Fantasy
The Battle of Lyfjaberg
Lycaon, a warrior tormented by an eternal enemy within his soul, embarks on a final, arduous journey to the Healing Mountain, a place said to be both the origin and final destination of his soul.Throughout his life, Lycaon has sought the climactic battle against his inner demon, a foe that has relentlessly haunted his existence. As he ascends the sacred mountain, he faces numerous trials that test his strength and resolve. At the peak, in the heart of a mystical, ancient arena, Lycaon confronts his demon at last. The epic clash that ensues is both physical and spiritual, pushing Lycaon to the limits of his power and will. In this ultimate showdown, he strives to conquer the darkness within and achieve the peace he has long yearned for, hoping to finally heal his soul at the place where it all began.
By Gkirntian Vasili2 years ago in Fiction
Unveiling When Time Stood Still by Patrick Bryan McFadden . AI-Generated.
Patrick Bryan McFadden’s When Time Stood Still offers a compelling look into the life and career of an individual whose experiences span various critical fields. With a BS in security management and an MBA in Organizational Development, McFadden's professional background is rich and diverse. His career includes roles such as Executive Director for a Department of Emergency Services and contractor for the U.S. Department of Defense.
By George Burnham2 years ago in Fiction
A Chat With My Oldest Friend
As I lay in the hospital bed, my breathing was labored and slow. I half-opened my eyes to see several members of my family around me: my eldest daughter, my son, some of my grandchildren, and my youngest great-grandchild, Michael, a young man of twenty. Among them was a friend of mine named William, whom I had not seen in some time. How odd.
By Matthew Spinelli2 years ago in Fiction
E.S.P.Y.
A small man follows a worn path on the beach. The wooden walkway is embedded firmly into the sand, close to the ocean water. A wave laps up over the warped and weathered planks and sprays salt onto his black leather shoes. He stops briefly to hike up the pant legs of his suit and continues walking towards the restaurant at the end of the trail.
By Chelas Montanye2 years ago in Fiction
Warning Signs You're in a Toxic Relationship
Recognizing the warning signs of a toxic relationship is crucial for maintaining emotional and mental well-being. Toxic relationships can gradually erode your self-esteem, happiness, and even physical health if left unchecked. Here are some key indicators that you might be in a toxic relationship: ### 1. **Constant Criticism** In a toxic relationship, criticism is pervasive and often used as a tool for control. Whether it's your appearance, decisions, or behavior, you find yourself constantly being put down or made to feel inadequate. ### 2. **Lack of Trust** Trust forms the foundation of healthy relationships. If you constantly feel suspicious of your partner, or they are overly jealous and possessive without reason, it indicates a lack of trust that can be toxic. ### 3. **Emotional Manipulation** Manipulation can take many forms, including guilt-tripping, gaslighting (making you doubt your own reality), or using emotional outbursts to control your actions or emotions. ### 4. **Isolation** A toxic partner may try to isolate you from friends, family, or activities that bring you joy and support. This isolation makes you more dependent on them and decreases your support network. ### 5. **Constant Drama** Arguments and conflicts are normal in any relationship, but in toxic ones, they are frequent, intense, and often over trivial matters. This perpetual drama creates a stressful environment. ### 6. **One-sided Relationship** Healthy relationships involve mutual support and compromise. In toxic ones, it feels like you are the only one making an effort to maintain the relationship, while your partner takes without giving back. ### 7. **Disrespect** Disrespect can be overt, like name-calling or belittling, or more subtle, like dismissing your opinions or feelings. Either way, it erodes your self-worth and damages the relationship. ### 8. **Control Issues** Control can manifest through financial dominance, decision-making without your input, or dictating who you can see and what you can do. It limits your autonomy and can lead to feelings of suffocation. ### 9. **Constant Feeling of Walking on Eggshells** If you feel anxious or afraid to express your opinions or emotions because of how your partner might react, it's a sign of an unhealthy dynamic where open communication is stifled. ### 10. **Physical or Emotional Abuse** Abuse is a clear red flag in any relationship. It can be physical (hitting, pushing) or emotional (threats, intimidation). Seek help immediately if you're in an abusive situation. ### 11. **Unwillingness to Address Issues** In healthy relationships, both partners are willing to address issues and work on improving the relationship. In toxic ones, one or both partners may refuse to acknowledge problems or seek help. ### 12. **Feeling Drained or Exhausted** Toxic relationships are emotionally draining. If you find yourself feeling exhausted, anxious, or depressed more often than not due to your relationship, it's a strong indicator that something is wrong. ### 13. **Cycle of Apologies and Repetitive Behavior** Toxic relationships often involve a cycle where one partner behaves badly, then apologizes and promises to change, only to repeat the harmful behavior. This cycle can be difficult to break. ### 14. **Your Gut Feeling** Trust your instincts. If deep down, you feel unhappy, fearful, or uncomfortable in the relationship, it's important to listen to your intuition and consider seeking help or ending the relationship. ### Taking Action If you recognize several of these warning signs in your relationship, it's crucial to take action. Start by setting boundaries, seeking support from trusted friends or family members, and considering counseling or therapy to help navigate your next steps. Remember, everyone deserves to be in a relationship that is supportive, respectful, and nurturing of their well-being.
By Saira Praween2 years ago in Fiction
For the love caviar
It's Caviar Day today! So I've come up with this short story in its honour of Mikeydred's Truly July challenge. Do read the requirements here! Part 1 Bank Teller John Low dragged his feet as he made his way home on the Mass Rapid Transit. He prepared himself for the long train ride, leaning lamely on the grab bars to avoid inertia. The crowded carriage he was on gained ground. The 30-year-old's head dropped. He was exhausted. Work had become drudgery, something one did to fill financial gaps or pass the time. John wanted ever so badly to improve his lot in life. He was tired of the rut he was in. He gazed at the crowd filling the carriage at each station the would train went to. A comfortable luxury BMW would allow him to avoid the rush hour crowd and offer him some respite from mundanity. John, still single, lived with his father in a small, two-room public housing apartment. The old man cleaned food court tables for a living, a fact that made John cringe. Part 2 As the train pulled away from the station,the stations, John pulled out a copy of the daily newspaper. A full-page advertisement caught his eye. It was for Chez Lawrence, a pricey restaurant John wished he could afford. It's speciality? Caviar. John wanted to taste the eggs of the sturgeon at least once in his life but it was something that would stretch his meagre salary beyond its limits. Sighing, he stuffed the offending paper in his bag and got off at his destination. Part 3 John's father, Low Kian Pheng, waited eagerly for his son's return. The humble, older man had finished work for the day and laid out the simple ingredients for a family meal - eggs, a small chicken and leafy vegetables that he had bought from the market the previous day. His wife used to do the housework and shopping, but had sadly passed away from breast cancer that the family could not afford to treat. Saliva frothed at the sides of his mouth as he smelled the chicken soup he prepared. It was simple - he didn't have the money to add abalone or ginseng. But it was still aromatic and hearty. For sure, John would appreciate his efforts. The younger man opened the door to the humble abode. He glanced at his father and gave him a cursory nod. "Boy, I prepared dinner," he announced. John's response was curt. "I'm going out." With that, he ignored his father and donned the only pair of Levi's jeans he owned. He threw on a tee-shirt and banged the front door shut. The older Mr. Low sighed and sat in front of the television with a bowl of his simple but heartwarming soup. The reaction was an expected one; his son hadn't had a meal with him since his wife passed six months earlier. The young man resented his poor social standing and inability to fund his mom's treatment. Still, he hoped the boy would come around one day. Part 3 As luxury-loving as John was, he was diligent. His supervisor nudged him one day. "Hey, I've got some news you'd like," Disinterestedly, John looked up from counting the bills in his hand. "So what is it - you finally asked Sally out on a date." "Hey, my love life's not your concern! But the news I have does concern you, though. You're soon going to be minding people like I am - the bank's hired a few new tellers, and it selected you as their supervisor!" John nearly flew out of his seat. Finally, a promotion after 4 years at the bank. Maybe - just maybe - he could afford a meal at Chez Lawrence. He quickly sent a text to his girlfriend, Mindy, with the good news. Caviar didn't seem so far away. Part 4 John and Mindy show up at Chez Lawrence where a long line of foodies greet them. "Hey, I'm hungry. We'll have to wait an hour at least," Mindy petulantly crosses her arms and presses her Gucci bag tightly to her side. "Not to mention that I'll have to watch my valuables." "Hey, it's Chez Lawrence. What could you expect?" John's eyes train the long line. "We can only hope it'll move faster." The young man was determined to taste caviar at least once. Mindy snorted and dragged her comb through her well-rebonded locks. His eyes landed on someone familiar and he groaned. His father stood just before him in the line. Please...please don't let him turn back, he prayed fervently. But Older Mr. Low did. "Boy, what're you doing here? I had nothing to do, so I just wanted to try this place out." "Dad, why waste your effort? They're not going to let you in anyway. Look at the way you're dressed." Mindy looked the older man up and down, taking in his bermudas and tattered tee-shirt. She sniggered quietly. When they finally reached the front of the line, John locked eyes with the Maitre'd. "I think you can let us in first. He's not dressed for this fine establishment." He almost waved his father away. The Maitre'd gave the line a professional smile and made an announcement. "Everyone, thanks for your patience, but the restaurant's full. We can only take in one more person for now, " He turned to Old Mr. Low and gently guided him into the establishment. John stood, his jaw open, though it wasn't to swallow caviar. Mindy, having grown impatient, had left him standing alone. She had gotten a friend, Bob, to pick her up in his new, red Porche.
By Saira Praween2 years ago in Fiction
The Sweet Gift
Briiiiiing, riiiinng, Briiing, riiing. A bicycle bell rang out quietly in the distance. Elena was walking along the dead street, back to her rented bungalow. Her bright yellow dress twirling as she danced along the dirt road, holding her white billowy sunhat in its place. She was heady with her new experiences in Michoacán, and a little intoxicated. This heavenly vacation had been on her bucket list, and she was more than elated to be here.
By Chelas Montanye2 years ago in Fiction
A Journal
A journal that belonged to a traveler was found amongst the forest, must have fallen to the ground and no one had seen the journal up to now. The Journal was old, worn, leather bound chances are created by the wood elves, who are known for the assembly of weapons, armor, satchels and of course, Journals. Only the Travelers held journals to keep moves recorded and documented and the chance of one found on the forest floor was a rare chance. Travelers are those from far lands, whose goals are to seek monsters and slay them. They are treated with respect, after royals, the Travelers come next and then troops and from there the enchanters. The commoners are just humans with no talents.
By Adrianna M. Braun2 years ago in Fiction
