The harsh light of day...

Welcome to my offering for 

The 6th Annual

Vampire's Day Soiree

It is the final instalment of 

Abigail's adventures with the Moon Daisies

Part 11: THE HARSH LIGHT OF DAY

"Well...going on the state of his hands and the heavy muddy boots... I'd say that Vampire IS the Woodsman" said Stewie as the three friends peered around the door frame into the library.

"You really think so?" queried Abigail.

"I would concur" said Mavis. "Maybe he was bitten by the Daisies..."

"I was bitten but haven't turned into anything scary" replied Abigail with what may have been a slight pout.

"True, " said Mavis "but he must have been bitten many times over the years...look at what happened to me after biting them."

"Or" interrupted Stewie "he was already a Vampire and the Daisies got crazier after biting him!"

"Does it really matter who bit who?" snapped Abigail. "We have to help him. I know the Bluebells told us their version of events, but nothing in their story justifies the punishment he is still suffering!"

Mavis and Stewie took a step back.

Abigail had made a decision, she was walking into the library, toward the sleeping Vampire.

Before Mavis or Stewie could stop her she was tugging on his sleeve...

"Excuse me" she spoke quietly and calmly.

On getting no response she tugged harder.

"Excuse me sir"she said again, slightly more forcefully.

"Abigail!!! What are you doing???" hissed Mavis.

Abigail turned to her friends who were still hiding by the door way.

"He's a sad sad Daddy... and I'm going to give him a hug."

Mavis felt her jaw hit the floor as she and Stewie stood frozen in horror.

Abigail turned back to the sleeping creature.The brave-hearted little girl then climbed up onto his knee, put her arms around his neck and whispered "Wake up Daddy...it's going to be ok..."

Stewie felt the tears welling up in his eyes. He felt he should be screaming and pulling Abigail away to safety, but something was holding him back, something was telling him it was OK...just as Abigail was telling the huge beast...everything was going to be OK.

The Vampire stirred...his sad expression was softening, and he looked somehow friendlier, if a little puzzled. His big scary hands reached around Abigail...and this was the moment Mavis passed out.

Stewie was made of tougher stuff, but he couldn't help a shudder as the Vampire slowly opened his bloodshot eyes to look straight into the face of the helpless child.

"??? Abigail???" whispered the still sleepy monster.

"Yes Daddy...it's me"

And the huge scary Vampire turned into a sobbing, sniffling mess of a man in front of the still mesmerised Stewie.

"It's OK Daddy...I've come to get you...Mummy found me ages ago...we've been waiting for you, but you hid yourself in the Darkness. You were so busy being angry you forgot about the Love. I have come to take you into the light."

As Stewie watched on, Abigail took her sad Daddy by the hand and led him outside...it was so bright and sunny...and we all know what happens to Vampires in sunlight...

"I can't come out there baby...I will burn and go to Hell because I was careless to lose you..."

"You don't go to Hell for being heartbroken ... only your outer self will burn...I will hold your hand and we will walk in the light together."

Stewie felt the rush of happiness as the dark vampiric shell fizzled away, and the Daddy and his little Angel walked across the sun-bathed garden...and faded away into nothing.

...

It was many hours before Mavis woke up to find Stewie, still sniffling, snuggled up against her.

"What happened?...where is Abigail?" she asked quietly.

"..so beautiful...you won't believe me..." he sniffed in response.

As the pair walked out onto the gravel path they felt both sad and happy at the same time.

"So Abigail was a ghost..." said Mavis, still trying to understand.

"Apparently" replied Stewie." I did sometimes wonder why such a little girl was hanging out with us,

and why her parents never came looking for her at night." Stewie continued thoughtfully. " I think Abigail had blocked out the horror of her own demise...and it wasn't until the Bluebell's retelling of the fateful night that she began to remember... and not until she saw his sadness did she recognise her Daddy and why she was here."

" I suppose it does explain why she was always so drawn to the garden..." began Mavis

"...and fascinated by the Daisies" finished Stewie.

"I hadn't thought about that" said Mavis "so....am I dead too?"

"Don't think so" answered Stewie, playfully flinging a rather large acorn at her.

"Oooow...that hurt!"

"NOT DEAD" said the ever practical squirrel. " I guess it's true that animals are just more open to spiritual communication. Abigail had been gone a long time and needed friends to help her find her Daddy that's all."

"Wow" said Mavis "I'm still green and flowery though...what am I going to do now?"

" I guess we could always hang out in the Bluebell wood..."hang out"...get it?" he taunted, and Mavis chased him across the lawn, playfully nipping at his heels.

The end

(for now)

Mwahahahahahaha......

Enjoy XXX

Pre Party Nibbles...

I haven't done any writing for a while now,

 but one thing that is guaranteed to get the juices flowing...

Vampire's Day Soiree 

This February 14th is the 6th incarnation of this annual event,

and time for me to continue my

 MOON DAISIES saga.

So today you can read part 10 with part 11 to follow on the 14th.

*you can catch up at the above link*

Moon Daisies pt 10: Time for Nibbles

Getting back to the house was much easier than the journey to Dead Man's Wood for Abigail, what with Mavis' new found ability to fly.

As the pair soared over the furious Daisies, they stooped to pick up the hapless Stewie (who it should be said, was making excellent progress under the circumstances)

For reasons best known to herself, Mavis had decided to re enter the creepy old wreck of a house via the attic window, prompting knowing, sarcastic glances from Stewie, and mutterings about "rafters" and "nap time".

"ACTUALLY..." started Mavis..." I just thought the higher up the building the further away from those dastardly  Daisies. We know they can't enter the woodland, but we don't know if they can enter the house!"

"Point taken" said Stewie, and Abigail nodded quietly in agreement.

"You look cold deary" said Mavis, noticing how pale Abigail now looked.

"I think she may be in shock" noted the ever practical squirrel..."it has been a particularly stressful night. Maybe a nap isn't such a bad idea."

The three friends huddled together in the farthest corner of the attic amongst a pile of old curtains, and surprisingly quickly, fell fast asleep.

...

When she awoke a few hours later, Abigail couldn't shake the uncomfortable feeling left in her by the story the Bluebells had told .

How heartbroken that father must have been on finding his child so cruelly killed.

No wonder he still roamed in his anger and grief.

If only she could find a way to let him know what had really happened.

Maybe he would rest in peace, leave the land and the Daisies would go back to being just pretty flowers again.

She rubbed her eyes awake as Stewie came back into the room. Squirrels don't need much sleep, and a quick power nap left him eager to check out the "Daisy/House" situation.

"All clear...as far as I can tell." he announced to the still drowsy pair. " I think they seem afraid to actually come in...though there are plenty of them all along the edge of the gravel path."

"Well I think I will go down to the kitchen and see if there is anything interesting to eat" said Mavis.

"Anything except Daisies?" quipped Stewie, and even Mavis allowed herself a small giggle.

While Mavis checked out the kitchen cupboards, Abigail and Stewie went back to the library.

*Abigail's earlier visit to the "Wing-backed" chair*

"I don't know why...but I feel so much safer in here...in the big wing-backed chair" mused Abigail as she climbed into it and picked up a book from the side table.

"HOW TO LIVE FOREVER....THE WAY OF THE VAMPYR " she read aloud.

"Vampire...." whispered Stewie.

"Yes ...Vampire...it's just spelled Vampyr in this old book" continued Abigail.

"No....Vampire...." repeated Stewie.

"Yes... I understood you the first time" Abigail laughed at Stewie, and waited for him to jump onto her lap, but he didn't.

"Noooooooo.......chair!!!...Vampire Chair!!!"

Abigail looked over her shoulder with eyes the size of saucers to see what Stewie was pointing at...

The "Wing-backed" chair Abigail found so comforting was in fact an ordinary chair...without wings.

She had actually climbed into the lap of the chair's occupant....an occupant with large leathery wings...and fangs... and a very sad expression as he slept silently.

Abigail very quietly crept down from his knee, put the book back carefully, and joined Stewie as he backed out of the room. But she couldn't tear her eyes away from the sad face.

She even thought she heard a soft pitiful whimper come from the large creature as they crossed the threshold and ran to the kitchen and Mavis.

"OMG!!! .. OMG!!!... OMG!!!" Mavis squealed as she jumped up and down excitedly.

Stewie and Abigail glared at her "Seriously?" they asked in unison.

"Yes...CHOCOLATE BISCUITS!!!!" squealed Mavis again..." a bit dusty but definitely edible!"

"We tell you there's a big Vampire in the library and you just go on about biscuits!" snapped Stewie.

"CHOCOLATE biscuits..." repeated Mavis with such emphasis that it left no room for debate.

So they sat eating chocolate biscuits, eyes turned towards the doorway, just in case.

"That's better" sighed Mavis "Now....what's that about the library chair?"

....

See you back here on the 14th mwahahahaha....

Enjoy XXX

Once upon a long ago....

No Halloween would be complete without a spooky tale or two...
my second piece for Dash of Sunny's
"A Million Years Howl When Voices Whisper Among the Trees"

Here is a story for your delight.

To read aloud by candle light.

Of Floral Fiends on Darkest night.

Let's see who's best at "Fight or Flight"

MWAHAhahahahaha.....

Moon Daisies pt9 : The Story of Dead Man's Wood.

Abigail's question was greeted with a very excited chiming from the blanket of Bluebells that had gathered to see the new "cousins".

"Story...story..tell the story..." they all sang in unison.

"Well...if you insist?" said the tallest flower, his mellow tone lulling the crowd into silence.

"Are we all settled?" he enquired of the trio.

"Suppose so.." replied Stewie, looking to the others for confirmation, but getting shrugs and bemused looks in return.

"Then I shall begin...

Once upon a long ago, the Woodland was busy with life, thronging with birdsong and snuffling animals. All the Flora and Fauna got along wonderfully..."

"If you call eating each other 'getting along' " sniggered Stewie.

A stern glance from the Storyteller quickly silenced him.

"...all got along WONDERFULLY..." he repeated with great emphasis.

"Until one morning when the MAN arrived."

(a barely audible "du du duuuuuum..." came from a group of young Bells hiding in the shadow of an old Birch tree, and Mavis had to suppress a rising giggle)

"THE MAN..." he continued "decided this land would make a good home for himself and his family.

He CUT down the trees....(gasps of dismay echoed around the glade)...HACKING and CHOPPING with metal tools...(the gasps turned to fearful sobs)...until there was a clearing big enough to build his house in. He showed no remorse for the slaughter he had caused, families torn apart...LITERALLY!"

(A pack of Dog Violets that had wandered by to see what all the commotion was started to howl their distress)

A shiver began to creep down Abigail's back...she wasn't sure she wanted to hear the rest of this story. 

"The Woodland became very angry with the Man. He didn't even seem to understand that by destroying the trees he was creating an apocalyptic event for the other creatures that lived there. Or maybe he just didn't care! MILLIONS of lives were lost that season, eggs broken before young could hatch...(more sobbing came from the branches above them)...ENTIRE communities , scurrying to safety TRAMPLED under foot...OH THE CARNAGE!!!"

By this point the glade was in uproar, wailing and sobbing could be heard in every direction.

"THE MAN WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR HIS CRIMES!!!"

A hush settled over the audience...Mavis and Abigail looked at each other nervously...Stewie looked for the nearest exit route...

"By the time the Woodland and it's inhabitants had recovered from their loss all life in the clearing had moved on. No matter what he tried, no flower would grow and no birds came to feed. The land had become Cursed!

The Man's family were very unhappy...especially his young daughter. She longed to smell the flowers and to hear the insects buzzing...and so...she began to wander passed the tree line...ALONE!!!"

"Oh my goodness" whispered Abigail "you don't think...."

"Yes I do...." replied Mavis

"I think we need to leave...quietly" added Stewie

"On that fateful evening long ago, the Manchild found a clump of Daisies growing next to a rotting tree stump...like her father she showed no concern for the last stand of a decimated community...she reached down her BIG PINK HAND.....and YANKED the youngest Daisy from it's mossy bed!"

(the assembled crowd now sobbed uncontrollably)

" 'NO MORE!!!' screamed the eldest remaining Daisy 'NO MORE WILL WE GIVE OF OURSELVES FOR YOUR PLEASURE, YOU VILE CREATURE!!!' Such was the Daisy's rage that the Spirit of the Land felt her grief, and granted her wish for revenge.

The Daisies began to multiply and rapidly surrounded the unfortunate child.

It wasn't until after darkness fell that the Man found his child...lifeless and blood streaked...on a bed of Moon Daisies,"

(a few cheers were quickly stifled by the general populous, and the crowd fell into silence once again)  

"This was not the justice that the Woodland folk had wanted, but it was too late. The Daisies were ostracised and hence forth grew only on the cursed land, to which they had bound themselves with the spilling of innocent blood.

The Man in his anguish, wandered the woods looking for the beast that had killed his child, but never once suspected the pretty Daisies that suddenly sprouted as if in remembrance."

"O....M....G..!!!" gasped Abigail.

"And so the story ends." said the tallest Bluebell.

"WAIT!...That can't be the end?" sad Abigail. "That would make it 'Dead Girl's Wood' not 'Dead MAN's Wood'."

The Bluebells giggled at Abigail's stupidity...

"No dear...it's definitely 'Dead MAN's Wood'....it belongs to the Dead Man who still wanders at night...looking for is child's killer." He said, so matter of factly that they almost laughed...

"STILL wanders..." repeated Abigail

"...at NIGHT...." joined Mavis

"BACK TO THE HOUSE I THINK !" shouted back Stewie as he sprinted across the lawn once more.

.....

Sleep well Manchildren...don't let the Daisies bite

...mwahahahahaha...:D

For whom the Bells toll....

This weeks Prompt from 

A Dash of Sunny Halloween Special

"A Million Years Howl when Voices Whisper Among the Trees"

Moon Daisies pt 8 Our Kind of Flower.

"Toss a coin." suggested Mavis helpfully.

"SERIOUSLY?  You'd make a life or death decision on the result of a game of chance?" blurted Stewie, far from his usual calm and collected self.

"There are things out there waiting to eat us!" he practically screamed back at Mavis.

"Don't you think your overthinking this?" asked Abigail. She was getting cold and bored. It seemed like hours since they had heard the Bells singing under the trees. They were no closer to making a decision and the Sun wasn't showing any signs of wanting to rise.

"Shouldn't it be light by now?" she asked no one in particular.

Mavis and Stewie pricked their ears and looked out into the darkness.

"Yes it should" said Mavis quietly.

"What day is it?" asked Stewie with a hint of dread...

"Don't know." said Abigail, "...sort of lost track of the days, what with all the distractions." and she nodded her head towards Mavis.

"My mind is a bit fuzzy..., but I remember it was half term break...and there was a party coming up."

Mavis and Stewie looked at each other...then back into the darkness....then up at the massive...shimmering moon....

"HALLOWEEN!!!"

"THAT'S IT!...I'm off...!" Abigail snapped and stepped off the porch onto the gravel path.

But instead of running towards the gates that lead to  the street, she turned and sprinted across the lawn, in the general direction of the Bells.

"WAIT FOR US!!..."DON'T LEAVE US HERE!!" Stewie and Mavis cried as they sped after her.

The tree line had never seemed so far away in daylight.

Abigail was fully focused on the tiny lights she could now see ahead.

"Please don't let them be Daisies" she half prayed to herself, gasping for air as her lungs tightened with fear.

"My goodness she can shift!" called Stewie as he hurtled onward...

"Jump on my back Stewie!..." called Mavis, "Your too near the ground for comfort."

Much as Stewie was proud he wasn't going to argue. The ground wasn't his natural choice of environment...even without Demonic Daisies. He leaped up onto Mavis' back just as she remembered she had wings...

As they sailed upwards, they noticed the slithering tendrils racing along the lawn, squealing and snarling and sprouting flower buds as they passed.

"QUICK!" screamed Stewie, "They're after Abigail!!!"

......

"Do you think we should help them?"

"Absolutely...is it not our duty to help others whenever we can?"

"But shouldn't our allegiances be with our own kind?"

"Even if Our Own Kind are behaving monstrously?" 

"The Pink one smells of Violets.... maybe it is one of Our Kind?"

"...and the Green one is covered in Daisies...."

"Let's call them over for a quiet chat."

 The Bluebells chimed in their gentle, beckoning manner.

"If they are not Our Kind they won't hear us anyway.

.....

Abigail was just nearing the tree line that began the area known as "Dead Man's Wood" when she noticed the stinging in her heels. 

She squealed in pain and felt herself stumble towards the venomous hissing Daisies that had ensnared her.

"WHHHOOOOOOOSSSHHH!"

Mavis swooped down, and Stewie grabbed Abigail by her hair. He knew he wasn't strong enough to lift Abigail, but he was a master at flinging things long distances...and he planned on doing just that with Abigail!

As she screamed in pain, Abigail found herself flying through the night sky towards the woodland...before landing in a confused and crumpled heap in front of a line of startled Bluebells.

"It must be one of Our Kind, but I've never known one respond so quickly when called."

"Don't worry Cousin Violet, the Daisies won't come here. They prefer open ground to the cover of trees.

Will Cousin Meadow and the Squirrel thing be joining us?"

"Cousin Meadow?" queried Abigail, "Do you mean Mavis?"

At that moment Mavis landed gently beside her, and Stewie jumped down, ready to snip the head off any floral fiend that went anywhere near Abigail.

"Pssst...Abigail..." Stewie whispered. "You know we are in "Dead Man's Wood" don't you?

Maybe chatting with the plants isn't such a good idea..."

"Maybe we should all calm down." said the tallest Bluebell.

"We understand you're upset, but you shouldn't judge all Floral Life by the behaviour of those particular Daisies. You are safe from their snapping teeth here."

"Look.." said Mavis, "We may be safe from "Those Daisies", and Stewie and myself are more than happy to linger here til light...but ...is a place called "Dead Man's Wood" safe for Abigail? She is after all a "Man" of sorts..."

"Really???" the Bluebells seemed rather confused by this statement, but remained calm and charming as is their way.

"We are sure your "Abigail" will be just as safe as you here,"

"One question...." added Abigail, "Why is it called "Dead Man's Wood"?"

...

But that is a story for another night mwahahahahaa

:D see you soon!

xxx

Smelling the rot...

Tis that time of year again...

The theme for Magaly's

 Witches in Fiction 2016

"Spelling Healing into a Rotting World"

Magaly has been a tad unwell, and I know how much she loves Moon Dasies...

so I have decided to continue telling the story of 

Mavis, Abigail and Stewie's adventure in a very rotten garden...

*if your new to the story you can read the previous instalments here

pt 1, pt 2, pt 3, pt 4, pt 5, pt 6

Moon Daisies pt 7: STEWIE'S SURVIVAL TIPS

"I have to say I'm most impressed with your speedy recovery Mavis" said Stewie as they crept along the veranda at the front of the old creepy house.

"Thank you" replied Mavis, "You're not doing so bad yourself."

Abigail eyed the pair suspiciously, waiting for Stewie to bite at the obvious sarcasm in Mavis' comment.

"Fair play to you Mavis... but I am being quite serious. I can honestly say I wasn't expecting such a positive outcome after discovering you had eaten all those Daisies. I am pretty sure their vicious toxicity would have killed most creatures."

"Most creatures don't have the determined digestive system of a Sheep." was Mavis' aloof response, and Abigail thought it best to change the subject.

"Your Butterfly Wings are a particularly lovely side- effect, and so useful."

"Yes they are pretty awesome aren't they?"

"Not sure that they go with the fangs though." chipped in Stewie.

"Back to the job in hand I think." said Abigail, as they had reached the gap where the balustrade was broken.

"So... the plan is to wait for the sun to come up...then run down the gravel path to the road as quicky as possible..." said Stewie. "The whole point of gravel paths is to stop the weeds coming up, so we should be safe enough."

"Why wait for the sun?" queried Mavis.

"Why not? Do you have a problem with the sunlight?" jibed Stewie.

"Noooooo....just in a hurry to leave this place!" replied Mavis.

"She does have a point Stewie." Abigail joined in, " Why wait?"

"Because..." said Stewie, "...we can't see if anything is trying to trip us up in the dark...that's how hunters get you... setting traps in the dark patches. Trust me... I'm a prey animal...this is Kindergarten stuff!"

"Sounds reasonable." said Abigail.

"Fine by me then." said Mavis, and all three peered out across the lawn, watching for the slightest movement in the shadowy darkness.

Mavis' senses were still a lot sharper than they had been before her "conversion", and she was again hearing something strange.

"Now I don't want any flippant remarks..." she said, looking pointedly at Stewie, " but can anyone else hear ringing? Like teeny tiny bells?"

Abigail and Stewie strained to listen....

"Ummm....yes actually." replied Stewie.

"Me too" said Abigail..."teeny tiny tinkling bells...coming from the tree line I think."

"And is it just me....or are they playing a tune?" asked Mavis.

"Again... I would have to agree." Said Stewie...

"Show Me the Way to go Home ???" all three said simultaneously.

"Now we just have to decide whether they are being helpful or sarcastic" commented Stewie.

...

I feel there may be another instalment shortly...

sleep tight

don't let the Daisies bite

mwahahahahaha....:D XXX

Are we the monsters other people see?

For May Monster Madness 2016

the continuing story of the Moon Daisies....

(...Abigail was curled up in a large wing-backed chair, with Stewie...)

Moon Daisies pt 6... UNEASY ALLIANCE.

As Mavis approached the library door she decided a calmer, less gallopy, arrival was more advisable.

Best not frighten the squirrel thingy any more than she already had. Abigail had seemed quite cross with her, and she hated making Abigail cross. They had been friends for as long as she could remember, being green and grumpy wasn't going to break that bond easily.

Inside the library Abigail was curled up in a large wing-backed chair, with Stewie snuggled on her lap.

Mavis envied the peaceful scene. She longed to snuggle up with them, but her mind was pulling her in an all together different direction.

At least the urge to chew on the squirrel had passed, and Mavis' mood was improving by the minute.

She just couldn't shake the feeling of imminent danger.

Mavis tip-toed away from the sleeping pair, taking a quick sniff of Abigail's hair as she passed. 

Abigail always smelled so sweet, like violets after a summer shower, and this was the thought that was keeping Mavis on track. Those Daisies she had eaten hadn't smelled nice at all. If she hadn't been so angry with them for attacking Abigail she probably wouldn't have even nibbled at them.

Even thinking of them made Mavis grind her teeth noisily.

Stewie whimpered in his slumber. Mavis made a mental note not to grind her teeth near the squirrel again.

Peering through the dirt smeared window Mavis tried to hear what the "whispers" were talking about.

"isss it her?.....iss it the beassst?"

"...no...I sssaw a sssquirrel...that nuisssanssse Ssstewie!"

"...sss...sss...sss..." snickered the invisible foe.

"Well at least they aren't after Abigail" thought Mavis with premature relief.

"...and then there'sss that girl...the one we nearly got before..."

Mavis' head snapped upright, ears and eyes straining into the darkness.

"DAMN!" Mavis said to herself, "I thought I'd gotten rid of them all...stupid perennial weeds!"

It would seem that the slithering sound she had heard earlier was the root system of those wretched Moon Daisies...sneaking around, looking for new victims.

Mavis realised she would now have to wake Abigail. She couldn't trust herself to act alone, and that squirrel thing "Stewie" would be no use at all in his current state of repair.

Moving slowly, so as not to startle them, Mavis sat on the floor next to the wing-backed chair, leant towards Abigail's face and licked her.

"BACK OFF BEAST!"

Stewie shot like a furry orange cannonball straight at Mavis' head.

Abigail jumped from the chair, twisting from side-to-side, wondering what on earth was happening now.

"BAaaaaaaaa...aaaa...." cried Mavis "WAIT! WAIT!...I just needed to wake you!"

"Pull the other one you fleeced fiend...you were trying to EAT her!"

"NEVER!!" howled Mavis "I love Abigail. I would never harm a hair on her head!"

"It's the flesh on her bones that I'm worried about" snapped back Stewie.

"STOP IT! BOTH OF YOU!" Bellowed Abigail, with more authority than she thought she could.

"I hate it when friends fight...especially when we have more troubling things to worry about. Stewie...Mavis would never hurt me...just look at her, she is obviously feeling much better now."

It was true, Mavis was much more in control of herself than when they first met. And Stewie had to concede that the butterfly wings weren't normal for a Vampire of any kind.

"And Mavis....I think you still owe Stewie an apology for your earlier performance."

Abigail looked quite fierce herself, arms folded across her chest, feet planted firmly to emphasise her annoyance with the bickering pair.

"Absolutely" replied Mavis, "I absolutely apologise for attacking you earlier Stewie, but I would like to point out that your injuries may not have been as bad as you would have us believe...what with the speed and agility you just displayed, leaping to Abigail's defence."

Abigail looked at Stewie, who was quietly re-rolling the bandages he had been wearing so recently.

"...in that case...I accept your apology...and offer one of my own...for hitting you in the face."

Stewie jumped back up on to the wing-backed chair.

"So tell us...what was so urgent that you had to wake us?"

"The Moon Daisies..." said Mavis in hushed tones,

"They're Back!

Enjoy :D XXX

Are tears the sign of true friendship?

I have had a few requests lately for information on Mavis' plight.

Last time we saw her she was rather worse for wear from ingesting a large quantity of Moon Daisies.

So here is the next instalment....previous instalments can be found here

Moon Daisies pt 5...FRIENDS CAN MAKE YOU CRY.

"urrmmm....so ...how are you feeling?" Abigail asked Stewie as she tidied the bandages he was now sporting.

"HUMMMPH!" was his stunted reply.

"I'm sure Mavis is truly sorry. She was only trying to protect me."

"FROM WHAT!" screeched Stewie. "I WAS THE ONE WATCHING YOUR BACK! I WAS THE ONE GUARDING YOU FROM THE POSSIBILITY OF DEMONIC ATTACK! I WAS...."

"the one poking Mavis with a wooden stake..." finished Abigail.

"BUT SHE IS A VAMPIRE!" screamed Stewie, barely able to disguise his frustration at her failure to accept the facts of the situation.

" I don't think she is ACTUALLY a Vampire as such..." began Abigail.

"Where is she now?" queried Stewie.

"Resting." said Abigail.

"Resting where?" continued Stewie.

"Upstairs...in the attic..." Abigail faltered.

"In bed then?" taunted Stewie.

Abigail cringed a little, not liking how this conversation was going.

"Not exactly "in" bed....

"More "over" the bed?" added Stewie unhelpfully.

"yes" muttered Abigail almost inaudibly.

"Pardon...I can't quite hear you...what with all the bandage around my head..."

"YES!" shouted Abigail....."OK YES, SHE IS HANGING FROM THE ROOF BEAMS...IF THAT'S HOW SHE FEELS COMFORTABLE THAT'S FINE BY ME!" and she promptly burst into tears.

Now it was Stewie's turn to feel guilty. He hadn't meant to upset Abigail, but he needed her to accept poor Mavis' predicament. How else would they be able to help her. He was, after all, a very wise little squirrel with extensive survival skills. He was sure there must be a way to help Mavis...in fact...he considered it a most exciting venture. It's not everyday you get to chat with a Vampire.

...

Up in the attic Mavis was also feeling a tad guilty.

She had always had a bit of a temper but, until the incident with the Daisies, she had managed to keep it mostly under control. In fact, she had been coping remarkably well under the circumstances.

She remembered seeing Abigail run towards her in the hallway...then she remembered Abigail arguing with that squirrel thing...

She remembered that squirrel thing grabbing a broken spindle from the stairs bannister...

She remembered him waving the stick around in a threatening manner, and that he was getting closer to herself and Abigail....

She did not, however, remember the exact moment she leapt over Abigail and attacked the squirrel.

She did have a vague notion that she may have grabbed him in her mouth...flown up to the very high ceiling and "accidentally" flung him through a very large window (which , fortunately for Stewie, had already shed it's glass over the years).

It was at this point in her mental meanderings that Mavis realised she was listening to something.

Soft hissy whisperings and the distinctive sounds of slithering were coming from the lawn outside...

"inssside...inssside...sssomeone isss inssside..."

Mavis released her grip on the rafter...bounced off the strategically placed sprung mattress and alighted ... graceful as a butterfly...

"Not bad for a beginner" Mavis said to no one in particular, before galloping downstairs to where Abigail was tending Stewie's injuries.

Enjoy :D XXX

The Beast Within...

Welcome to the annual 

Vampire's Day Soiree

Moon Daisies Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

Moon Daisies pt 4... THE BEAST WITHIN

Mavis awoke from a very fitful sleep. Her tummy had been fighting a fierce battle with the Moon Daisies, who were refusing to be digested easily.

Repeated rumination seemed to have done the trick, but Mavis still felt weak... and more than a little queasy.

The normally sturdy sheep struggled to her feet, knees shaking alarmingly, and made her way to the window for a breath of fresh air.

As she looked across the lawn she could see her friend Abigail leaning against the railings, apparently arguing with a squirrel.

Mavis had every intention of charging across to defend her friend once again, but was instead overcome by a dizzy spell, images of partially chewed squirrel circling her head, and vomited all over the carpet.

Mavis felt herself passing out and was helpless to do more than lean away from the steaming bilious green pile.

...

Abigail and Stewie walked quietly along the path which lead to the front door of that creepy old house, being extremely observant with regard to the "KEEP OF THE GRASS" sign.

"I wish I had seen that before." said Abigail.

"Why?" asked Stewie "It's the Daisies that are the problem, the grass is fine."

Abigail glared at Stewie's sarcastic comment.

"Do you know if anyone lives in that house?"

"Weeellllll...."muttered Stewie"...I've seen movement, but I don't know if I can say anyone definitely "Lives" in there."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Abigail half whispered half squealed, her motion toward the house coming to a sudden halt.

"Just rumours....can't possibly be true." Stewie seemed to be stalling, and Abigail was sure his tail was shaking just a little.

"I thought you were fearless? What rumours? What is it that you are afraid of exactly?" demanded Abigail with a newly found courage.

"Ummm....you never wondered what kind of person grows carnivorous flowers in their garden?"

"Actually... no I hadn't thought about it."

"VAMPIRES!" Stated Stewie in a very matter of fact manner.

"Vampires live in creepy houses and grow flesh eating plants....that's who!"

Abigail felt suddenly rather sick to her stomach... "Are you serious? Are you suggesting that Mavis may be trapped in a house full of Vampires?"

"NO!" snapped Stewie, "I'm suggesting that Mavis may now BE a Vampire!"

Abigail stood in shocked silence, her mind dancing with images of Mavis in a black swooshy cloak, hanging from the rafters by her hind legs....and then her emotions just got the better of her.

"BWAHAhahahahahaha....!"

Abigail fell to her knees, gasping for breath, clutching her aching ribs as tears of laughter tumbled down her cheeks.

Stewie just watched, arms folded, tapping his foot, tail twitching as his anger increased.

"Bwahahahaha..."Abigail sucked air, trying to regain control. "M...M...Mavis....a...vampire.....a vampire "SHEEP"!"...cough...splutter...cough...

This went on for more than a few moments before Stewie slapped her back to her senses.

"If you've quite finished....it is totally possible that eating those Daisies may have had some adverse effects on your friend, and rolling around on the floor laughing is not going to help her!"

Stewies indignant tone brought Abigail back from her hysteria.

"Nobody wants it to e true, but nobody has dared knock on that door and find out who or what is in there."

Now Abigail began to feel guilty about her reaction, "I'm sorry. That was very insensitive of me. Of course I am extremely worried about what may have happened to my friend....I will go and knock on that door." and with that, Abigail marched up the steps and banged n the large double doors.

Stewie hid behind the balustrading, ready to leap at whatever came through the door, or run away, whichever seemed most prudent at the time.

For what felt like an eternity nothing happened, then noises started from within.

At first, distant tapping sounds...then a louder rumbling, stumbling and banging.

Abigail took one pace back from the doorway.

"B DOOM!...B DOOM!...B DOOM!"

followed by a shaky, screechy voice...

"Can you open the door from your side? I can't seem to manage the knob."

Abigail slowly reached for the door handle...and was immediately side tackled by Stewie.

"ARE YOU INSANE?" he screamed into Abigail's face. "That door knob is Silver...everyone knows Vampires can't touch Silver!"

"I'm not a Vampire..." came the voice again, "...at least I don't think I am....the light IS hurting my eyes, and my teeth do feel rather strange, but the reason I can't open the door is that my hooves keep slipping on the round knob."

"Hooves?" Both Abigail and Stewie said at once.

"MAVIS!" cried Abigail, "Is that you?"

"I think so...Abigail? ...but I do feel ....not quite myself."

Against all Stewie's protestations Abigail grabbed the door knob, determined to free her friend.

...

As Mavis stood swaying in the hallway the large front doors swung open. The light came flooding into the house and Mavis could just make out two silhouettes.....one she recognised as Abigail, the second she surmised to be the squirrel Abigail had been arguing with earlier.

Abigail and Stewie were greeted by all too different a vision...

to be continued...mwahahaha...

Enjoy :D XXX

Entered for Dream in Darkness February challenge
Left of Centre #17
Forever Dark 2 Challenge #9

Missing Mavis Mystery

The continued Adventures of Abigail

Here are the links to part 1 and part 2 

Moon Daisies pt 3

Many moons had passed since Mavis' intervention.

The garden of the old house looked even sadder than it had previously.

Abigail slowed her pace as she dragged her fingers across the rusty railings.

"Where are you?" she sighed, glancing from one end of the lawn to the other.

Mavis hadn't told Abigail about her plans to lay waste the Moon Daisies. She had been so offended by their attack on Abigail, that she hadn't even formed a proper plan.

Mavis was a highly motivated munching machine, and had shown no mercy toward the Satanical Botanicals.

Unfortunately, not having a plan meant Mavis had even less control over her actions than usual.

Having gorged on the vile little blooms, she began to feel a bit light-headed, and decided to venture into the old house in search of somewhere comfortable to rest up.

This was Mavis' second bad idea of the evening.

The third was yet to occur.

...

Abigail's concentration was broken as she was hit on the head by a well aimed acorn.

Looking up she came face to face with Stewie, a rather fearless squirrel.

"You really shouldn't throw those things at peoples heads!" snapped Abigail.

"And YOU shouldn't go messing in other peoples gardens!" Stewie snapped back.

"I'm not messing about, and I'm not actually IN the garden! I was just trying to see if my friend Mavis was in there. She has been missing for nearly three months now."

"Why would she be in that particular garden? Does she live in that creepy house?"

"Don't be ridiculous" pouted Abigail "Sheep don't live in houses, creepy or otherwise."

"Your friend is a Sheep?...urrrrm...is she fond of munching on flowers?" Stewie asked, sounding quietly concerned.

"Well of course she does" replied Abigail, "Why?"

"...and would she be partial to nibbling on a few ...le's say....Daisies?"

"I should have thought so." Abigail glanced back across the lawn, and for the first time noticed a distinct shortage of daisies.

"Oh my..." Abigail said in a very quiet voice.

"Oh dear..." sighed Stewie in not much more than a whisper...

"Why are we whispering? " asked Abigail in rather hushed tones.

"Well, we don't want THEM to hear us. If you have the courage, I think we shoud maybe check out that house...."

Enjoy :D XXX

Full moon, murder and mayhem!

MOON DAISIES contd

"By daylight the Daisies looked so innocent and pure...

By the light of the Moon...they did not!"

(Original post)

Abigail had learned this the hard way!

She had barely escaped in tact after the last full moon.

How horrid of them to attack her! They could have given her fair warning, but NO...they had been thrilled at a chance to tear her limb from limb.

Well Abigail had other friends.

She had thought those sweet, smiling blossoms were her friends.

She had NEVER harmed them...wished them pleasant greetings each day as she passed...even left them gifts of water and food during dry weather...but now she knew they had just been using her, drawing her into their circle of deception.

One friend in particular was more than eager to "pop round" and "chew things over" with theses unnecessarily nasty little creatures.

Mavis didn't like seeing her sweet little Abigail sad and scarred.

"Determination" was Mavis' middle name...and Fire was in her blood.

As the sky cleared to free the fullest of Moons, Mavis headed into the garden of the creepy old house.

The Daisies were already in full snarl, snickering and sneering at the memories of Abigail's despair.

They fell silent as they heard footsteps approaching, their hearts racing with anticipation at another bloody feast.

As the large black shadow rose between the Blooms and their Goddess, they bared their fangs in excitement...

The screams of the Daisies could barely be heard, just feint hisses amidst the grinding of Mavis' teeth.

The "determined" friend had truly popped round to "chew things over" as she had said, while the Daisies had hardly been prepared for a visitor such as "SHEeeeee......!"

Well, that's what they seemed to be screaming as Mavis mowed her way across the lawn....

Mavis

For Magaly

Enjoy :D XXX

Howling at the Moon....

Hello friends........it is time......

This year I decided to craft as well as create with words, so here is a short story for you, and some "blooms" for Magaly :D

MOON DAISIES  by me

In daylight the Daisies looked so innocent and pure.

The fact that they were growing in the garden of a creepy old wreck of a house mattered not.

Abigail planned to return late in the day and visit with these sweet little posies.

As many of us are aware, our days seldom run to plan, and Abigail didn't manage to visit the Daisies until it was well past bedtime.

"Maybe they are Moon Daisies?" she mused, "...and will look even prettier after dark."

Abigail wrapped a warm shawl around herself and headed to the large meadow-like garden in front of the creepy old house.

By the time she arrived, the Moon was high over head, and she could see the Daisies had turned and contorted to face their Goddess.

Abigail felt a shudder of excitement as she removed her slippers to creep through the downy grass, her intention not to disturb these precious Angels in their worship.

It wasn't until she was halfway across the garden that Abigail began to sense that something just didn't feel right.... and it was only one more step before she knew it wasn't.

The stinging on her toes she had thought caused by nettles ...  well it is to expected when walking barefoot through a stranger's garden. But now, as she looked closer, she could just make out the glimmer of tiny eyes and teeth.

Something was snapping at her heels....

Pulling at the hem of her dress....

Dragging her to the ground!

Fighting the panic that was threatening to overwhelm her, and scolding herself for her own carelessness, Abigail struggled to her knees, only to find herself face to face with the Moon Daisies.....

By daylight the Daisies looked so innocent and pure...

By the light of the Moon... they did not!!!

mwahahahahahahaha.....

My addition to a plain sketch book.

Daisies cut using Spellbinders Gerber Daisy Die D Lite

Papers used: My Minds Eye "Halloween {scary sparkles} and Best Creations Halloween collection.

Why not pop over to Magaly's blog and check out the creepy goings on

Enjoy :D