Drabble Wednesday: Haunting Holidays.

Three more stories, two darker tales and a little holiday wish. Enjoy.

The Gentleman

A shadow on the street, surrounded by poor and lonely souls, he stares up at the castle on the hill. A bitter place, all metal and stone, and spiralling towers, a looming monstrosity of iron-fisted rule. It can be seen from every street and casts its pall over everyone.
He sighs. He gave them a chance. They could have listened, changed their ways, but no. Another season of greed and hearts of stone, while their people beg for scraps. He closes his eyes and snaps his fingers. The air rumbles with a roaring sound and the castle collapses to ruin.

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Winter Solstice

Across the indigo sky, the stars twinkle, their fading light shining from a thousand years away. Moonlight softens against the crisp snow, as new flakes dance down to the ground to meld within the frosty coating already fallen. The forest creaks in the wind, a rustle of defiance in the face of winter.
Murmurs travel that wind, and the haunting echo of footsteps. A gentle crunch, crunch, drawing closer, circling the woodland, followed by the faint jingling of bells. Wandering spirits, the saints of Solstice, lingering at your periphery.
Do they bode ill or good? Encounter them and find out…

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A Moment of the Season

In the silence, as the clock ticks down the Eve of Christmas, you sit by the cracking fire in the radiant glow of the decorated tree. Outside the snow falls light, blanketing the world in fresh, wintery white. The smell of chocolate and peppermint lingers, as does the memory of the children’s laughter, and you smile. Tomorrow will bring crinkling paper and joy, the smells of roasted turkey and groans of delight. Tomorrow is for family.
But tonight is yours, in this small space of time, a candy scented quiet and warmth, a brief moment of solitary peace and joy.

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