I've never had such fun as when I read all these entries. You guys were outstanding and thank you all for participating! I know maybe the instruction were a bit too long and some of you didn't get them, but I still appreciate the effort. I really loved most of the entries, but there could only be three winners ;)
1. christinamarch: based on Robin LaFevers St. Mortain series. I made up a poison the Sisters could be making in the poison lab.
Christina wrapped her fingers around the vial - softly, very very softly, it had to be like a caress she reminded herself - and with the warmth of the still-hot glass scorching her, she placed it in her pocket, the thick wool both a protective nest for the poison and a barrier between the ink-black liquid and her skin. She made her way across the tavern, smiling, spinning, laughing, like all the other maidens there. She came to a flourished stop before him, still sitting in the corner, and bowed low as she smiled up at him, all shyness. With a grunt he grabbed her, hard and rough by the waist and pulled her close. Success! she thought, with a smile that dripped sweetness for him, but felt wider than the earth with the strength of her slyness. In his lap, laughing at his sordid, uncouth stories, she slid her fingers into her pocket - her pocket of death, the Sister had called it - and uncorked the vial without losing a single drop of poison. With her other hand she pulled his face close, making him stare only at her and well away from the cup of ale he still clutched in his thick hand, and quick as a flash she emptied the vial. With a kiss she got up and danced her way back across the pub. And then watched. Watched as he emptied his cup of ale, watched as he laughed after his last gulp and wiped the back of his hand across his mouth. Watched as he froze, his whole body too still for its flabby girth, before he finally grabbed the table before him and blinked fast as his eyes protruded from their sockets and froth bubbled up through his lips. Before the blood trickled down his cheeks in place of tears, he turned he head and looked straight at her. She met his eyes head on and smiled before turning on her heels and walking out the door.Though you didn't attack the dummies, you created a scene full of intrigue and danger. Plus, you made up a poison!
2. Beth: based on Lord of the Rings, of course!
Beth drunkenly staggered to the weapons display, swaying on her feet as she eyed them all. Her hand closed on an elaborately-carved wood-and-mithrill composite shortbow. She fumbled for a moment with the black leather quiver, finally slinging it over her torso and tugging until it centered across her back. With a grumble, she turned to face the mannequins beside the booth. She blinked five or six times, as if clearing her vision. She slowly knocked an arrow on the bow, and raised it, her arms shaking.Ohmygoodness this was so unexpected and it had me snorting soda out of my nose. It was awesome.
With a deft spin, she pivoted 180 degrees and fired into the crowd of spammers shambling toward the Carnival, dropping their leader dead with an arrow through his heart.
"Well, you did say shoot the dummies...."
3. ensconcedya: based on Rot and Ruin by Jonathan Maberry
I bow to my sensei, the famous Tom Imura, and then turn to the left and whip out my katana. The sword gleams in the sun and the mirror of reflections scatter in my eyes as make quick steps and lunges with the weapon. Dummy heads fly in the air. I bow once more to Tom.Very serious scene, flawless action, and the sensei! I approve.
He looks at me sternly. "Again."
