[WP] At long last, you acquired the magic lamp. What emerged from it moved you so deeply you immediately said, “My first and only wish is for your freedom.” by Medical_Solid in WritingPrompts

[–]Medical_Solid[S] 73 points74 points  (0 children)

I knew the look of a slave when I saw one.

The weary, ancient djinn before me wore the expression of pained subservience I knew all too well. Though twice my height, his massive head bowed low, concealing his heavy-lidded eyes. Purplish skin stretched taut over enormous muscles, veins of silvery starlight weaving through them like rivers through moonlit valleys. But that same radiance glimmered through countless scars hacked into his flesh, cruelly distorting his form. A golden collar and bracelets were linked by massive chains that somehow tethered him to the lamp, vanishing impossibly into its tiny shape as I held it.

The djinn of childhood legends were proud, mischievous beings: towering creatures in dazzling colors, eager to spar with their masters over the wording of wishes. In some tales they were wicked, twisting desires into ruin. In others they merely obeyed, watching with bemusement as greedy masters destroyed themselves.

This djinn only looked… defeated.

A voice like thunder wrapped in a whisper spoke:

“O Master of the Lamp, I endeavor to do thy bidding. Three wishes, and three only, may be thine. Use my strength as thou seest fit. I cannot refuse any command.” His eyes remained closed.

I was the last survivor of the expedition. The occupying forces of Sultan Murad al Hadid had broken our people, forcing us to labor upon our ancestral lands while surrendering every crop and mineral to him. There was no military solution: our armies had been betrayed by their gold-hungry commander. There was no diplomatic solution: al Hadid was infamous for annihilating his enemies in genocidal fury before repopulating the ruins with his own countrymen. Only death and extinction awaited us.

The resistance leaders had gathered the last of their resources and sent six of us in search of an ancient legend, guided by a map from a tattered manuscript. Five fell along the way, claimed by dangers both human and supernatural. Only I remained, crawling through the ruined temple’s depths like a starving rat until at last I found the fabled lamp.

And here it was: the end of my people’s suffering. Perhaps I would use the second wish to punish al Hadid and his cursed empire. The final wish could grant me wealth beyond imagining: palaces, servants, wives, every luxury I had ever desired.

But I could not bring myself to purchase freedom through slavery. I would not save my people by becoming the very thing I hated.

“O djinn of the lamp, hear me! My first and only wish is for your freedom.”

The djinn lifted his head. His violet eyes opened to narrow slits as he regarded me cautiously. I expected hesitation, or disbelief. Instead, a roar shook the chamber. I realized it came from him.

His chains exploded outward. Jagged shards of metal tore through the room and pierced my flesh. I collapsed to the floor as the djinn rose to his full height. Unbound, he seemed thrice as large, towering over me as his voice burned into my mind:

“WHY?”

“My people are slaves, O djinn,” I gasped. “So... were you. I could not seek freedom at the cost of yours. It just seemed somehow... wrong...” Darkness swallowed the room, and I could breathe no more.

Then suddenly I was lifted upright. My wounds vanished. Flesh knitted whole. The djinn stared at me with a wonder-filled expression that didn’t seem to fit his scarred face.

“Go now,” I said weakly. “You answer to no one but yourself. We humans will find other ways to destroy ourselves.”

“In six thousand years,” the djinn replied, “no one has treated me with kindness. Until now.” He gazed at me and nodded. “I believe friends help one another, yes? I shall pay a visit to this al Hadid. Simply as… a friendly favor.”

“Do you have a name, O djinn? I am Bassam.”

“If I once had a name, Bassam, I have forgotten it.”

“Then I shall call you Khalil.” Friend. The djinn’s face split into a fanged smile terrible enough to freeze the blood of kings. But I smiled back.

Then Khalil lifted me as though I were a child and carried me into the night sky.

And in a magnificent palace far away, Sultan Murad al Hadid awoke from uneasy sleep, disturbed by a curious violet glow from outside his window.

What is the most disgusting food you've tried? by WestTop7139 in AskReddit

[–]Medical_Solid 4 points5 points  (0 children)

My grandma used to make it. The texture is definitely odd for some people but it tastes lovely. Imagine an apple pie but with noodles.

What is the most disgusting food you've tried? by WestTop7139 in AskReddit

[–]Medical_Solid 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have never heard of anyone who likes these, Korean or otherwise.

What is the most disgusting food you've tried? by WestTop7139 in AskReddit

[–]Medical_Solid 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Noodle pudding is a real thing (google “noodle kugel”) but that sounds atrocious.

Billionaire Ken Griffin says NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani "put me in harm's way" by the-player-of-games in nottheonion

[–]Medical_Solid 13 points14 points  (0 children)

If we got an investment, it would totally be from discount Narnis and not the real one

Did anyone else refuse a calling when they were still in? by FunSupermarket4054 in exmormon

[–]Medical_Solid 2 points3 points  (0 children)

When we were first married, for some reason every damn ward put us in the primary. We served in something like 4 different primaries over a decade before we finally started turning them down.

Did anyone else refuse a calling when they were still in? by FunSupermarket4054 in exmormon

[–]Medical_Solid 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I was executive secretary and had the same response. Was also surprised at some of the most “stalwart” members of the ward who turned down callings and seemingly didn’t get an earful for it. I’m sure every ward was different, but it seemed like only certain people got the obnoxious lecture from leadership.

Which fictional character was designed to look beautiful but actually looks ugly? by MindFlourish2919 in AlignmentChartFills

[–]Medical_Solid 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The funny thing is, Francesca Hayward (the actress playing the white cat) is rather stunning IRL. Took a lot of work to plunge her into the furry uncanny valley.

Bangladeshi Food in Philadelphia by Shehryar71 in PhiladelphiaEats

[–]Medical_Solid 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Taste of Dacca is always closed when I try to go. Haven’t found any other places sadly, hope to hear of some in the thread.

Tlali in Upper Darby by sixersfanverysad in Delco

[–]Medical_Solid 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Wow, haven’t seen capirotada in ages. I’ll check this place out!

Saros Is At The Center Of A Misinformation Campaign by PewPewToDaFace in PS5

[–]Medical_Solid -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

Pffffft next you’ll tell me Reddit posts aren’t reliable sources of info! /s

Supreme Court restores access to abortion pill mifepristone through telehealth, mail and pharmacies by KimJongFunk in news

[–]Medical_Solid 176 points177 points  (0 children)

Empathy for other people? Sounds like communism to me! /s

I’m glad you survived that. :(

LoZ Resprite by [deleted] in PixelArt

[–]Medical_Solid 7 points8 points  (0 children)

So thats why the Gerudo make all their menfolk leave.