Welcome to Short Tales
A collection of short stories for your reading enjoyment
Currently 12,517 short tales
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The Drearier's Dark Dance of Desolation
It was a dark and stormy night, the kind that made you want to curl up with a good book and a cup of tea. But little did the residents of the small town know, something was brewing in the shadows.
A figure cloaked in darkness, dressed in tattered robes, crept down the deserted streets. Their eyes glowed with an otherworldly light, casting an eerie gaze upon the town. The people who crossed their path did so at their own peril, for they knew that the figure was none other than the Drearier.
The Drearier had been awakened from their slumber by the sound of laughter and merriment emanating from the local tavern. It was a sound that only served to irritate them, as it reminded them of the joy and happiness they had once known. Now, they roamed the streets, seeking out those who dared to be happy during a time when the world was shrouded in darkness.
As the Drearier approached the tavern, the laughter and music grew louder, filling the air with a sense of false hope. But the Drearier knew better. They had lived through enough winters to know that happiness was fleeting, and that soon enough, the cold would return. And so, they crept closer, their eyes fixed on the tavern door.
Inside, the patrons were oblivious to the danger that lurked outside. They danced and sang, their smiles and laughter a beacon of light in the darkness. But the Drearier was not fooled. They knew that beneath the surface, there was only despair and desperation. And so, they waited, biding their time until they could strike.
Suddenly, a stray dog darted out from the shadows, its eyes wild with fear. The Drearier watched as it ran towards the tavern, barking frantically at the door. In an instant, the patrons turned to see what had startled the dog, and their smiles faltered as they saw the figure cloaked in darkness standing before them.
The Drearier spoke in a voice that was little more than a whisper, yet it carried on the wind like a scream. "You think you can find joy in this time of sorrow?" they hissed. "I will bring your happiness to an end." And with that, they reached out and touched the nearest patron, their icy fingers stealing away their happiness.
As the patrons fell to the ground, weeping and wailing, the Drearier began to dance. Their steps were slow and deliberate, their eyes glowing brighter with each passing moment. They danced around the tavern, their presence filling the air with a sense of foreboding.
The storm outside raged on, but inside the tavern, something far worse was brewing. The Drearier's dance grew more frenzied, their eyes blazing with an otherworldly light. And as they spun and twirled, their power grew stronger, until finally, they were a mere shadow of themselves.
In the end, only the Drearier remained, standing in the center of the tavern like a dark specter. The patrons lay at their feet, their happiness lost forever. And as the storm outside subsided, the Drearier disappeared into the night, leaving behind a trail of despair and desolation.
The people of the town knew that they had been visited by the Drearier, and they trembled at the thought of its return. For in a world filled with darkness and sorrow, the Drearier was the one thing that could bring true hopelessness to those who dared to find joy.
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Abandoning My True Self: A Journey of Rediscovery
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The Shadowed City: A Haunting Legacy of Disappearance
Maria's Mystical Journey: Unlocking Her True Potential
The Kind Heart of Abase: A Legacy of Compassion and Caring
The Brave Girl of the Rolling Hills: Abash's Quest to Save the Forest
Abashed: The Animal Communicator's Quest for Kindness and Protection
The Legend of Ash and Lila: A Tale of Unlikely Love
Emily's Gift of Courage
Unlocking the Art of Winemaking: A Small Village's Legacy of Passion and Excellence
The Sky's Great Mystery: A Massive Light Figure Appears in the Abatement
The Ancient Tree's Gift: A Boy's Quest for Communication
Ember's Legacy: A Young Girl's Quest to Protect the Natural World
The Secrets of Abattoir: A Gateway to Malevolent Spirits
The Magic Within: A Kind Man's Journey to Enchanted Lands
The Boy Who Wished for Adventure: A Magical Tale of Travel and Triumph
Ali's Journey: Pursuing Knowledge and Enlightenment in Baghdad's Great University
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Amidst the Winter's Darkness, a Beacon of Hope: The Story of Abbé Pierre and His Café of Compassion
A Glimmer of Hope: A Priest's Encounter with Magic
The Wishes of the Abbaye de Bellevue: A Monastery's Descent into the Supernatural
Finding Peace in the Face of Doubt: The Story of Brother Thomas
The Abbess's Heart: A Tale of Love, Compassion, and Redemption
Finding Peace and Purpose at St. Agnes Abbey: A Story of Grief, Healing, and Redemption
Unlocking the Secrets of the Ancient Abbey: Sarah's Journey to Enlightenment
Finding Peace in the Ancient Walls: A Young Woman's Journey to Solace at the Abbey of St. Mary
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The Magic of Abbot: A Young Man's Quest for Ancient Power
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The Mysterious Case of the Disappearing Donuts: A Tale of Mischievous Treats
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The Secret of the Hidden Clearing: A Brave Girl's Quest for Adventure and Survival
The Guardian of the Woods: A Young Girl's Quest for Magic and Protection
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The Kind and Just King: A Legacy of Wisdom and Compassion
King Henry's Legacy of Peace: The Kingdom's Path Towards Selfless Leadership
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Abe's Elemental Magic: A Simple Tailor's Quest for Heroism
Sailing Through the Storm: Abeam's Heroic Rescue
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Abel's Quest: A Journey of Kindness and Adventure
The Craftsman's Quest: Unlocking Inner Power and Potential
The Passionate Pursuit of True Love: The Tale of Pierre Abelard and Heloise
The Curious Adventures of Abelson: A Young Girl's Quest for Magic and Bravery
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Finding Solace in Aberdeen's Cozy Cup
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A Town's Transformation: From Industrial Hub to Artistic Oasis
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The Aberrants Tale: A Mysterious Encounter in the Rainy City
The Girl Who Saved Eleria: A Tale of Magic and Bravery
Alice's Enchanted Adventure: The Girl Who Could Talk to Animals
The Magical Friendship of Hootie and Betsy: A Tale of Joy and Wonder
Thieving in the Night: A Master Heist
The Book of Unlocking: A Tale of Ingenuity and Responsibility in a World of Advanced Technology
Finding Hope: Better's Journey to a Better Life
The Betters' Downfall: A Hero's Quest for Humanity's Future
The Magic of Community: Ember's Legacy
The Bettors Curse: When Desire Becomes a Living Nightmare
The Shadow Whispers: A Beta's Descent into Darkness
Embracing Abeyance: Finding Hope and Resilience in the Face of Adversity
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All stories are fictional works
- You may use any of these short stories as a base to create your own longer stories! -