Beyond the dragon’s toll house
Niamh saw a dragon and tree intertwined. They seemed to be attached to the same clawed root. ” You are far from the mound, Tuatha maid.” snarled the creature, “What do you seek?” I seek a spring, replied Niamh, not wanting to tell him of her lost dreams. “I require a toll,” he hissed, “- and beware! The only path is through me.”
In the hollow cave of his gnarled trunk she saw an underground river flowing toward a shining lagoon. A black swan swam slowly at the entrance. An island appeared in the distance, and the raven circled, watching everything.
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Black Swan sung by the amazing Nina Simone (1933-2003)
Background:
Sunset at the Royal Roads Lagoon is always spectacular with ducks, geese, mute swans, trumpeter and black swans swimming in the sheltered water but, it will be a few days before I get out again. Rain rain rain again falls on the west coast.
the runes of the gatekeeper's daughter- dedicated to Nick 
This is such an interesting story! So rich! I especially like the alliterations used and the usage of the verb “hiss”. Perfect for this situation. Beautiful picture to illustrate and evoke strong feeling in the reader! Well done! 😀
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thanks so much for reading Lizzie. It’s ia fun process though I’m meandering a bit and letting my photos lead me here!!
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Shooting into the sun…very brave of you!
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yes, not a very good thing to do, more so for the human eye as for the sensor. But it was a beautiful reddish sunset and I took the chance, thinking it was a bit safer. I think I had a filter on the camera.
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It worked regardless.
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I’m interested in your creative process Cybele – do you fit the words to the image or vice versa? Also I’m assuming you spend quiet a few hours at your PC creating these images?
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Thanks for your question! Yes it’s often the photos I have taken that inspire the story details. And I often do spend a few hours at a time when I am in the throes of story process!! However, I usually have a bare bones tale drifting around in my head too waiting to be elaborated. Music can inspire. I use Photomatix (bracketed shots) and PS CS6.
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Yes, what Laura said.
So dreamy Cybele. Perfect. Words and the regal swan!
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Thanks so much Robyn! Swans are so evocative.
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Dreamy as usual! I love the black swan!
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Laura you inspired me!! I had done some layering before with textures and this is actually one I did last year. After seeing yours in MM I want to experiment more with some of the sepia and layering effects!
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I love textures. They work well with flowers and photos like the ones you do. I love your IR shots these days btw. That one in MM was really stunning and would make a lovely Xmas card.
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