Drabble #112: Quiet

[jalenstrix]

...we had a quieter response to the drabble prompt of Drabble 111, with an entry by me (your intrepid drabble proposer jalenstrix).




For this prompt, we continue with our one-word/phrase drabble roots:

Quiet

Is it a peaceful sort of quiet or a tense one? Is it the quiet before some kind of hubbub, or perhaps after? Does someone need to quiet down? (And if so, who riled them up in the first place and how?) Tell us all about it. Labyfic-style, of course.



Given our entries from recent months, let's continue with the suggested limit for this month of 500 words. Though remember that shorter pieces are most definitely welcome!

Your entry should take the following format, posted as a comment on this entry:
Word count: # of words
Drabble: $your_beautiful_drabble


I'll aim to get the next drabble challenge out on the first Friday of next month (February 4).

I'm also very happy to take suggestions if something in particular strikes your fancy -- comment on this post or PM me with your suggestions. You can see our current collected suggestions here.


Remember: Feedback is LOVE. So do reply to your fellow labyficcers' drabbles if so inclined. (Though be careful of concrit unless specifically okayed by the author beforehand.)

Comments

[jalenstrix]

Word count: 284
Drabble:

I breathed a sigh of relief as I collapsed onto the couch. Feanor was asleep at last — or at least enough on his way in the darkened nursery not to raise an extended fuss when I tiptoed out.

“It really is astonishing how much commotion one small boy can generate.” Jareth lounged next to me, firelight dancing on the sharp lines of his profile as his long legs splayed gracefully out. You’d never know how weary he was, honestly.

My lips twitched in a half-smile as I closed my eyes. “Especially when all your normal goblin nannies are otherwise occupied for the day?”

“Particularly then.”

I opened one eye, surveying the lean length of Goblin King sprawled next to me. “You know, since Feanor’s now asleep and the goblins are still away…”

His gaze flicked towards me.

I traced my foot along his calf. “Privacy. What a precious commodity for parents of young children, hmmm? Especially parents who also happen to run a goblin kingdom. We should carpe diem.”

His eyes flashed with some unnameable mix of interest, irritation, and incredulity. “How is it you have any energy left at all?”

My mouth curled up in a sly expression I’d learned from him. “I’m highly motivated. You continue to be one fine-looking Faerie lord, and private time like this is more scarce than unicorn fingernails these days.”

His quiet laughter edged into the room like an autumn gust, sharp and invigorating. “Unicorns don’t have fingers, silly girl.“

“Mmm. Guess that makes unicorn fingernails pretty darned scarce then.”

“Indeed.”

“So, carpe diem?” I trailed a finger along his jawline, gently scratching with the nail.

He caught my finger and nipped at it. “Carpe diem, love.”

[redwolf]

Grab those moment when you can.

[jalenstrix]

Definitely!