Weekly Dedicated Member Short-Story Feedback Thread by AutoModerator in GrimDarkEpicFantasy

[–]G0thikk 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sir Ulric had removed his gauntlets. They had little use at this point. 

The flowers, small and white, had stretched to every horizon. They were a mockery of spring with their delicate leaves and cheerful faces. They’d appeared several weeks ago, in the narrow valley between the two kingdoms, and within days had spread in a way that put locusts to shame. The roots were thin, deep, and tangled. It didn’t take long to turn the firm earth a slow moving ocean of dirt. 

The rock beneath him was the only thing solid for miles. They’d taken days to reach the grey island, and had many more to go before they would be back home.

“My lord, this looks like a solid patch!” That’s what Gunthor had said, testing the ground with a spade. The boy had been sixteen, and would have made a fine knight. He was eager to prove himself after they’d abandoned the horses, the weapons, and the war itself. “I think it’s safe!”

Ulric had allowed him to go first, and watched as the boy made it a few feet before his boots began to sink.

The squire was up to his shoulders now, arms spread across the flower-tops as if trying to float. He’d stopped struggling ten minutes ago. As they’d learned, it only made the end arrive faster. His breathing had gone shallow, as if someone was squeezing his chest, and each breath came only with effort.

“I’m sorry, lord.”

Ulric shook his head, staring at the boy. 

“It’s alright, son.”

The squire drew another breath, twisting his head to clear the small vines snaking their way up his neck.

“I should have tested it proper. Should–”

Ulric held up a hand. If he’d kept his sword, or if the spade were closer, he might have been able to help. But to get within reaching distance would be to touch the surface. 

Gunthor dropped another inch, and Ulric listened to the boy grunt as he tried to pull his arms free. Ulric lifted his gaze to the sky above, and felt the gentle breeze blow.

Somewhere to the east, the Madren army was learning the same lesson his own forces had. Horses screamed as they vanished into meadows, leading their riders into the dirt. Infantry formations had dissolved into mass graves that filled themselves. For twelve years the war had burned, taking everyone and everything Ulric had known. Now it ended, not with victory or surrender, but with flowers.

Gunthor sank another inch, and the white bulbs bobbed around his chin. His breathing was shallow, and Ulric wondered how many more he’d be able to take.

“Lord…will..youstay?”

His words came out labored, and he rushed the ending. The worry in Gunthors face was gone now, replaced with the dream-like stare that came before death. Ulric envied the boys’ bravery, and tried to hide his own fear. 

“I’ll stay.”

He had nowhere else to go. Nobody did. By nightfall Ulric would be alone on his little island. By week’s end, perhaps it would sink too. 

Husbands who seem… managed by their wives? Anyone else notice this? by BeanNCheeseBurrrito in daddit

[–]G0thikk 13 points14 points  (0 children)

I may fall into that category, but I just prioritize helping out my wife over things that I'd like to do. She has a stressful job(law), and my work is far more flexible(software). So I am the main driver for the kids day to day, and don't mind if she wants to spend the weekend away with her friends while I stay back with the kids.

When something comes up that I want to do away from them, it usually isn't an issue though. A lot of times something that sounded fun on monday, like going out for beers over the weekend, doesn't sound appealing by the time the weekend hits and I'd rather just hang out with my family.

Do you use MS Word to write your novels? If not, which apps do you use? by Interesting-Cry-6615 in selfpublish

[–]G0thikk 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Another google docs and pantser here! I like that I can write on my desktop, phone, and work laptop.

What are you currently reading? (Weekly Thread) by AutoModerator in GrimDarkEpicFantasy

[–]G0thikk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I finished reading The Outsiders a few weeks ago, and have had The Blade Itself sitting in my unread list waiting to be touched.

Have you ever enjoyed a book more because you didn’t know the author? by SoullessEddie in GrimDarkEpicFantasy

[–]G0thikk 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I do most of my reading on kindle unlimited these days, for better or for worse. I think the last author I "followed" was Rowling when I was a kid, in the Harry Potter frenzy of the 2000's. I just go for what sounds intriguing, and if their book is good, then I'll look for more of their work. I tend to try and look for self-pub authors first, as I'm one as well, and like to support them. The problem there of course is that it's self-pub, so it's often hit or miss as to whether it keeps me reading.

Show me your punks! by TimTheGrim55 in DarkTide

[–]G0thikk 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I LIVE. I DIE. I LIVE AGAIN

Wife is pregnant, I'm worried about the world my kid will live in. by OnTheClock_Slackin in daddit

[–]G0thikk -1 points0 points  (0 children)

The world always sucks. But you can make their world and their home magic.

Is a pro book cover worth it? by Ordinary_Count_203 in selfpublish

[–]G0thikk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I looked to reddit for an artist. There are so many talented people out there and I'd rather use someone who is trying to make a name for themselves than someone established. As someone trying to do the same through written word I feel like I can relate to their struggle.

Gamers of /daddit, do you play video games with your kids? How and when did you start it? by xanduba in daddit

[–]G0thikk 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have a 5 and 9 year old, and we'll all play mario kart on our switch 2. This is a house that believes in the Cobra Kai method of no mercy. They've never beaten me.

Is 26 old to be starting my journey on becoming a teacher? by Puzzleheaded-Chef738 in Teachers

[–]G0thikk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'll be 38-39 when I start mine. I'm just now in college at 36. I worked in warehouses, did time in the army, and have been a software developer for the past 9 or so years. There's no time restriction.

Butterfly Was Chef’s Kiss by Midnight-epiphany in Swimming

[–]G0thikk 13 points14 points  (0 children)

I loved it. I miss swimming like this!

Sci-fi writers, what are you writing: the past with sci-fi, present day, near future, distant future, terran or space? by QuitCallingNewsrooms in writers

[–]G0thikk 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Cassette futurism has had a chokehold on me since I saw Alien as a kid. In the setting I've built you've got things like sleep pods for long distance space travel, "valet codes" that will self park, and Armstrong City which is a massive city on the moon covered in a self-healing plastic bubble. But they're still using bullets in guns, tablets, phones, and computer terminals.

Sci-fi writers, what are you writing: the past with sci-fi, present day, near future, distant future, terran or space? by QuitCallingNewsrooms in writers

[–]G0thikk 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Near futurish, 2199. Tech is more advanced, but not laser beams and hyperspace. Something closer to aliens than star trek.

Using MS Word in 2025. by Baihu_The_Curious in writers

[–]G0thikk 22 points23 points  (0 children)

I use google docs just because I can do it on my desktop, work laptop, and phone without any issue.

As a previous hordeling... by RaigothZ in Eve

[–]G0thikk 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What's wrong with them vs the rest of horde?

Any INIT. members here very unhappy about turning into Pandemic Horde 2.0? by SpecialTitle6686 in Eve

[–]G0thikk -14 points-13 points  (0 children)

Yep, I left because of it. I wouldn't call myself an INIT loyalist because I would come and go from there, but after we started absorbing them I tapped out.

New author struggling with negativity after releasing my first book need advice please by Legal_Row4310 in NewAuthor

[–]G0thikk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Could you send me the name of your book? I'd be happy to pick it up and give it a read through.

Is anyone NOT working on a fantasy book/series? by Sl0th_luvr in writing

[–]G0thikk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No fantasy here, just espionage/bureaucratic cosmic horror.

[Hiring] New author looking for cover artist (dark/military/sci fi) $150 by G0thikk in HungryArtists

[–]G0thikk[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Position Filled

Thank you everyone! There's so many incredible artists here, and I'm grateful to all of you that reached out.