Notices by Micro SF/F stories by O Westin (microsff@mastodon.social), page 11

"Excuse me," said the knight, "but could you heat a pot of water?"
The dragon stared at him. "Could I do what?"
"Heat water."
The knight emptied his water skin into a pot.
"I could light a fire, but..."
He smiled. "Tea tastes nicer when you make it with a friend."
"Friend. Yes."
#MicroFiction #SmallStories

"I've been wondering," the apprentice said, "why do you live in a tower?"
The wizard opened the balcony doors and wheeled out. "Advertising."
"Really?"
"When people see me roll about town, and see where I live? They know I can make them a good levitation enchantment."
#MicroFiction #SmallStories

One day, the sun didn't rise. Not in the sense it was hidden by clouds; it simply didn't appear.
There were a few doomsayers, but most people ignored them. We had learned that everyone needs a day off.
The next day, when the sun rose again, we gave it a nod.
"Nice to see you."
#MicroFiction #SmallStories

The message from the stars was finally decoded:
"Where are you? We miss you."
After a long debate, we sent a reply.
"Are you talking to us?"
After years of waiting, a response came.
"No."
Our hearts sank. Then, after a week, another message.
"Do you want to talk?"
Then:
"Please?"
#MicroFiction #SmallStories

"Who am I?"
"Why do you ask?" said the witch.
"I tried telling people that I'm not who they seem to think I am. They say I'm wrong."
"Who you are, that's inside you. Only you can see that. On the outside, only what you do can be seen."
"And my looks."
"That's not a who either."
#MicroFiction #SmallStories

** A reminder that you are encouraged to boost/reblog/share my stories in the social-platform-appropriate manner (but please, don't copy/paste or screenshot).
This helps more people discover my stories, and that makes me happy.
(Also: I have no advertising budget.) **

"You invented an activity monitor? Sounds kind of intrusive."
"Oh, it can't report what you are doing anywhere."
"Then what is it for?"
"It recognises when you've completed an activity, and adds it to a to-do list."
"But I've already done it."
"Then you can tick the box."
"Aah!"
#MicroFiction #SmallStories

"What's this?" asked the Chosen One.
"Your sword."
"It's broken."
"The previous Chosen One used it in the fight against the Evil God, and it broke in the battle."
"So it didn't work."
"But when it's mended-"
"It didn't work. I accepted the job. I'll figure something else out."
#MicroFiction #SmallStories

Many in the crew felt curiously empty after the first hyperjump. The joy of proving the new technology felt muted, remote.
"You should have brought your Gods along," one of the few unaffected said. "In a cabin shrine, like me."
"God is everywhere."
"Only around Earth, it seems."
#MicroFiction #SmallStories

The knight rode up to the dragon's lair.
"I hear you woo maidens?"
"That's not the word you knights generally use," the dragon said, "but yes, I do, if they give permission. What of it?"
"Well then," the knight said, "I give you permission."
#MicroFiction #SmallStories

"So this attack forces that counter?"
"In this drill, yes," said the swordmaster.
"It seems every situation has a thing to do in response?"
"Yes."
"So the first person to make a mistake loses?"
"Yes. And that mistake is usually thinking you know what your opponent will do."
#MicroFiction #SmallStories

The sigil was drawn in chalk and ash and the candles lit at the pentagram points. She read the incantation.
A hellhound appeared, eyebrows aflame.
"Stay," she said.
She put on heavy overalls and welding gloves, then opened the sigil.
"Come here. Who's a good boy? You are!"
#MicroFiction #SmallStories

It's not an accident that history seems to repeat itself. It was professor Tinkertemps, using his time machine to tie loops in the timeline.
After his arrest, he was asked why.
"It sounds better when fairy tales start with 'Thrice upon a time', doesn't it?"
"Better than what?"
#MicroFiction #SmallStories

** Hugo Award eligibility post (spoiler: "Fan Writer") with the most popular story for each month collected. If you can nominate and have a free slot, please consider me.
Thank you.
(Should have done this in January, but had run out of brain back then.)
https://microsff.com/2021-hindsight **

@melivia
Different enchantments are put on different items. Infection protection generally gets put on a pendant which can be worn on a necklace, an armband, or a belt.

A spaceship landed in the park. An alien emerged.
"Is there anyone we can talk to who isn't a leader?"
A passing child stopped and held up a stick.
"I have a stick!"
"Does that make you a leader?"
The child thought. "It's a good stick."
"Yes."
"You can borrow it."
"Thank you!"
#MicroFiction #SmallStories

"I heard you offer free contraception?"
"Yes! A fundamental part of the personal freedom everyone is entitled to. Here you go."
"This is a sword."
"Yes!"
"How will this stop me getting pregnant?"
"The scabbard is enchanted."
"So I wear it..."
"Within a day."
"Or during?"
"Yes!"
#MicroFiction #SmallStories

"So," the medium said, "you think this place is haunted."
"Oh, we know it's haunted," the librarian said. "Every library is. So many readers with unfinished businesses."
"Er... I can't do exorcisms."
"No! They're also patrons. We want you to ask them how we can help them better."
#MicroFiction #SmallStories

"Can you remove scars?"
"No," said the witch, "but I might be able to help make them less noticeable."
"Like, with make-up?"
"That's hiding. Which might be the right thing to do, sometimes, for scars on the outside."
"Who worries about scars on the inside?"
"Those who have them."
#MicroFiction #SmallStories

"You are weak."
The witch didn't reply.
"The world is cold and cruel, don't deny it."
"Parts are," the witch conceded.
"People are too, and selfish and greedy."
"Some are."
"So stop asking for kindness. Nobody cares."
"I do," said the witch, "and I'm not so cowardly I give up."
#MicroFiction #SmallStories