Alright, I think I've finally got it! (My goodness that was hard!!) I enjoyed all these stories, and wish I could include them all in my list! Still, I had to cut it down a bit, so here’s what I've got.
Long List:
-Rafellin: It Sings- I enjoyed the conversation and characters in this, and the way the narrative flowed. Also, I liked the idea of the deadly song when the wind blows through the hole!
-Reiver33: As Cassandra Whispers- I enjoyed the scientific explanations/feel of this one! Strong characters and scenario built in a very short time.
-Glen: a moment of madness- I’ll admit, the lack of capitals and proper punctuation was driving me crazy… until it came up in the story! I thought that was very clever, and I thought it was a very strong narrative and portrayal of the main character.
-Cat’s Cradle: Field Trip to the Home of Miss Bessie McFadden- I enjoyed the idea for this, and the observations of the ‘scientists’ contrasted with Miss McFadden’s thoughts. I particularly liked the ending, since I expected her to be saddened or discouraged by their conversation, but instead we see she is a strong, charming, optimistic woman, who is still patiently pursuing her dream despite the years gone by.
-Kerrybuchanan: Mouths of Babes- I loved the idea! (Who doesn't like dragons?) Also, I enjoyed the way the narrative flowed back and forth between the father/son conversation and the dragons thoughts.
-Remedy: Fencer- This one made me laugh! I liked the dedication and obsession the MC has over a relatively mundane thing. The darker feel is in nice contrast to his actual work, which is something nobody considers to be particularly special; fence making!
-Starbeast: Blue Eyes and New Eyes- Excellent use of a different story for this! I love the idea that instead of using the wish to turn back to his normal form, he immediately thinks of the one he loves and puts her first.
-Farntfar: Despatch note.- Very interest narrative. I liked the ending in particular; coupled with the picture prompt it created a strong feeling/image in my mind.
-Anne Martin: Circular Breathing- I love the magical, fanciful element of this and the description of things growing. Also, her singing and needing to keep the song going create a good sense of desperation to her efforts!
-Culhwch: An Ending- I quite like the narrative flow on this one, particularly where it pertains to his relationship with Maddy.
-Mr Orange: Annihilation of the Gods- I love the poetic format, and the strong emotions and imagery created in the narrative.
-Jastius: Spice- Lovely imagery, and good light/dark story. Beautiful descriptions!
-Springs: MR VICKERS’S ALIEN STONE- Very enjoyable. I liked hearing it from the kid’s perspective.
-Phyrebrat: The Project Manager’s Diary- I like your approach to this prompt. The diary was the perfect format, and made for an enjoyable read!
Now for my short list!
-BigJ: The Warrior’s Twilight- Very emotionally and powerfully written. I liked the idea for it and the execution of said idea. I especially loved the line that ended with “one more soul to take” and the final ending of the story, the world fading away just as he feels her hand. Very well done!
-The Judge: Pillar of the Community- Really enjoyed the perspective and narrative on this one. It felt very different, and I can’t quite put my finger on why I liked it so much… It stood out to me at any rate! (Also, the title made me laugh out loud after I had read the story!)
-Karn Maeshalanadae: The Portal- Very well written; it created a clear picture in my mind. I liked the ending, and the idea portrayed in the second half.
-Cascade: Of a Pict Song- Loved the ending. The beginning created a strong tone and interesting picture, but the ending capped it off perfectly. Well done!
-Victoria Silverwolf: Ascension- Another beautiful story! I love the ethereal feeling to this, and the combination of emotion and visuals you've captured. The pilgrim like journey made for a good story and use of the picture prompt. (I also liked the last line, it was a good ending.)
Runner’s Up:
There were so many good stories, I changed my votes like ten times! These runner’s up were right up there and were in and out of my finals.
-Moonbat: The Whimsical Nature of Scientific Megalomania- I really loved this one! The dialogue in this is funny, enjoyable and interesting, and creates strong characters despite no description. The title if perfect for it, and lines like “the square root of all evil” had me chuckling. I am sad I don’t have more votes so I could give this one!
-Sancho: The Death of Innocents- Loved this! Again, I wish I had more votes… You built some strong characters with just a few sentences, and also included a good message that didn't feel cheesy or forced. I liked the contrast to the Shepherd we start with and his character at the end.
And last but not least, my votes.
-Perpetual Man: The Sentinel of Years- Beautifully written. The powerful imagery creates a strong picture and captures the feel of the changing of the seasons. I also loved the idea of the carving being an onlooker instead of an object, watching the infinite passing of time through its round eye. Awesome job!
-JoanDrake: The Stone – Arrival- This one really stuck out to me; I loved the setting of the farm, the farmer and his wife, the rustic feel with a science fiction/magical element. I guess I relate to it since, having grown up on a farm, I can almost hear some of my relatives talking like this! The tone and conversations in this feel very like how farmers might discuss crop damage or other unpleasant farm related news. The blend of that mundane, rustic tone with the magical element stuck with me, so it gets my vote!
-Juliana: The Blessing Bough- Another one I loved. I liked the idea and the writing, and the way we get to see the 'blessing bough’ pass through the generations. I also like the transition from someone who took it seriously to someone who thought it ‘quaint’ to someone who wouldn't be bothered by it, and what happened when it was discarded. And the idea of the disappearing lines, the countdown of the cursed generations… great idea and good execution of it!
Well there it is! *phew*. That was harder work than writing the story! Great job everyone! I'm looking forward to seeing who wins.
