Once again Wednesday has arrived and once again I have new words! Yay! Actually, despite Real Life and my own frustration with Iffy, Ariel and his dang book, and other stuff, I have managed a few days of adding more words. Last week was also a busy week for most of the writers who participate in the Thursday Threads challenge. As a result, the host–who was also the judge last week–decided just to “critique” each entry and not assign winners. That works for me. I do it for the inspiration and the new words more than the “glory.” This is what the host had to say about my words: The juxtaposition of Ariel’s demeanor outside the throne room versus inside is striking, yet he still holds enough autonomy to hold back secrets until the very end, where his sass gets him in trouble. Great tale. The prompt is: *“Just get it done.”* This scene happens in the not too distant future in the books timeline–at least from the point where I’m currently working.

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And so history repeats itself, Ariel Daoine thought. It hadn’t been all that long ago that he’d stood here, leaning against the marble wall with one booted-foot propped against it, waiting to be summoned into the throne room. That time, he’d been sent to Carcair. If not for Titania, he’d likely still be sitting in that dungeon cell.

The massive doors opened and he heard his name called. Pushing off the wall, he squared his shoulders and headed inside. Courtiers gathered in knots, their conversations a susurration that filled the room like a spring breeze whispering through a stand of rowans. He strolled toward the dias and the arrogant man sprawling in the massive chair. Created from a live oak, it’s branches formed a bower for the royal.

“What news, Ariel?” Oberon smile, in a magnanimous mood for the moment.

“Had I news to report, I would have come without your summons.”

“Stow your insolence, whelp. Why is the changeling still breathing?”

That was a question Ariel did not want to answer. Admitting he was falling in love with his target would see him back in Carcair.

“There are extenuating circumstances.”

“Explain.”

“The person you have identified may be an innocent.” And was possibly fated, but he wasn’t ready to explain that.

“Don’t care. Just get it done.”

Ariel walked away, muttering under his breath, “Easy for you to say.”

“Daoine!” Oberon shouted. “Face me.”

Turning, Ariel raised his chin. His gaze locked on the King. “As you wish.”
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Okay, writers, time to put your inspiration caps on and get to work, should you accept the challenge. Readers, two questions for you today. First, do you recognize the book/movie the last line comes from? Second, what do you have to get done today? Also, for anyone curious, Ariel’s last name–Daoine–is pronounced Dee-nee. Yes, Celtic is so weird. Still, it looks cool spelled out. 😉