The Friday Reminder for #SoCS & #JusJoJan 2023 Daily Prompt – Jan. 14th

LindaGHill said :”Welcome to the Daily 2023 Just Jot it January Prompt and the Stream of Consciousness Saturday prompt for SATURDAY, JANUARY 14th! Well, so far, so good. I’m doing pretty well keeping up with the prompts this year by staying ahead of the game. There’s something to be said for taking the pressure off by being prepared. “

 Your prompt for #JusJoJan the 14th and Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “once upon a time.” Start your post with “Once upon a time,” then write whatever comes to you, whether it be fact or fiction. Have fun!

Once upon a time

Image Found  Here 

Once apon a time there was a young prince, named Bonniface. His  family  had  reigned over  their  kingdom  for  a  thousand  years!! Sadly the  present  king ( Bonniface’s dad) was   not  the  best  with  the  royal  purse  and  right  now  the  kingdom  was  deeply  in  the  red!  The  King  and  Queen  after much deliberation  decided  Bonniface should  marry Princess  Precious  from  the  the  kingdom  next  door  but one.

Well  that  was  not  so  bad  she  was  quiet  a  looker! So  it  was  a light  and happy  heart  that  he  set  off to meet  Precious. All went well on his arrival until after dinner whilst having   drink out on  the palace  veranda  that  Precious  showed  her  true  colours.

She  told  Bonniface   that  if  he  wished  to  marry  her  he  had  to carry  out  some  quests  for  her, to  prove  his  worth.

Poor  Bonniface   had  spent  the  last  two  years, getting  water  from  the  Well of  Life, crystals  from the  Mountains of  Doom and  three  scales  from a  living  dragon (  boy  that  was hard!) and  now  he was  supposed  to  getting  a  lock  of  hair  from a fairy!

Night  was falling  and  Bonniface  was hungry  and  so  was his  horse. As they  rounded  the  bend  Bonniface  saw  tiny  twinkling  lights  up  ahead. Ah!  he  thought  perhaps  there is  a chance  of  shelter  and  food, his  horse  (  who I  have  not  introduced  yet, named Jet, due  to his  colour) thought  exactly  the  same .

Nearing  the  lights the Prince  and  horse  were  amazed  to  see  that  they  were  surrounded  twinkling  fairies! They  were  really  so  enchanting  and  beautiful. The  Prince stood  stock  still  and  opened  mouthed. The  tiny  and  beautiful  faires  danced  all around  him. All  the  warnings  he  had  been  given  about  this  sort  of  thing totally  disappeared from his  mind  and  he  forgot  the rain and  the  tiredness  and  smiled !

A beautiful  soft  voice  from  behind  him made  him spin  round .

Image  Found  Here 

There in front of  him  was  the  most  beautiful  Fairy Prince, blonde  hair,  blue  eyes, red lips  and  equally  as  tall as  himself.  Bonniface  was  smitten . “Prince  Bonniface I  assume” said  the  silver tongued  Fairy Prince, ( he really did have a  silver  coloured  tongue). “I  have  had  my  eye on  you  for  several  months  now”  The  Fairy  Prince  smiled  and  bowed  very  low  taking  a  good  look  at  the  bedraggled  Bonniface  as  he  straighten up. Bonniface  was  still dumbstruck.

Well  the  Fairy  Prince  persuaded  Prince  Bonniface   to  stay  for  dinner  and  for decency’s sake  I  shall not  mention  what  happened  after  dinner   but  boy  it  was  hot and  joy  reigned  supreme!

In  the  morning  the  Fairy Prince  invited  Prince  Bonniface  to  stay  with  him  forever, apparently  if  he  stayed  he  would  become  a fairy  too  and  be  married  to  the  Fairy  Prince. It  took  Bonniface  a  split  second  to  weigh  up  the  pros  and  cons  of  life with the  Fairy  Prince  or  Princess Precious…… Yup  he  stayed  and  he  and  the Fairy  Prince lived  happily  ever  after. Well I  say  happily  ever after  they  did  have  their  ups  and  downs  and  Bonniface  found  himself  in  the  body  of  a  frog   more  than once   but  he  and  his  Prince  never  slept on  an  argument and  they always  made up  before sunset . They  had  lots of  fun  and  glorious sex  and  Bonniface   never  had  to  go  on  anymore  quests!

Jet  became a unicorn  and  was  very  popular  because   he  was  the only  black  unicorn in existence!

image  found  here 

Prince Bonniface’s  parents  suddenly  came  into  money  and  his  younger brother  Bob  became  the  next in  line  (  Bob  was an accountant   so  the  kingdom was in  safe  hands)

Image  found  here 

Princess Precious, well after  a  year or  two  decided  that Bonniface was  not  coming  back so  she  married  Prince  Rufus  of  some  other  Kingdom and  after  an uneasy  start  they  fell in  love  and  she  become  half  decent !

I  won’t  say  they  all  lived  happily  ever after   because  let us   get  real  no one  does  not  even in real  fairytales.   But  these  guys  above  made  a pretty  good  fists of  it!

******

This is a rewrite of a post I did in 2017.

The Friday Reminder for #SoCS & #JusJoJan 2023 Daily Prompt – Jan. 7th.

To find the rules for Just Jot it January, click here.

Our host LindaGHill said. “Welcome to the Daily 2023 Just Jot it January Prompt and the Stream of Consciousness Saturday prompt for SATURDAY, JANUARY 7th! I’m scheduling this early so as not to get caught in the trap of being overwhelmed this year. Let’s see if I can keep up my resolution to be organized until the end of the month. Ha!”

Your prompt for #JusJoJan and Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “out of the box.” Write about the first thing that comes to mind when you think “out of the box.” Enjoy!

Today my poem can be read three ways, the bold print, the ordinary print or as one poem including all print.

Pandora’s Box.

image from Pixabay

Don’t open the box they told her

Please be careful they implored

Keep it shut it is bad they inferred

Evil in it lurks their warnings she ignored

Suddenly all that, which was good

They said would up and die

Did happen. She’d not done as she should

The evil was out  all she could do was cry.

pandora.

Badge by Shelley Krupa..

K.L.Caley’s #writephoto part one of a catch up post Morgarna, Merlin and co have not been sleeping. Part 1.

Morgarna had a very rough time coping with being robbed if powers and incaserated in a lonely freezing garret but as always nothing lasts forever.

..

Merlin carefully carried Morgarna into the house where he gently woke her up. She was not in a good mood and a little surprised to be back at the house…” What took you so long I felt like I was dying in that cold and dirty garret!”
” You were not too easy to find babes you were off the radar for a while there! How are you feeling now Morgs”
“Absolute rubbish Merl’s but I can feel my powers returning and boy that’s really good, I felt really vulnerable, I can’t imagine how those mortals must feel…so unsafe!” With that Morgarna sprung up and announced that she was off for a bath and just vanished.
“What have I told you about inappropriate use of Magic” Merlin asked the void she’d left.
“Just testing that my powers work, and a little.bird told me you’ve not been quite the stickler lately! “

---

Later a much refreshed and more confident Morgarna emerged looking her normal stunning self.
Gail was in the kitchen cooking up a whirlwind and John was happily watching her completely spell bound by the machinery and the amazing smells.
Merlin and Morgarna sat in the lab huddled over the computer discussing the next step they needed to take to deal with the shapshifting entity.
“We may not need to go back Morgs, right now he’s in our time zone is
and I believe I have located his home planet. We need to get him sorted and returned before he causes more problems.
We need to return to the cemetery and the Volts were Annette and her father are buried”
Morgarna agreed, ” We’d better take John with us too.

---

“I’m coming too” insisted Gail I need to see this one through to the end! “
“Okay” said Merlin “but it won’t be all excitement!”
” Are we jumping or driving, Merl’s?” Morgarna asked.
“Time is of the the essence, right now I think we should Jump and so they did.

---

Reindeer – Image by KL Caley.

As they landed in the cemetery they found themselves surrounded by a thick fog, in the distance they could see a herd of reindeer 🦌” Oh! How festive” Morgarna trilled.

---

“Come we need to get things sorted out ” replied Merlin pointing his mobile at the distant deer, ” those are just deer so we had best get on.”
Are you ready for this John , are you ready to meet your love Annette again?” Asked Gail . “Yes indeed I am. I miss her so ” said John.
As Gail and John headed towards the church and the crypt ….. Merlin and Morgarna headed in to town, the ghosts who had witnessed the the Entity taking the young man’s body described him.
They had seen the entity enter one of houses in the street just outside the cemetery.two houses with matching doors, railings and winter decor.

---

“Well ” Merlin got his phone and ER. out and pointed them at the doors, then after looking at the reading he
continued “It’s in the lit up house”
“Are you certain” asked Morgarna “I’d of thought that he’d be hiding in the dark one…..I’d of put money on it!”
“We said Merlin that’s probably what it wants us to think , but it’s definitely in the lit up house.”
Silently Morgarna and Merlin went into the house using a skeleton key that Merlin had in his pocket. As they stepped inside they were shocked to find themselves in a pitch black hallway in a pitch black house?

Neighbours – Image by KL Caley.

This is part of K.L.Caley’s #writephpto Horizon.

Happy Christmas Everyone.

I wish all my lovely friends and followers here on wordpress a very happy Christmas may you all be blessed with a happy time.

Yule tide is upon us and yesterday was it’s eve. No doubt you have all been very busy. Well it’s time for you to sit down and have a break. So let’s all raise a glass to eachother and shout Happy Christmas.

Below is a little Christmas poem and some Christmas music.

Thanks for all your patience I love you all

It’s A Miracal

Black, black the sky, cold the winds blow

Across the sand by the light of the stars progress was slow.

She was slight but with child. Tired and near her time.

They had to travel though, the census to sign.

They arrived late after many days travel and there was no place to stay.

She was too tired to chide her man for his incompetence

A Miracle

Her time was near, she urged him to find a place she could lay.

He found a stable bare and full of the animal’s stench.

He did his best to make her comfortable as she began her labor

She was so young and a virgin she knew not what was happening

Finally a child was born as promised a boy to the world a saviour.

From outside came a gentle light and the sound of singing.

People came from far and wide, rich and poor bringing gifts

No one knew why they came but come they did

All saw the beauty of the family and felt their sorrow lift.

Image from Pixabay.

Love and kindness is for every day , not just for Christmas.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE 💜💜💜

Yule Blessings Book Tour for Fairies, Myths, & Magic II – A Winter Celebration. 7/12/2022.

My dear friend and mentor Colleen Chesebro has a new book called Fairies, Myths, & Magic II-A Winter Celebration which was released on 1st December.

Colleen said to me. “Willow you and I both love myths and legends. One legend that remains to this day is the burning of the Yule log during the winter solstice. I found it interesting how this ancient tradition is still part of our celebrations. Many people light bonfires to celebrate the longest night of the year. If you live somewhere where you can’t have a bonfire, candles burning indoors is always a nice substitute. 

So here’s a bit of history behind the tradition. During the Winter Solstice, Pagans burned huge logs to honor the return of the sunlight. The end of the darkness was at hand with spring not far off. 

The Yule Log often comprised an entire tree specifically chosen for the occasion. It was cut and brought indoors, with the end piece of the trunk placed inside the fireplace, while the rest of the tree stuck out into the middle of the room. 

Wow! Just imagine that , it would take up a great deal of room and be a real fire hazard by today’s standards.

Anyway, the people rubbed the log with a mixture of oil, salt, and mulled wine. Often, the new log was mixed with the remains of the previous year’s log, which was kept in a box under the bed. It was believed these ashes brought the family good luck, saving the household from lightning strikes, and even forest fires!  

Learn about more Yule traditions in Fairies, Myths, & Magic II—A Winter Celebration. This is book two in the series, with the first book dedicated to summer and the summer solstice.

About the Book:

In this second book in the Fairies, Myths, & Magic series, step into a world where dark fairies, and other magical beings converge in a collection of poetry and short stories inspired by winter and the celebration of the winter solstice. 

From Autumn’s scary fairies to the forgotten female characters of Yule, prepare to embrace the magical winter solstice myths from around the world. Meet Frau Holle in the Wild Hunt, Befana—the Christmas Witch of Italy, and the Japanese goddess Ameratasu who controls the springtime. Prepare to embrace the Scottish trows, The Irish Goddess of Winter—the Cailleach Béara, and Snegurochka—the Snow Girl.

Learn how to make Yuletide rituals part of your celebration by embracing the symbols of Yule by decorating with evergreens and crystals. 

Fairies, Myths, & Magic II Links:

Colleen’s Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Colleen-M-Chesebro/e/B01N9MV2RX

Amazon Universal Link: https://mybook.to/FairiesMythsMagicII

About the Author: 

An avid reader, Colleen M. Chesebro rekindled her love of writing poetry after years spent working in the accounting industry. These days, she loves crafting syllabic poetry, flash fiction, and creative fiction and nonfiction. 

In addition to poetry books, Chesebro’s publishing career includes participation in various anthologies featuring short stories, flash fiction, and poetry. She’s an avid supporter of her writing community on Word Craft Poetry.com by organizing and sponsoring a weekly syllabic poetry challenge, called #TankaTuesday, where participants experiment with traditional and current forms of Japanese and American syllabic poetry. 

Colleen Chesebro is an assistant editor of The Congress of the Rough Writers Flash Fiction Anthology & Gitty Up Press, a micro-press founded by Charli Mills and Carrot Ranch.

In January 2022, Colleen founded Unicorn Cats Publishing Services to assist poets and authors in creating eBooks and print books for publication. In addition, she creates affordable book covers for Kindle and print books.

Chesebro lives in the house of her dreams in mid-Michigan surrounded by the Great Lakes with her husband and two (unicorn) cats, Chloe & Sophie. 

Find Colleen here:

Word Craft Poetry: https://wordcraftpoetry.com

Colleen M. Chesebro, Author, Poet & Unicorn Cats Publishing Services: https://colleenmchesebro.com

Facebook Page: Colleen M. Chesebro, Poet & Author: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085941528913

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/colleen-m-chesebro-6b856b237

Here is some information I learnt in Canada about how trees can raise from fires like the phoenix,which supports the Yule logs story/ legend/ Myths and Magic Book.

Jack pine and lodgepole pine have serotinous cones (protected by a waxy coating) that require the heat of fire to release their seeds. Fire also produces favourable conditions for the seeds of these pines to germinate. Information here.

Giant sequoias are the largest trees on Earth. They can grow for more than 3,000 years. But without fire, they cannot reproduce. The giant sequoias really are born of fire. Information here

Ronovan Writes #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge 438 FABLE and Fire.

The phoenix risen
Pine trees renewed by fire
No fable it’s truth.

Ronovanwrite’s .

PART OF RONOVANWRITE’S WEEKLY HAIKU CHALLENGE.

K.L.Caley’s #WRITEPHOTO – Gargoyle.

Here we are again it’s time for K.L.Caley’s#writephoto Gargoyle. I hope no one minds that I have added an extra photo to the story. This week finds Morgarna at her whits end and Merlin and Gail in danger

As Gail walked along the left side of the path she noted the dates and names on the grave stones, anything from the 14th century she thought to herself. Then she saw a few people ….no not people ghosts milling around. After a while they noticed her and a young woman carrying a baby came across to speak with her.
“Hello miss you’re one of us are you, you have a gentle aura”
Gail smiled and replied, “Hello I am Gail , who are you”
“I’m Sarah and this is my son Richard , what are you doing here because I can see you don’t belong”
“Well it’s a long story but we have a friend who is in trouble and we were wondering if you could help us”
The young woman nodded and asked “How can we help?”
“Well we were here the other night and an entity followed us home and managed to get Morgarna, that’s out friend to take him back to him time to help him clear his name of murder and find out who commited said murder. But the thing is he lied about where and when he was from and he covered his tracks on our computers…and he should not know what a computer is let alone how to use one…..”
Sarah looked at Gail open mouthed ,
“Oh! Sorry Sarah I am gabbling aren’t I, sorry! Have you noticed anyone, any ghost , not ghost hanging around! “
As Gail stopped talking Merlin approached them , “Hello I am Meriln please don’t be afraid of me I can see you as well as you see me. We are looking for an Entity called”
“John, John” Sarah suddenly said.
“Yes that’s right” said Gail and Merlin as one.

---

Sarah had called the others over and they all sat on the steps of the war memorial, some old and young service men had joined them.
They told Merlin and Gail how this John had arrived about a week ago and had been quizzing everyone about their lives especially the older ones….he was looking for an Annette.
Had he found her Merlin asked, they told him no because she was buried in one of the chapels in the church but they noticed he could not enter the church. That was when they started to wonder who or what he was. Merlin looked at the all and asked ” so you all felt there was something odd about him, then?”
As one, Gail included they answered “Yes”

---

Merlin got out the E.R. and took some readings from where the others had said John had been hanging around. He also took a couple of readings from the resident ghosts for comparison. He fed these readings into his tablet and started to scan the results. “Gail” he called “Come and check this out” pointing to his tablet ” Look this reading it’s not human and it’s definitely not spirit “
“So what is it” asked Gail peering over Merlin’s shoulder.”
“There’s only one thing it can be and that is alien” Merlin replied.
“Look, Merlin , that huge reading there that’s new and it’s not one of us!” Gail pointed out.

Gargoyle – Image by KL Caley.

---

High above where Gail and Merlin stood staring at the screne, there was movement on the crenellation above them, below which were four gargoyles jutting out above the arched windows of the church. Suddenly there was a noise, a slipping noise . Just as the missile came hurtling down towards Merlin’s head Gail saw what was happening and she shoved Merlin to one side while all the other Ghosts stood in shocked silence.
Merlin fell backwards as the grotesque head of a gargoyle just missed him, he fell flat on his back but bounced up immediately! There was a sudden flash and another gargoyle hurtled towards Merlin. This time the wizard stopped it with a hand! The entity known as John cursed loudly and stepped back through a crack in reality and disappeared.

The Ghosts all gathered around Merlin and asked if he was okay, then they turned to Gail and demanded how she had managed to move a human and an immortal wizard at that!
Merlin put his hand up to silence them and answered their question. “It’s simple I have given Gail a human shell and real feelings so that she can move among humans and assist Morgarna and myself without drawing attention to herself or us.
“Who is Morgarna” asked a young airman with a burnt face . “Our other partner, she’s a sourceress and this alien John has kidnapped her and has her imprisoned somewhere. Now it seems to me we need to meet Annette before John returns possibly with back up. “

---

They entered the church, this strange band of ghosts from different era’s and walks of life/death lead by Merlin.
The church was dark and cold but as they all entered it was of a sudden full of warmth , light and happiness.
As they all walked up the ailse the door to one of the side chapels opened and a beautiful woman dressed in a pure white shroud came out to greet them.
She had the most beautiful face and although she exuded an aura of peace she had a deep jagged scar around her throat.
“Lady Annette ” said Meriln bowing deeply, “I am Merlin and I am here to help. “
Annette smiled and asked, “Have you truly come to help unite me with my John, my true John”

---

Meanwhile back at the dungeon Morgarna was getting angry , none of her magic was working, she’d run out of cigarettes and down to her last flask of Bacardi and coke . She was tired, cold and dirty and angry but also she was scared and as she swore and shouted at her captures a single tear ran down her cheek…

PART OF K.L.CALEY’S#WRITEPHOTO: GARGOYLE

Ronovan Writes #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge 432 APPLE and Pick.

Ronovanwrite’s

I cheated this week the syllable count is correct but the true elements are not there.

Apple juicy red
So tempting beckons Eve
Pick me, worlds crumble.

PART OF RONOVANWRITE’S WEEKLY HAIKU CHALLENGE.

K.L.Caley’s#writephoto : Solitude and Stairway.

For visually challenged writers, the image shows a castle on a tiny island.

Solitude – Image by KL Caley.

Stairway – Image by KL Caley

For visually challenged writers, the image shows wooden stairs surrounded by grass and trees (almost hidden).

All I can say is life has been so hectic that even Morgarna’s hectic madness looks preferably admirable to me. Anyway I missed last weeks episode so here is a two for one !

*********

As the seven suns rose over the watery planet Morgarna and Merlin set off to find out what was happening. Merlin complaining she had comprised his manhood in a very high pitched voice! Morgarna said it served him right but she did feel a tad responsible…but that would not last. She was just relieved the Viking attack had just been a bad dream.

---

It took them ages to hop and scrabble through the undergrowth until Morgarna stopped dead and let out a huge RIBBIT! , “What now Morgarna, you’ve not stopped moaning since we set off, what’s wrong? ” asked a very irritated Merlin. Morgarna took a deep breath and changed back to herself the only difference being she was all dressed in green and her hair and skin were green too! ” I am not doing this as a frog Merls I have just had enough! ” A sudden laugh made her turn on her heels to come face to face with Merlin who was also all green! “How long have you been like that” Morgana asked ” from the get go, hun, I wondered how long it would take you to Morph!

---

Meanwhile back on Earth but in another reality Morgause sleeps in a castle on the island of Avalon, under the tender care of Vivienne. As she sleeps the waters of the lake lap rhythmically against the rocks that support the castle in its solitude. Morgause lays deathly pale surrounded by herbs and flowers hand picked by Vivienne especially for their healing powers. Months had passed and still Morgause sleeps

As Morgause sleeps she dreams she was in a laberynth, blindfolded and pursued by shadows that click and whisper. She is exhausted but she knows she must not sleep or the shadows will consume her. There is a sweet smell that keeps her awake she knows somehow it is protecting her.
In her dream Morgause hears voices, Merlin’s, her sister’s and the gentle tone of Vivienne’s voice as she speaks healing spells . Still she is afraid of the pursuing shadows.

Stairway – Image by KL Caley

---

Morgarna finished her cigarette and kicked the snoozing Merlin, come on sleepy head we need to get going again….Merlin yawned “I was dreaming of Morgause in Avalon, I saw her on a bed of herbs and flowers, she looked so pale and still but she is not resting, there were shadows all around her.”
“Was the Lady Vivienne there? Merls is she looking after her?”
“Yes hun, she is incanting spells and embroidering .”
As they reached the brow of a hill the saw a set of wooden stairs surrounded by grass and trees almost hidden from view. “I think we have finally arrived Merls ” Morgarna said pointing to the steps.

---

The elegantly dressed figures clad in green approached the steps with caution Morgarna waved a hand and they both became instantly invisible. They could hear voices above them that sounded similar to James and Thomas. “We had to jump that Merlin and that pushy woman came in and found us arguing! “
“All I asked you to do was to get the lay of the land to see if the place was worth an invasion… and you have so far got imbroiled with a young ghost, two time traveling busybodies and you left Esther behind” Mr Hippo Campus did not sound at all happy!

---

Reaching the top of the ladder Merlin and Morgarna were amazed at the sight which greeted them. A huge bubble full of algae, flora and fauna and a steady constant rain. It was full of all types of amphibian and fish. Mr Hippo Campus was not alone. “Oh! look ” Morgarna thought “Thomas and James are shrimps look Merls” Merlin replied ” not even a meal there!

This is part of K.L. Caley’s #writephoto.

K.L.Caley’s#writephoto: Ribbit.

You know that feeling when you are buying that house of your dreams it’s all going to plan then you discover. A. You have Squatters and B. You’ve been Gazuprd! Yes! #Gazumped by Aliens!.com Merlin and Morgarna are not best pleased!

.

“Well” said Gail, “that has never happened before, any idea what it was?” Morgarna and Merlin nodded, “It was a portal and by the look of it a time and space one.” Morgarna said and Merlin finished by adding “And by its structure I’d say it was alien.” Lady Esther was looking very confused by all this Gail though was almost bouncing off of her chair , ” This is so cool like that new TV show Dr Who. It sort of simple Esther, it’s like you have some sort of machine that allows you to travel through time and space and possibly the Universe! Ohh! Woow this is so fab!”
Merlin was a tad taken aback by this off the cuff answer but yes indeed basically Gail was correct. Morgarna could read his mind and smiling she spoke to him telepathically, “yes Merls she has the measure of the situation! “

---

---

The next morning found them sipping coffee and Morgarna was already on her third cigarette. They had all the relevant literature and bank details spread across the table plus Merlin’s research on portals! Merlin was on the phone to the Estate Angent, “Sorry Mr Black who did you say the other interested party was, …….. Mr Hippo Campus… really? are you sure? Oh! Right you’ve never met him ! …….. Yes I get that , yes that is our final offer. ” Putting his mobile on the worktop he turned to Morgarna, “Did you get any of that, Mr Hippo Campus…” Morgarna was nodding as she blew smoke rings in his direction.” Mr Sea Horse ” Morgarna smiled as she stubbed out her cigarette. “Did you find anything out about the portal you were up half the night ” Merlin eyes lit up as he replied ” I did babes and I have a clear line to exactly where it originates from and it not here on earth, it is on the other side of the galaxy! and you and I are going there to meet Mr Campus!”
“Can we use the Anomaly or will we have to chance their portal, are you serious about coming with me? You normally leave all the hard work to me!”
“Morgs, babe really! I am hurt! Anyway I have made a few tweaks to the Anomaly and I have it set for the out and inward journies. Honestly I am in this with you …..really. “
Morgarna choked on her coffee!

---

Gail was dancing around the garden singing “Then I saw her face, now I’m a believer, not a trace of doubt in my mind, I’m in love oooooo! I a believer”
Esther was watching her from an upstairs window, ” yes the girl is dancing on the garden no idea of the plan, we have her fooled, not quite so sure about Morgarna or Merlin though they are a different kettle of fish if you’ll forgive the pun! But I think the little show the three of us put on the other night definitely helped” As she finished Esther touched her ear and smiled. She had no idea that Morgarna and Merlin were outside the bedroom and heard every word!

---

Merlin and Morgarna flashed eyes at each other and decided not to share their travel plans with Esther or Gail, Gail mainly for her protection. So they had a cup of tea , laced with whiskey in Morgarna’s case. The discussed Tom and James and Esther displayed what looked like genuine shock at the idea that James and Tom were aliens! Gail though had no such surprise, “I never took to them , cold fish no feelings , dead eyes and just so …..odd really can’t explain it …. they’re like things that are so unlike us” she ended, touching Esther’s hand , who flinched ever so slightly.

---

Later after they had settled the ladies and Merlin had set up a ‘portal block’ in and around the house so that Esther and Gail could get a good night’s sleep and not be surprised by Tom or James returning and causing more trouble, they walked back to the Lab. “Merls who do you think has gazumped us and do you think they are connected to Tom and James ?” Merlin Nodded “I do indeed Hun and what’s more I reckon they are aliens!”
Back at the lab Morgarna opened her laptop to look up the estate agent number, I ring these guys first thing tomorrow shall we up the offer I really want that house now it’s perfect.”
Merlin agreed, he was busy checking up on portal designs of the universe. He was just piecing things together when a screach from Morgarna made him shoot across to the kitchen.
“Look Merls , it’s Doctor Who back in Gail’s day early 60s,” there on her screen in black and white was William Hartnell in a funny hat ! Merlin let out a huge breath, “for goodness sake Morgs I thought you were being attacked, don’t do that! ” “Really babes, you care….” Her voice trailed off and she got of her stool and walked across to the aquarium. “Merlin , look she said the Seahorse, ……..he’s gone.

Merlin and Morgarna walked to the park and as they neared the lake the Anomaly appeared, there was no one around so they jumped.

---

Splash! Morgarna landed on a bed of wet leaves, “Oh! Shit, Ribbit , this has got to be a joke…Merlin ! ” She said looking to her left, “Ribbit, yup I here too, Ribbit!”
“What the F##k Merlin we are frogs , you didn’t tell me that! You…..Ribbit”
Merlin silenced her with a wave of his froggy hand and replied.” Babes what would you of said if I had told you? As to why Frogs well everything on this planet is amphibious? Ribbit”
“I’ll give you Ribbit” thought Morgarna.

Ribbit – Image by KL Caley..

For visually challenged writers, the image shows a two frogs (or toads, I’m never certain of the difference) in amongst some water and leaves.

And Gail was singing and dancing to this !

This is part of K.L. Caley’s#writephoto Ribbit