Hmmm. When I set the Challenge I was hoping to get entries using real myths or legends or creating something akin to them, but I was prepared to extend the definition, but still for me a goodly number of stories missed the genre with however much latitude I gave it, though the theme was pretty much there every time.
Anyhow, my shortlist:
Bren G -- Bruinian Bargain
Cat's Cradle -- The Fifth Season
emrosenagel -- Eloma, Epitome of Life and Death and Life
johnnyjet -- Spring Out! Spring Out!
Phyrebrat -- Widow's Walk
Victoria Silverwolf -- How Death Came to the Trees
Yozh -- The Tears of the Sun
No font of wisdom or seasoned intelligence allowed me to spring forth with my vote, as none of the seven sprang out at me as springing ahead of its rivals, so it was very much a long re-read of each and a good deal of deliberation, trying to decide which was the spring winner as they were all excellent. In the end, and by the narrowest of margins, I sprang for
Bren G's tale as I loved the idea of snowdrops mourning the winter dead in the spring.
I really wasn't happy with my own tale this month, as I wrestled with what needed to be a far longer story, trying to get too much into it and be too clever, and as it got later and later I got more and more frustrated that I couldn't see how to make it work -- I don't think I've ever got so close to the deadline and it was only because I felt I had to take part, as I'd chosen the bloody theme and genre, that I posted at all.
So I'm doubly and triply chuffed at having got some very welcome mentions/shortlistings, so Springing Spring Thanks Bren G, nixie, johnnyjet, sule, Chris p and ARU!
Oh, crikey -- and Tomb-Splitting, Flower-Blooming Thanks for the wholly unexpected ninja vote, Yozh!
Is there going to be a prize for the most different uses of the word ‘spring’? There have been a few entries…
Tomorrow, when voting's over, those who want to compete for the Virtual Spring Cup can post giving details of numbers and uses/instances (with definitions to show they are different!) and we'll see who wins!