Background: The story is rapidly coming to it’s conclusion and becoming harder for me to write knowing this. I started the tales a year ago as an exercise in writing simple little fantasies about a young girl of the Tuatha de Danaan trying to find her lost dreams, but as I went along it began to take on a life and direction of it’s own. It eventually became a journey that unravels time in a search for a sacred spring where the story all began. As with all creativity, some of the tone of the tale is touched by experiences in my own life. Thank you to all my readers for bearing with me and taking the journey with little Niamh.
Play the way to
I’m hoping the story is not getting away from me in my own fervour, so I continue and hope you will enjoy
The Priest’s Tale and a Revelation After the Rain
As Niamh began to walk toward the firefly path she stopped and turned around. She was afraid to ask the strange priest outright about the fate of the “curious bauble.” “What happened to the old man? ” she asked instead. The holy man looked at her intently and answered, “He had told us a strange tale! He said he was looking for the road back to a land far more beautiful than any heaven of which we spoke, and he had to return to someone he had left there. We knew his mind was touched with some kind of madness. He was so very old but he said he had been a young man when he began his journey from that place to this- wherever that place was!” He paused and continued, his voice rising in an imposing tone, “But eventually when he realized he was dying he gave up hope of finding the way back. He died in the grace of our Lord and went to heaven. One of our brethren baptized him at the spring.”
Niamh turned away in sadness, not wanting to hear more. At the same time she feared now that her own journey might never be completed, so gathering her courage she turned around again and called out, “What became of the dream?” but the priest was already out of sight and didn’t reply.
Niamh wondered if this last dream was now lost forever. Rain began to fall from the sky like tears of the moon, extinguishing the poor fireflies. Determined to reach the spring she walked on through the dark woods. Each drop of water that hit the path resounded like an echo inside the hallway of her memories. Apparitions that looked like mirrors appeared on either side of the misted path, dissolving as she passed by. She thought she saw the reflections of her dreams floating in them, and she wondered what the rider, the old man and her dreams had in common. The answer felt very close but not yet ready to reveal itself.
Finally and as suddenly as it began, the rain stopped. When she glanced up she saw the trees were full of raindrop lanterns, lighting up the forest ceiling. Niamh thought she heard Bran singing from somewhere at the top of the trees. At once she knew that the Tuatha de Danaan didn’t die like men. The light within them went everywhere and became part of everything! Bran was out there and he was still watching over her! Clouds parted and the moon waved a farewell just as dawn opened her curtain and swept the forest floor with light. The red stag stepped out of the shadowy bracken.
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Photos: Using filters and overlays can be like waving that magic wand over photos.
the runes of the gatekeeper's daughter- dedicated to Nick 
So beautiful. I love the concept contained in the words “At once she knew that the Tuatha didn’t die like men. The light within them went everywhere and became part of everything!” If only us humans could do that, too.
I think you’re writing a very special story, here, Cybele. You know that some writers publish a CD of music to go with their books, as well as photographs or paintings. I remember reading a Jodi Picoult novel there were prompts in the novel at intervals, telling you to play a particular track from the CD. I wonder if you could do a collaboration with a musician/composer of Celtic tunes. Just an idea.
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thank you so much Sarah!! It really means a lot that you have continued to enjoy it. As I said much revising needs doing if I were to get it to become more cohesive. It began as little unrelated tales then suddenly moved in another direction! – and which I have liked! I’m so pleased that others like it too. It appears that I have my own little reader following as well (less of course than on the photography). Some of the photo bloggers here have flat out told me they don’t read anything more than a few sentences but like my images!! But others have been so generous and kind in feedback. Yes as to music – That would be so lovely. I wonder if the Irish Rovers would lend me “The Dark Isle” I just cant have any other! lol!!
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Those photo bloggers are missing out, if they don’t read everything you write. Some people are very lazy about reading longer posts. I know there are only so many hours in the day, but your writing, combined with the images and music, is so magical and is something beautiful to disappear into, to emerge feeling soothed and believing in the possibility of goodness.
Maybe the Irish Rovers would team up with you for some live multimedia performances like the ones Neil Gaiman did for his story “The Truth Is A Cave In The Black Mountains”.
http://www.barbican.org.uk/music/event-detail.asp?ID=16044
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Thank you Sarah- I have a cold compress on my head to stop it from swelling. You are so encouraging!! I’m delighted the stories have that effect for you! Neil Gaiman is delightful magic!! ” Be hole be dust, be dream be wind, etc!” Thanks for that link. That would be wonderful and who knows!!!
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Your images just get better and better – and that also goes for the imagery in your writing. Beautiful.
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What a great compliment!! Thank you Six!!!
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All true.
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🙂
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“a spinner of tales” is a good description!! magical!
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🙂
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Your story is going strong and so glad to read the newest installment of it! The parting of the clouds may bring unexpected things for us readers…! I liked listening to the music as I read the words. It was a nice combination!
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It’s so kind of you (a published author) to give me such positive feedback on the tales. Thanks so much for reading!! I’ve actually had a lot of soul satisfaction from writing it and it’s also been good practice. When I get these lovely comments it is so encouraging.
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As beautiful as ever. Cybele, you really are a spinner of tales. I like the part where Niamh “thought she saw the reflections of her dreams floating in them [the raindrops]”. It reminded me of a movie I watched in 2010–Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief–where, on their way to find Hades, they pass people’s unrealized dreams on the way floating in futility. I was very touched by that because by then I had to let go some dreams I had had for a long time.
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Peter, your feedback is always very appreciated by me and like your stories always thought provoking. Thank you. That part of the story that touched you is something that I think about too.( I must check out that film) So many unfulfilled dreams-sometimes fate has other plans for us. That is a very poignant part of life. That and also that because of our illusions we “see through a glass darkly” getting glimpses but never quite being able to see the whole picture. Yet, we do trudge onward and grateful to still see the wonder of it all!! ( some of us at least!. Blessings and Namaste!!!
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So happy the Tales of the Tuatha is back. And if your fervor is getting the better of you, that is working great for the story! Well done! 😀
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and so happy for your continued enthusiasm! Thank you Lizzie!!
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I love this! The story is so wonderful, and the original raindrop is so beautiful!
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Thank you so much Valerie. I’m glad for your support!!
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Love, love this one, Cybele! ❤ ❤ The original raindrop is beautiful!
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thank you so much Amy. I always post my stories with great trepidation!! Yet I love to write them. So glad you like the rain drop!! It was fun experimenting with the artsy effects- I thought it looked a bit elven!! 😀
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You write wonderful stories. It’s a treat to view these photo, read the story, and listen to the music. 🙂
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Thank you so much Amy!! your support means a lot!!
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Lovely warmth on the droplet.
Looking forward to the next chapter.
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Thank you Deborah!!
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I agree with Suzanne…you have a lovely, lyrical way with image-rich prose….which rewards time spent revisiting it
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what a generous comment sue!! many thanks!!
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Well, I meant it….and I believe in giving credit where it’s due… 🙂
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and it’s much appreciated!!!
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🙂
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Love this Cybele. I started with the beautiful music and moved on to the photo. That is amazing. It fits so perfectly with your story. And your story. So magical. I do see shades of your recent sorrow in it. I hope you don’t mind my saying that or I hope I’m not reading more into it. I love it. ❤ Hugs.
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Thanks so much Linda! and yes you are right. Interestingly I also patterned Bran after my brother but I did it almost unconsciously at first . I hope the tone of the story is not too sad but I know it does seem touched with sadness. ( of course it is based on an Irish myth which will all be revealed soon). Thank you again for your sensitivity Linda!
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Ah – I love the stuff about the Tuatha. Your writing is beautiful. So many wonderful phrases to savour and the imagery is magical.
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thank you so much Suzanne!! I so appreciate your feedback. I was a bit worried about this chapter- but of course lots of revisions will come if I decide to actually put this altogether as one!!
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