Lightning sparks flash amid a tiny gray cotton stormette, tail caught in gears. I gently untangle it, see injuries. Without Rehabilitation, it will grow up a Spewer of Storms; hurricanes, typhoons, tornadoes in its wake. It deserves to be a Zephyr, warm and gentle breezes. Bag-wrapped, we descend.

Tales & Feathers Magazine@talesfeathers.bsky.social · yesterday

As a sky turbine repair tech, you're used to finding strange things caught in the mechanisms. Tiny dragonlet hoards stashed in gearboxes, or drifting spellweave wrapped around the blades like cotton candy. What do you carry down from the clouds with you today? #TinyTalesTuesday #WritingPrompt

I swear, some people will do anything to avoid check in at the SkyBridge access port. It's free! We just want to know how many bodies are up there. At least this time it's just a smashed electrical component. Probably used to jam the turbine signal long enough to get through safely. No blood smears.

Tales & Feathers Magazine@talesfeathers.bsky.social · yesterday

As a sky turbine repair tech, you're used to finding strange things caught in the mechanisms. Tiny dragonlet hoards stashed in gearboxes, or drifting spellweave wrapped around the blades like cotton candy. What do you carry down from the clouds with you today? #TinyTalesTuesday #WritingPrompt

The dragonlet keeps coming back, chirping sadly when it can’t find its hoard of pennies and marbles. So today I lure it to me with an opalite earring and settle it inside my coat. I feed it Cheerios on the way home and make it a nest in my bric-a-brac display. A gigantic hoard for a tiny dragonlet.

Tales & Feathers Magazine@talesfeathers.bsky.social · yesterday

As a sky turbine repair tech, you're used to finding strange things caught in the mechanisms. Tiny dragonlet hoards stashed in gearboxes, or drifting spellweave wrapped around the blades like cotton candy. What do you carry down from the clouds with you today? #TinyTalesTuesday #WritingPrompt

The hovershark pup wails whenever I put it down, or try to put it in my toolbag, like it *knows* it's been found by a soft touch. I swaddle it in my scarf and wedge the soft bundle under my arm, wincing as the pup inefficiently nurses on my palm on the climb down.

Tales & Feathers Magazine@talesfeathers.bsky.social · yesterday

As a sky turbine repair tech, you're used to finding strange things caught in the mechanisms. Tiny dragonlet hoards stashed in gearboxes, or drifting spellweave wrapped around the blades like cotton candy. What do you carry down from the clouds with you today? #TinyTalesTuesday #WritingPrompt

As a sky turbine repair tech, you're used to finding strange things caught in the mechanisms. Tiny dragonlet hoards stashed in gearboxes, or drifting spellweave wrapped around the blades like cotton candy. What do you carry down from the clouds with you today? #TinyTalesTuesday #WritingPrompt

“Beautiful.“ I take one last long look over the edge and then adjust my backpack on my shoulders. “Now to check out the gift shop.”

Tales & Feathers Magazine@talesfeathers.bsky.social · last wk.

At last, the edge of the world. A rocky promontory juts over the rim; looking down you see water falling into abyss, hanging vines and gnarled trees clinging to vanishing cliffside. It is peaceful after a long journey, but you can't escape the question: What next? #TinyTalesTuesday #WritingPrompt

It's a long, long while before the World-Under-The-World comes into view. A honeycomb of hanging primeval lava and long rope bridges, with flags fluttering in magma-warmed winds. Those who live Below, speak of what was ripped away from Above. They watch further below yet, for the Castaway World.

Tales & Feathers Magazine@talesfeathers.bsky.social · last wk.

At last, the edge of the world. A rocky promontory juts over the rim; looking down you see water falling into abyss, hanging vines and gnarled trees clinging to vanishing cliffside. It is peaceful after a long journey, but you can't escape the question: What next? #TinyTalesTuesday #WritingPrompt

I put on my gear: harness, helmet, and aggressive shoes. I double-check that the rope's strength and endlessness enchantments are still intact, then tie a bowline knot around a sturdy tree. I throw the rope over the edge. Finally, I chalk my hands. Time to see what's over the edge of the world.

Tales & Feathers Magazine@talesfeathers.bsky.social · last wk.

At last, the edge of the world. A rocky promontory juts over the rim; looking down you see water falling into abyss, hanging vines and gnarled trees clinging to vanishing cliffside. It is peaceful after a long journey, but you can't escape the question: What next? #TinyTalesTuesday #WritingPrompt

I take a deep, calming breath and then extend the wood-and-canvas wings I spent so long constructing. The joints and joins creak and pop as they lock into place, the cords that serve as sinews stretching and tightening. It is time to see what no one has seen: what lies beyond this world of ours.

Tales & Feathers Magazine@talesfeathers.bsky.social · last wk.

At last, the edge of the world. A rocky promontory juts over the rim; looking down you see water falling into abyss, hanging vines and gnarled trees clinging to vanishing cliffside. It is peaceful after a long journey, but you can't escape the question: What next? #TinyTalesTuesday #WritingPrompt

At last, the edge of the world. A rocky promontory juts over the rim; looking down you see water falling into abyss, hanging vines and gnarled trees clinging to vanishing cliffside. It is peaceful after a long journey, but you can't escape the question: What next? #TinyTalesTuesday #WritingPrompt

It's Theradel, which... I have to admit I am not expecting. To the extent that as he holds his arms out for our usual brotherly embrace I am slow to reciprocate, and I pat him very, very gingerly on the back. "So," I eventually manage, "that necromancer turned out to be the real deal, I see."

Tales & Feathers Magazine@talesfeathers.bsky.social · 2w ago

It's been 20 years since you saw your group last. A whirlwind of adventure, danger, romance, bloodshed; a world-saving battle and then—you went your separate ways. You fiddle nervously with the broach on your cloak. Deep breath. Open the door. Who greets you first? #TinyTalesTuesday #WritingPrompt

Snuffling nose. Wagging tail. A haze of tawny fur as your eyes blur with tears. "How...?" Gideon rubs the back of his neck sheepishly. "We pooled the last of our hoards and talked to the Red Wizard. Turns out, longevity spells aren't all that difficult for dogs." He grins. "Welcome home."

Tales & Feathers Magazine@talesfeathers.bsky.social · 2w ago

It's been 20 years since you saw your group last. A whirlwind of adventure, danger, romance, bloodshed; a world-saving battle and then—you went your separate ways. You fiddle nervously with the broach on your cloak. Deep breath. Open the door. Who greets you first? #TinyTalesTuesday #WritingPrompt

"Finally!" My brother is shorter than me now, which he quickly remedies by hovering exactly three inches higher. "When we said 'live on', you sure took your time about it." "Sorry it wasn't very exciting," I say, hugging each of them. Our leader hangs on the longest, grinning. "It was Wonderful."

Tales & Feathers Magazine@talesfeathers.bsky.social · 2w ago

It's been 20 years since you saw your group last. A whirlwind of adventure, danger, romance, bloodshed; a world-saving battle and then—you went your separate ways. You fiddle nervously with the broach on your cloak. Deep breath. Open the door. Who greets you first? #TinyTalesTuesday #WritingPrompt

It's been 20 years since you saw your group last. A whirlwind of adventure, danger, romance, bloodshed; a world-saving battle and then—you went your separate ways. You fiddle nervously with the broach on your cloak. Deep breath. Open the door. Who greets you first? #TinyTalesTuesday #WritingPrompt

Day 7.3: "The Trees and the Frogs and the Sun on the Water" by M. R. Robinson in @talesfeathers.bsky.social Look. M. R.'s writing is a gift, all right? She captures the tender ache of married life so, so sweetly in this piece. #StoryADay augursociety.org/the-trees-an...

The Trees and the Frogs and the Sun on the Water by M. R. Robinson

After nine years married to a poet—ten come midsummer—Rosemarie can translate every noise. The sound of poetry being born makes her feel warm, like a crackling fire on a winter night.

augursociety.org

In the overall softness, am edge is always interesting. I dig my muckrake under it, pry it free with a 'slurrrrk!’ and flip it over eagerly. A book? A tile? Oh Oh no It's ANOTHER curse tablet. "Of bloody course," I mutter as I trudge back to my hovel to get my boil ointment.

Tales & Feathers Magazine@talesfeathers.bsky.social · 3w ago

Filtration systems are good, but no mortal filter can handle debris that washes down the river from Faerie. The fae detritus follows the current to gather in a lake, where you dredge it by hand before anything slips downstream. What do you pull from the water today? #TinyTalesTuesday #WritingPrompt

A clump of ambition, gnarled as an old bramble vine. Stuck on a sunken log, likely to snag something or someone. So I waded in – and as I pulled, the will to dislodge this figment chased itself around in diminishing circles until the clump broke free. I wound it neatly,and stored it safely in a jar.

Tales & Feathers Magazine@talesfeathers.bsky.social · 3w ago

Filtration systems are good, but no mortal filter can handle debris that washes down the river from Faerie. The fae detritus follows the current to gather in a lake, where you dredge it by hand before anything slips downstream. What do you pull from the water today? #TinyTalesTuesday #WritingPrompt

The bauble looks like a glass fishing float but is as heavy as lead. Something flares deep inside and I am lost in a sea of feelings, of wants and fears. My sister plucks the bauble from my hand and throws it on the refuse heap. “Where were you?” she asks. I blink. “I think that was someone’s soul.”

Tales & Feathers Magazine@talesfeathers.bsky.social · 3w ago

Filtration systems are good, but no mortal filter can handle debris that washes down the river from Faerie. The fae detritus follows the current to gather in a lake, where you dredge it by hand before anything slips downstream. What do you pull from the water today? #TinyTalesTuesday #WritingPrompt

4. Why You Should Read “The Purpose of a Pyromaniac Descendent” | WYSR Review @talesfeathers.bsky.social The narrator finds herself in the afterlife after a lifetime of dealing with her parents’ homophobia. inkfoundry.net/review/why-y...

Today I find a golden acorn, a raven feather, and the sun bleached femur of some small creature; possibly a pixie. Quest items, no doubt. I scratch my head while gazing at the things in my pan. One for the truth of a word, One to show the way, One for the beauty of life, Begun at the break of day.

Tales & Feathers Magazine@talesfeathers.bsky.social · 3w ago

Filtration systems are good, but no mortal filter can handle debris that washes down the river from Faerie. The fae detritus follows the current to gather in a lake, where you dredge it by hand before anything slips downstream. What do you pull from the water today? #TinyTalesTuesday #WritingPrompt

Filtration systems are good, but no mortal filter can handle debris that washes down the river from Faerie. The fae detritus follows the current to gather in a lake, where you dredge it by hand before anything slips downstream. What do you pull from the water today? #TinyTalesTuesday #WritingPrompt

Thank you @acwise.bsky.social for this lovely review of T&F Volume 4! 💚

A.C. Wise@acwise.bsky.social · 4w ago

My review of @talesfeathers.bsky.social volume 4 for @locusmag.bsky.social is now available to read online! locusmag.com/review/tales...

I haven’t looked outside the window on my commute in months; there’s always work to be done on my phone. But if I’d been looking down, I wouldn’t have seen the air serpent keeping pace with the bus, twisting and frolicking as though the vehicle was an old friend.

Tales & Feathers Magazine@talesfeathers.bsky.social · 4w ago

It's one of those days. Coffee machine broke, late to get out the door, and when you finally do catch a bus you discover you've left your earbuds at home. Forced to commute with no distractions, what piques your interest that you normally wouldn't notice? #TinyTalesTuesday #WritingPrompt

You. I see you in the first class of my day, and all over campus. But I hadn't noticed you on the bus before. Yet there you are, 3 rows ahead. Today you're wearing your red plaid shirt, with the pearl snaps. The bus rolls to a stop, and as you get up, you look right at me. Your gaze holds mine.

Tales & Feathers Magazine@talesfeathers.bsky.social · 4w ago

It's one of those days. Coffee machine broke, late to get out the door, and when you finally do catch a bus you discover you've left your earbuds at home. Forced to commute with no distractions, what piques your interest that you normally wouldn't notice? #TinyTalesTuesday #WritingPrompt

I lean my head against the window, prepared for a long, quiet commute when I hear a faint song in the distance. As we get closer to town the song gets louder. Through the trees I see them: the sky whales, on their own way into work, singing a happy song far better than any true crime podcast.

Tales & Feathers Magazine@talesfeathers.bsky.social · 4w ago

It's one of those days. Coffee machine broke, late to get out the door, and when you finally do catch a bus you discover you've left your earbuds at home. Forced to commute with no distractions, what piques your interest that you normally wouldn't notice? #TinyTalesTuesday #WritingPrompt

It's one of those days. Coffee machine broke, late to get out the door, and when you finally do catch a bus you discover you've left your earbuds at home. Forced to commute with no distractions, what piques your interest that you normally wouldn't notice? #TinyTalesTuesday #WritingPrompt

In the end I chose duck legs. If I'm honest I'd been drinking at the time and thought they'd be funny. I was right of course, but I hadn't expected to enjoy taking my house on the water quite so much. Days spent in a chair on the porch watching real ducks go by. I never knew what I'd been missing

Tales & Feathers Magazine@talesfeathers.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Chicken is a classic for a reason, but we offer a far wider selection of legs for your home, should you be interested in something a little more modern, unique, or personal. Horse? Flamingo? Spider? Whatever you like, we can grow! What will you choose? #TinyTalesTuesday #WritingPrompt

Tortoise legs are sturdy, stable, and make for a pleasant journey. I decide to splurge and upgrade my house so that, when its time to stop and stay a while, they can tuck themselves in the house like a shell.

Tales & Feathers Magazine@talesfeathers.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Chicken is a classic for a reason, but we offer a far wider selection of legs for your home, should you be interested in something a little more modern, unique, or personal. Horse? Flamingo? Spider? Whatever you like, we can grow! What will you choose? #TinyTalesTuesday #WritingPrompt

"--and with the amphibious model installation fee, your total comes to..." I hand over the takings from my latest job. It'll be a few lean weeks until I can find more marks to fleece, but the ease of exit with salamander legs is worth the investment. I'll be up the river before anyone notices.

Tales & Feathers Magazine@talesfeathers.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Chicken is a classic for a reason, but we offer a far wider selection of legs for your home, should you be interested in something a little more modern, unique, or personal. Horse? Flamingo? Spider? Whatever you like, we can grow! What will you choose? #TinyTalesTuesday #WritingPrompt

I'm tired of local malefactors escaping their just punishments via creek and stream and river, via marsh and swamp. Let us now swap our legs of chicken for those of the magnificent Whooping Crane, and enjoy the expressions on the faces of evil as the Hut of Justice follows them where'er they go.

Tales & Feathers Magazine@talesfeathers.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Chicken is a classic for a reason, but we offer a far wider selection of legs for your home, should you be interested in something a little more modern, unique, or personal. Horse? Flamingo? Spider? Whatever you like, we can grow! What will you choose? #TinyTalesTuesday #WritingPrompt