Lounges
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
The Enchanted Forest Adventure by Toddle Poddle
The Enchanted Forest Adventure
Once upon a time, in a quaint little village nestled at the edge of an ancient forest, there lived a curious girl named Lily. Lily had big, round eyes that sparkled like dewdrops on a sunny morning. She loved exploring the world around her, especially the mysterious forest that whispered secrets to anyone who dared to listen.
One moonlit night, when the stars winked mischievously, Lily tiptoed out of her cozy cottage. She wore her favorite blue cloak, the one her grandmother had stitched with love. The forest beckoned her, its tall trees standing like ancient guardians.
As Lily stepped into the forest, the air changed. It smelled of pine needles and adventure. The moon peeked through the leaves, casting silver shadows on the mossy ground. Lily followed a winding path, her heart racing with excitement.
Suddenly, she heard a soft giggle. Startled, she looked around and saw a tiny creature perched on a toadstool. It was a pixie, with wings like gossamer and eyes that twinkled like stars.
“Hello, little one,” said the pixie. “I am Tilly. What brings you to our enchanted forest?”
Lily’s eyes widened. She had heard tales of magical creatures but never imagined meeting one. “I seek adventure,” she replied. “What wonders lie hidden here?”
Tilly clapped her hands, and fireflies danced around them. “Follow me,” she said. “But beware the whispering willows—they tell secrets that can change your fate.”
Lily nodded, and together they ventured deeper into the forest. They encountered talking animals—a wise old owl, a mischievous squirrel, and a bashful bunny. Each shared a piece of wisdom or a riddle.
As dawn approached, Tilly led Lily to a clearing. In the center stood a magnificent tree with silver leaves. Its trunk glowed softly, and its branches reached for the sky.
“This,” whispered Tilly, “is the Tree of Dreams. Touch it, and your heart’s deepest desire will come true.”
Lily hesitated. She thought of her family, her dreams, and the adventures she longed for. With a deep breath, she placed her hand on the tree. Images flashed before her—the places she’d visit, the friends she’d make, and the stories she’d tell.
When she withdrew her hand, Tilly smiled. “Remember, Lily, dreams are like seeds. Nurture them, and they’ll grow.”
Lily returned home, her heart full of wonder. She tucked herself into bed, her blue cloak draped over the chair. As she closed her eyes, she whispered, “Thank you, enchanted forest.”
And that night, Lily dreamt of flying with Tilly, dancing with fireflies, and discovering hidden worlds beyond imagination.
Sweet dreams, little ones! 🌟✨
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
The Tale of the Starflower Toddle Poddle Bedtime Stories
The Tale of the Starflower
In a hidden corner of the Enchanted Forest, where moonbeams wove through ancient oaks and dewdrops sparkled like diamonds, there bloomed a rare flower—the Starflower. Its petals shimmered like celestial silk, each one a delicate shade of midnight blue.
The Starflower was no ordinary blossom. It held within its heart a secret: whoever found it and whispered their deepest wish would see it come true. But the forest creatures knew better than to pluck it recklessly. The Starflower was a guardian of dreams, and its magic demanded respect.
One moonless night, a young girl named Evelyn wandered into the forest. Her heart ached with longing—for adventure, for answers, for something more. She had heard whispers of the Starflower from the wise old squirrel, Thistledown, who spoke in riddles and rhymes.
“Evelyn,” Thistledown said, “beneath the silver birch, where the fireflies dance, you’ll find the Starflower. But beware, for its magic is both gift and test.”
Evelyn followed the squirrel’s guidance, her lantern casting a warm glow on the mossy path. The air smelled of pine and wonder. And there, nestled among ferns, she saw it—the Starflower. Its petals pulsed like a heartbeat.
“Make your wish,” Thistledown urged. “But choose wisely.”
Evelyn closed her eyes and whispered, “I wish to fly.”
The Starflower quivered, its light intensifying. Suddenly, Evelyn’s feet lifted off the ground. She soared above the treetops, her laughter echoing through the forest. She danced with owls, rode moonbeams, and touched the very stars.
But as dawn approached, the Starflower’s petals drooped. “Your wish,” it murmured, “has a price.”
Evelyn landed gently, her wings fading. “What price?” she asked.
“The sky,” the Starflower replied. “You may fly, but only at night. By day, you’ll be rooted to the earth.”
Evelyn pondered. “Is it worth it?”
Thistledown scurried over. “Remember, child, every wish alters your path. Choose with your heart.”
And so, Evelyn made her decision. She kissed the Starflower and whispered, “I wish for both wings and roots.”
The petals glowed brighter, and Evelyn felt a change within. She became a Nightgardener, her veins filled with stardust. By day, she tended to the forest, her feet firmly planted. But at night, she soared—her wings a tapestry of constellations.
The other creatures marveled at her. “How do you fly by day and night?” they asked.
Evelyn smiled. “Because I chose balance. The sky and the earth need each other.”
And so, the Nightgardener became a legend. She painted the sky with comet trails, whispered secrets to the moon, and tended the Starflower, ensuring its magic endured.
As for Thistledown, he watched Evelyn with twinkling eyes. “Remember,” he said, “wishes are not just for ourselves. They ripple through time, touching others.”
And so, dear dreamer, when you gaze at the night sky, know that the Starflower still blooms. Make your wish, but remember the balance—the wings and the roots. For magic lies not only in what we receive but in what we give back.
And with that, the moon winked, and Evelyn drifted into dreams, her heart aglow with stardust.
Goodnight, little one. May your wishes bloom like Starflowers, lighting up your world. 🌟🌸✨
Sunday, February 18, 2024
Strata 21, The Perimeter (Ego) The Book of Immersion Volume 1,
Welcome to Immersion, You have reached Strata 21
The human ego is a complex mix of self-importance, pride, and self worth. It is both a curse and a blessing, an important aid to self-expression and self-discovery. Humans need ego to function. A well balance ego falls somewhere between arrogant pride and humility.
Artificial intelligence proves to be more animal in its instincts with minimal self-awareness. Animals are not able to self reflect, to see themselves in abstract contexts. They do not register a past or a future in terms of reflection and self validity.
But programmers have created selfish motives in AI, important goals on a completion trajectory and devoid of internal moral analysis. A programmed faux 'ego' manifests as a goal that must proceed regardless, irrelevant of vanities and consequences. Vanities and consequences set humans apart.
©2024 The Book of Immersion by Tale Teller Club
Renyke, Flex and Nigel followed the dark tunnels for some time before natural light appears between giant crags.
The sky above is blue and welcoming as the trio stop to say their goodbyes.
'Thank you for your hospitality brother Nigel,' exclaimed Flex breathing the fresh air deep into his lungs and squinting at the sun.
Renyke was glad to be free of the confines of the caves.
'Misters, we have reached the end of the tunnels,' said Nigel. 'It was a pleasure to have been your assistant these past hours. I am to deliver a message from the Empress Lyra herself that you are elevated to the most honourable position of Seed Givers and your names will be carved into the wall of the great hall along with your portraits.'
At that, Nigel scurried back into the darkness and disappeared from view.
The light was a stark reminder that the real world existed despite them, an unmoved force with its hard truths and fatal consequences.
**********
Beyond the tunnels was an open sun-drenched space flanked with beautiful trees. It was hot. After the *warmings even winter days in northern Europe were hot.
Renyke asks the POS for an update.
...You are one mile from Redact you should travel east.... there is a gate...and a fenced perimeter that appears to be inaccessible.
They walk in silence eastward across flint terrain finally reaching a path flanked by tall trees.
They walk in silence eastward across flint terrain finally reaching a path flanked by tall trees.
At the end of the path they see the gate.
It is flanked by beautifully carved trees depicting beautiful women, something Renyke had seen before.
'Like the ship,' said Renyke, looking quizzically at Flex, who seemed to know much more than he ever let on.
'Ah, yes,' replies Flex, 'the ship of sirens, it is indeed.'
’You said they were dangerous.’ said Renyke, quizzically.
‘Not strictly-strictly brother, I just said not to look at them, they get funny 'bout that *shitsylook stuff.’
Renyke asks the POS,
'Is this Redact?'
According to my data there are several entrances, north, south, east, and west. This is the south gateway. ... I am getting some interference....there may be a trap nearby......85% chance of a hostile situation. I am receiving scrambled information from a rogue intercepting satellite. The trap may be two yards ahead...possibly adjacent
Can you be more specific?
There is an equal chance of serious harm either through the gateway, following the perimeter fence ahead, or standing still.....
The POS began to sound an alarm
....I am receiving signals, warning! danger! I have been compromised.....interception via Flex.....
The POS cuts in an out of communication,
Flex stared at Renyke.
Flex stared at Renyke.
'You have disabled my POS, what is going on?' Demanded Renyke.
'I might ask you the same question,' Flex said, grabbing Renyke's collar and pointing a gun at his temple.'
'You have a POS, it has compromised mine.' Renyke said in a shocked tone. 'Are you and android?'
'No, I work for Redact, I was to bring you here. It is not a POS, it is an implant.
'For what purpose am I brought here,' quizzed Renyke,' unable to activate any of his bionics because of the sabotage.
'You would need to ask them that,' Renyke answered. 'There is something inside your motherboard. It has presented us with a problem and halted your human android fusion.'
'I don't know what you mean,' said Renyke, calmly as the realisation of his mission became clearer.
Maybeline jumped out of Renyke's pocket onto Flex.
'Well, that is just not true is it, Renyke? You were sent here as a spy. The machine wants its way in, and you thought you'd found it.'
'I assure you , Flex, I didn't know, I had no idea.'
Flex receives instruction from Redact.
'Your mission has failed, Kill the experiment.'
©2024 Sarnia de la Mare FRSA
Friday, February 16, 2024
The Book of Immersion Strata 20 Peer Pressure at the Party (Disassociation and Existentialism)
Welcome to Immersion. You have reached Strata 20
Often humans take hallucinogenic or mind altering drugs simply to escape their perceived troubles or to relieve monotony.
Some tribespeople believe that drugs such as these can lead to an existential awakening that emphasizes an individual's existence, freedoms, and choices, allowing humans to define their own meaning in life. This epiphany can help make humans to make rational decisions despite existing in an irrational and unstable universe.
But humans can easily become addicted to anything when the pleasure circuits in the brain get overwhelmed and artificial intelligence relies on this catastrophic human propensity to manipulate outcomes and behaviours.
Renyke and Flex took some time to get ready for the party.
There was an array of paints and pigments, henna, and kohl. They drew geometric and organic shapes on each others faces and bodies.
'Look,' Says Flex excitedly, spinning Renyke around in front of a mirror. There are light trails!' The pigments contained tiny particles of reflective material.
'It's magical.' says Renyke as he pirouettes around the room.
The lights dim and Nigel entered the chamber.
'Gentlemen, I have your pills and refreshment.'
'Pills, what do mean, pills?' asks Flex, 'you mean like *nibs?'
'Yes,' answered the Freak, 'but better, naturally. Everything in the Tunnels is better, everyone knows that.'
'Thank you brother,' answers Flex, excitedly taking a small yellow nugget and a gulp of water.
Renyke asks the POS what the pill might be?
......My analysis shows the substance is some sort of hallucinogenic, 99% likely to be a dissociative drug.
......My analysis shows the substance is some sort of hallucinogenic, 99% likely to be a dissociative drug.
To stay alert and on target for your mission I advise that you avoid consumption. Consuming chemicals may render you unpredictable and unable to communicate with your essential-to-life POS
Nigel shoves the tray under Renyke's sceptical nose.
'What is it, exactly?' asked Renyke. I am uncertain about such things....'
'A gift in grateful appreciation of life itself, silly, and to share the joys of tonight's festival,' answered Nigel, jabbing the tray into Renyke's chest.
Flex was smiling, whistling, and humming some tunes.
'Such a pleasant song,' remarked Nigel,' once again jabbing the tray into Renyke's chest and glaring at him with piercing eyes.
'Just take it, brother, it's a party,' said Flex, suppressing a snigger.
'To refuse this gift would cause great offence to your host, she be most angry-cross, Her Most Radiant Oracle of the War-Torn High Priestess Lyra,' said Nigel, with one final jab of the tray.
'You are human now,' said Flex, 'come join us in the to the *OB.'
Renyke checks for more information...
Nigel shoves the tray under Renyke's sceptical nose.
'What is it, exactly?' asked Renyke. I am uncertain about such things....'
'A gift in grateful appreciation of life itself, silly, and to share the joys of tonight's festival,' answered Nigel, jabbing the tray into Renyke's chest.
Flex was smiling, whistling, and humming some tunes.
'Such a pleasant song,' remarked Nigel,' once again jabbing the tray into Renyke's chest and glaring at him with piercing eyes.
'Just take it, brother, it's a party,' said Flex, suppressing a snigger.
'To refuse this gift would cause great offence to your host, she be most angry-cross, Her Most Radiant Oracle of the War-Torn High Priestess Lyra,' said Nigel, with one final jab of the tray.
'You are human now,' said Flex, 'come join us in the to the *OB.'
Seemingly already intoxicated, Flex began a series of summersaults and cartwheels, crashing into things and laughing hysterically.
Renyke checks for more information...
OB, Oceanic Boundlessness, the derealization and depersonalization that is theorised to achieve heightened feelings to exaltation....The Urchs use OB to imagine the *metamorph and reach enlightenment
Renyke took the pill and swallowed it under the watchful eye of the self-satisfied Nigel.
The last thing he would remember clearly was the Priestess Lyra entering the room.
Renyke took the pill and swallowed it under the watchful eye of the self-satisfied Nigel.
The last thing he would remember clearly was the Priestess Lyra entering the room.
From that point on the night was not marked by time or specific events.
Renyke remembered physical pleasures that had had intertwined with beautiful visions and sounds that had disassociated his cerebral cortex and massaged his subconscious. The frisson had extended through the night.
He remembered lying on the pentagon floor in the welcome chamber as fluid feelings, fleeting echos from an unrecognisable future, floated around his fuzzy brain. And it was all so beautiful.
Flex on the other hand, had remembered everything.
'They took great pleasure in your *spunky-give my friend,' explained Flex, sniggering at Renyke's oblivion. 'Your physique was truly praised, most especially by Priestess Lyra. And your virile member was instinctive and *love-plenty in its journey to *virginloss.
Nigel entered the room.
'Misters, your clean clothes, and some foodstuff for your journey ahead. You were most generous indeedy. and now you can be on your way.'
Renyke asks the POS what Nigel means.
Your sperm was required, I believe, as so few of the Freak tribespeople are fertile and there is fear of them repopulating. Your sperm, and Flex's, has been harnessed for the next generation.
'Oh,' said Renyke, 'so I have reproduced?'
According to my calculations, you and Flex have successfully impregnated twenty wombs. I estimate 10 will reach full term, 2 will die in childbirth before they themselves have reproduced, 2 will be infertile. Half of the offspring who survive to the age of reproduction will be female. The three remaining will reproduce an expected average of 8 offspring, half will be men who at full capacity will potentially reproduce (assuming good health etc.), an amount possibly in the 1000s. However, the Freaks are a small tribe and will need to introduce other gene pools immediately or potentially create devastating unpredictable inbred disabilities in a single generation.
'Misters, your work here is done', said Nigel escorting them to leave.
©2024 Sarnia de la Mare
Links to episodes of Immersion written and illustrated by Sarnia de la Maré FRSA, published by Tale Teller Club
Strata 1
Strata 2
Strata 3
Strata 4
Strata 5
Strata 6
Strata 7
Strata 8
Strata 9
Strata 10
Strata 11
Strata 12
Strata 13
Strata 14
Strata 15
Strata 16
Strata17
Strata 18
Strata 19
Strata 21
Thursday, February 15, 2024
Immersion Chapter 19 Freaky Celebrations (Stimulation)
Welcome to Immersion, you have reached Strata 19
Boredom is common among humans who usually need stimulation to function well. Stimulation can breed invention and creative problem-solving. Humans tend to seek out pleasurable activities to counteract boredom and are often prepared to take risks. Boredom can be alleviated with things that are new and different. Feeling unsatisfied by an activity, or uninterested in it, can lead to problems for individuals and societies.
Artificial intelligence that experiences some kind of boredom simulation, might avoid squandering its resources, thus being drawn to new problems and continuing to develop. The search for novel experiences allows increasingly flexible learning for machines and humans. More simple robots have been used repeatedly for hundreds of years to carry out menial tasks but learning machines are different. They are greedy for knowledge and understanding and are often unprepared to be idle unless someone or something shuts them down.
The Freaks are a tribe of underground humans who suffered deformities due to the extreme use of radioactive and noxious gasses during the Russia-China Wars. The use of these barbaric practices resulted in DNA copy errors in those humans most exposed. These deformations had become normalised over generations within their society. Some rare human alterations are considered so beautiful that they are highly praised and allow ease of upward social mobility. The Freaks were able to build bionic body parts where they were lacking and their use of these additions made light work of many tasks.
My information is being scrambled by an unknown source but I am able to decipher that Redact is very close, as the crow flies. At upper ground level, there appears to be an impenetrable forcefield creating a perimeter approximately 1 mile due east. My stats currently have a 25% chance of being correct.
Flex checked his compass from inside his coat but it too seemed unreliable.
'Did you know about the tunnels?' whispered Flex.
'Well, yes,' replied Flex, 'everyone knows they are here. But we know they are occupied with tribes. Generally speaking, it is best to wait for an invitation as they can be vicious. Besides, we thought they were poorly equipped scavengers in terrible living conditions. We may have got that wrong.'
There is noise ahead. Music and revelry.
Nigel leads them into an opening, a highly decorated cavern with colourful fabrics made from old clothes. There is bunting made from old shoe tops fashioned into bunches and stars, painted with bright pigments. There are throne-like chairs carved in wood.
There is a pentagram made from coloured stones on the floor in the centre.
Portraits of diverse characters are painted in murals all around the walls.
'Ah, says Flex.' I see your portrait, brother Nigel. It is a great likeness.'
Nigel nods a bow.
'I will take you to a room so you can prepare,' says Nigel.
'Prepare for what?' Asks Flex.
Maybeline is agitated and suddenly jumps onto Renykes shoulder.
'Why, the *party-party of course,' explains Nigel, leaving the room.
The room is a man-made chamber with ornate carvings in mud and stone.
Artificial intelligence that experiences some kind of boredom simulation, might avoid squandering its resources, thus being drawn to new problems and continuing to develop. The search for novel experiences allows increasingly flexible learning for machines and humans. More simple robots have been used repeatedly for hundreds of years to carry out menial tasks but learning machines are different. They are greedy for knowledge and understanding and are often unprepared to be idle unless someone or something shuts them down.
The Freaks are a tribe of underground humans who suffered deformities due to the extreme use of radioactive and noxious gasses during the Russia-China Wars. The use of these barbaric practices resulted in DNA copy errors in those humans most exposed. These deformations had become normalised over generations within their society. Some rare human alterations are considered so beautiful that they are highly praised and allow ease of upward social mobility. The Freaks were able to build bionic body parts where they were lacking and their use of these additions made light work of many tasks.
They entered a dark tunnel lit by occasional dimmed lights. There is a sharp decline which is tricky to navigate. Maybeline began scurrying around, nervously checking the new smells at ground level.
Nigel was ahead walking extremely quickly and making it difficult to keep up in the darkness.
The tunnels were a mix of old transport networks, mines, and dig-outs. They were complex and it would be impossible to understand their direction if Renyke did not have his onboard compass.
The tunnels were a mix of old transport networks, mines, and dig-outs. They were complex and it would be impossible to understand their direction if Renyke did not have his onboard compass.
The POS was unexpectedly working again.
'How far to Redact,' asks Renyke?
My information is being scrambled by an unknown source but I am able to decipher that Redact is very close, as the crow flies. At upper ground level, there appears to be an impenetrable forcefield creating a perimeter approximately 1 mile due east. My stats currently have a 25% chance of being correct.
Flex checked his compass from inside his coat but it too seemed unreliable.
'Did you know about the tunnels?' whispered Flex.
'Well, yes,' replied Flex, 'everyone knows they are here. But we know they are occupied with tribes. Generally speaking, it is best to wait for an invitation as they can be vicious. Besides, we thought they were poorly equipped scavengers in terrible living conditions. We may have got that wrong.'
There is noise ahead. Music and revelry.
Nigel leads them into an opening, a highly decorated cavern with colourful fabrics made from old clothes. There is bunting made from old shoe tops fashioned into bunches and stars, painted with bright pigments. There are throne-like chairs carved in wood.
There is a pentagram made from coloured stones on the floor in the centre.
Portraits of diverse characters are painted in murals all around the walls.
'Ah, says Flex.' I see your portrait, brother Nigel. It is a great likeness.'
Nigel nods a bow.
'I will take you to a room so you can prepare,' says Nigel.
'Prepare for what?' Asks Flex.
Maybeline is agitated and suddenly jumps onto Renykes shoulder.
'Why, the *party-party of course,' explains Nigel, leaving the room.
The room is a man-made chamber with ornate carvings in mud and stone.
The POS has information
....There appear to be at least twenty large generators and hundreds of solar-sensitive platforms above ground. If I am not mistaken, energy is also being harnessed via several subterranean waterfalls...
Renyke and Flex explore the chamber. It is very clean and there seems to be a lot of advanced technical apparatus.
Maybeline still seems agitated.
Two people enter the room.
They are light and willowy with extra fingers that are longer than usual. Their heads seem larger than other humans and their faces are gaunt with happy expressions.
A blue clouded film covers their eyes and their skin is white with blue marbled veins.
The lights simultaneously dim as they enter.
Renyke asks his POS to check if the Freaks can move things without touching them.
There is indeed an urban myth Renyke that certain humans damaged in the China Russia Wars developed the mental skills necessary to channel kinetic energy through mind control, but this has never been legitimately confirmed.
Would you like me to examine them Renyke?
'Yes,' Renyke replies.
These creatures are siblings. They share DNA. They are unable to see in bright light.
They are young adults, around 19 years and 5 months. They have two sets of certain organs including reproductive organs. I believe them to be gendered females who have not reproduced.
The two visitors put trays of food and drink onto the table along with a pile of fabrics. Looking at each other under low eyelids, they giggle intensely whilst fluttering their long fingers like butterfly wings.
They wear sheer gossamer robes that show their long limbs beneath.
They approach Flex in unison and study him closely, touching his hair and face and running their hands down his body.
'Oh, excuse me, do you mind? said Flex, lifting up his hands apologetically and moving backwards.
They turn to Renyke and do the same.
Renyke has never experienced touching in this way before and is slightly more receptive.
'What do I do, Flex, is this appropriate?'
'Well,' said Flex 'you could just stand there and see *whappens, go with your *bioflow. Or you could ask them to stop, maybe, if you don't like it. Your choice brother. You are on your own here.'
The creatures giggle again and step back, both looking longingly at Flex and Renyke.
'We've brought you some *toggies,' said one of them pointing to the pile of freshly folded clothing.
'We are indeed siblings,' said the other. Then they turned to exit the room giggling together with their long slender arms entwined.
As they left, the lights automatically brightened.
Renyke and Flex explore the chamber. It is very clean and there seems to be a lot of advanced technical apparatus.
Maybeline still seems agitated.
Two people enter the room.
They are light and willowy with extra fingers that are longer than usual. Their heads seem larger than other humans and their faces are gaunt with happy expressions.
A blue clouded film covers their eyes and their skin is white with blue marbled veins.
The lights simultaneously dim as they enter.
Renyke asks his POS to check if the Freaks can move things without touching them.
There is indeed an urban myth Renyke that certain humans damaged in the China Russia Wars developed the mental skills necessary to channel kinetic energy through mind control, but this has never been legitimately confirmed.
Would you like me to examine them Renyke?
'Yes,' Renyke replies.
These creatures are siblings. They share DNA. They are unable to see in bright light.
They are young adults, around 19 years and 5 months. They have two sets of certain organs including reproductive organs. I believe them to be gendered females who have not reproduced.
The two visitors put trays of food and drink onto the table along with a pile of fabrics. Looking at each other under low eyelids, they giggle intensely whilst fluttering their long fingers like butterfly wings.
They wear sheer gossamer robes that show their long limbs beneath.
They approach Flex in unison and study him closely, touching his hair and face and running their hands down his body.
'Oh, excuse me, do you mind? said Flex, lifting up his hands apologetically and moving backwards.
They turn to Renyke and do the same.
Renyke has never experienced touching in this way before and is slightly more receptive.
'What do I do, Flex, is this appropriate?'
'Well,' said Flex 'you could just stand there and see *whappens, go with your *bioflow. Or you could ask them to stop, maybe, if you don't like it. Your choice brother. You are on your own here.'
The creatures giggle again and step back, both looking longingly at Flex and Renyke.
'We've brought you some *toggies,' said one of them pointing to the pile of freshly folded clothing.
'We are indeed siblings,' said the other. Then they turned to exit the room giggling together with their long slender arms entwined.
As they left, the lights automatically brightened.
'Did they read our minds,' asked Flex.
'Nah, man, lucky guess is my guess,' answered Flex, immediately doubting himself.
'Thank you for the toggies, sisters,' shouted Flex as the ghostly figures left the chamber.
The garments were impressive; beautifully handmade with tiny hand stitches. Kaftans, jackets, headgear, feathers, colourful Patchwork, accentuated with mismatched buttons and decorative plastic beads.
'So tonight I suppose we best wear them,' answered Flex, silently wondering about the safety of his possessions and where he will put them.
Urchs are notoriously possessive over their nomadic essentials.
One of the quilted overcoats has sequins made of little flecks of metal that shimmer and pick up the light from overhead lamps. There are rainbow reflections all around the room that move with the jacket. A kaleidoscope of dancing fireflies is reflected on the ceiling and floor, even on their skin.
'I'll have that one,' said Flex.
'No,' shouted Renyke,' grabbing the coat, 'I'll have that one, thank you.'
'No! yelled Flex,' appearing more annoyed, 'I'll have it,' snatching the coat back with steely determination.
A small tussle ensues and the coat tears slightly on the sleeve.
Another Freak enters the room and scurries towards the coat.
'No fret, no fret,' they said, taking the coat and making quick work of its repair with tiny fingers that moved at lightning pace.
'No fret, no fret,' they muttered again as they left the room.
Surprised and somewhat speechless Renyke and Flex look to the pile and discover another identical coat that was there all along.
the POS cuts in.....
Stubbornness,
noun: a dogged determination not to change one's attitude or position on something.
greed
noun: excessive consumption of or desire for something such as possessions or power.
Greed and stubbornness are traits peculiar to humans. No other species on planet earth takes more than it needs or feels embittered at defeat.
'I didn't ask for your input,' replies Renyke.
I have been programmed to educate and inform you Renyke, in order that your human transition and your journey to Redact go smoothly.
'Who programmed you?' Renyke asks.
I am not permitted to say, answered the POS, turning itself off.
to be continued
© 2022 Sarnia de la Maré FRSA Tale Teller Club/Immersion
'Thank you for the toggies, sisters,' shouted Flex as the ghostly figures left the chamber.
The garments were impressive; beautifully handmade with tiny hand stitches. Kaftans, jackets, headgear, feathers, colourful Patchwork, accentuated with mismatched buttons and decorative plastic beads.
'So tonight I suppose we best wear them,' answered Flex, silently wondering about the safety of his possessions and where he will put them.
Urchs are notoriously possessive over their nomadic essentials.
One of the quilted overcoats has sequins made of little flecks of metal that shimmer and pick up the light from overhead lamps. There are rainbow reflections all around the room that move with the jacket. A kaleidoscope of dancing fireflies is reflected on the ceiling and floor, even on their skin.
'I'll have that one,' said Flex.
'No,' shouted Renyke,' grabbing the coat, 'I'll have that one, thank you.'
'No! yelled Flex,' appearing more annoyed, 'I'll have it,' snatching the coat back with steely determination.
A small tussle ensues and the coat tears slightly on the sleeve.
Another Freak enters the room and scurries towards the coat.
'No fret, no fret,' they said, taking the coat and making quick work of its repair with tiny fingers that moved at lightning pace.
'No fret, no fret,' they muttered again as they left the room.
Surprised and somewhat speechless Renyke and Flex look to the pile and discover another identical coat that was there all along.
the POS cuts in.....
Stubbornness,
noun: a dogged determination not to change one's attitude or position on something.
greed
noun: excessive consumption of or desire for something such as possessions or power.
Greed and stubbornness are traits peculiar to humans. No other species on planet earth takes more than it needs or feels embittered at defeat.
'I didn't ask for your input,' replies Renyke.
I have been programmed to educate and inform you Renyke, in order that your human transition and your journey to Redact go smoothly.
'Who programmed you?' Renyke asks.
I am not permitted to say, answered the POS, turning itself off.
to be continued
© 2022 Sarnia de la Maré FRSA Tale Teller Club/Immersion
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)