Sunday Snippet: Red Cap

Had a bit of a rough week and felt under the weather for most of it. I did make progress on two of my work projects so not a total loss.

I didn't quite get all the way through my full streaming schedule, but I got a decent amount of viewing completed.

I started the second season of Ted Lasso and quite enjoyed the first episode. I'm interested to see where things go with the psychologist.

Caught another Agatha Christie Hour and loved the cloak and dagger aspect of the episode. Very twisty and turny and an excellent resolution.

Started season six of Endeavor and enjoyed the first episode. Not sure I like the new DCI but I'll see where things go. I don't like not having all the guys together but a shake up now and then is probably good for the show.

Watched another episode of Silent Witness and had no idea Clarissa had a husband. Good to see how they interacted. Interesting premise and I can't wait to see how it plays out.

Started a new arc of Classic Who. It's a bit spooky and I liked the first episode. Looking forward to seeing where this one goes.

Sci Fi Science had a fun topic of traveling to a parallel universe. I like to see how a theoretical physicist puts ideas together that could one day possibly happen.

Enjoyed another episode of Ms. Marvel. This group of characters is a joy to watch. I love the way Kamala interacts with everyone and the show nails the entire awkwardness of being a teenager pretty well.

The finale of Only Murders in the Building did not disappoint! I'm so excited to start season two because I have to know what happens next for our trio of characters.

Started season four of Blue Heelers. Nice to see Roz again even if the circumstances were sad. I'm a little disappointed I won't have new episodes to watch after this season unless I want to jump to eleven.

I'm in the middle of an Umbrella Academy episode and should have it finished up later today. Things are really spiraling and that's not a bad thing.

That's pretty much it for this week's life update. Tonight's post is from Red Cap, a novella that loosely retells Red Riding Hood with a bit of a gender swap.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Magan Drone, a red-capped tree nymph, is ordered to protect Cass Warrison, an earth sprite tasked with guarding the land from the wolf-shifter clan. Magan isn't thrilled with the duty—she and Cass share a complicated past—but her handy skill with a crossbow can stop an evil prophecy from coming to light. She'll do her job and save the day, but no way will she let Cass back into her life.

And a preview snippet…

Cass headed back after completing a circuit of the western edge of the enchanted woods. Not much activity tonight, but he had an uneasy vibe he couldn't quite shake. And he had a shadow. One wearing a red cap and keeping to the trees.

A faint sound caught his attention. He cocked his head and listened. Rustling leaves and a pained cry for help had him changing direction and backtracking several meters.

"Please, is there someone there? I've twisted my ankle and need help."

Cass came upon a lovely blonde sprawled on the ground, her pant leg tangled up in some underbrush. "What happened?" He crouched low and winced when he got a look at the swollen foot joint. "Ack, that looks painful." Untangling the fabric of her pants, he freed her leg from the brambles.

She nodded. "It is. I heard something rustling around, got spooked, and started running." She carefully tried to move and grimaced. "Don't think I can put weight on this."

Cass helped her stand and tucked his shoulder under her arm. "Did you see what made the noise?" He hadn't heard anything, but with another person—who would remain nameless—loitering around that might explain things.

She shook her head. "No, but I caught a scent, like damp fur. Thought maybe a shifter crossed into the enchanted woods."

Cass shot her a quick glance. "What makes you think that?"

She nodded toward a lane leading to one of the cottages. "My great aunt mentioned seeing some movement and warned me to be careful. When I started running, I could hear someone following me."

Cass lifted his chin. "I haven't seen you around. I would've remembered you. You're staying with your aunt?" He walked toward the lane, helping the blonde hobble along.

She gave a quick nod. "I arrived yesterday to visit for a bit. Auntie doesn't have any relatives here. I'm from a different enchanted area where she grew up." She paused a moment then held her free palm out. "Siera Gilmore."

Cass clasped her hand. "Cass Warrison. Nice to meet you, even if it's under less than optimal circumstances." He escorted to the cottage door. "Do you need help wrapping your ankle?"

She shook her head. "I'll be fine. Auntie can help." Her hand twisted the knob but she angled her head around. "If you'd like to drop by in a day or so, I'd love to see you again. Maybe make some lunch for you as a thank-you."

Cass grinned. "I'd like that." He waited for her to enter the cottage before turning to head home.

A brief flash of red above him spiked his irritation. "Why are you following me?" His gaze went to the trees and Magan dropped down from the lower limbs.

She rolled her eyes. "As if. I happened to be out here first and then you came stumbling along." Her crossbow had an arrow notched and her cap faced backward, a sure sign she'd come prepared to hunt.

Cass frowned. "Fine. Let's assume you're out here for the same reason I am. Doesn't explain why you followed me to the cottage?" She could've continued with her patrol.

Magan shrugged. "Maybe I wanted to see how you handled blonde, breathy, and brainless, especially since intelligent brunettes don't interest you."

Dammit, she needed to stop throwing that incident in his face. He'd been drunk and stupid and he'd inadvertently used her. His unintentional terrible timing and the way he'd hurt her notwithstanding, he didn't warrant the scathing treatment she threw at him all. The. Time.

"Look, Magan—"

She casually leveled her crossbow at his groin. "Don't insult me by apologizing. Again." She tilted her chin upward. "Your personal shortcomings do not interest me. And my curiosity is appeased. Blonde Ambition back there is welcome to your brand of lame romance." She swung the crossbow up and hoisted it on to her shoulder. "Have a lovely evening, Cass. Try not to get ensnared in any traps." She made a jump and grabbed a low-hanging limb, swung up into the trees then poked her head out from under the leaves. "And maybe ask yourself why neither of us heard a thing yet your new girlfriend claims she got chased by a nonexistent shifter … after being warned to stay out of the woods." She didn't wait for a comeback, nimbly moving through the branches and out of sight.

Cass balled his hands into fists. "Damn her. She's nothing but a sharp-tongued viper with a stupid red cap." He discounted her parting salvo.

If Siera didn't know the area, she wouldn't know which paths to stick to or what to look for as telltale signs the shifter were trying to encroach on the woods.

And maybe you're thinking with your dick again.

Cass really hated it when his internal voice sounded like Magan Drone.

I'm having a lot of fun writing this story. Cass did Magan wrong—not purposefully, but he did—and she takes every opportunity to poke him with a sharp, pointy stick.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Red Cap

I wish I could say it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, but it's so not. LOL I'm hoping I can add some holiday cheer to the casa sometime this week. I think I'm going to make 2020 my year to finally purge a ton of stuff we no longer need or use.

Didn't have a great week of television, but did get a few things watched. We got a Disney + account through our wireless carrier so I did start a rewatch of the Gargoyles series. I have so many fond memories of this show when my oldest was little.

I finished the Gilmore Girls marathon and had some pretty intense feels. I watched sporadically when it originally aired, mainly because I had three youngish kiddos at the time. I really love the vibe of this show, even when I wanted to strangle the characters sometimes.

Caught another episode of Midsomer Murders and also realized series twenty isn't the last one. Yay!!

Caught a full story arc of Sapphire and Steel along with a full arc of Classic Who. I'd forgotten how much I truly disliked the Master way back when.

I finished out the week with The Trouble with Mistletoe, a Passionflix original. If you're not a member, consider signing up. I love the service!

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Red Cap, an urban fairy tale that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Magan Drone, a red-capped tree nymph, is ordered to protect Cass Warrison, an earth sprite tasked with guarding the land from the wolf-shifter clan. Magan isn't thrilled with the duty—she and Cass share a complicated past—but her handy skill with a crossbow can stop an evil prophecy from coming to light. She'll do her job and save the day, but no way will she let Cass back into her life.

And a preview snippet…

Cass jogged down the steps and paused outside his grandfather's study. "I'm going to patrol the woods." There'd been a lot of movement on the fringe and Cass didn't like it one damn bit.

Cecil angled his head around. "Not sure that's a good idea." His gnarled fingers rubbed at his achy knee.

Cass launched a defense. "Because it's me? Too bad, Grandfather. I need to know what's going on out there." He pushed away from the door jamb and entered the room.

Cecil waved a hand. "Of course, I'll always worry when you're out there. But the reason it might not be a good idea is because we're due for rain." He quirked an eyebrow. "Hard to see when it's coming down in buckets."

Cass stopped short, thrown a little by the easy cave-in. "Er… I'll keep it brief then. Mainly want the others to know I'm out and about. If the weather turns, I'll head back in." He waited a beat, expecting more push back from his grandfather.

Cecil lifted his chin. "See that you do. Supposed to be a soggy night." He glanced out the window. "But it's nice out there right now. Try the western path through the glade. Always a nice walk in the late afternoon."

Cass blinked, a little surprised by the advice. "Uh, thanks. I'll do that." He turned and left the study, chalking up the amiable conversation to the fact the old man had starting handing over the reins of leadership.

Not that Cass wanted to rush into being the co-magistrate for the enchanted glade, especially since he'd share the position with Milton Drone. He made his way to the front door and left, heading in the westerly direction his grandfather recommended. Cass had a ton of respect for Milt and thoroughly enjoyed the man's sage wisdom as well as his company. What Cass didn't enjoy…

"His niece, Magan." Or, more to the point, her biting tongue.

Come on, Cass. You know exactly why she all but froths at the mouth when you're around.

Okay, yeah, he did. And he'd deserved her cool disdain after they parted ways almost a decade ago. But… it had been ten years.

He shoved his hands in his pockets. "No one holds a grudge like Magan." Even after he apologized numerous times.

She could cut him a break if she wanted to.

Instead, she'd rather slice him to shreds with well-aimed barbs—literally and figuratively.

I love to put a new spin on an old tale. The red riding hood vibe is fun to write, especially with the twist of gender-swapping the characters.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Red Cap

The Walking Dead returns tonight and I'm torn between wanting to watch and not. I'm feeling very bleh today and might hold off and watch later.

The Flash is getting good. Not that it wasn't already, but I like how much they've upped the stakes and how the Flashpoint 'verse continues to bleed into the current reality.

Legends of Tomorrow also keeps getting better. And it's renewed for season three, which makes me very happy. I'm gutted over Rip becoming a marginalized version of his former self. Here's hoping that changes soon.

Arrow finally had some payoff for the bitchtastic reporter. Oliver just can't pick 'em. I do love the addition of Dinah and look forward to her interactions with the team. Rene and Quinton made me so happy. I love the dynamic there.

Riverdale again had a terrific show. The Betty and Veronica, B & V, team-up kicked major ass and seeing Alice get punched in the face made me happy. I'm kind of hoping we'll get to see what makes her such a harpified menace. Can't wait for this week's episode.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Red Cap, a sexy short that updates the Red Riding Hood tale.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Magan Drone, a red-capped tree nymph, is tasked with protecting Cass Warrison, an earth sprite, from the wolf-shifter clan. Magan isn't thrilled with the duty—she and Cass share a complicated past—but her handy skill with a crossbow can stop an evil prophecy from coming to light. She'll do her job and save the day, but no way will she let Cass back into her life.

And a preview snippet…

Milton Drone ambled down the stone walkway and knocked on Cecil Warrison's door. The older man cracked the solid oak slab open an inch then threw it wide and welcomed Milt into his abode.

"Glad you could make it." Cecil nodded toward the fire. "Does burning wood offend you?"

Milton's lips quirked. "Only when it's green and not ready." He came from a long line of tree nymphs that respected the circle of life.

Dead fall and careful harvesting needed to be cleared so new growth could sprout. Saplings and greenwood had uses but burning didn't count as one. If only some of the radical "save the trees" and "all trees matter" folk would remember how things actually worked in nature. But he didn't have time for that circular argument today.

Cecil pointed to a wingback chair. "Then, if you don't mind, we'll sit and talk." He moved slowly and took a seat on the matched opposite. "The cold lingers in my old bones and I'm most comfortable by the hearth." He waited until Milt settled in. "You know we've got our work cut out for us. The signs and omens are coming fast now."

Milt nodded, the prophecy heavy on his mind. "I'm aware. I'll assume you've got a plan, because my Magan won't do anything for a Warrison out of the goodness of her heart." His niece's grudge matches rarely ended before she deemed her readiness to forgive.

Which didn't happen all that often.

Cecil heaved a sad sigh. "I wish that weren't the case. I miss her quick wit and that red cap she used to wear all the time." His gnarled fingers picked up a mug from the side table.

Milt snorted. "Still wears one. I can't get her to retire the damned thing." He shifted forward, resting his forearms on his knees. "She says it reminds her of why she'll never settle down."

Cecil grimaced. "My bone-headed grandson and his strong-willed notions sure messed everything up." He sipped the hot liquid in the mug. "He won't cooperate either, but their history aside, he'll have to fall in or risk the future of everyone in the enchanted woods." Placing the mug on the table, he angled to the side. "We'll just have to outsmart both of them."

I'm having a great time rewriting and putting a new spin on the classic story.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Red Cap

September 21, 2014

Hi,

Blargh. I'm still not caught up with Haven. I am, however, and probably as expected, up to date with Sons of Anarchy. Seriously, I have no idea where I want anyone except Gemma to end up. LOL Kudos to Charlie Hunnam for the primo job he's doing portraying Jax.

Sleepy Hollow starts Monday and I can't wait for more batshit insane goodness from that show. I'm so looking forward to November when I'm not working seven days a week and can really sit back and enjoy my shows.

Tonight's post is from Red Cap, an urban fairytale with the gender roles reversed in a retooling of Little Red Riding Hood.

Here's the tagline:

Magan Drone, a red-capped tree nymph, is tasked with protecting Cass Warrison, an earth sprite, from the wolf-shifter clan. Magan isn't thrilled with the duty—she and Cass share a complicated past—but her handy skill with a crossbow can stop an evil prophecy from coming to light. She'll do her job and save the day, but no way will she let Cass back into her life.

And a preview snippet…

Magan spun around. "You want me to do what?" She shook her head, certain she'd heard her uncle's orders the wrong way.

Milton crossed his arms over his chest. "You heard me, Magan. Cass Warrison is the target of the shifter clan and I want you to make sure he stays alive."

Magan snorted. "Why the hell should I?" If she had her way, she'd use him for shooting practice.

Milton growled. "Because if you don't, the shifters will fulfill the prophecy and take control of the realm. They'll no longer live on the fringe, but right in the heart of the enchanted woods. Is that what you want?"

Magan glanced away. "No, Uncle Milt."

She didn't want the wolf clan to take control of the forest. The nymphs and sprites enjoyed unlimited freedom and safety while in the magical woods. Only when they ventured out to the cities in human form did they have to worry about becoming prey for the shifters.

Her uncle laid a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Lass, I know what I'm asking of you won't be easy, but Cass can't fall to the she wolves." He heaved a sigh. "If I could trust anyone else with the task, I wouldn't send you."

Magan met his gaze. "Yes, you would. I'm the best you have." She dragged in a deep breath. "But you'd better be ready when I come back. Whenever Cass and I cross paths, one of us ends up bloody and beaten." Her eyes narrowed. "You'll either be stitching me up or holding me back."

Milton nodded. "I'll be here, Magan, and ready for whatever you bring with you."

She turned away and rolled her eyes. Magan suffered no illusion when it came to her uncle. If he had to hand over her head on a pike to keep the peace, he would. But he'd raised her to understand leadership came with sacrifice and almost always had a personal cost.

Her time to pay up arrived in the form of the man who once held her heart before casting it away.

Cass Warrison better damn well appreciate the expense.

I love playing in fairytale land and this one is great fun to write.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye