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The DNA of Stories

Ideas and first drafts with a bit of analysis from time to time

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Tag: Fantasy

A Stop Along the Road – Archer

On June 12, 2024May 24, 2024 By Kat RedfernIn A Stop Along the Road, StoryLeave a comment

Let me tell you of the first guest I have received since Her Majesty’s request. A tall, quiet man with dark hair and an aura of secrets going by the name of Archer. And, yes, he knew how to use the bow and arrows he carried. He arrived at my door in the pink of …

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Fantasy image of ladies in long colourful gowns talking and giggling on a balcony overlooking a sparring yard. They're watching knights and soldiers training in the yard AI image

Rich

On June 9, 2024May 24, 2024 By Kat RedfernIn 10 Minute Sprints, StoryLeave a comment

"Wow, your dad must be really rich." Byron almost managed to sound as wide-eyed and awed as he was trying to look. It was a good thing the girl he was talking to was as unobservant as she was arrogant. The girl, who'd announced herself as Lady Amelia Littleham when Reba and Byron had failed …

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fantasy story simple wooden double bed in a cottage bedroom with rumpled sheets and blankets with a single oil lamp on the bedside table for light in the dark, time of day pre-dawn AI image

Massage

On May 29, 2024May 19, 2024 By Kat RedfernIn Story, ThrushbeardLeave a comment

Matthew closed the door as he, Sarah and Tilly stared, shocked, at Cadan. He shifted uncomfortably. “He needed to know, that’s all.” Tilly’s giggle burst free. “That was better than the midsummer puppet show at the castle. I need to go warn Ma.” Matthew opened the door again with a rueful smile and watched Tilly …

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A fluffy grey kitten sitting on an old wooden table, looking smug AI image

Threaten

On May 19, 2024May 4, 2024 By Kat RedfernIn 10 Minute Sprints, StoryLeave a comment

Byron glared at the smirking boy standing over his table. “Did you just threaten my cat?” “A cat? That’s not a cat, it’s my new winter hat.” The boy went to grab Misty who yowled and slashed out, drawing blood. “I’ll wring your filthy little neck.” Bryon scooped Misty behind him and stood. The boy …

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image of a large simple stone house in the mountains, with cliffs behind it, surrounded by a luxuriant garden with vegetable crops and fruit trees AI image

A Stop Along the Road – Introduction

On May 8, 2024May 24, 2024 By Kat RedfernIn A Stop Along the Road, Random FictionLeave a comment

A new solo RPG - this is the introduction. The instalments, as they come, are prompted by tarot cards. Her Majesty has asked me to keep record of the travellers who spend a night beneath my roof. She says it would be useful. Helpful even. I don't know about that but she's a good girl, …

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Action shot of a fluffy grey tabby kitten playing with a red ribbon on a bare wooden floor AI image

Dash

On May 5, 2024April 6, 2024 By Kat RedfernIn 10 Minute Sprints, StoryLeave a comment

Misty dashed across the room, chasing the end of the ribbon Byron was flicking about. Reba was fairly sure the giggling farm girl who’d gifted him her apple-red ribbon at their last stopping point did not have this fate in mind for it. Or maybe she did, she cooed over the snarling kitten as so …

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Angry grey kittenAI image

Corner

On April 28, 2024April 6, 2024 By Kat RedfernIn 10 Minute Sprints, StoryLeave a comment

Byron’s new cat crouched in the corner of their inn room and growled. It had been fine until the inn’s serving girl had waltzed in with (barely) warm washing water and a request to. “See the sweet little kitty.” Byron had nodded to his bed, where the cat, named Misty for reasons beyond Reba’s understanding, …

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fantasy picture of a large green troll with a club, wearing a metal helmet and glaring, with mountains and highland heath in the background AI image

Visitors

On April 17, 2024April 5, 2024 By Kat RedfernIn Story, ThrushbeardLeave a comment

Someone knocked at the door. Matthew raised his brows but went to open it. Eleanor couldn’t see the person past the forester’s broad frame, but she sounded young and enthusiastic. “Ma said I was to drop by and say hello here, after I visited the others, to make sure Cadan’s wife had another familiar face …

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bedraggled angry wet kitten with grey fur in a forest AI image

Bundle

On April 7, 2024March 23, 2024 By Kat RedfernIn 10 Minute Sprints, StoryLeave a comment

They were camping that night, set up in a roadside clearing used by trade caravans who’s plodding horses and bulky wagons couldn’t make the full run through the forest between dawn and dusk. It was a large clearing with a well-worn path to a wide, clear stream nearby. Tonight, the clearing was empty of everyone …

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A ball of wool, wooden knitting needles and knitting AI image

Knitting

On April 3, 2024March 23, 2024 By Kat RedfernIn Story, ThrushbeardLeave a comment

Sarah handed her a little pot. “Have Cadan help you put this on before bed. It’s an easing salve for sore muscles. It'll leave your smock a little green, but we've got the big wash due for our household tomorrow. All the sheets and cloths, so it won't be a big addition and you're going …

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