Prompt: Write a short story about a man who discovers a magical portal
Response:
It was a cold, dreary day, and the man was feeling down in the dumps. He was just about to go home and take a long, hot bath when he happened to glance out his window and noticed a strange light in the distance. Curiosity got the better of him, so he decided to investigate.
When he got closer, he could see that the light was coming from a portal. He stepped through, and found himself in a strange, magical place. There were trees, lakes, and a beautiful castle in the distance. He walked toward the castle, and as he got closer, he saw a beautiful maiden emerge from the entrance. She smiled at him and beckoned him inside.
He went inside, and found himself in a large room. There was a throne in the center, and on the throne was a beautiful woman. The woman smiled at him and said, “Welcome, my prince. I am Queen Ariadne, and I have been waiting for you.”
The man was very surprised, and he said, “Queen Ariadne? I don’t know what to say.”
Ariadne replied, “Why not come and sit down next to me? We can talk about what brings you here.”
The man did as she asked, and they began to talk. As they talked, the man gradually realized that he was talking to the real Queen Ariadne. He was amazed and delighted, and he thanked her for her hospitality.
Ariadne smiled and said, “There is no need to thank me, my prince. This is my home, and I am happy to have you here. I hope you will stay for a while.”
The man was very tempted, but he thought better of it and said goodbye. He promised to come back, and he was sure that he would. He was happy to have found the portal to Queen Ariadne’s castle, and he knew that he would never forget the experience.