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

In The Last Resort, humanity clings to fading hope. Broken by devastation, the world’s survivors discover a seemingly abandoned battleship, a symbol of strength turned into their last chance at survival. What they find hidden in the ship’s endless dark could be their salvation... or their ultimate mistake. #SciFi #SurvivalStory #LastResort #SciFiAdventure #DystopianFiction The Last Resort is a dystopian science fiction short story blending atmospheric tension, extinction-level survival, and a grounded, human-driven narrative. Perfect for fans of military sci-fi, post-apocalyptic worlds, and cinematic storytelling. 📖 Behind the Story: Since it was originally published in 2018 on my blog (linked below), this story was one of my earliest pieces of flash fiction. At the time I had been asking friends and family for NYC Midnight styled prompts. For The Last Resort, a friend of mine gave me an interesting combination of a dystopian science fiction (genre), on a ship (location), and to feature a whisk (object). While I remember having fun writing the story, when I read through it recently, I knew I'd have to redraft it. For this new edition, I reimagined the original ideas by refining the narrative and enhancing the emotional weight, while preserving the story's spirit and elevating its execution. ☕ 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 Last Resort: https://www.stevenmeehan.com/archives/2018/10/25/last-resort/ 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 6:42 Story Ends and Sign Off 7:02 Song Ending

A routine bombing mission. A heavily escorted flight. And a secret so dangerous it could end the war. In Bombing Run, what starts as a standard bombing run quickly unravels into a high-stakes mission filled with unexpected dangers, military strategy, and powerful magic. However, as they draw close to their target, details emerge that change everything. Why were they assigned five master witches as escorts? What makes this target so critical? And will they escape once the mission is complete? Strap in for an action-packed military fantasy thriller filled with suspense, high-altitude danger, and a powerful secret that will change the tide of war forever. #WarStory #MilitaryFantasy #FantasyAviation #ActionPacked #MagicWarfare This was another of my early picture prompts. And just like Draconic Bargain, the image that served as the inspiration for this tale came from Facebook. I would have provided a link to the image, yet once again I’m learning that Facebook links have a limited time to live. That said, I’ll do my best to describe the sight from memory. Well, at least I’ll do my best since I only remember a single portion of the picture. With a full moon shining brightly, we’re treated to a typical witch flying across the sky. I can’t remember how much detailed the witch was drawn in. But the mood of the midnight flight made me think of a World War II bomber heading to strafe their latest target. While this bomber story flowed into my mind, I needed to anchor it with the image. So I married the concept of witches escorting the bomber to help protect it from their enemy’s defensive spells. However, once again, I’m not able to share the image that sparked my imagination. Don’t forget to like comment and subscribe to help get spread this story and the channel. Support: If you enjoyed the tale, head over to my Patreon site and become a patron. For $2 a month, you get access to the genre poll (a way to help shape the exclusive stories every month), three pieces of exclusive flash fiction (sub 1000 word stories), and early access to all my artwork. https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9 Or consider buying me a croissant: 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 Bombing Run: https://www.stevenmeehan.com/archives/2020/01/18/bombing-run/ 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

In Draconic Bargain, a powerful wizard faces a life-altering decision. With an external threat looming over his land, he embarks on a dangerous ritual that could shatter his world. Abandoning the very teachings he’s passed to his apprentice, the wizard dives into a risky deal with a mythical creature. Magic, summoning, and powerful forces collide in this high-stakes fantasy adventure. Will the wizard’s plan succeed, or will he bring chaos to his doorstep? Join the journey now to witness the thrilling consequences of this perilous bargain. #FantasyAdventure, #SummoningMagic, #Wizardry, #MysticalCreatures, #DragonMagic Sometimes you come across pictures, and that image worms its way into your mind. And before you realize what’s happening, a story has unfolded before you. Granted, I’m certain this happens far more to me than most people. That said, every time this occurs, the experience is always a pleasurable one, though some of the resulting stories don’t deserve further attention to refine. However, even with the ones that I refine into stories for the world, sometimes I lose access to the sight that inspired the image. With that loss, I’m no longer able to reference the source material to gauge how accurately the completed narrative measures up to the initial seed. Unfortunately, this tale appears to be one of those times when I’ve lost access to the original visual prompt. While I tried to record the image with the story, the link was anchored to a Facebook post. When I went back to the original post, I realized, those posts don’t live forever. They can and apparently can go stale. Despite updating the story, I’ve had to dismiss the original picture and instead focused on the copy of it I held in my mind. As a result, you’ll have to trust me that this story was spawned by an awesome picture of a dragon atop an open book. * First, I want to apologize for the delay in publishing this video. Last week was a hectic for me and my body was acting on autopilot. Which is a fancy way to say that the video I originally uploaded was not fully edited. The moment I realized my mistake I scrambled to complete the editing to upload the video. Support: If you enjoyed the tale, head over to my Patreon site and become a patron. For $2 a month, you get access to the genre poll (a way to help shape the exclusive stories every month), three pieces of exclusive flash fiction (sub 1000 word stories), and early access to all my artwork. https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9 Or consider buying me a croissant: 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 Draconic Bargain: https://www.stevenmeehan.com/archives/2020/02/26/draconic-bargain/ 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

Having received a cryptic warning about a hidden bomb, the police are running out of time. As the time ticks away, the threat of utter devastation intensifies. Enter Detective Graves, who’s no stranger to high pressure moments or investigations. Somewhere in the shadows of his city, a deadly countdown has begun, and one wrong move could mean disaster for everyone. With the weight of an entire city on his shoulders, will this stoic detective uncover the truth before it’s too late? Or will the clock hit zero and devastate the city? This frantic search is more than a case. It’s a race against time. The danger is real. The choices are impossible. And the cost of failure is unthinkable. #CrimeThriller #BombSquad #RaceAgainstTime #SuspensefulStory #actionthriller It’s amazing how far I’ve come as an author. I remember as a teenager, I would grab my notebook and bike to a secluded hillside and just write. Mostly it was sheer nonsense and thankfully, I don’t remember one word of the drivel. But I enjoyed the act. Rather, I enjoyed the creativity behind creating stories. The resulting ideas were nothing good. After all, I was a kid who didn’t know how to organize or write a story. However, fast forward a substantial number of years, and I started learning how to compose a halfway decent story. Unfortunately, while I’ve gotten better, it’s still a long process. When the time came to grab The Grave Countdown for this channel, it didn’t take me long to realize that it needed a bit of love. So I hurried up and gave it that polish while retaining the spirit of the original draft. While I have a fond memory of the detective, and a plan to feature him, I never did. I’d simply forgotten about him in favor of more complex characters. However, I’ve already taken steps to address that wrong, so keep an eye out for future tales featuring this gruff detective. Support: If you enjoyed the tale, head over to my Patreon site and become a patron. For $2 a month, you get access to the genre poll (a way to help shape the exclusive stories every month), three pieces of exclusive flash fiction (sub 1000 word stories), and early access to all my artwork. https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9 Or consider buying me a croissant: 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 Grave Countdown: https://www.stevenmeehan.com/archives/2019/01/01/grave-countdown/ 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

A rogue wizard flees under the cover of night, his magic crackling through the air as the Council’s relentless hunter closes in. Every spell is a desperate gamble, every moment a heartbeat between escape and capture. But this isn’t just a chase—it’s a battle of wits, power, and will. Set to a spirited blues riff, this narrated story brings magic and rhythm together in a way that will keep you on edge. As the tension builds and the music drives the momentum, one question remains: Will the rogue break free, or will the hunter enforce the Council’s will? #fantasybattle #MagicDuel #WizardsAtWar #FantasyStory #EpicShowdown #MagicalEscape As I’ve churned out stories, many concepts have been both birthed and dismissed for the litany of worlds I created for my writing. The one that to date that’s received the most amount of exploration is Morven. For those who would like to know how I came up with the name, let me assure you that the reasoning is mostly irrelevant. However, if you really want to press me on the name, I’d have to admit the reason has been lost to the depths of my mind. Which is understandable when I’m keeping the world’s history at my fingertips. While I’ve explored several periods in the planet’s history, the time stretching from their corresponding medieval point to their modern-day time frame has birthed some of my favorite stories, characters, and organizations, including the Hunters. In their feudal era, the most powerful wizards of the day banded together and conquered the world. Or at least the vast majority of it. While there were several pockets of resistance, the council ruled their portion of the world with an iron fist. And to ensure their supremacy throughout the ages, they created a group of wizards who would scour the world searching for mages born outside of their dynasty. Once found, and spellcaster who refused the council’s generous offer was dragged back to the council to face their judgment. While I’ve never told a story from their perspective, I have built out a lot of lore for the organization that I’ll eventually put down in some text. Personally, it’s more fun to highlight the ingenuity of the wizards who can elude these overpowered spell slingers. As a result, back in 2019, I sat down to create a fantasy featuring a pair of these wizards. Unfortunately, it’s been too long, so I don’t remember much more of the reason behind the story than that. However, when I tapped it for this audio makeover, the emotions of the tale rushed back into place. Support: If you enjoyed the tale, head over to my Patreon site and become a patron. For $2 a month, you get access to the genre poll (a way to help shape the exclusive stories every month), three pieces of exclusive flash fiction (sub 1000 word stories), and early access to all my artwork. https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9 Or consider buying me a croissant: https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan Links: Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0 Dueling Wizards: https://www.stevenmeehan.com/archives/2019/07/22/dueling-wizards/ 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

In Downpour, Amelia stands alone on a quiet hill as the first raindrops begin to fall, a rare moment of peace in a world filled with danger. The storm’s touch revitalizes her, washing away years of struggle and exhaustion. The rain brings a sense of rebirth, but that brief serenity is shattered when a group of ruthless brigands appear, intent on causing trouble. As the rain intensifies, the stakes rise. Amelia must confront the looming threat of these merciless outlaws, but what can a solitary woman do against the group? The storm isn’t simply a force of nature. It’s a harbinger of something much darker looming over the encounter. Is Amelia’s rejuvenation a sign of hidden power, or is she doomed to fall prey to the brigands’ merciless plans? #FantasyAdventure #StormMagic #WildernessAdventure #PowerfulWomen #FantasyStory Here’s another story whose prompt has been lost. However, one of the larger pieces of inspiration will always linger. Back in my youth, specifically around my time in college, D&D introduced a prestige class that intrigued me. While I was never able to play a Storm Lord, I spent a lot of time digging into the class preparing for the day when I’d achieve the fascinating class. Despite a lack of the 3.5 edition of the rules, the idea of a character controlling and benefiting from a store lingered in my mind. Granted, my version is definitely more powerful than what was given to role players. Fortunately, that’s my right, though in the initial scene I do hint at the “kryptonite” for my Storm Wardens. When they’re not inside a storm, their bodies weaken rapidly. Despite enjoying the creation of this tale, I’ve returned to explore this character. And after redrafting the tale for its Eloquent Tales & Blues release, I have a strong desire to return to this world and flesh out more of Amelia’s character. Support: If you enjoyed the tale, head over to my Patreon site and become a patron. For $2 a month, you get access to the genre poll (a way to help shape the exclusive stories every month), three pieces of exclusive flash fiction (sub 1000 word stories), and early access to all my artwork. https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9 Or consider buying me a croissant: https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan Links: Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0 Downpour: https://www.stevenmeehan.com/archives/2019/05/22/downpour/ 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

In Reflections, Lucious arrives at a museum and is directed towards a painting for a mysterious meeting. But what starts as a simple task soon unravels a deep, painful secret from his past. As the story explores themes of memory, loss, and regret, Lucious faces the hidden truths that have shaped him. The blues music, played on saxophone and clarinet, echoes the sorrow and introspection of his journey, amplifying the emotional weight of the moment. A haunting tale about the things we carry with us, and the truth we must confront to move forward. #Memory #Loss #Regret #Mystery #Reflective #reflectivemoments #thoughtfulscienefiction For some of my stories, I remember exactly where my stories come from, for example the idea behind Harrison & Sylvia stemmed from a game called Torchwood. I had chosen to play as an alchemist and selected the cat as the animal companion. While I don't remember if the random name generator came up with the name, my alchemist was called Harrison and his pet was Sylvia. From that seed I created a vast storyline for that pairing. However, for every pairing like that, I have a few where I don't know how I came up with the idea. Aside from a handful of science fiction shows, where a time traveler interacts with his younger self, I don't remember from under what crack in my mind I pulled out the concept of Lucious. However when I went back to update the story to convert it for its release here on Eloquent Tales & Blues, I was transported back to June of 2019. While I couldn't remember the details about how I came up with the story, the emotions behind the story flooded through me, which helped during this re-edit. Honestly, as I looked back at the story, I can think of a few instances where I'd love to take advantage of what I spun in this narrative. When you finish the tale, consider dropping a comment about the premise behind the story of Reflections. Support: If you enjoyed the tale, head over to my Patreon site and become a patron. For $2 a month, you get access to the genre poll (a way to help shape the exclusive stories every month), three pieces of exclusive flash fiction (sub 1000 word stories), and early access to all my artwork. https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9 Or consider buying me a croissant: https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan Links: Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0 Reflections: https://www.stevenmeehan.com/archives/2019/06/27/reflections/ 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

In The Noodle Trap, a father and daughter’s quiet meal is violently interrupted when a crazed individual with delusional thoughts storms into their lives. Early on, the father is thrust into a perilous situation, forcing the daughter into a desperate, life-or-death struggle to save him. As they are drawn into a world filled with mythical creatures and magic, she must summon all her courage to rescue her father before it’s too late. The 12-bar blues improvisation with saxophones and a clarinet perfectly captures the escalating tension and chaos of this high-stakes adventure. #magicaladventure #fantasystory #fatherdaughterbond #highstakes #familyrescue #mythicalcreatures #FairyTale Early in my writing journey, when I needed to get an idea, my first reaction was to run to NYC Midnight’s previous prompts, which were at the time freely available. With the list of locations and objects, I’d use Google’s random number generator to select the genre for the story. After getting the number and matching it up to the genre, I drew one of NYC Midnight’s combinations for a Fairy Tale. When the cursor stopped whirling across the screen, I discovered my tale would need to take place in a noodle restaurant and needed to feature a pair of mittens. Despite having a rough idea of the story’s core, that was it. That is right until my mind does what it does when staring down a deadline. Sometimes characters will emerge from the depths of my mind and put on a show for me. And that was exactly what happened with this fledgling story. Between a couple of moments, a trio of individuals stepped out of the mental shadows and put on a private show. It didn’t take long before the rough story unfolded and developed. Even though I possessed a rough sketch, it needed a lot of work. With each pass, I refined the shape of this story and ultimately crafted what felt like a wonderful fairy tale. When I let my daughter read the story, she loved it. Between the story’s daughter getting some mac n’ cheese and running into a talking unicorn, she thought it was an amazing tale. However, given when I wrote this, it needed a fresh edit before getting narrated. Thankfully, that wasn’t the most troublesome part of the process for The Noodle Trap. That dubious honor belongs to the backing blues track. Originally, it was going to be a duet. And despite being a fun experience, by the time I finished the saxophone and clarinet solos simply didn’t mesh. Fortunately, the work I put into learning the solos wasn’t wasted, as it strengthened my fingers, allowing me to even play something like it. Before long, I pared down the clarinet to a simple accompaniment. Support: If you enjoyed the tale, head over to my Patreon site and become a patron. For $2 a month, you get access to the genre poll (a way to help shape the exclusive stories every month), three pieces of exclusive flash fiction (stories which don’t exceed 1000 words), and early access to all my artwork. https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9 Or consider buying me a croissant: https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan Links: Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0 The Noodle Trap: https://www.stevenmeehan.com/archives/2018/10/18/noodle-trap/

In Birthday Blowout, a couple’s special night out takes an unexpected turn when a quirky and over-the-top villain interrupts their evening, intent on sending a dangerous message. With a mix of unpredictable antics and exaggerated threats, the villain adds a comedic edge to an otherwise high-stakes situation. As the night spirals into chaos, the couple must navigate the tension while trying to regain control of their evening. Set to a jubilant 12-bar blues improvisation, featuring saxophones and a clarinet, the music amplifies the growing tension and playful nature of the villain’s interference. #suspensefiction #coupleincrisis #comedicvillain #unexpectedtwist #romanticsuspense #actionpackedfiction #campy #laughs One of the reasons I love NYC Midnight is that the competition challenges me as a writer. For each tale, I’m presented with a random genre that I have to work with, something I’ve brought to my patrons via the monthly genre poll. The reason I embraced this was due to the first prompt that the competition assigned to me, a comedy. To that point, I’d never written one. However, if I wanted to progress in this competition, I needed to produce something. However, my mind being what it is, I raced to the world of camp, specifically Adam West’s Batman. While I’m pleased, the story got points. It ranked 14th out of the thirty plus members of my group. It was difficult to craft the story I ended up with. Of course, I only had a weekend to write and edit the story. As a result, yes, there are areas of the story I would write differently now. Though that’s something that any author will say with works from their past. However, while I am editing other stories that I’ve written, I’m committed to keeping all the stories I’ve submitted to NYC Midnight as they were. That said, as I worked to narrate this tale, I still enjoyed the campy humor weaved throughout the story, so I hope you all will see it and enjoy it as much as I did. Enjoy the silliness, my friends. Support: If you enjoyed the tale, head over to my Patreon site and become a patron. For $2 a month, you get access to the genre poll (a way to help shape the exclusive stories every month), three pieces of exclusive flash fiction (sub 1000 word stories), and early access to all my artwork. https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9 Or consider buying me a croissant: https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan Links: Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0 Birthday Blowout: https://www.stevenmeehan.com/archives/2019/09/09/birthday-blowout/

In Seeking Justice, a determined private detective forces his way into a politician’s limousine to confront him about a woman's mysterious death. With high stakes and tense questioning, the investigator uncovers more than he bargained for, diving into a dangerous world where power and secrets collide. Set against a somber 12-bar blues soundtrack played by saxophones and a clarinet, the music amplifies the story’s tension and reflective mood, guiding the viewer through this gripping pursuit of truth. #mysteryfiction #crimeandpunishment #privateinvestigator #justice #intrigue #investigationstory There was a three-year stretch where I always took part in NYC Midnight’s Flash Fiction competition, but after 2021 I’ve lost the time. Here’s hoping that I’m able to find the needed time to join this year’s competition. However, I plan on bringing every one of those six stories to this channel, though it’s definitely happening out of order. Seeking Justice was my response to the first challenge in 2021. When I got the email for the challenge, I scratched my head for a little while, trying to think how I’d write a mystery in a motorcade while featuring a map. Fortunately, I’d developed an investigator named Kyle Rickman, but I didn’t know how this story would unfold. Rather, I didn’t see this story unfolding. As for the detective, I knew a good deal about him, since I’d molded my father, a former FBI investigator, onto him. Don’t go thinking that Kyle and my dad are clones. They’re not, rather the temperament to investigations is similar, based on what my dad told me about them. It’s not like he pulled out the case files, rather he told me how he handled himself when interacting with the criminals and even the other fed when he was doing internal investigations. With that singular aspect of my father’s personality, I set about creating my investigator. However, the location wasn’t meshing with a mystery, at least not at the moment. However, the moment my mind switched to considering the tail end of the investigation, the rest of the story flooded through my finger. Support: If you enjoyed the tale, head over to my Patreon site and become a patron. For $2 a month, you get access to the genre poll (a way to help shape the exclusive stories every month), three pieces of exclusive flash fiction (sub 1000 word stories), and early access to all my artwork. https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9 Or consider buying me a croissant: https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan Links: Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0 Seeking Justice: https://www.stevenmeehan.com/archives/2021/07/16/seeking-justice/

In Siphoning the Stone, a disgraced council member, once trusted and revered, seeks a dangerous path to power to escape the influence of her former allies. Ignoring the warnings of those who once called her a friend, she ventures into a world of forbidden magic and high-stakes survival. As her quest for freedom intensifies, the consequences of her actions force the council’s hand and set a relentless hunter on her trail. This gripping fantasy story explores betrayal, power, and the fine line between rebellion and survival. Can she outwit her pursuers and claim the power she desperately seeks, or will her past actions haunt her forever? #fantasyfiction #magicalconflict #sorcery #rebellionandpower #sorceryfight As I scroll through my Facebook feed, occasionally I run across an image that sparks my imagination. With its corresponding tale already growing, I scramble to preserve the location. Sometimes I’m successful, other times the inspiration for the tale is lost. Fortunately, for Siphoning the Stone, while the original Image link from Facebook has long since died, the originating location of DeviantArt is still alive and well. To date, I’ve created a bunch of characters for all the various stories I have brought to the world. Yet there are only a handful that have carved out a special place in my mind. One is Darren Gibert, whose first tale belongs to my Patrons, and another is Tiatha Orbryn, who is the protagonist of this tale. Unlike Darren’s journey, hers took longer to fully develop, but it’s no less special to me. I wish I knew what made these originally inconsequential characters become so near and dear to my heart. Whatever the reason, you can find more stories featuring her both as a member of my Patreon community, and on my blog as there is a fresh storyline swirling in my head that I’m going to want to share with everyone, so stay tuned. Support: If you enjoyed the tale, head over to my Patreon site and become a patron. For $2 a month, you get access to the genre poll (a way to help shape the exclusive stories every month), three pieces of exclusive flash fiction (sub 1000 word stories), and early access to all my artwork. https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9 Or consider buying me a croissant: https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan Links: Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0 Siphoning the Stone: https://www.stevenmeehan.com/archives/2020/03/26/siphoning-the-stone/ Crystallo Spiritus by Krouya: https://www.deviantart.com/krouya/art/Crystallo-Spiritus-827612274 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

With Letters, you'll get a deeply emotional flash fiction story where love and secrecy intertwine against the backdrop of a world at war. As Patricia and James share a life-changing moment, a powerful and unexpected confession threatens everything they thought they knew about each other. This poignant tale explores the complexities of love, loss, and the weight of decisions made during times of uncertainty. Will the truth bring them closer or tear them apart? Letters is a story of memory, sacrifice, and the consequences of untold secrets during turbulent times. #flashfiction #romanticfiction #emotionalstorytelling #loveandloss #bittersweetstory Overview: I don’t remember when I was exposed to NYC Midnight and their writing competitions, but 2019 was the first year I took part. The initial tale was a comedy, and I will narrate that in a future video, but first I wanted to create the audio for my second entry in 2019’s first round, Letters. For those unaware of the competition NYC Midnight randomly assigns each writer a genre, a location, and an object (at least for their flash fiction competition). My group’s prompt for the second challenge was a historical fiction, taking place at a school dance, and featuring a photo album. For a hot minute, I didn’t know what I was going to write about. Fortunately, deadlines have a wonderful trait of sparking your imagination. It took me a sometime, but in sort order I had a rough idea etched out, and while my daughter was practicing volleyball, I spoke with my dad and told him what I was thinking about. Despite his initial reservations, I stuck to my guns and crafted the tragedy I had planned out. After submitting the story, I posted it on the writer’s forum for review by the contestants. And the feedback was incredible. Everyone who commented talked about how the story impacted them. Support: If you enjoyed the tale, head over to my Patreon site and become a patron. For $2 a month, you get access to the genre poll (a way to help shape the exclusive stories every month), three pieces of exclusive flash fiction (sub 1000 word stories), and early access to all my artwork. https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9 Or consider buying me a croissant: https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan Links: Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0 Letters: https://www.stevenmeehan.com/archives/2019/10/01/letters/ 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

What happens when a ghost discovers the true power of a single act of kindness? In Journey of Thanks, a haunting story about sacrifice, Tully, a lost spirit who drowned while trying to save someone, is mysteriously drawn to a random and unknown apartment. As he unravels the mystery of his afterlife, Tully uncovers a deep, unexpected bond with a family he never knew existed. This emotional ghost story explores themes of the life-changing power of selfless acts. With raw emotion and spiritual transformation, Tully’s journey will leave you reflecting on the unseen connections we share and the profound impact of a simple act of kindness. Don’t miss this haunting tale of closure and the enduring power of thankfulness. #GhostStory #Afterlife #Sacrifice #EmotionalStory #Gratitude #Haunting #SpiritualJourney #SelflessSacrifice #UnfinishedBusiness Back in 2018, I wrote what my father considered my best story, or at least his favorite. You would think he would choose either the self-published Dead Man’s Hand (which was republished on September 26th 2024 with the help of Silversmith Press) or Drawing Thin (which was nearing the last phase of its editing at the time). While he was proud of what I’d done, neither topped Journey of Thanks. While preparing for this journey, I knew the inaugural video needed to be something special. So I went to my website and pulled up the original published version and immediately gave it some tender love and care that comes from seven years of writing experience. While endeavoring to keep the story’s original message, I cleaned up the original rough spots that it had when I first published it. Ultimately, despite the facelift, I’m convinced the underlying tale remains intact. Unfortunately, my father passed away long before this rewrite came to exist, so I’ll never know if he agreed with my conviction, but based on my memories of him, I’m sure he would embrace this new edition of his favorite tale. Support: If you enjoyed the tale, head over to my Patreon site and become a patron. For $2 a month, you get access to the genre poll (a way to help shape the exclusive stories every month), three pieces of exclusive flash fiction (sub 1000 word stories), and early access to all my artwork. https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9 Or consider buying me a croissant: https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan Links: Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0 Journey of Thanks: https://www.stevenmeehan.com/archives/2018/11/13/journey-of-thanks/ 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