could she blame him for his
assumptions? It was the obvious scenario, which she interrupted,
meeting his eyes for the first time. “Sir, I am not a—” she
fumbled in protest, feeling the panic rising again, but was startled
by his appearance. The entire left side of his face was severely
marred, so much so he was blind in that eye and his lips tugged as if
in a permanent smirk. Where the scar tissue met hairline, it blended
into a shock of chocolate hair, rather unruly for a disciplined
soldier of rank.
She
flinched when two crewmen entered with a load of crates, seemingly
oblivious to their conversation, and waited until they resumed their
duties elsewhere. Perhaps she could blend in here. Was it
not so uncommon to find a woman alone with an officer?
Anger
flared, along with her cheeks, but she tamped it down, dropping her
voice to a whisper. “Please. I’ve just come from the
Courts. If I am found, I’m as good as dead.”
This
seemed to intrigue him, and he raised his brows, drawing her
attention to the taut skin at his eye. She looked away.
“Who
is ‘they’?”
Something
clanged nearby and she jumped. If they took off now, he could simply
decide to toss her out the airlock. Could she trust this stranger?
He wore the uniform of Syntral’s elite military. She hadn’t
realized this ship was an Elitist. But she had no choice now—she
had to take the chance.
“The
Rebels have breached the Sanctum. I must leave this system.”
She hated to beg. Hated the pleading tone that bled into her voice.
“Please. I can compensate you for your troubles on my
behalf.” No need to mention it would decimate all the funds she’d
managed to grab in her flight. Her will to survive this, come was
may, surprised even herself.
She
could hear the distant preparations continuing around them as the man
took his time weighing his decision. If her life didn’t ride on
his good will, she could have slapped him.
Just
as she had observed him, however briefly, she could tell he was
unabashedly doing the same. Self-consciousness warred with the
rising fear, but she allowed his scrutiny—overly aware of how
lavish her stolen gown and headpiece would seem. It was far too
revealing for a respectable woman, but necessary in her current
plight. How she longed for the simple clothing of her childhood and
not the outlandish dress of the city.
 |
The
floor beneath her whirred in a vibrating hum and she felt a heaviness
descend. There was no going back now. Through the few portholes,
she caught a glimpse of the world outside—all passing by in an
incredible blur. She had never left her home planet before. The
sorrow threatened to override her mission. But there was nothing
left for her now.
And
here she was at the mercy of this indecisive soldier, who seemed to
take great amusement at her expense. Her arms began trembling of
their own accord, and she crossed them in an attempt to hide it. It
seemed her actions were catching up to her. Was she in shock?
The
soldier sighed, seemingly resigned to his current position. “It
would seem my decision has been made. But I will take you to the
captain. Stealing aboardship is a criminal act and not one taken
lightly,” he said in warning. “I’ll let him decide what
to do with you.”
She
could only nod, her trembling increasing. She would not pass
out.
He
seemed to notice her struggle, and his features softened. Gently, he
took her arm and led her to a crate, bidding her sit. She sank
gratefully onto the rough metal surface and hugged herself, trying to
ignore the small satchel at her thigh.
The
soldier straightened, the look of resignation flitting across his
features once again. “Wait here. I’ll return for you.”
She
nodded, watching him turn to leave, and tried to cease the
uncontrollable shakes. Stupid muscles. Stupid people. Stupid,
stupid, stupid—
Unbidden,
the melody of a memory came to her lips and she hummed it softly,
closing her eyes in an effort to relax. Willing her body to still.
Constant
as the stars
dancing
on air;
Walk
in the clouds
and
you’ll find me there.
The
memory held its own sorrow, but it never failed to calm her racing
heart.
With
a sudden jolt, she opened her eyes, realizing the soldier was
standing in the entryway. When had he returned? But it wasn’t the
small med-kit in his hands, nor the glass of water he held, that
caused her alarm. It was the look on his scarred face.
Was
it fear? Astonishment?
But
the next word out of his mouth shook her the most.
“Phila?”
A
thousand stars flashed before her vision and she clutched her heart
at the pain it brought. Her mind bringing the image of a young man
with chocolate hair and a crooked smile.
She
refocused on the soldier, but there was no doubt. Though his
appearance was much changed, she couldn’t believe she hadn’t
recognized the only boy she’d ever loved.
“Arik.”
His name left her lips like a breath. And before her tired brain
could register any action, he had her in his arms, holding her like
he’d never let go again.
“Walk
in the clouds…” he whispered in her ear.
“And
you’ll find me there,” she finished, the tears full and free.
Sooooo.
Whaddya think??
TALK WITH ME!
I'd love your thoughts. *^ - ^*
> > > > > < < < < <
I was totally thinking of some kind of sweet, typical love story of some kind for today's post, and instead, BAM!---you get this. I must admit, I love this whole concept already. Annnnnd I'm considering doing a short story once a month now. Surprise! *confetti* This may or may not happen, could be a month or two if so, but I think it'd be fun & a great way to keep my writing & creativity fresh. I can also experiment with other genres & characters, though I'm seriously thinking a mini-series with these two would be AH-MAZING.
> > > > > < < < < <
Well. Enough rambling. Have a lovely weekend, y'all! It's Friday!!!
DAT. ENDING. :O :O :O
ReplyDeleteOh my goodnessss!!! This pulled me in instantly and kept me like O____O. But I still have so many questionssss. How did his face become deformed? What is she running from? How did they get separated in the first place??? AAAAHHHH!!! I would LOVE more of these two! I ADORED their little song. So sweet and beautiful!
SARAH. This was spectacular. It felt like the setup of an EPIC fantasy sci-fi adventure romance...thing. And I love it. XD WE NEED MORE PHILA AND ARIK!
What a wonderful Valentine's treat. Thank you so much for sharing! I hope you have a most lovely day on this day of love. :D <3
*^ - ^*
DeleteAwww, your comment just---*squeals* DAY. MADE. <333 Heehee I'm soooo glad to hear all this! These kind of stories are just too much fun. Thanks, girl! "EPIC fantasy sci-fi adventure romance...thing" <-- That's the perfect description of what I have in my head!! xDDD hahaha I know! I'm hoping to have some more short stories featuring these two beans.
My pleasure, Christine! Thank YOU for reading!!! <3 Have a lovely Valentines as well!