Micro SF/F by O. Westin1d ago

"Help me," the duke said. "My physicians can't say what ails me, but I've lost all pleasure in what I used to enjoy."

The witch examined him, and paused over his hand.

"Nice ring. It is new?"

"A recent gift from the king. Why? Is it cursed?"

It was made to dampen cruelty.

"No," said the witch.

#MicroFiction #TootFic #SmallStories

Show threadEleder1d ago
@MicroSFF I don't get it, sorry!!! Anyone could explain to a non English native? 🙂
Show threadSci-Fi Girl1d ago

@eleder @MicroSFF

The ring reduces his cruelty. Thats why he doesnt "enjoy" things anymore, and why the witch allows him to keep the ring (and doesn't tell him why).

Short version: the thing he used to enjoy was cruelty.

Show threadNini1d ago
@5ciFiGirl @eleder @MicroSFF The OT could do with switching the last two line's positions, it does read odd otherwise.
Show threadBradley Schaefer1d ago
@nini @5ciFiGirl @eleder @MicroSFF nah, I like the ordering. It makes it seem like the witch’s thoughts before she says the next line, as though she considers saying it but then chooses to simply say “no”
Show threadSci-Fi Girl

@soulcutter @nini @eleder @MicroSFF

yeah, I like the dramatic effect the way it is. 😎

Mar 28 at 12:29amWeb