Another possible crossword clue could be 'saga'. A saga is a long story, usually about heroic deeds or a family's history over a long period of time. For example, the 'Viking sagas' which tell tales of Viking adventures, battles, and family lineages. They are full of detailed descriptions and numerous events that make them long and involved.
Perhaps 'epic'. An epic is a long narrative that often involves many characters, complex plots and sub - plots, and a wide range of events. It can be a story of heroic deeds, like 'The Iliad' or 'The Odyssey' which are classic examples of long, involved stories.
The word 'tale' might also work as a crossword clue. While it can refer to a short story, it can also be used to describe a long and involved one. Fairy tales, for instance, can be very elaborate with multiple characters, magic elements, and a sequence of events that lead to a moral or conclusion at the end.
One way is to think of words like 'narrative'. A narrative can be a long, involved account of events, real or fictional. It has a beginning, middle, and end, and often includes details about characters, settings, and actions.
It could be 'novella'. A novella is longer than a short story but shorter than a novel, which might fit this crossword clue.
It could be 'yarn'. A yarn is often used to refer to a long, rambling, and perhaps even fictional story.
Another option could be 'parable'. Parables are short stories that convey a religious or moral lesson. While they are generally short, some parables can be more elaborate and thus considered a 'long short story' in relation to the crossword clue. Parables are found in many religious and cultural traditions, like in the Bible for example, and their length and complexity can differ.
Novel. A novel is a long written story, which is a very common answer for a crossword clue like 'long story'.
Epics could also fit. Epics are long narrative poems or stories that often deal with heroic deeds and adventures, so they are a great match for the 'long stories' crossword clue. They usually have a complex plot and a large number of characters.
The word 'saga' is also a valid answer. Sagas are long, involved stories, often about a family or a community over a long period of time. They can include many sub - plots and detailed descriptions of events and relationships. For example, the Icelandic sagas are well - known for their long - winded and complex narratives.
A 'tale' could be an answer. Tales can range in length from very short to relatively long. They are a form of short story, and if it's a more extended tale, it can be seen as a 'long short story' which would work for the crossword clue.
It might also mean the highest level or floor in a building in some cases. Say, in a crossword that has a lot of architecture - related words. If the clue is something like 'Top Story in a Skyscraper', then it's about the topmost floor.
Maybe it's something like 'film footage' or 'video capture'.