NOTE: The weekly WIPpet Wednesday is hosted by Emily Wrayburn and asks us to use some sort of formula derived from today's date. Following, you'll find 10 lines (for January 10), in rough draft form.
The first time I held the Narwhal Cup, I almost dropped it. Mrs. Haversham had unwrapped the cup from packing materials and placed it on the large oak table in her drawing room. I had taken the usual precautions. I was wearing gloves. I held it with both hands.
The outer face of the carefully carved bone cup was covered with sea-unicorns floating on an ocean of stylized waves, surrounded by finely lined circular symbols.
I couldn't help but remember all the stories about how such a cup was supposed to prevent poisoning. Except for the Duc du Lac, the Monseigneur Claussier, and now, perhaps, the very recently deceased Mr. Haversham.
That's when the cup wobbled and threatened to fall right out of my grasp. Or maybe it was the fourth cup of coffee I had grabbed to keep me alert on the three hour drive south from Edinburgh.
UPDATE ON ROW80 GOALS: Since we are in Merida, Mexico, for the next seven weeks, my only goal is to work on this latest project x5/week. So far, so good.
To read what other ROW80 writers are up to in 2018, click on over to our FACEBOOK group or on our WEBSITE.
Ah, I love all the lore about what stones and bones can guard against poisoning. That was a tiny piece of my Master's thesis (yes, total nerd here!).
ReplyDeleteThere's a lot of understated, nice detail in this piece. The carvings bring up lots of mystical backgrounds for me, and I'm very glad the cup was not dropped--it seems to be important. And thank you for your thanks--I need to post more often, and your kind words will help overcome my reluctance.
That opening line, about the *first* time holding the cup--makes me wonder about the times holding it which came after.
ReplyDeleteFirst time holding the cup? Hmm. Interesting. I like this, a lot. And the coffee jitters are a good effect indeed.
ReplyDeleteI hope to read more soon.
So the late Mr. Haversham drank from this cup... and Mrs. Haversham unpacked it and put it back out on the table. Hmm.
ReplyDeleteThis is excellent. I really love that this is the focus of your new ROW80 goals.
Wow, this is great! I'm already totally hooked and need to know more about, well, everything. What's the cup for? A prize? And what's all this about poisoning? :o
ReplyDeleteOoooh! This is wonderful! I'm intrigued by what is happening with the cup wobbling in her hands. Is it the coffee or some other magical force? Hmmmm...!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy Mexico and keep on writing :)
Jo-Ann