Sunday Snippet: Quilt of Fate

Another crazy week with weather. At least we didn't get the huge ice storm the forecasters predicted. Thank the universe.

This week in television saw a lot of Hawaii Five-0. I'm developing a healthy obsession with Alex O'Loughlin and Scott Caan. I'm working on season six and then it'll be a waiting period until season seven is done airing. Gotta say I'm pretty pleased with the continuity on this show. That said, I do have a couple of questions that haven't been answered yet. Maybe they'll have a resolution later?

Still need to catch up on The Librarians and Teen Wolf. Gotham returns this week, I think. I'm interested in seeing how the death of Mario is resolved.

Missed the return of Agents of SHIELD. Playing catch up on that one, too. So many good shows, so little time.

Tonight's post is from Quilt of Fate, a novella that started with a writing community prompt of "ruined earth scenario".

Here's the mini-blurb:

Nadie Fall and Cable Reilly are transported to an alternate reality by the Moerae. Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos have plans for the fated couple who couldn't save their original universe, but can alter the future for their new one.

And a preview snippet…

Cable loved Nadie's answer. "You have such a positive outlook on life." He kept his gaze focused on the trio approaching them.

Nadie tilted her head to one side. "Yeah, well, we've been kicked in the teeth a lot lately." Pain edged her features.

Cable wrapped an arm around her waist. "True. But look around us, Nadie." A sliver of hope took hold and Cable didn't tamp it down. "This is what we were searching for… maybe we've finally found it."

Nadie carefully watched the trio as they got closer. "You'll forgive me if I don't hold my breath." Her eyes narrowed when the group frowned in unison.

Nadie's shoulders squared and she stepped away from Cable. He let her put some space between them but put a hand on her arm to keep her near. They didn't need a confrontation yet.

The group of women stopped several yards away, close enough they would be able to converse, but far enough they weren't within arm's reach. Smart and cagey. Cable planted his feet, ready to give chase if they decided to flee. Right now, the women were the only way he and Nadie could get some answers.

The youngest of the three broke ranks, taking a step forward. "There will be questions answered, but first you're going to follow us." Her long hair fluttered around her face from the gentle breeze, but her lower lip jutted out in sneering pout.

Nadie crossed her arms and shot Cable a sideways glance. "Did you ask a question?"

He shook his head. "No, but I just had the thought we'd be getting answers soon." And now he couldn't rule out an otherworldly aspect.

Nadie directed her attention back to the trio. "So… you're mind readers then?" She set her jaw, indicating she wouldn't be following anyone until she got what she needed.

The eldest of the group held up a hand, withered from age. "No questions. You follow or go back to the ruination you left behind." Her commanding tone demanded no argument.

Cable kept his mouth shut. No way would he jump into the battle of feminine wills. He liked his balls and wanted to keep them for future generations.

Nadie sized up all three females, taking her time with thorough once-overs. The only woman who hadn't spoken got the longest view. Aged somewhere between the other two, her round face exuded warmth. She didn't have the sullen attitude of the youngest or the authoritative presence of the craggy oldest.

The middle-aged woman held out a hand. "Come. We'll explain and answer your many questions." She swept her arm toward the tropical visage lining the shore.

A small cottage stood under the waving palms, the path leading to the front door barely visible. Cable turned and met Nadie's gaze. She lifted a shoulder and started trudging after the women.

Equal parts wary and curious, Cable brought up the end of the procession. When they reached the bungalow, the women stopped, turned, and faced the couple.

"Welcome to our home." As one, they moved to the side, the door swinging open on its own. "We are the Moerae."

Nadie let out a laugh. "Well… I totally didn't see that one coming."

I think it's going to be fun to play with the Fates. Cable remains somewhat in awe of the trio, but Nadie has their number. She'll push every button the group of women has.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye