HAPPY NEW YEAR’S EVE! Anybody have big plans? Going to a party or celebration? We’ll be staying in and dealing with nervous pets. Dogs and cats do NOT like “ringing” in the New Year when it includes firecrackers, gunfire, and the big booms of fireworks. I’ll likely doze off before midnight but once the ruckus begins, I’ll be in the floor with Jake. Pete and Loki will be in their hidey-holes. We have no clue what Toby’s reaction will be. If he takes his cue from Jake, that’s not a good thing. I wish the neighbors would be law-abiding and NOT shoot off fireworks. *sigh* In the meantime, it IS Wednesday…

Due to circumstances and on account of the holiday season, there has been no Thursday Threads flashfiction challenged since before Christmas. And since I recycled a Christmas short for last week’s words, I have new words to share for today. As usual, I can’t say a whole lot about this scene. It’s sort of spoilery all in and of itself, but it sorta isn’t. Not that I’m being vague. Or anything. In case you’re curious, here’s the prompt: *”What are you doing?”*

****
Aisling watched Ariel take ten steps before he paused. Then he pivoted a quarter turn and walked three steps before another pivot, which put him facing back the way he’d just come.

“What are you doing?”

“What does it look like I’m doing?” He didn’t look at her when he answered. Instead he stared at the floor, his gaze intent, almost as if he could see what lay beneath the concrete floor.

“If I knew, I would be asking now, would I?” She didn’t hide the exasperation in her voice.

“Something’s not right.” Ariel strode to his original starting point and repeated his actions. He did this several times, but moving one step to the side for each subsequent trial.

Aisling watched intently. Whatever intrigued the Fae was lost on her. “Can you be more specific?”

Pausing, Ariel glanced at her. “If I knew what is off, I’d say.”

“This room isn’t square, if that’s the problem.”

“I’m aware. This has nothing to do with…” His voice trailed off as he stared at something on the floor. Crouching, he ran his fingertips over the spot.

Kneeling beside him, Aisling asked, “What?” She whispered for some reason. “What did you find?”

Ariel slowly turned his head to look at her and then a wicked smile curled his lips as an odd light wreathed his face and reflected in his eyes. “I would say it’s the back door to Narnia, but Mordor is more apropos.”

“Holy crap.”

“You can say that again.”
****

Oh, sweet mystery of life. Or, more precisely in this case, the Veil between the realms. By George, I think he’s got it. Writers, grab the prompt if it inspires you. Readers (and writers who who want to “play”), what do you think? Will they find Narnia or Mordor if and when they can breach whatever portal/gate/doorway (I haven’t written that far yet)?

Psst. Extra points if you know where those “Easter egg” quotes come from… 😉