Author: janetstockwriter

The sea cave was their safe place, and the most dangerous place she had ever spent time in, but then she supposed the setting only added to the excitement. Unlike her, the man lying next to her had the sea running through his veins. He had been born in this coastal town, he worked on the sea and was the most exotic man she had ever met.
She had only been in the town for a few days, having come with the sole intention of marrying. Her father had arranged an alliance between her and the Lord of this land, one which would join her landlocked country with his sea faring one. Together the two lands would be a major trading power, and all would benefit. That was what she was told.
The sun was glinting off the sharp clean edges of the rocks and she could hear the waves lapping at the shore; the taste of the sea was on her lips.
The first time they had come here she had been afraid, but now she was relaxed. She didn’t worry about the sea entering the cave anymore. The tides were as familiar to him as the curves of her body; he instinctively knew when it was time to leave.
She thought back to the night that she had arrived. Having settled into her quarters, she spotted him down in the great hall as she looked over the balustrade at the assembled guests. Her husband-to-be had invited all the important people of the town to a welcome party for her, but she only noticed him that night. And he, her.
He was handsome and bold as she soon found out. She was whisked away by him during a busy dance and hid behind a vast curtain, so he could speak to her in private. He asked her to meet him the next day and she had agreed.
But today would be the last day that they would meet. Tomorrow she would marry the ageing Lord just as her father wished, and her love would be leaving on a quest that would last years; this was at the Lord’s command. Whether this was co-incidence or whether they were being deliberately separated, they didn’t know.
He stroked her hair gently.
‘Come, we must leave, I’ve left it as long as I dare.’
He helped her up, then picked up the oiled cloth they had been lying on. He looked out of the mouth of the cave.
‘I’ll have to carry you. Just until we’re out onto the beach. If you get your skirts and shoes wet, you may get questioned.’
He lifted her effortlessly, and as they left the cave she nestled into his neck, taking in his scent.
She committed it to her memory and she would recall it many times over the years. She never saw him again, nor did she visit the sea cave, but she always remembered his scent during the times when she ached for comfort.

So, I hope some of you had a go at this month’s challenge?

What shall we do for December – how about The Christmas Jingle?

So how are we getting on with this months challenge? I’m part way through mine. I’m also part way through finalising my pieces for Dark & Fluffy II. there was an interesting article in writing magazine about doing a blog book launch. Might be worth a go and I’m going to look into it for D & F II.

Sorry a bit later than I promised, but here is November’s flash title. Before we get into the obvious festive ideas, I thought we’d have a bit of a random one this month. So how about The Sea Cave? Get your thinking caps on, and I’ll see your pieces here at the end of the month!

Here is it, as promised

His 6ft 7” frame meant that he was easily able to look over all the people at the party, and spot her straight away.
She was wearing the black dress and hat that she usually wore for these occasions, but tonight she had teamed it with a bottle green cloak that shimmered as she moved under the twinkling pumpkin shaped party lights.
She saw him and smiled like a feline who had just been given a dairy treat. Slowly, she beckoned him over with a long finger nail, that was painted in the same shade as her cloak.
He moved across the room with ease, almost gliding one might say, and arriving in front of her, he took her hand and kissed it dramatically. She traced his firm jaw with the same nail, leaving a slight pink trail where it had touched him.
‘See anyone you know?’ He enquired.
‘Only the usual. Marty, Velma and little Bertie keeps popping up. As for the others, I’m not sure. When they change their disguises, I don’t recognise them as easily.’
‘Mmm…True, but talking of costumes, you look delightful my dear.’ He purred.
‘Don’t call it a costume, you know I don’t like it! Call it what it is, a fabulously splendid gown.’ She laughed loudly, almost a cackle. ‘Besides, I’m cross with you, I’ve been waiting here quite some time. I was beginning to think that you weren’t coming.’ She lowered her chin at a jaunty angle and looked at him through heavy lids.
‘Come now my love. You know how busy a night it is, I just got delayed along the way, but I would never leave you alone, on tonight of all nights. Have you had a drink? Would you like one?’
Her amber eyes sparkled, ‘Oh yes! One out of the bowl darling, you know I like those.’
‘Coming up.’
Three drinks from the punchbowl later, her pointed hat had slipped to an almost horizontal angle, and his normally incredibly pale face was flushed, and two rosy cheeks had appeared.
Someone turned the music up louder and he grimaced.
‘Uh! Why don’t we get out of here my darling?’
‘Ok, but only if we can take some of this with us’ she replied, raising her glass.
‘Well ok but remember how difficult it makes flying later.’
‘You speak for yourself.’ She cackled.
After refilling their glasses, they made their way to a bench at the bottom of the garden. It was much quieter here, and they snuggled and sipped their drinks.
‘Have you had enough?’
‘Of what,’ she enquired, ‘the drink, the music or the humans?’
‘All of them.’
‘Yes, I think I have. I can’t get used to their smell. Visiting their Halloween parties once a year is more than enough for me.’
‘In that case my love, I shall race you back home.’
And with that he dissolved into a teeny tiny bat. She clicked her fingers and her broom appeared, and they both set off home.

Enjoy whatever you’re doing tonight and look out for next month’s flash fiction idea, here tomorrow.

So! Has anyone else had a go this month…or is it just me :-( I’ve just done the final edits to my piece and I’ll be posting it here before I go out on Halloween. Feel free to do the same!