Flash Fiction Friday (11)

Dottie over at Tink's Place have come up with the idea for a Monday Morning Flash Fiction challenge. Each Monday a new picture prompt will be posted and if you choose to participate you post your story on Friday - 350 words, give or take.

I have to thank Blodeuedd at Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell for introducing me to this fun meme. I don't know if I'll be able to keep up with every week, but I'll give it a try from time to time.

The Image this week:

This is a continuation of the last 2 weeks of Flash Fiction Story.  If you would like to read them you can:

1st part, 2nd part

By:  Melissa

John stood by the window several minutes, then without turning said in a low husk voice, "I have to go.  Can you help me get out of here, in one piece?"

Sheen stood up from helping Sinn, "Goddess around John.  Don't you ever think of anyone other than yourself?" 

John felt the venom in the power of Sheen's voice and glanced over his shoulder.  Now the man was shaking his head and smiling.  John turned around to face Sheen and Sinn, who was starting to sit up wiping her face with a cloth Sheen must have given her.  Sheen turned to John sighed and said, "I've missed the fun you bring to the parties John.  But, you know the tunnels are here.  We can take you through them out of the city.  But I don't know where the next portal is out in the Wilder to get you back to those mortals you love so much."

Sinn put her hand up, a motion for John to stop.  She breathed out, "Wait. One minute."  Even in this state she has a polite sound to her voice.

John shock his head. "No Sinn.  I have to go.  I can't stay here."  More for me than you he thought but couldn't say it, he knew all to well she was in trouble with him here too.  He didn't want to see anything else happen to her.

Sinn lifted her head as she wiped clean one remaining drop of blood left from her cheek and looked John level in the eyes. With determination of the fall wind she spoke, "Not until I tell you what I know."

John stared at Sinn not surprised she saw something, but that she knew something.  She must have been seeing this coming, or heard word of something through the vine of the Wilder.

Sinn sat up straight and strong as if nothing had happened.  John had never seen a vision take Sinn down like that one, and the limbs of her crown showing her stature in the Elf community never reacted so strongly either.  Thank to Goddesses she lives in this magical haze of the Neither, or maybe she wouldn't have made it he wasn't sure.  By looking at her you would never have guessed her age, all those years she had to learn to strengthen herself and her mind.

Sinn started with a voice a little strained away from the cool summer breeze sound she had earlier.  She had the feel of the strong serious winds of Fall to her voice as she spoke, "You know the images in the vision are just as important as the vision itself."  Both the men nod their acknowledgement. "John, you need more help on your side.  You think you can handle it, but you are not strong enough.  Once, you might have been but no more.  There were three skulls.  She needs three to complete what she has started.  I don't know what that boy possessed in power, but there was something.  Something old, ancient if you will.  Do you know of any others missing?"

John sat on the couch as he had earlier and tipped his glass to his lips finishing the strong alcoholic drink he felt he need, and thought I could use a shot while I'm at it.  "Not that I know of, you know as well as I do humans disappear all the time and no one notices.  Another thing I'll have to look into."

Sinn nodded, "I would look soon if I where you.  She was climbing the stairs or Aither."

"Wait." John started.  "I know I learned about them all in classes at the old school here, but are you telling me there really is a place as the Stair to Aither?"

With a sigh Sinn turned to Sheen who had a don't ask me look while shrugging, then turned back to John, "You have been around enough to know stories all come from a sliver of truth."

"Alright. Alright, go on.  I'm all ears." John motioned with his hand for her to continue.  He needed to get out of here soon before they, or he, got hurt.  Which was NOT on the top of his list today.

With the calmness John related to Sinn she started back to her vision, "The...person... is definitely a woman figure climbing the steps to the misty clouds and full moon, based on her formal gown.  If she makes it there she will be part of the magic haze here and no one will escape her touch or prying eyes."

John thought on this for a moment, looking at the floor lost in thought.

John started pulling him from his deep thoughts when he felt the warm breath on his ear as Sinn whispered, "I will go with you.  I have to help ground her."

John almost knocked Sinn over as he jumped from the couch.  Sheen jumped as well, both vocalizing louder than they expected, "NO."  John picked up with more, " I will take care of this.  It's my case."

Sinn's smile pulled at his heart strings, he wasn't getting out of here with out her by his side.  And she knew this was a mission that would be her last.