Glad everyone liked it. It was originally going to be about a jester who has to make the Queen laugh or she'll have him executed, and thus he resorts to sorcery, but then I figured I preferred the necromancy!
This was an excellent story. I'm glad my prompt made this possible because I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. All of the details of the throne room and his act and everything else truly brought this to life. Well done!
I think it's better that you went with this concept instead, it really turns a lot of the usual plots on their heads! I felt so much compassion for the queen through the people who were trying to make her smile. This piece is very emotional and the ending is perfect for it. It's bittersweet. Perhaps she only needed time to say goodbye. I love his raven too. :) The idea of a Jester being a necromancer is great!
I was immediately transported to a medieval court and had a very strong image in my mind. I also conjured up a courtly version of Britain's Got Talent as he was waiting to go in. Halfway through Gadd feels he has caught the Queen's interest- you certainly caught mine. I love a tale told well. Mysticism and magic had such a strong hold over people back then. Now it's reality tv.
This was amazing, Icy! SO WELL WRITTEN. I had no idea what his trick was, but what a happy, romantic ending - just the way i like 'em these days! As my dad would say, a big Gold Star to you!
I think this is my favourite story of yours. That a necromancer can be a jester is a mighty powerful twist in itself. That that necromancy is used as an act of mercy and kindness blew me away. The title rocks too.
Nice prompt, and I like what you did with it. I was expecting her to "off the jester's head" and really enjoyed the necromancy twist that you gave it instead.
The love between the king and queen was palpable. I enjoyed the humble adoration Gadd seemed to have for her, too. Also, you were authentic to the time period. Really goo stuff, Icy.
This has a really authentic feel to its period setting and I think you got the details of the jester just right. Great story telling
ReplyDeletemarc nash
Yes, you took the prompt and wrote a wonderful story! Very intriguing and the details perfectly fit the story. Well done.
ReplyDeleteLoved the descriptions in this. Lots of colors and movement, sealed up with a tenderness that really sent me over the moon for this story.
ReplyDeleteOh no. Now I have the song "One More Night" stuck in my head.
ReplyDeleteWhat a clever take on the prompt. That Gadd character is a pretty selfless fellow.
ReplyDeleteGlad everyone liked it. It was originally going to be about a jester who has to make the Queen laugh or she'll have him executed, and thus he resorts to sorcery, but then I figured I preferred the necromancy!
ReplyDeleteThis was an excellent story. I'm glad my prompt made this possible because I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. All of the details of the throne room and his act and everything else truly brought this to life. Well done!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the prompt, Eric! I'd never have come up with this without it, and it's been so long since I wrote any fantasy!
ReplyDeleteNecromancy should always win out, especially if a story like this is the result.
ReplyDeleteAn excellent tale and great details!
ReplyDeleteI loved this story. So sweet and heartbreaking, yet disturbing on so many levels. :)
ReplyDeleteExcellent story, Icy! Loved every word. You did a wonderful job with the prompt.
ReplyDeleteGreat stuff!
I'm glad he made his queen happy. Now I'd like to hear the bawdy song about goblins please.
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I think it's better that you went with this concept instead, it really turns a lot of the usual plots on their heads! I felt so much compassion for the queen through the people who were trying to make her smile. This piece is very emotional and the ending is perfect for it. It's bittersweet. Perhaps she only needed time to say goodbye. I love his raven too. :) The idea of a Jester being a necromancer is great!
ReplyDeleteIt was funny, because as soon as the bird showed up I knew this must be based on Eric's prompt. You really took it and made it your own. Good work!
ReplyDeleteGadd save the Queen!
ReplyDeleteSorry... I had to...
Icy - this was stellar - i adore period pieces and the emotion and description of this was dead on - A+, my dear! :-)
ReplyDeleteI was immediately transported to a medieval court and had a very strong image in my mind. I also conjured up a courtly version of Britain's Got Talent as he was waiting to go in.
ReplyDeleteHalfway through Gadd feels he has caught the Queen's interest- you certainly caught mine. I love a tale told well. Mysticism and magic had such a strong hold over people back then. Now it's reality tv.
This was amazing, Icy! SO WELL WRITTEN. I had no idea what his trick was, but what a happy, romantic ending - just the way i like 'em these days! As my dad would say, a big Gold Star to you!
ReplyDeleteExcellent job, Icy. I was sucked into the tale from the beginning. Brilliant story telling. And great use of the prompt!
ReplyDeleteAwesome prompt and fantastic story! I'm envying you now, heh. ;p
ReplyDeleteIcy ... you wrote the crap out of that prompt. So very well-done!
ReplyDeleteI think this is my favourite story of yours. That a necromancer can be a jester is a mighty powerful twist in itself. That that necromancy is used as an act of mercy and kindness blew me away. The title rocks too.
ReplyDeleteThank you, everyone! But credit where credit is due to Eric for the prompt!
ReplyDeleteNice prompt, and I like what you did with it. I was expecting her to "off the jester's head" and really enjoyed the necromancy twist that you gave it instead.
ReplyDeleteAwww, cool and cute story!
ReplyDeleteBut how is he going to make the Queen smile after her one day of happiness is over?!
The love between the king and queen was palpable. I enjoyed the humble adoration Gadd seemed to have for her, too. Also, you were authentic to the time period. Really goo stuff, Icy.
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