Drabble #84: Patience
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labyfic...we had a quieter response to the drabble prompt of Drabble 83, with an entry by me (your intrepid drabble proposer
jalenstrix).For this prompt, we continue with our one-word/phrase drabble roots, relying on a phrase that evokes many feelings:
Patience
Is it a virtue? Or not? And who exactly needs to have this charming quality? Tell us all about it labyfic-style.
Given our entries from recent months, let's continue with the 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 (October 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.)
no subject
2019-09-24 12:28 (UTC)Author's Note: Another drabble set in the universe of The Beast Within, where Sarah has become Jareth's apprentice to learn about the chaotic dimensions and the things that reside in them.
Drabble:
My shoulders tensed with the need to move.
"Wait for it."
The...things were picking up speed now, their false glittering lures snaking out like heat-seeking missiles. And right now, Jareth and I showed up as very heated with our bright and beautiful Earth-standard auras.
A gout of actual flame erupted next to us. Goddamned hell dimension.
My fingers twitched as the original lure curled lovingly around my wrist, delicate as a kiss. No sharp and pointy teeth here, no, ohnonever. Just a nice shiny light, I proooooooomise.
It was really very sweet bait, and I just had to ignore it for a few more moments. The things were about ten yards away now, and closing. I flicked a glance at Jareth, who looked as cool as the proverbial cucumber.
"Wait for it."
"Jesus," I muttered, "I can smell what they've been eating. And it ain't sugarplums."
That might have twitched a half-smile from him. "Now."
An auric equivalent of a chainsaw sprung out from me, slicing and dicing with riotous abandon. Jareth preferred flaming swords (nephil hangups, go figure), and I caught the flash of their whirling circle as we stood back to back.
Jareth's back was a very nice back, lithe and muscular like a dancer's (and boy, did I remember how that man could dance). I would have enjoyed it far more if toothsome and stench-ridden doom wasn't barreling towards us. Of course, the only reason I was enjoying it at all was because of said toothsome doom, so there you go.
The delicate tendril around my wrist realized something was amiss and reared back for a poisonous bite. I buzzed it off at the neck, keeping my eyes on the pack.
They couldn't stop their momentum, really. Poor things.
They certainly didn't smell any better in pieces than they'd smelled as whole beasties. Go figure.
I wiped something gooey off my cheek and turned to Jareth. "So, coffee now?"
"Your affinity for over-priced coffee shops never ceases to amaze me."
"I'll buy, sensei. I know you like that whole milk latte from the hipster place. So again, coffee now?"
"Very well. Your efforts were passable, after all."
"Be still my heart from your effusive praise."
His eyes glittered with a sheen of menace. But we had done well, and it put him in a good mood. "Truth is the best teacher."
"And caffeine helps the medicine go down. Shall we? Or did you have other Tuesday morning plans for us?"
"By all means, to your infernal hipster place."
no subject
2022-12-27 09:21 (UTC)no subject
2022-12-27 14:36 (UTC)no subject
2019-10-12 23:20 (UTC)no subject
2019-10-13 14:20 (UTC)Meanwhile, don’t worry about things puttering out! Just take inspiration where and when you can, and there’s always a new prompt every month. 😄
Patience
2022-12-27 09:22 (UTC)Drabble:
When they left the library, Sarah had asked the Labyrinth for Jareth’s location and she now walked the hallways of the castle on Bishop’s arm.
“I assume not all shapeshifters are mammals because Jareth can turn into an owl, but are you all predators? Or is it just the guardians?”
“Truthfully, dear, I have no idea. There aren’t many of our kind, but all of us who belong to the Labyrinth were tied to families who have long been allied to the kingdom. I imagine that would avoid the tricky politics around why your pet soldiers don’t answer your summons to war.”
They reached a staircase and Bishop glanced at Sarah who had the good grace to look a little sheepish. “I’m used to navigating in two dimensions. I still get a little confused with the up and down.”
Bishop smiled at her admission. “Considering our current location, we need to go up.”
“If you know where they are, you could port us,” Sarah queried as they walked up the staircase.
“Of course, but walking there will build your mental map of the castle and it should help with your elevation issue.” Bishop explained as they reached a floor that opened onto a vast room rather than a hallway.
Sarah looked at her surroundings in surprise and slowly walked along examining the artwork that was displayed throughout the room, before stopping at one with a gasp. “Is that Jareth?” She pointed at a charcoal sketch that showed a remarkably detailed arm, with just a suggestion of the back and neck of the model.
“Yes, that’s one of Rook’s. The painting behind you is Eero’s work.” Sarah turned and blushed at the photo realistic rendering of a torso showing a set of royal jewels she was intimately familiar with. “He does very good work.” As she examined each of the works she noted that none of them showed identifiable faces, and the few with faces were abstracts. “This is laid out like an art gallery.” She looked to her companion, who nodded.
“Most of the guardians are artists, musicians, writers and the like. This is one of the ways we generate income Above.”
“Which ones are yours,” Sarah asked in curiosity.
Bishop laughed. “Give me a wheel and I’m a competent potter, but I’m more musically inclined. However, I modelled for that sculpture.” He pointed out a small bronze of a sleeping wolf and looked suitably embarrassed as Sarah cooed at how cute he looked.
“Does Jareth have any work here?” Sarah looked around the room hoping to see something that called to her.
“Just over here.” Bishop led her to another grouping of paintings. “He leans more towards abstracts.”
Sarah tilted her head as she examined a painting. She didn’t understand it, but did find the colours and patterns to be pleasing and maybe that was enough. “You expected to find Jareth here?”
“No, but I thought you’d like to see the gallery first.” He offered his arm. “Shall we?”
Re: Patience
2022-12-27 14:37 (UTC)Re: Patience
2022-12-27 19:35 (UTC)