26 Comments
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Hanna Delaney's avatar

The cheese thing is so true. My wedding cake was a stack of cheese wheels. That's love.

The ending made me laugh. Great job.

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Josh Tatter's avatar

Thanks very much! I really enjoyed writing this one.

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The Brothers Krynn's avatar

A delightful tale of love, hate and cheese, I love how Francais it is. You sir owe us another tale such as this down the road, and of course dedicated to your beloved Kate also.

I loved this story, you ever considered writing murder-mystery musketeer tales like this or something?

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Josh Tatter's avatar

Man, I was really hoping you of all people would enjoy this story, and I'm so thrilled that you did! I'm almost as obsessed with Musketeers as I am with Spartans (😉), so you can definitely expect more Musketeer tales in the future.

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The Brothers Krynn's avatar

'Course I did, hahaha, I just hope we do get more Spartan stories also. I'm glad you're obsessed wtih the Mousquetaires, I'm currently reading Dumas's novel and am loving it (en francais).

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Josh Tatter's avatar

It may (or may not) surprise you to learn that the Elven Rangers in my fantasy universe are inspired by the Musketeers.

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The Brothers Krynn's avatar

It shouldn't have, but it did. I like it, it differentiates them, well since the Mousquetaires are French, and Elves ought to be Celtic, I support it. (I know Elves come from Norse Myths but I like 'em better when Celtic jk)

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Randall Hayes's avatar

I know one woman that would definitely work on.

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Jessica Maison's avatar

This lady seems destined for disappointment. Love the use of cheese!

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T. D. Wolf's avatar

“You may fascinate a woman by giving her a piece of cheese.”

Now that’s a euphemism I haven’t seen before.

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The Man Behind the Screen's avatar

I was so preoccupied with other things yesterday that even though I opened the story and gave it a preemptive like, I hadn't had the chance to read it yet.

I'm happy to see my instincts were rewarded. The twist here isn't unexpected, but the way it's handled has a darkly comedic tone to it that's just wonderful. I literally burst out laughing at work! Good thing no one was around so I wouldn't have to explain it to them haha!

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Josh Tatter's avatar

Killing off Arno was a last minute audible, but I always knew I wanted it to end with like the ONE cheese that she really loves missing from the basket. I can't tell you how gratified I am to hear that you appreciated that as much as I did.

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The Man Behind the Screen's avatar

The punchline is only made better by the fact that you came with the receipts to prove that excerpt is 100% real.

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Leanne Shawler's avatar

A great tale! I hoped Rosalind managed to enjoy the cheese even if there wasn’t her favourite... and the image looks like a great collection of prompts! I’m tempted to give the pin one a try.

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Redd Oscar's avatar

Brilliant! Loved the lavish dialoge and the end, didn't expect both to die in the duel. Shame about the reblochon.

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Josh Tatter's avatar

I had a hard time figuring out the end of the story, and then I thought, "This guy's kind of a silly hopeless romantic. He should die."

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Redd Oscar's avatar

😂 Brutal.

You're right though.

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Bridget Riley's avatar

This was so fun! And yes, cheese is the best pick up line. 🧀

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Kate's avatar

Yes, you do fascinate me with cheeses... and in other ways, too.

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Josh Tatter's avatar

Cheese and chai: the secret ingredients to a good marriage.

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Kate's avatar

Indubitably.

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A.C. Cargill, All-Human Author's avatar

gigglesnort! Clever Rosaline!

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Carolyn Jones's avatar

A most duplicitous story! Loved it!

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Josh Tatter's avatar

Thanks so much! I've been wanting to write something silly about fascinating a woman with cheese for awhile now, and this story just struck me like a bolt of lightning.

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Carolyn Jones's avatar

Hahaha! I'm sure. I think there is some truth to it too…you can't beat a good cheese 🧀

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Feb 21, 2024
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Josh Tatter's avatar

Haha, thanks, man! I used to dread writing dialogue, but now I really enjoy it! And I love combing through the synonyms of common words to find their less common cousins.

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