magisternihil's 100-word story for October 30, 2025

magisternihil wrote the following micro-story on Hectalex on October 30, 2025. Each story on Hectalex is inspired by a daily visual prompt and must be exactly 100 words.

The raven comes to the village on the same day each year, its sleek black feathers a harsh contrast against the colorful backdrop. It was decided long ago that its coming heralded the thinning of the veil, the approach of Samhain, of ancient pagan rites swirled in a maelstrom with forced Christian symbology and modern comical interpretations of lore. Some said he was Death’s messenger, coming to tell one chosen villager the names of the upcoming deaths in the following year. The truth was he just liked a day off and was fond of the place. Lot of gawkers, though.

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