Dear readers, writers, photographers, philosophers, poets and friends! Only a few days left to Scotland and Ireland!! I’m starting to lose it ( as I always do before a big trip) I’ll try to check in when I can!! In the meantime I managed to finish two more chapters of my sweet Niamh’s journey.
(29) The Danger of Dreams
Niamh’s eyes were riveted on the rider galloping along the path. Suddenly up ahead on the opposite side she spotted the Morrigan who stepped out from behind the trees. Niamh sensed a great danger. She wanted to cry out a warning but it was too late. The Morrigan was holding the dream in her hand. She flung it upward into the air and over the road in a great arc. It hovered against the sun for a few moments and shattered into rainbow shards. Each one rang out in a different tone but Niamh could not utter the corresponding words. Time had slowed down. Her tongue clove to the roof of her mouth and her voice failed her. As the pieces converged into a whole again and fell to the ground she knew that the rider had seen it too. A look of joyful recognition transfigured his face as he drew his horse up and dismounted.
The Women of Ireland
(30) The Onerous Gift
The dream slowly rolled to a stop at her feet and she bent down with great effort to pick it up. She thought her body was becoming a tree trunk and her legs and feet were taking root in the earth. When she looked up, the traveler had undergone a shocking transformation. The long black curls that had flowed like a river on the wind were now silver. His back was bent and his hands trembled. He took a step and stumbled against his steed.
The sun fled. A dark roiling sky was sweeping like a tide through the morning. It was then she noticed another man who stood on the hill watching the road. He carried a staff and his cloak swelled like a sail. He had the look of a knower of trees. Niamh knew something powerful had happened and was overcome with emotion. She felt herself falling backward into the bracken. There was a droning murmur in her ears as time adjusted itself, but she was already somewhere between waking and dreaming. “What is this strange torpor?” she thought, and then she heard the Morrigan’s voice on the tempest just before her eyes closed, “Rest my child. The gift of sight is never easy. It is as heavy as an ocean of your tears, and as deep.”
the runes of the gatekeeper's daughter- dedicated to Nick 
Nice one, dear Cybele. I really enjoyed it,particularly the descriptions included in : “The Onerous Gift”. Very mesmerizing. Also, great irish tunes!.
Best wishes to you, Aquileana 😛
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much appreciated Aquileana!!!
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I’m holding my breath here!! Wow! Great job! Love it! Does it really have to end…? *promises to throw a tantrum* 😉
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Wow! These lines are amazing: “The Morrigan was holding the dream in her hand. She flung it upward into the air and over the road in a great arc. It hovered against the sun for a few moments and shattered into rainbow shards.”
Stunning imagery without a shadow of a doubt!
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thank you so much Dave!! I’m so pleased!!
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I love the images, as usual
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thank you Maria!
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Like a beautiful woven tapestry, Cybele. Everything comes together perfectly — the story, the pictures, the music. Love it. I really love A kelpie!
I’ll be traveling those countries with you in spirit! 🙂
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You definitely don’t want a kelpie to drag you into the spring!! 😀 Thank you so much Linda- I love that analogy of a woven tapestry!!
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I like that, ‘a knower of trees’. Another magical instalment Cybele, thank you 🙂
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I love the old druid groves!! ( like you!) Thanks Andrea!
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Reading those words, along with the images and the music of the Chieftans, made me go all tingly. Oh, if only the world were such a magical place, but thanks for transporting me to another dimension for a few minutes.
Have a wonderful trip to Scotland 🙂
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I can’t wait to get to Scotland and Ireland!! I hope the weather holds up!! lol – though of course we don’t go for the weather!! Thanks so much for a great comment and for your good wishes!! I love being transported myself. Now if only I could find that darn wormhole so I don’t have to fly for 10 hours. So much for roto-tilling the garden!
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Pure magic!!! I love what you do and how you present it. It all works so well…the title, the story, the images!
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Laura thank you so much! I really should have put a little more for the background explanation as my story really is retelling of the gaelic legend of Oisin and the fairy, Niamh- from an entirely different perspective. I so appreciate your lovely encouragement!!!
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Do not forget to include those excellent photos to go with the excellent story once it is published. This installment is particularly engaging and ravishing. Much loved, much anticipated, much enjoyed. Thanks, Cybele.
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thank you so much my friend!!! My head is full from your praising comments- so appreciated coming from a master word weaver like you!! Sending good thoughts and blessings your way.
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Sorry I’m a bit behind on resin – been away for several days – good posting here 🙂
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I always love a comment from you Robert!! No worries – life is a busy project! Thanks!!!
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Have a great trip! I enjoyed your images and this intense chapter of your story….
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thank you Sue!! Much appreciated!!!
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keep on dreamin’ and follow their stream, Belle-Lune… some wonderful dreams come true and turn into our reality… 🙂 tons and inspiration, take care and c u asap, lovely gal… ❤
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Thank you Melanie- another dream girl!!
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You’ve done your best Cybele, now we can continue to enjoy reading 🙂 Thank you Cybele!
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I am so happy the story has captured you!! Thank you Della!!
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The knower of trees – what a wonderful title. Your images here are magical and go beautifully with your words.
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thank you Suzanne! this was a very intense chapter for me. I’m sure you by now have recognized the old story of Niamh and Oisin in a slightly different telling!
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Loving this story!
Have the best time xx
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it’s been intense!! 🙂 and coming to the end ( or the beginning) of the story soon!! Thank you Robyn!
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Ooh can’t wait to see 🙂
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🙂
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Have a great time, I’ll have to save Scotland for next year, but will come later and go in September, like you are doing. That is, I’ll go right after climbing Snowden in Wales. 🙂
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Thanks Robert, It will be another adventure for sure!! I didn’t know you are a mountain climber!!
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