Hello, Wednesday, my old friend, I’ve come with words once again. And once again, I have a random scene but…caveat! I know where it fits in even if it isn’t an exact follow-on or prelude. The good news is: Winner, winner, chicken dinner. I won Thursday Threads last week. Here’s what the judge had to say: The quiet secrecy of the tale was what drew me in. There is an interesting backstory regarding Sade that makes the reader want to continue to the next phase or scene. Last time Sade was here was when she was four but it felt very familiar to her even with all of the years that passed. Great intrigue and tone, I loved the tale from start to finish. Thank you for entering this into the challenge. The prompt is: *”Never been there before.*” I don’t think it will be too spoilery to mention that Sade and Aisling will visit.

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“The Seelie Court?”

“Never been there before.”

Sade shrugged. “Well, there’s a first time for everything.”

Aisling blinked owlishly behind her glasses. “You can’t be serious.”

“As serious as a heart attack. I’m tired of this sh—” She bit back the curse and substituted with, “these shenanigans. I want answers. Since Titania is less than forthcoming, time to beard the king in his castle.”

“Oberon has a beard?”

“What?” Sade stared at the other woman.

“Why do you keep using trite metaphors?”

Sade rolled her eyes skyward and muttered, “Lord, save me from the librarians and English teachers of the world.” Focusing back on Aisling, she said, “You’re a nice girl and I’m trying not to cuss.”

“Why would you cuss?”

“Because beating people is frowned upon by my boss. And Sinjen thinks 
I should be more…”

“Refined?”

She burst into laughter. “That’s a lost cause. He’d settle for civilized.” Sade started walking.

Aisling hurried to fall in beside her. “Do you know where we’re going?”

“Vaguely.”

“So you’ve been there before.”

“I have. It’s been a while, though.”

“How long is a while?”

Hesitating, Sade finally replied. “I was four the last time I was here and a gargoyle made sure I got home.”

Aisling stopped dead in her tracks, mouth open, eyes wide. “Four? A gargoyle?”

“It’s a long, boring story.”

“But it might have relevance.”

“Fine. My mother was a showgirl in Vegas. She told Oberon I was his 
kid. Titania wasn’t happy.”

“Are you?

“No.” But Sade was beginning to wonder about Aisling’s parentage.
****

There it is. Writers, hope the prompt inspires. Readers, I hope you’re still enjoying the snippets. Everybody stay cool!