Welcome to Free Write Friday! Mark Schutter is guest hosting #FWF. As a regular contributor to #FWF Kellie has graciously allowed him to step in while she deals with the poignant enormity of life experience.
New here? Read the intro. Everyone else, let’s get started.
Here is your prompt – let’s see what magic the autumn Hunter’s or Blood Moon conjures up!
VegaStar Carpentier captured this image of a Hunter’s Moon from Paris, France on Oct. 30, 2012 using a Canon EOS 1000D. October’s Full Moon is called the “Hunter’s Moon” or “Blood Moon”. It is the first Full Moon after the Harvest Moon (the Full Moon nearest the Autumnal equinox) and it gets its name from hunters who tracked and killed their prey by autumn moonlight, stockpiling food for the winter ahead and marked hunting season in North America.
The chill in the Autumn air was enough to create goosebumps under my skin but on this night, that was not the only reason for the shivers. Sensations began early in the afternoon not long after Stephan left for the outer edge of the forest. His last words still ring in my ears, “Remain still, my Love. Wicked are the beasts who become pranksters of the night.”
Still is what I had been all through the day. In fact, I had not ventured any farther than the veranda. Even then it was only to look across the wide open expanse toward the vastness of trees spanning the horizon. A shiver grasped my senses. Not feeling well since the Harvest Moon has left me weak in comparison to my usual energetic self and pale as compared to my sun-soaked skin from working in the garden. As the shiver subsided, my mind focused solely on thoughts of Stephan—hoping, waiting, anticipating a glimpse of his approach in the distance. I hated being left alone. As least, I thought that was the case.
Sunset was unusually fiery. Red-orange, golden rays stretched upward and outward resembling tentacles reaching out for their next prey. Birds of the air skirted each one leaving a feeling they feared the whole sky was about to engulf them in blazing glory. A slight evening breeze suddenly whistles along the grounds scattering loose particles that lay in its path. Unidentifiable sounds behind me break the silence of day’s end. Goosebumps again. The shivers increase.
Twilight consumes the glories of the day casting figures in silhouette against a deep purplest-blue backdrop. The eerie sullenness of being left alone for so long does nothing to add humor to an already somber mood. There’s that sound again. Shrill. Bone-chilling. Sharp like a razor cutting raw flesh then hitting bone. A long shiver results in multiple hair-raising goosebumps. I know I am NOT alone.
Good thing there is no long period of darkness between sunset and moonrise. At least on this day anyway. A month has passed since Harvest Moon and luckily another full moon is on the rise. Full and bloody! Blood red that is with a lot of beastly tales hitching a ride along its stellar path. What was it Stephan said as he rode away in the early afternoon light? “Remain still, my Love. Wicked are the beasts who become pranksters of the night.“
Wonder what he meant? Footsteps. Whispers. Eerie ambiences. Shivers. Goosebumps…
The End (Maybe)
Thank you for visiting catnipoflife! Hope you enjoyed my little story. Please leave a comment!
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catnipoflife 
[…] Welcome to Free Write Friday! Mark Schutter is guest hosting #FWF. As a regular contributor to #FWF Kellie has graciously allowed him to step in while she deals with the poignant enormity of life e… […]
I love the picture. And your response is deliciously creepy. As for me? I’m HOME. Yay.
When did you get home? My brother is here visiting from Macon GA so I had to sneak in the FWF. They are fun though. I would have gone farther with the story but time interfered. 🙂
How was the rest of the vacation?
On Fri, Oct 18, 2013 at 8:30 PM, catnipoflife
[…] #FWF Free Write Friday: Image Prompt With Guest Host Mark Schutter (catnipoflife.wordpress.com) […]
A great read that leaves my mind wondering…
Oooh, bone chilling stuff … Well done!
Sharla this is great! Very suspenseful and a what now ending? It begs for more as I want to know what happens next. You have told a great tale from this prompt. Thank you!
Oh, this was quite tantalizing…I would also love to know what happens next!
I love it, Sharla – but it’s so… “open ended”? This SCREAMS for more – and believe me – I’d read it as quickly as I read this!!
[…] #FWF Free Write Friday: Image Prompt With Guest Host Mark Schutter (catnipoflife.wordpress.com) […]