Photo prompt © Roger Bulltot
ACCEPTANCE
by
Kelvin M. Knight
There was no point denying it. His castle didn’t have towers bristling with multicoloured banners, nor shields sparkling from its walls, with multitudes of arrows and swords proclaiming, ‘Fight my might!’
His purpose was clear: not to keep people out but to keep them near. That’s why his portcullis rusted in its up position, why his drawbridge rotted in the mud. With open arms, he welcomed everyone, despite such actions ensuring everything would crumble.
Except the wild flowers spreading beauty wherever he stumbled. Lost in their scent, he grinned toothlessly. He didn’t need to doubt or understand why; he knew.
(100 words)
Thank you to everyone for taking part this week (01/09/17), and reading each other’s stories, and liking, and commenting. You don’t have to be a Friday Fictioneer to read our stories so please don’t be shy, there’s a mix of styles and storylines all inspired by the same photo. To read other aspiring writers’ stories, click the Blue Frog.
Thanks, as ever, to Rochelle for hosting Friday Fictioneers so congenially.
Kelvin M. Knight 
So much symbolism here. The toothless grin, the wildflowers blooming underfoot, the rusted portcullis and the rotting drawbridge. Put me in mind of Don Quixote 🙂
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Dear Kelvin,
This seems a take on the old saying, “One man’s meat is another man’s poison.” Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You are so wise, Rochelle, so observant, with such a lovely way with words 😉
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wouldn’t it be nice if everyone was more inclusive. A good lesson for us all.
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This has such a fairy tale feel to it, and I think it’s lovely. I like this lord of the castle. Wild flowers spread wherever he goes, what better end. Better crumble after a fulfilled life than endure in coldness.
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A nice twist on the purpose of a castle…
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Thank you, Dale. I do like to twist but not shout. 😉
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Never? 😎
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No, never have I twisted and shouted. 😎
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LOL. Okay then… 😉
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This was an enchanting tale, Kelvin. It the medieval times, the community would flock to find shelter within the walls of the castle. It was a place of safety and community. I daresay we could all use a few ‘castles’ in our lives in these days and times. Really enjoyed your take on the prompt.
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Nice twist on the idea of castles.
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Thanks, Iain.
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Love and acceptance spread their scent around. Very different twist to the prompt. Never would have thought of this. Great writing.
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Thanks, FluidPhrases. It’s a challenge isn’t it. I had to wrack my brains for a while but I am sure historically there were folk with stories like this to tell. Thanks for commenting.
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True. This time the prompt was quite challenging.
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Hurray for him, whoever he is. He sounds like the “friendly puppy” type who loves to meet people — and nature at least responds to him.
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Dear Derrick, my humble castle, is your home anytime.
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I thought at first he was a honey trap, but at the end he looks more like a doddering old fool. Certainly not what you expect from the average castle, either way.
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interesting idea – a castle to keep people near, not out
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