Elf-Writing, Part 1 by Celeritas

[labourslamp.livejournal.com]

Author: Celeritas
Title: Elf-Writing, Part 1
Rating: PG
Theme: Out on a Limb
Elements: Beech
Author's Notes: The two parts of this story are technically a fusion between the two challenges I regretfully missed this year.  This one I signed up for but didn't get the inspiration for until last night, when I found the etymological connection between "beech" and "book"...
Summary: A young boy on the run takes a risk to save something important.
Word Count: 266

Elf-Writing
 

1. September 22, 1929 F.A.

He had only borrowed the book, he told himself at the time. He was planning on returning it, so it couldn’t have been theft. And besides, Teacher wanted him to learn how to read better, so Teacher couldn’t have minded.

But there was no school anymore, and no Teacher anymore, so he couldn’t return it. That’s why he was running.

But the Scary Folk running after him had longer legs. He didn’t know what they could want with him, but he’d seen what they’d done to the school, and Mummy and Daddy had hidden Home well and he knew if he came Home the Scary Folk would come Home, too.

He found a beech tree, with a big crack running down its bole. It had kept him safe once, when there were Dogs loose. Maybe this time…

He paused. He could hear footsteps behind him. Staying any longer was risky, but he knew they’d catch him if he kept running.

The crack was too big for him now. He should keep running. But all the other books were gone now, and the Scary Folk didn’t care for them. In a moment of decision he slipped the book into the crack.

He should keep running. But what if the book was lost in there forever? That wouldn’t do either! He drew his knife, and jabbed his initials into one root. He could see a form coming at him through the trees. Time was running out.

But if he was caught the book was safe and maybe someone would find it.

He ran.

Comments

[ansostuff.livejournal.com]

I really had planned to do some reviewing there too, but never got started. It is a shame really because I love a lot of the stories that were nominated and I would have loved to say that I love them. I need to focus more on it for next year I think.

[dreamflower]

Yes, maybe next year.

I'm luckier than a lot of you, being retired, I have a good deal more computer time to myself than most folk do. That much more chance to read and review.

[rhapsody11.livejournal.com]

500! Holy Dreamflower! I have so many stories printed, so many I did not came around to review, but for me it doesn't stop with the MEFA's: I am planning to leave them a review anyway. I have heard how people were so surprised with the feedback they got (some to tears), which made all the effort and yes, love you put into reviewing, is worth it in the end. I feel so sorry for those I loved (especially when I started to participate in Marigold's challenges) and I never came around to review. Forgive me that I did review most of yours the past week, I tried so hard to catch up and I'll never come any where close to your impressive batch. warm and hobbity hugs

[dreamflower]

You left me some very nice reviews.

Last year I think I left less than 5 reviews, so I kind of wanted to make up for that. But I may leave fewer reviews next year, and make some of them longer. My early reviews this time were pretty detailed, but as time grew short so did the reviews, and some stories that would have gotten 6 to 10 point reviews from me only ended up getting 1 to 3 points because I felt rushed.

And I agree about reviewing anyway. Just because the MEFAs are over doesn't mean to stop reviewing, and there were a lot of nominated stories I did not get to...

[auntiemeesh.livejournal.com]

Well, considering I managed to get a whole five reviews turned in before the deadline, I think you did a pretty good job!

And thank you for the lovely reviews, btw! :)

[dreamflower]

Well, last year 5 was about what I got in, so maybe better luck next year.

As to quantity, I am lucky, in that being retired, I've plenty of time now for such things. Those who have to go out and make a living, or who have to go to school, or who are raising kids don't have nearly as much time as I do.

And you are welcome. Your stories deserved every word of them.

[bodkin-ra.livejournal.com]

500 is pretty amazing. Especially considering Katrina's vicious attempt to silence you. I rather gave up in the last week - but when I got up this morning and discovered that it still wasn't midnight in wherever, I did actually sneak another three or four under the wire. I think my last review went in at four minutes to midnight.

I must say this seems a pretty good, back-patting way to commend each other's efforts and I enjoyed taking part. I tried to spread reviewing around - but I know I missed some out just because I missed them - there were so many that I just couldn't read them all.

500. Some people set the standards pretty high.

[dreamflower]

I'm pretty sure there were some other reviewers who surpassed me. But as I've said, I'm lucky to have the time to read and review. Katrina did mess me up a lot, though.

I do like these awards; they are a great way to get some stories recognized, and to get some feedback.

And I'm not setting standards for anyone but me, dear. Like I said, I'm lucky, and I know it.

[slightlytookish]

Aside from the fact that I botched up one of my reviews for Auntiemeesh (leaving the wrong review for the wrong story *headdesk*) I was able to leave more reviews than I thought (but still ran out of time).

[dreamflower]

Yes, I would have liked more time as well. I felt rather rushed this last week. I'm sure a lot of folks messed up one or two reviews. I wouldn't worry about that.

[shirebound]

Thank you so much for your lovely reviews of my stories. I only got a chance to read them last night, and I was nearly in tears. I appreciate all your kind words SO much.

*hugs you*

[dreamflower]

Well, I didn't say anything I didn't mean. I love your stories!

(((((((hugs back)))))))))

[lindelea1.livejournal.com]

Thank you for all your efforts; I have been noodling around the MEFA site today, reading reviews left for everybody, including me, and I kept running into your name. No wonder! 500 reviews!

I had set a goal for myself of 100 reviews, and despaired of ever reaching it, but managed to get nearly 120, plain reviews and author reviews counted together in a lump. So that's almost a "tithe" of the stories. I guess every little bit helps. But I'm sure I missed someone that I really *meant* to review, you know how that goes?

In any event, thanks so much for all your encouragement. I'd vote you some sort of award for "gallant effort, above and beyond the call of duty".