For visually challenged writers, the image shows a cardboard box full of various (animal?) skulls.
Skulls – Image by KL Caley
Merlin, was tired he had not felt this tired for decades! This cleaning up had taken a lot out of him, a spell to keep everything and everyone in the castle suspended in time, while he got the place cleaned up! …… Admittedly he was using a spell for that too but ‘ That was okay’ he’d asured himself he was not sticking to the “no unnecessary magic pact” was okay as long as Morgana was not there to witness . No not while Guinevere and Morgana were supping wine and eating Venison in a little time bubble in Guinevere’s chambers.
Morgana was absolutely amazed at how the years of separation, centuries infact, just rolled away and they were joking and laughing as if they were still living in the same time zone. “Really Morgana you and Merlin? Working together? In the future? Really? ” Asked a wide eyed Guinevere! “I just can’t understand that at all” “Never mind Gwen, you don’t need to, I will wipe all this knowledge from your brain before I leave.” Replied a slightly tipsy Morgana.
Merlin looked around and decided the castle was clean enough and he’d had finished. So he decided to pop up to his old rooms while his Arthurian self was still fast asleep. His room was very much as he remembered it, full of boxes and potions and books! “I wonder if I still have my old skulls and bones” he wondered to himself. “I kept them under my bed if I remember correctly” Merlin winced as he bent down to see under his bed ! “Yes” he shouted as he spotted the old box gathering dust.
“What’s in the box” asked Morgana as she and Merlin stood in the tunnel under the castle. “Ah!” He beamed, “this box contains my bone and skull collection. It’s coming back with us…I think it’s going to be very useful” “A box of old skulls” reapted A giggling Morgana. Just then they heard raised voices and running feet coming their way. Right on que the anomaly appeared, “here’s our ride” smiled Morgana. Just as the guards appeared Morgana and Merlin jumped and were gone! The first guard on the scene turned to the second and asked, ” Did you see those boots?…weird” “Yes” replied guard number two, “I certainly did, a French make, I believe”.
For visually challenged writers, the image shows bright pinkish-red trumpet-shaped plants
Poisonous Plants – Image by KL Caley
“Ouch! That’s exactly what I hate about these medieval shoes!” Merlin winged as he landed. “No sympathy hun, you insisted on being authentic” Morgana laughed making little quote marks in his face. “Personally I find my old Doc Martin’s serve me well, even in medieval times. If anyone asks why they are so strange I just say they are made in France.” “Damn that hurts ” Merlin had stepped on another stone. Losing her temper Morgana snapped at him “Will you man up, you baby! It’s your own vanity’s fault that you are walking round in what is basically fancy leather socks! “
They had landed in a long and dank passage with earth floors. They checked Merlin’s notes and after checking their barings they head towards a set of steps. Morgana took two torches out of her bag and handed one to Merlin. As they reached the top steps they checked to see if they were still alone. “Okay” said Morgana “torches out and remember who you are” “Yes I am a Lord Failin and you my little pretty are my harlot” Merlin replied pinching Morgan’s bottom ” Smiling she looked Merlin in the eye stamped firmly on his foot. “Watch where you put your hand hun ” Merlin bitterly regretted only having soft leather shoes on.
Merlin and Morgana made their way through the castle it was very odd, no guards or servants anywhere . “It’s like the Marie Celeste” said Morgana ” and I would know because I was on that ship.” Merlin cleared his throat and said “Right we need to find the Queen’s appartment she is the one seeking our help.” Morgana delved into her bag again and took out a map of the castle. “Ah!” She said here we are up a floor first on the left just as I remember”
As they entered the Queen’s chamber they were shocked to see a terrified Guinevere hiding behind a chair by the fire. “Who are you sir and why do you dare to enter my chambers?” Asked the Guinevere . “I am Lord Failin your majesty and I am here to help you. Now I have been told that all the servants and soldiers are either intoxicated or ill.” Said Merlin giving her a flourishing bow as he did. “You both look familiar have we met before? ” Asked Guinevere. Morgana smiled at her and replied, “Maybe my queen but in another life” “Hush harlot don’t confuse matters, hush now my queen sleep” Guinevere fell into a gentle sleep immediately. “Not lost your touch yet” muttered Morgana.
As they left the Queen’s chambers the smell of vomit and diarrhea suddenly become stronger, as they advanced they found servants, guards, nobles and ladies in varying stages of sickness …some were not sick but so drunk that they were incapable of speach or standing up! “I think I know what this is ” Morgana announced “We need to check the kitchen right now.”
The kitchen was the same as everwhere else, sleeping bodies, drunk and confused children and a lot of mess. Merlin looked around and saw himself asleep in the corner….what a good-looking chap I am he thought to himself! Morgana made him jump coming in from the kitchen garden “I have found the culprit, *Rododendrom as we know the nectar is posionious!” “Indeed” replied Merlin “But who has done this, I don’t remember any sneak attacks undertaken when the castle was …..err… under the influence do you?”… “No but I do remember you mentioning you had got annoyed with Arthur and decided to spice things up a tad…. Looking at your former self there in the corner you must of tried tad too much of the mead! “ Merlin looked on sheepishly….”Don’t just stand there Hun you’ve got a lot of cleaning up to do before day break and this lot awake to the mother of all hangovers! “ Looking horrified Merlin asked, “And what are you going to do” Morgana sat on a near by stool and lit a cigarette. ” After this hun I am going to find some wine….. certainly not mead and have a catch up with Guinevere.” She replied throwing a handy mop in his direction!
*The toxins responsible for the poisonous effects of Rhododendron are grayanotoxins. These are highly oxygentated diterpenoids that have been presumed to be produced elsewhere in the plant as a natural chemical defence against insects.
Azalea/Rhododendron: (Rhododendron spp) Highly poisonous to cats and dogsand cows even if just a few leaves are eaten. Daffodil: (Narcissus) All parts of the daffodil are harmful. Dogs sometimes eat the bulbs, but even a small bite can kill a small animal.
Effects. Rhododendron toxicity is rarely fatal to humans, and symptoms usually last no more than 24 hours. It results in short-term gastrointestinal and cardiac problems, and the severity depends on the amount of honey or nectar ingested.
Grayanotoxins are produced by Rhododendron species and other plants in the family Ericaceae. Honey made from the nectar and so containing pollen of these plants also contains grayanotoxins and is commonly referred to as mad honey.
For visually challenged writers, the image shows a table tomb. Whilst a lot of the stonework is eroded, it is obvious this was quite an ornate tomb in its time.
The Tomb – Image by KL Caley
Morgana woke with a start, as the fog cleared a headache and a huge hangover took charge of her head! …. “why oh why” she asked herself did she always party so hard? Not bothering to wait for an answer from herself she stood up and surveyed the the collateral. Bodies, booze, and a few nasties she decided not to investigate too closely, she smiled and thought that was a good week, that was. Lighting a cigarette she found her heels and headed for the door. It was getting cold outside, the year was heading down to winter, popping back in the door for a second Morgana helped herself to a coat and headed off up the road to where she’d left Merlin’s BMW.
Parking the car, worse for wear and dirty, she left it just below Merlin, still thoroughly stuck in the bricked up arch. Smiling sweetly as she past him she said, “not long Hun’ I just need to freshen up! “
Later after a very silent meal, Morgana could not resist teasing Merlin, “Oh! What’s your problem Hun, you looked so cute as a little naked green man” Smirking Morgana look Merlin right in the eye, she loved to see him squirm ! Merlin was not looking his swarve self and his face was pinched with anger! He tutted as she lit another cigarette, “Why do you do that he asked you know it’s a killer” Morgana laugh, “Hun, we are immortal I am just gonna do as I please” “Okay” said Merlin “you can do just as you please but we are here for a purpose and we have another job! “ “You say we Merlin but why is it always me that has to jump and cope? ” Merlin smiled and touched her arm, “Morgana my dear you are simply the best and while I am being honest I do think I went a tad too far over the cream tea incident. Mind you the damage you have done to my beautiful BMV …” He broke off there and Morgana thought she could see a tear in his eye. After finishing his wine Merlin continued, “Anyway Morgana, this trip needs both of us, so you will not be going alone! ” Morgana choked on her drink, “How, you always said you had to be here to control the Anomaly, how will we get back?” she spluttered. Merlin mumbled something, Morgana kicked him, “what? louder” Merlin looked out the window and repeated, “I LIED!” Morgan threw what was left of her wine in his face and stormed out.
The next morning found them dressed in medieval garb, walk through heavy mists in an ancient cemetery…. They approached an old table tomb, they stood at the head and waited. Merlin looked very handsome and imposing in his wizards cloak he was just about to compliment Morgana, but she lit up a cigarette and the moment was spoilt. After a few minutes the Anomaly arrived , the two linked hands and took the leap. To any onlookers it would of appeared that this strangely attired couple disappeared into the tomb. The only evidence they had been there was Morgana’s dieing cigarette on the ground by the tomb.
“Now hold on Morgana” Merlin shouted as he backed away from the *Fury that was fast approaching him with fire in her eyes and mud and blood on her naked body. “Hold on nothing you thieving swine, what the hell do you think you are doing with my coin and note collection” Morgana was so angry she forgotten her state of undress and all her aches and pains. “You have ruined my car with your temper and cigarettes and as you had your bank cards with you I decided to check out what you had knocking about here! Personally I think that’s quite reasonable” Morgana raised herself up to her full height and went for Merlin’s jugular! “Reasonable, reasonable” she screamed in his ear, “you’ve put me through hell this last week and you’ve not given a flying cuss about my welfare, no sorry no appreciation just you moaning about your car and expecting me to pay for the damages! Then to top it all sending me on a mission impossible” Merlin looked her in the eye and whispered, she was choking him, ” You do look magnificent when your angry and especially when you’re naked! “ That was it Morgana flipped their truce to work together fell by the way. Our of her mouth came some unutterable words in an ancient language …. Merlin paled , he felt himself being lifted into the air and propelled across the room and through the wall of the lab. Whilst flying he found himself turning green and his beautiful black hair turning to leaves! “Hold on Morgana” he yelled you solomly swore no magic on each other” Morgana was not listening she dumped the moonstone on the table then headed for the bathroom!
Two hours later after a bath and a meal Morgan got into Merlin’s car and lit a cigarette looking over to left she smiled and waved , “Bye hun” she shouted waving her cigarette in his direction, “See you later, hopefully you’ll of learned some manners by the time I get back I am off for a drink! Merlin struggled but he was stuck fast half in and half out of the wall. He was furious, no voice, no movement and no clothes! and Morgana had his beloved car.
A Fury : The Erinyes, also known as the Furies, were female chthonic deities of vengeance in ancient Greek religion and mythology. A formulaic oath in the Iliad invokes them as “the Erinyes, that under earth take vengeance on men, whosoever hath sworn a false oath”. Wikipedia
Money, money, money, Must be funny, In the rich man’s world!
Money – Image by KL Caley
For visually challenged writers, the image shows lots of trays of British money from coppers to notes.
💷💷💷💷💷💷💷
Morgana woke with a start, at first she was completely confused and had no idea where she was. Then as the fog cleared, she realised she was totally naked and strapped to a hard stone alter! The revellers were still dancing around her getting more and more aroused. To say Morgana was not impressed was an understatement to say the least. Morgana was hot and thirsty and dieing for a cigarette. Looking around she noticed most of them were off their heads with drink and or drugs. Looking up the moon stone was still suspended above her head. Okay girl, Morgana thought to herself, time to get out of here. From across the cavern she saw two men in cloaks and a naked woman approaching carrying flaming torches. “Typical” she said to herself, why is it always the women naked?” Then fixing the crowd in her vision she began her own chant under her breath. The torch bearers were now standing one either side of her while the female stood at her feet. The two men either side of her were now lowering their torches towards her chest and looking as if they were enjoying the thought. As the flames touched her she jumped up bursting the ropes securing her as if they were ribbons. “Oh! No you don’t, that hurts you vicious perverts, you! ” Morgarna’s voice echoed around the cave! she was pissed and they all knew it. Silence fell with a thud, “Sorry guys no one is going to get their wicked way with me tonight! “ With that she grabbed the moon stone from infront of her and leapt from the alter, she was across the room before anyone could move. Her bag was at the entrance so she grabbed it as she left! And got her torch out.
Half way up the long passage she heard the the baying of the revellers who had woken up and were hot on her heels! Running in bare feet was very uncomfortable and being naked she was very cold. As she got to the door she could feel the breath of her persuers on her back. Reaching out to the handle she was relieved to find it had not been locked and the door opened!
As she got out of the cave into the night air the cold fair took her breath away. The crowd was right behind her clawing at her! Morgana looked around for the Anomaly, her heart beating faster by the second. “Don’t let me down now Merlin, you good for nothing, not now! ” She screamed as the mad crowd started grabbing at her and licking her. Just as she thought the game might be up and she might have use some magic. The Anomaly arrived. With a huge effort Morgana struggled free and jumped.
Merlin was enjoying himself he’d emptied all of Morgana’s piggy bank collection, and had all the money in Tupperware containers mostly coins but there were also a few Bank of Clydesdale notes. He was determined that she was going to pay towards getting his car fixed. Morgana landed on floor of lab… Naked, cold, blooded and as angry as hell! She took one look at what Merlin was doing and roared at him, “You thieving swine, you tight wad!” …….
#TANKATUESDAY. This week it is Ekphrastic Tuesday.
Merril D. Smith selected the image this week. It’s a lithograph and you can read more about it HERE. Remember, we can see what’s in the image, so write your poem using the image as an inspiration. Don’t just describe what you see in the lithograph. Think about metaphor and allegory. Just remember to check what form you’re using. Some of the Japanese forms frown upon the use of metaphors. This challenge explores Ekphrastic writing, inspired by visual art.
I chose to do a Tanka this week, I really love this image, it’s very relivant to the world today .
A folly is a building usually constructed strictly for aesthetic pleasure. K.L. thinks this one is a little gem, what do you think?
Merlin has landed Morgana in dangerous situation, is it just folly or a folly too far?
For visually challenged writers, the image shows an almost symmetrical brick folly with gothic style arched doorways at either side.
The Folly – Image by KL Caley
Morgana landed on the grass behind the wall. “Wet bum again!” She thought to herself. Reaching inside her bag she pulled out her instructions and her phone. Her phone was not working, right she thought no mobiles so looks like I am in the past…or maybe the distant future. Her instructions were clear find the folly and the hidden moonstone and then get back quick. Typical Merlin sparse on detail and short on help.
Nail by neatly manicured nail Morgarna inched her way along the folly wall, counting the bricks as she went. Still fuming about the last few days and Merlin’s lack of care ….except for his car! Then one brick scuffed her hand it was standing proud…. “Right my little beauty ” Morgana hissed, what have you got instore for me. Carefully she prised the stone out and found a key lying underneath. Taking it out she wiped it on her skirt “Well now you are a bright sparkly thing aren’t you.” Morgan stopped mid sentence as she heard voices approaching. It was two men, dressed in Edwardian garb and they were busy discussing the dinner at a near by country house that they’d be attending that evening. Morgana held her breath and waited until they had passed. Then quickly she replaced the brick and slid the key into her bag. Getting her instructions out again she turned the paper over and read, ‘Once you have the key lay low until 7pm by which time it will be dark. The door this key opens is just inside a cave entrance behind the trees to the left of the folly. Then proceed with caution! ‘ “Proceed with caution! Why an exclamation mark” Morgana asked the empty space around her as she lit herself a cigarette , she sat down behind the wall to enjoy her smoke and got a silver flask out of her bag, “Here’s to you Merlin, you shit! ” She said taking a sip , “Mumm, Bacardi and coke, just what the physician called for.”
It was getting dark and a tad chilly so Morgana was glad to hear a distant bell chiming seven. Carefully she picked up the several dogends she had accumulated and put them in a tin which she threw into her bag. Then retrieving a warm scarf from the same bag and wrapping it around her head and neck she set off towards the cave, key in hand. When Morgana found the cave the door was easy to spot. It looked as if it was usually well hidden but someone had recently cleared a camouflaged screen away revealing it. As Morgarna entered the dark passage behind the door she could hear faint music and voices. She took out her torch from her bag and edged her way along the passage, which was cold, uneven and on a steep downward path. The music got louder and soon she could hear chanting and excited groaning. The further she went she could feel warmth, eventually she saw an opening with plenty of light escaping. Putting her torch out Morgana edged up to the open space. Her eyes widened as she could see a cavern full of people, some dressed in cloaks and hoods and others totally naked. The whole place was lit by flaming torches , in the centre was a huge fire and an alter. Above the alter hung a clear circular stone with markings just like the Moon…. The Moonstone.
Everyone was totally involved having a great time a real orgy. Merlin, thought Morgarna, you’ve landed me in it again no warning not an inkling….. She was just wondering which spell to use to bypass these sex crazed revellers when one of the company shouted, “By the laws of the Hellfire Club our scrifice has arrived!” Startled Morgana looked round to find herself surrounded by four burly men who held her tight in their grip. ……
