March's prompt:write a less than 400 word sci-fi or fantasy story that uses the words “mushroom”, “relentless”, and “playful”. Hard mode: have your narrator be unreliable.
As always, creative liberty with the prompt is encouraged!
Post your stories in the channel when you're done; one entry will be selected (providing we receive 3+ entries) to be put through the editing process and then read aloud on Mythos & Ink's podcast, Wayfarer's Guide to Worldbuilding.
You've got until 11:59pm CST on March 31st to submit your piece!
Written March 7th, 2023
Adventurers are your favorite clientele. As the lone healer in this area, you aid all manner of folks with their ailments, but most are poor and actively avoid coming to visit you; but adventurers? Oh, they are ever so reliable and typically powerful enough to compensate you for your extensive services.
The latest have been scouring the area on behalf of a mutual acquaintance, searching for a fae who has been relentless in their mischief lately. And of course, they were given the main rules of what to do when dealing with fae: share your full name, make sure to eat and drink with them, and understand that any gifts should be accepted with welcome arms. You hum when they share this information with you at your table, already working through the mushroom stew you made with a special recipe, and having given you their names when you asked.
You cringe just slightly when they thank you for your help and start to leave, and as much as you love toying with mortals, this is about as much as you can take.
“Well, since you’re so grateful, and we can agree that I’ve given you so much, it is time to discuss what you will do for me.”
The stew kicks in, leaving them reeling and fumbling for the exit or their weapons but unable to manage either, and you giggle at the horrible timing. Perhaps a nap will do them good, you think playfully as they collapse. Gives you time to sort out how you can utilize them to lure in the next.