Original Notes & Tales

In Wandering Stranger, a lone traveler braves a merciless snowstorm deep within the mountains in search of warmth and survival. When the faint promise of safety appears, desperation drives him to wager a gemstone of impossible worth for the safety of an inn. Inside its walls, he faces an innkeeper determined to cast him back into the storm to protect his patrons. #WanderingStranger #EloquentTalesAndBlues #FantasyShortStory #BluesMusic #FlashFiction #FantasyDrama #OriginalStory #BluesNarration #ShortFiction #StorytellingAndMusic Every trade carries a cost, and every refuge hides the price it will demand. What begins as a plea for shelter becomes a dangerous game of trust and temptation. As the snow deepens and the cold presses in, one stranger’s offer may thaw more than the cold. 🎵 When it came to the music to pair with this story, I ended up selecting Eerie Stroll. The song's haunting calm and deliberate pacing were the perfect compliment to the undercurrent of the story's narrative. The music’s lingering notes echo the wanderer’s weary footsteps and the mounting tension within the inn’s walls. Behind the Scenes: Early on in my writing journey, I spent hours scrolling through Facebook feeds in search of images that would spark an idea. Sometimes I found those images, but one day in mid-2020, I stumbled upon a photo of a traveler trudging through falling snow. I needed to know how his story ended. That image became the seed for Wandering Stranger, a story I’ve since refined and finally brought to you. Please enjoy my wanderer’s tale. 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly original stories, original blues music, and magical storytelling. 🛡️ New episodes every week, don’t miss what’s coming next. ☕ Support the Channel: Enjoyed the story? Support my work on Patreon (https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9) for $2/month—get access to exclusive flash fiction, monthly genre polls, and early access to artwork. Or, if you’d just like to show some appreciation, buy me a croissant on Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan). Links: 📘 Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=sr_1_1 📘 Wandering Stranger: https://www.stevenmeehan.com/archives/2020/05/31/wandering-stranger Attributions: The video’s thumbnail was designed using a mockup from Freepik. Follow the link below to see what they can provide. https://www.freepik.com ⏱ Timestamps: 0:00 Song Start and Introduction 0:24 Story Begins 6:03 Story Ends and Sign Off 6:37 End Cards

In Fluttering Shadows, a king reels from the surrender of his army. Torn between rage and doubt, his advisor turns to the kingdom’s spymaster, whose network of uncanny informants reveals more than anyone wished to hear. Whispers become warnings, and secrets flutter on wings both fragile and foreboding. #FlutteringShadows #FantasyStory #EloquentTalesAndBlues #FlashFiction #BluesMusic #FantasyDrama #OriginalStorytelling #SpymasterTales #DarkFantasy What begins as the fallout of defeat deepens into a tale of espionage and looming catastrophe. As unique spies carry secrets across the land, the kingdom must reckon with truths that even victory cannot silence. 🎵 Twirling Foliage accompanies this story. Its winding saxophone lines and clarinet interplay evoke the fluttering uncertainty of the spymaster’s agents and the growing dread of a storm on the horizon. The music drifts between delicate whispers and swelling urgency, mirroring the fragile tension between hidden truths and the thunder of war. Behind the Scenes: Though I never forgot this tale, the spymaster slipped from my focus. And that’s a mistake I’m glad to correct here. His presence adds a layer of mystery and menace I’ll be exploring further. The image that sparked this story has stayed with me ever since, and the spymaster emerged from it fully formed, butterflies and all. 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly original stories, original blues music, and magical storytelling. 🛡️ New episodes every week, don’t miss what’s coming next. ☕ Support the Channel: Enjoyed the story? Support my work on Patreon (https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9) for $2/month—get access to exclusive flash fiction, monthly genre polls, and early access to artwork. Or, if you’d just like to show some appreciation, buy me a croissant on Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan). Links: 📘 Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=sr_1_1 📘 Fluttering Shadows: https://www.stevenmeehan.com/archives/2021/02/02/fluttering-shadows ⏱ Timestamps: 0:00 Song Start and Introduction 0:24 Story Begins 6:21 Story Ends and Sign Off 6:51 End Cards

In Plummeting Skirmish, an exhausted Glen steps into what should be a routine trip home. But when another passenger disables the camera and demands a mysterious key, the confined space becomes a battleground. With each floor, danger escalates until the balance of power shifts in an unexpected way. #PlummetingSkirmish #SuspenseStory #MicroStory #FlashFiction #OriginalFiction #EloquentTalesAndBlues This micro-story blends claustrophobic suspense with sharp turns of loyalty, fear, and resolve. 🎵 Sprightly Twilight serves as the musical bookend. Its bright, playful tones wrap the tale in purposeful contrast. Softly layered under the narration, it highlights Glen’s weary humanity while casting Monica’s calm revelation in sharper relief. Loud in the beginning and end, it reframes the chaos with a surprising sense of poise. Behind the Scenes: This is another story I don't remember writing. I’m not sure why, especially since I remember being excited to explore Monica’s character. However, life tends to get in the way and I'd forgotten about how excited I was to explore her character in future tales. Fortunately, I'll be able to rectify that problem in the near future. Though as with all my older stuff, I needed to give it new life and a refresh of the words. 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly original stories, original blues music, and magical storytelling. 🛡️ New episodes every week, don’t miss what’s coming next. ☕ Support the Channel: Enjoyed the story? Support my work on Patreon (https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9) for $2/month—get access to exclusive flash fiction, monthly genre polls, and early access to artwork. Or, if you’d just like to show some appreciation, buy me a croissant on Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan). Links: 📘 Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=sr_1_1 📘 Plummeting Skirmish: https://www.stevenmeehan.com/archives/2019/04/19/plummeting-skirmish Attributions: The video’s thumbnail was designed using a mockup from Freepik. Follow the link below to see what they can provide. https://www.freepik.com ⏱ Timestamps: 0:00 Song Start and Introduction 0:24 Story Begins 6:35 Story Ends and Sign Off 7:05 End Cards

In Vengeful Shadow, Jonathan finds himself trapped in a factory with more than lingering resentment. A former coworker’s threat becomes terrifyingly real when shadows come alive and laughter turns lethal. Armed with only a mop and a phone, Jonathan must survive the night, fend off monsters, and search for the spark of hope simply to survive. #SuspenseStory #NightShiftHorror #SupernaturalThriller #EerieStroll #OriginalFiction #FlashFiction #EloquentTalesAndBlues #StoryAndMusic #survivaltale When a sinister presence returns, horror settles upon the night shift... Jonathan has to react to each sound and every revelation if he hopes to escape with his life. 🎵 "Eerie Stroll" provides the perfect backdrop for this tale's descent into terror. Its drifting and uneasy tones pulse with quiet dread, echoing the flicker of light and every whisper in the dark. Behind the Scenes: When I revisited this story, I realized I had completely forgotten writing it. Back then, I didn’t create blurbs for each tale before diving into it. That's a practice I developed later. However, some stories leave lasting impressions, but this one slipped through the cracks. Still, once I began rereading it, the rhythm of the words felt familiar, even comforting, despite the grammatical rust that needed to be removed. With a bit of polish, it came back to life. Sit back, enjoy the tale, and let the music carry you into the dark. 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly original stories, original blues music, and magical storytelling. 🛡️ New episodes every week, don’t miss what’s coming next. ☕ Support the Channel: Enjoyed the story? Support my work on Patreon (https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9) for $2/month—get access to exclusive flash fiction, monthly genre polls, and early access to artwork. Or, if you’d just like to show some appreciation, buy me a croissant on Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan). Links: 📘 Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=sr_1_1 📘 Vengeful Shadow: https://www.stevenmeehan.com/archives/2019/02/21/vengeful-shadow ⏱ Timestamps: 0:00 Song Start and Introduction 0:24 Story Begins 6:24 Story Ends and Sign Off 6:58 End Cards

In Defending Giant, the dawn’s first light awakens an ancient treant from its long slumber. But peace is fleeting. When word arrives of invaders desecrating the forest and butchering his kin, the guardian does not hesitate. With deep roots and ancient strength, he marches to protect his home, and deliver nature’s wrath. #ForestGuardian #TreantStory #FantasyShortStory #OriginalFiction #EloquentTalesAndBlues #FantasyConflict #ShortStoryVideo #TwirlngFoliage 🎵 This chapter is paired with a lyrical, swaying tune that mirrors the treant’s deliberate movements and the shifting rhythm of the forest. "Twirling Foliage" is layered with textures that echo rustling leaves and the solemn weight of ancient purpose, building tension and release as the battle unfolds. Behind the Scenes: This story began with a single picture from DeviantArt. You can visit my blog to see the original inspiration. I don't fully remember how that strolling treant evolved into the guardian you see here, though I suspect a flicker of Treebeard’s presence helped it take root. When I recently returned to revise this tale, the rewrite came quickly, like bark regrowing over a wound. 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly original stories, original blues music, and magical storytelling. 🛡️ New episodes every week, don’t miss what’s coming next. ☕ Support the Channel: Enjoyed the story? Support my work on Patreon (https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9) for $2/month—get access to exclusive flash fiction, monthly genre polls, and early access to artwork. Or, if you’d just like to show some appreciation, buy me a croissant on Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan). Links: 📘 Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=sr_1_1 📘 Defending Giant: https://www.stevenmeehan.com/archives/2020/06/09/defending-giant ⏱ Timestamps: 0:00 Song Start and Introduction 0:24 Story Begins 6:41 Story Ends and Sign Off 7:14 End Cards

In Veiled Vision, a young woman named Bethany stumbles upon a buried pair of sunglasses during a final walk on the beach. What’s the last thing you found while exploring the shore? Maybe it was nothing—but what if it changed everything? That’s exactly what happens to Bethany. The moment she slips on the shades, she unlocks a gateway between life and death. What begins as the close of a peaceful vacation spirals into a heart-pounding encounter with a ghost desperate for help. #GhostStory #SupernaturalTale #EmotionalStory #BeachMystery #ShortStory #StoryTime #PoeticFiction #EloquentTalesAndBlues “Twirling Foliage” complements the story like a breeze carrying both curiosity and surprise. Its light, swirling rhythm mirrors Bethany’s carefree walk along the shore, while the playful undercurrent slowly gives way to tension. Just as the tale shifts from calm to eerie, the tune’s airy grace contrasts with the creeping unease—making the twist feel all the more unexpected. It’s the sonic equivalent of a windblown leaf landing somewhere it never meant to go. ✨ This emotional and suspenseful short story from Eloquent Tales & Blues blends the eerie pull of the unknown with the raw courage of an ordinary girl faced with an extraordinary request. If you enjoy ghost stories with meaning, mystery, and heart, this is your next favorite. Behind the Scenes: When I first started writing flash fiction, I was also watching Ghost Whisperer. While I’d never copy someone’s work, inspiration finds its way in. When I sat down to write this ghost story, echoes of that show lingered in my mind. But to keep it original, I turned to a prompt from an old NYC Midnight list—an object that had to appear: a pair of sunglasses. At the time, the result was one of my earliest stories, and admittedly a rough one. Now, after refining it through my editing process, I’m proud to say the tale remains true to its roots, only sharper and more complete. 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly original stories, original blues music, and magical storytelling. 🛡️ New episodes every week, don’t miss what’s coming next. ☕ Support the Channel: Enjoyed the story? Support my work on Patreon (https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9) for $2/month—get access to exclusive flash fiction, monthly genre polls, and early access to artwork. Or, if you’d just like to show some appreciation, buy me a croissant on Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan). Links: 📘 Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=sr_1_1 📘 Veiled Vision: https://www.stevenmeehan.com/archives/2019/01/25/veiled-vision/ ⏱ Timestamps: 0:00 Song Start and Introduction 0:24 Story Begins 6:18 Story Ends and Sign Off 6:44 End Cards

In The Guardian of Bridges, a pair of children discover a strange stream governed by forgotten rules. What happens when they try to understand what they’ve found? This modern fairy tale is set against a snow-blanketed forest, and it follows two young friends who stumble upon an unfamiliar stream that shouldn't exist. As they try to make sense of this new intrusion into their trusted sanctuary, something ancient begins to stir. The unsettling quiet, the thick snow, and the eerie atmosphere paint a world that feels both magical and menacing. #NarratedStory #ShortFiction #FolkloreHorror #AtmosphericTales #CreepyStorytime #ForestHorror #StorytellingWithMusic This piece's ambiance is amplified with my original piece, Eerie Stroll. The combination of blues and story unfolds like a shadowy fairy tale, one that slowly tightens its grip on the viewer. This music underscores every step, decision, and echo in the woods. It creates a tension that lingers long after the final moment. If you're drawn to suspenseful tales rich with childhood mystery and folklore horror, then this episode was made for you. Eerie Stroll sets the tone for a story where unease builds slowly, with each breath and falling flake. Behind the Scenes: When I pulled this story from my website, memories of its creation stirred within my mind. Unfortunately, they were buried too deep and clouded by time for me to remember anything about the why of this tale, let alone what served as the basis for the tale. However, based on the timeframe of its original publication, I believe the prompt I used was a random NYC Midnight pulled from their backlog of old prompts. Like a few recent revisits, I’m surprised by how strong this one still feels at its core, despite the needed polish to bring it to a level I'm happy to publish. 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly original stories, original blues music, and magical storytelling. 🛡️ New episodes every week, don’t miss what’s coming next. ☕ Support the Channel: Enjoyed the story? Support my work on Patreon (https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9) for $2/month—get access to exclusive flash fiction, monthly genre polls, and early access to artwork. Or, if you’d just like to show some appreciation, buy me a croissant on Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan). Links: 📘 Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=sr_1_1 📘 The Guardian of Bridges: https://www.stevenmeehan.com/archives/2019/01/15/guardian-bridges/ ⏱ Timestamps: 0:00 Song Start and Introduction 0:24 Story Begins 6:44 Story Ends and Sign Off 7:06 Song Ending

In Path of the Willow, a young girl awakens on Christmas morning eager for gifts, but instead finds a mysterious red thread. Rather than leading her to toys or treats, it guides her through a closet and into an enchanted forest. What begins as a joyful morning quickly transforms into a magical journey across snow-covered landscapes, where each step tests her courage and heart. In a world where animals speak and ancient magic sleeps beneath the snow, she must search her soul to discover her true self. #FantasyChristmas #WinterTale #FantasyAdventure #OriginalStory #StorytellingChannel #CourageAndKindness This is a heartwarming fantasy tale, that blends Christmas wonder with a classic fairy tale twist. With a rich sliver of a magical world and timeless tropes of courage, belief, and kindness, this tale is perfect for dreamers of all ages. Whether you're a fan of fantasy's featuring portals to strange worlds, a Christmas adventure, or stories where magic and meaning intertwine, this short story invites you to rediscover the power of belief and the strength hidden within quiet hearts. It's ideal for anyone who believes that bravery isn’t about size, but choice. Behind the Scenes: As I revisit older stories, I’m reminded of how little I documented their creative journey. While memory can be a good hiding place for ideas, it's not the most reliable archive of such details. Thankfully, I was able to recover the core of this tale and polish it into something that feels true to its spirit. 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly original stories, original blues music, and magical storytelling. 🛡️ New episodes every week, don’t miss what’s coming next. ☕ Support the Channel: Enjoyed the story? Support my work on Patreon (https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9) for $2/month—get access to exclusive flash fiction, monthly genre polls, and early access to artwork. Or, if you’d just like to show some appreciation, buy me a croissant on Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan). Links: 📘 Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=sr_1_1 📘 Path of the Willow: https://www.stevenmeehan.com/archives/2018/12/27/path-willow/ Attributions: The video’s thumbnail was designed using a mockup from Freepik. Follow the link below to see what they can provide. https://www.freepik.com ⏱ Timestamps: 0:00 Song Start and Introduction 0:24 Story Begins 6:44 Story Ends and Sign Off 7:04 Song Ending

In Doll of Friendship, we witness a touching science fiction short story that blends an emotional story, with an interstellar setting, and the powerful bond between a child and a dying stranger. Amidst the stars, the Gemini traverses the vastness of space. In the moment of shared grief amongst the entire crew, we follow a child named Samantha as she wanders through the hospice ward of the ship. #SciFiShortStory #EmotionalSciFi #SciFiWithHeart #OriginalNarration #FlashFictionFilm #SciFiAndBlues #NarrativeSciFi During her exploration, we see her interacting with an elderly woman who is forgotten and alone. While the entire ship is focused on the ailing health of the ship’s matriarch, Samantha chooses to interact with this forgotten woman. Amidst sterile corridors and the looming presence of grief, the heartfelt exchange between these two reminds us all that kindness, no matter how small, can bridge the gap between generations. For fans of character-driven sci-fi stories with a human core, this story captures the quiet, powerful moments often overlooked in grander epics. Behind the Scenes: Every time I grab an old story to publish here on the channel, I’m amazed at how close I was to an exceptional tale. Doll of Friendship was no different. While the core of the tale was another human tale, akin to Journey of Thanks, it needed some easing with the rougher aspects of the story. Things that I simply didn’t know back in 2018. 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more cinematic storytelling and original blues music. ☕ Support the Channel: Enjoyed the story? Support my work on Patreon (https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9) for $2/month—get access to exclusive flash fiction, monthly genre polls, and early access to artwork. Or, if you’d just like to show some appreciation, buy me a croissant on Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan). Links: 📘 Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=sr_1_1 📘 Doll of Friendship: https://www.stevenmeehan.com/archives/2018/12/18/doll-friendship/ Attributions: The video’s thumbnail was designed using a mockup from Freepik. Follow the link below to see what they can provide. https://www.freepik.com ⏱ Timestamps: 0:00 Song Start and Introduction 0:24 Story Begins 6:54 Story Ends and Sign Off 7:20 Song Ending

In The Pursuit, a set of fraternal twins are exploring the convention, and the line between performance and reality blur, especially when you’re chasing your next viral moment. When they turn their attention to a potential lead, it draws them off the main floor and down a restricted hallway. While looking for a shortcut to something special, the whispers of promised growth blinds them. However, shortly after diverting from the approved path, they discover a nightmare beyond their worst dreams and descriptions. #HorrorShortStory #CreepyNarration #FlashFictionHorror #BluesAndStorytelling #ComicConHorror While they begin in a bustling crowd, the story blends creeping tension, sibling banter, and rising dread into a fast-paced horror experience. This standalone horror short is paired with the haunting blues track “Creeping” to deliver a uniquely atmospheric tale. Whether you’re a fan of dark fiction, supernatural suspense, or a slow-burn horror, this one’s for you. Fans of flash fiction, horror shorts, and musical storytelling will feel right at home. Step into the hallway. Just… don’t expect to walk out the same. Behind the Story: This was one of the earliest horror stories I wrote. Revisiting it for Eloquent Tales & Blues, I was pleasantly surprised by the strength of its core. Don’t get me wrong, it needed work. The prose was rusty, and parts had to be smoothed and cleaned. But the foundation held. The tension, the pacing, the unsettling shifts, they were still usable. Naturally, I needed the right musical companion. “Eerie Stroll” could have worked, but it wasn’t the right fit. Luckily, I had just finished “Creeping”, and once I paired it with this story, everything fell into place. ☕ Support the Channel: Enjoyed the story? Support my work on Patreon (https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9) for $2/month—get access to exclusive flash fiction, monthly genre polls, and early access to artwork. Or, if you’d just like to show some appreciation, buy me a croissant on Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan). Links: 📘 Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=sr_1_1 📘 The Pursuit: https://www.stevenmeehan.com/archives/2018/11/01/the-pursuit/ ⏱ Timestamps: 0:00 Song Start and Introduction 0:24 Story Begins 7:12 Story Ends and Sign Off 7:35 Song Ending