I didn’t expect to write an entry for the 3rd and last challenge for the Writers’ Platform-Building Campaign, but the muse struck me unexpectedly. Here are the parameters for this challenge:

Write a blog post in 300 words or less, excluding the title. The post can be in any format, whether flash fiction, non-fiction, humorous blog musings, poem, etc. The blog post should show:

• that it’s morning, 

• that a man or a woman (or both) is at the beach

• that the MC (main character) is bored

• that something stinks behind where he/she is sitting

• that something surprising happens.

Just for fun, see if you can involve all five senses AND include these random words: “synbatec,” “wastopaneer,” and “tacise.”   (NB. these words are completely made up and are not intended to have any meaning other than the one you give them).

I think I captured all 5 senses, and I’ve done my best to show, rather than tell. I’ve also added all three made-up words, which was tons of fun. The final piece is exactly 30 words long.

Anyway, enjoy! I had a lot of fun writing this. Also, please check out the other wonderful entries for the challenge, and leave the participants lots of feedback and warm fuzzies.

-oOo-

“A Time to Live”

Gravel crunched beneath Bryna’s booted feet, tiny black pebbles that gleamed in the rays of the rising sun. It was peaceful there by the sea, the waves lapping at the rocky shore, the gulls squawking with cacophonous glee. Such delights were lost on Bryna, for ennui weighed heavily on her mind. She fingered the tacise sheathed at her waist, the metal cool to the touch. There was a time when the thought of sinking its sharp tip into her enemy’s chest would have brought her unspeakable pleasure, but that had passed with the defeat of the Wastopaneer and the advent of the Synbatec’s peace.  Heaving a sigh, she dropped onto a stay piece of driftwood, shoulders slumping forward.

“I never thought to see you like this, Commander.”Bryna scrambled to her feet, face flushed and hot. Sebastian stood before her, crossbow gripped in one hand. “‘Tis not a criticism,” he added. “You’re only human, rumors to the contrary. You’re allowed to relax.”

The intensity of his blue eyes made her stomach clench unexpectedly. She swallowed hard but asked instead, “What are you doing here?”

“Thought I’d do a bit of hunting.” He frowned, nostrils flaring wide. “Seems someone’s left their kill out to rot.” Without warning, he took her by the hand — an unthinkable gesture between a lieutenant and his superior — and tugged her away. “There now,” he murmured as the breeze carried away the fell stench. “Isn’t that better?”

“Lieutenant –”

“The name’s Sebastian,” he corrected, tugging her close.

“I hardly think this is appropriate –”

“The war’s over, Bryna. Our unit’s been disbanded.” He brushed two fingers over her cheek, sending a shiver down her spine. “It’s time for you to live.”

The taste of his lips, spiced and delicious, drove all arguments from her mind.