Five Sentence Fiction #20 – FEAST

What it’s all about: Five Sentence Fiction is about packing a powerful punch in a tiny fist. Each week the hostess will post a one word inspiration, then anyone wishing to participate will write a five sentence story based on the prompt word. The word does not have to appear in your five sentences, just use it for direction 

The ritual, an annual convergence of the three families, was hosted at an undisclosed location…

Family members hid a range of ill-feelings behind carefully constructed masks of affability.

Underhand dealings, backstabbing manoeuvres and clandestine business ventures were put aside, in favour of gustatory delights which catered for different culinary cultures; tables overflowing with an endless array of delectable dishes, scrumptious seafood, spicy Oriental delights, succulent roasts and meats, rich gravies and sauces, mouth-watering cakes and pastries, exquisite desserts…

He blended into the crowd, sauntered pass a distinguished, tuxedo-clad gentleman with a silver walking cane; appeared to listen attentively as he exchanged pleasantries with a strangely intense-looking, yet pale and insipid creature of Slavic origin; lifted a champagne flute from a waiter who whisked by, and raised it in mock-salute, to a young woman whose angular, smoky-eyed visage reminded him of a panther stalking an unsuspecting victim.

Everybody had an agenda of sorts, all the key players were in position and he was ready to give the signal.

22 Comments

  1. Alex J. Cavanaugh on November 26, 2012 at 10:09 pm

    That's rich! Very good, Michelle. I can feel the tension…

  2. Morgan Shamy on November 26, 2012 at 10:34 pm

    This is a fun idea! I enjoyed this very much 😉 

  3. Elise Fallson on November 26, 2012 at 10:43 pm

    Three families getting together…. masks of affability….sounds like the start of a good murder mystery I like it!  ðŸ™‚

  4. Emily R. King on November 26, 2012 at 10:46 pm

    Ooh, signal for what?
    Nicely done!

  5. Gina on November 27, 2012 at 1:05 am

    This is a really nice post. I enjoyed it very much.

  6. Kimberly Gabriel on November 27, 2012 at 1:11 am

    This was my favorite line: a young woman whose angular, smoky-eyed visage reminded him of a panther stalking an unsuspecting victim. Loved this!

  7. Ryan Derham on November 27, 2012 at 2:03 am

    I loved the descriptions and the mystery behind their movements.

  8. L. Diane Wolfe on November 27, 2012 at 6:12 pm

    That's one family gather I'd prefer to avoid.

  9. Nas on November 27, 2012 at 8:41 pm

    Nicely done! Great tension.
    I have highlighted a new publisher and you're welcome to come and ask questions regarding submissions.
    Thanks,
    Nas

  10. JazzBumpa on November 27, 2012 at 11:31 pm

    This is not going to end well.  And he is violaitng a sacred trust.
    Reminds me of the Red Wedding form ame of Thrones.
     
    Cheers!
    JzB
     

    • JazzBumpa on November 27, 2012 at 11:32 pm

      From Game of Thrones, that is.
       

  11. Tonja on November 28, 2012 at 11:53 am

    I think this is a great exercise.  Love the line, "Family members hid a range of ill-feelings behind carefully constructed masks of affability."

  12. Mark K on November 28, 2012 at 3:34 pm

    A great set up, but I want the delivery now! Nice writing, well done.

  13. Carol Kilgore on November 28, 2012 at 3:50 pm

    Ack! The signal? Now I want to know more!

  14. tara tyler on November 28, 2012 at 7:12 pm

    perfect setting for
    murder! dun dun daaaaaaa!
    great story telling!

  15. Julie on November 29, 2012 at 4:34 pm

    I also love the "masks of affability" line. We all know people like this, and they don't necessarily have to be murderers. 
    Julie
     

  16. jabblog on November 29, 2012 at 9:21 pm

    Ooh, delicious – and so much more to tantalise the appetiite:-) This is such a difficult discipline/challenge.
    (Thank you for your concern about our lovely Ocicat Winston – it looks as though he's turned the corner, but you never can quite tell with cats:-))

  17. Medeia Sharif on November 30, 2012 at 9:38 am

    Diabolical story and delicious picture. Great piece. 

  18. Rose on November 30, 2012 at 7:33 pm

    It made me think of the board game Clue! And now I'm hungry after looking at that table, so I'm going to raid the refrigerator 🙂

  19. Josie Two Shoes on December 2, 2012 at 3:37 am

    This sounds not unlike some of the gatherings I have attended, family and otherwise!  Great intro, definitely leaves us wanting for more!

  20. Charmaine Clancy on December 3, 2012 at 8:26 am

    Great flash fiction piece, very mysterious.
     

  21. michelle on December 3, 2012 at 1:20 pm

    THANKS FOR ALL THE COMMENTS!! YOU GUYS ROCK! 🙂 🙂

Leave a Comment


Notice: Undefined variable: user_ID in /home/writerintrans/public_html/wp-content/themes/bb-theme/comments.php on line 69