Lost Love - Challenge

Quite some time ago, a friend and fellow author (Hi Naughty ;) started a contest. The goal of it was to write a story, 500 - 700 words long, on werewolves. Sounds simple enough, right? It is, until you find out you may not use the word werewolf in any way, shape or form. No shapeshifter, no Latin or other languages. The goal is to have the reader know exactly what your story is about, without telling them directly. This is a fantastic exercise on a couple levels, 1)teaches you to trim the fat and get rid of all your excess words, 2)forces you to show, rather than tell.

So, with this in mind, I'd like to challenge you all to try this. Let your imaginations soar.

I am searching for my husband, Jhonas. He disappeared with the scientists who wish to learn the secret of our longevity and strength. They use horrible inhumane methods. So far I have found nothing but whispers; it seems our race is reduced to campfire stories told by children.

I am high in the hills above the city where Jhonas and I watched the first film about our kind in 1935, brought here by rumours circulating about a test facility in this area and the hope that I might find my lost love alive.



Looking up to Matris Luna, I see her face so round and full of light, and for a moment I remember the night so many years ago when my husband and I watched the ridiculous interpretation of our species. We were unable to contain our laughter, and were escorted from the theatre by two large ushers. The movie goers clapped and cheered as we were removed, fuelling our mirth even more. I looked at my love and noticed his pupils and irises had become enlarged; the beautiful crystalline blue had almost erased all traces of white. His five o'clock shadow had thickened, hiding the slight protrusion of his upper and lower jaw. I remember feeling a jolt of surprise as I flicked my thinning tongue over growing incisors, relishing their sharpening edges and the power they represented.

The irony of the situation hit me hard then. These people paid to be scared by the ferocious beast on the silver screen, and we two were perilously close to showing them the reality of our kind. As always, Jhonas and I were on the same wave length, he nodded at me once with a feral smile and said, 'Run Sophia, now!' Leaving behind our startled escorts - chuffing out laughter through altering vocal chords - we rushed through the lobby and tumbled together out the door. We sprinted into the nearest alleyway, shucking our clothes as we went. Trying to beat the change, before hands became toughened paws and dexterous fingers retracted into thick strong nails.

When the change was complete, I did not want the evening's frivolity to end. I nipped at Jhonas' pointed ears, trying to encourage him to more play. We darted in and out of the shadows - yipping our delight - making our way first through commercial, then residential buildings, until we reached the hills rolling above the city. When our games led us to the highest peak, we paused to sing of our joy to Great Mother Moon. Jhonas' fur glistened silver, as though She had come to earth and kissed him.

The intervening years between then and now have not dulled my memory of the joy my love and I shared that long ago night, but my current sorrow tinges it bitter sweet. I howl, venting my frustration and anger. Six months ago I was caught by several scientists. I fought desperately to escape. I would have too, if they had not threatened to harm Jhonas. I promised to return willingly with them if they gave me a chance to say goodbye. They agreed, but they lied. They took my lost love with them, thinking me dead after a terrible battle, leaving me weak and near death.

It has taken me months to recover from my injuries. I almost did die that night, but the Great Mother has shown me my purpose. She has given me a reason to live. Now, I will find the man who promised to take me and leave my mate free. I will find Jhonas too. You see, as I lost consciousness that night, I heard Jhonas' deep voice, 'It's too bad you killed her, it'll be hard to find another female in her prime, but I kept my word, I led you to her in exchange for my life. It's your fault you have nothing to show for your troubles, not mine.'

I will find both of these men and do to them all that has been done to so many of my kin. If my lost love is lucky - I will let him die.




EXCELLENT NEWS!

A friend and fellow author has taken up the challenge! And in my humble, did a great job. Her name is Pamela L. Todd (remember this name, it's going to be big some day) or Teeny if you like. You can read her take on the werewolf contest HERE.

Come and join us, post to your blog and keep this going. Give me your link and I'll add it here too.

Rain