The dreamer’s room faded. Stars pricked holes in the velvet darkness as a crescent moon sailed over the restless sea, a bat with silver wings. Tucked between the shore’s boulders, twigs of cedar snapped in the nightfire, scenting the salted air with smoke. The plaintive calls of dragons whispered across the waves.
The crone peered at her latest visitor through slit eyes. Unafraid, the dreamer stood before her circle of flames, silent and sound as the distant mountains of home.
At the fire’s edge, the old woman sat atop her weathered stone, swaying, rocking, singing to herself, chanting words from ancient mouths, words lost, though their power she retained. The fire cracked and cackled, shaking fingers, sending sparks curling, singing, reeling into unsteady darkness. Soon the sea-rains would gray them, rise over cowled peaks and fall with the wind, heavy cloaks of snow coating her magic in ice. Her runes called, choose, choose, the time has come to choose.
The World spun faster, drawing the sky down, the earth up, bidding the waters to eddy and ripple in overlapping circles of light, bringing the forest to sing low and hum, smelling of leaf and loam. Expectation swelled with the tide and clawed at the sand, beckoned her to choose. From the embers’ bright edge, she drew a rune and studied the markings. The sea stilled, and she read the stone:
A call from the sliver moon and realm of imaginings. A strange Way gapes open, make ready for new beginnings. Resolve old myths to seed the soil for deliverance. Ah, the World transforms; emerge from the chrysalis, casting off false faces and old forms of knowing. Prepare for release from time-worn forces. Surrender and soar to the revealing of the World.
***
Thanks to Sue Vincent for another inspiring Thursday #Writephoto prompt.
Myths of the Mirror 
I liked this ending with a prophecy of hope embedded in the rune marked words, Diana.
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Thanks, Robin. Yes, the whole message is about letting go of the old stuff that no longer serves us so we can recreate our lives – with more happiness and love. I’m glad you liked it. Hugs ❤
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[…] D. Wallace Peach at Myths of the Mirror […]
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Very mystical, Diana, and wise too! 🙂
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Thanks, Judy. My characters come up with words of wisdom that I never could. It’s weird. Lol. Happy poeting!
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You have an added bonus, Diana! 🙂
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Fascinating and magical Diana. You create exciting mystical worlds. Love the night description. Fabulous! xo
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Thanks, Lana. You always leave such kind comments. Happy Writing! ❤
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Reblogged this on Sue Vincent's Daily Echo.
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Gorgeous, Diana… and if it doesn’t make it into a longer tale, I’ll be disappointed 😉
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Thanks so much, Sue. Since I’m not working on a book right now, these are creative pleasures. ❤
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And maybe filed for future inspiration… 🙂
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Oh yes. They all are. 🙂
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🙂
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❤ Diane!
This is gorgeous!
Your words are imbued with magic. They paint up the scene and project us right there between the flames and the sea. Your style is so vividly immersive. I love it!
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What a lovely comment. Thank you. While I’m not working on a book, I like keep nudging the muse, and these prompts are fun. Have a wonderful week and happy poeting. ❤
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Please keep doing that ❤ I love little prompts as well. Thank you, have a lovely week too! Happy writing, always ❤
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Beautiful writing, Diana! The rhythm of the words, the imagery, blended into a vibrant scene. What a great bit of prose–or is it poetry? Both!
Have a great week!
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Thanks, Julie. I tried to see if I could turn it into a poem, but I couldn’t work it. This was one of those posts that I keep editing up until the last literal minute. 😀
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A beautiful post, Diana! I could almost smell the smoke, hear the sea 🙂
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Thanks, Helen. I wanted to be there – a bonfire on the beach. The epitome of summer. Have a great week and happy writing 😀
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Oh yes, absolutely 🙂 Thanks Diana – wishing you a great week and happy writing too!
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I can pen down an entire para but all of it boils down to that it’s a pleasure to read your writings. It fills me with immense joy and inspiration. Thank you for making it beautiful. Your imagination running wild, woman. ❤
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Ahhh. Thanks for the wonderful comment. I’m grinning from ear to ear. I’m so glad you enjoyed it, and yes, I try to let the imagination go a little wild on these short pieces. It’s fun. 🙂 Have a great week ❤
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Your writing is such a joy to read! And my husband wanted me to tell you that he is reading Sunwielder right now. I gave it to him to read on our camping trip last weekend, as I thought he might enjoy the sword-fighting and such. He said you are a very talented writer and he’s enjoying the book immensely! We practically fight for it each night, as I also started reading it. And I might add that it’s the first book he’s started reading in over a year and has actually stuck with it, so kudos to you!
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Oh how wonderful and flattering, Kathryn! That book is my husband’s favorite. Women enjoy it, but the guys seems to connect with it more frequently or deeply. I’m just tickled. 🙂 I still have a little crush on Gryff. ❤
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I think the men like the idea of a secret lover at war, ha!
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Bwa ha ha ha. I wondered if that’s why women don’t like the book as much. LOL
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Intriguing
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Thanks. I’m glad it intrigued! It was a fun write. 🙂 Have a beautiful week. ❤
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Thank you Diana❤️
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You certainly have a gift for piquing curiosity with vivid imagery and tone, while leaving much unsaid. I love these little glimpses to other worlds. They always feel cohesive and part of something larger, whether they actually are or not.
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Thanks, Erik. Since I’m not working on anything new right now, these flash pieces keep the writing bug bugging. I hope to start on a new book in September and can’t wait. 🙂 Have an awesome week, my friend ❤
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You too, Diana. Like you, I have a “can’t wait” coming up — a full month of vacation in Florida. The trick is to still stay in the now and enjoy it for all that it is, rather than aiming ahead, even to exciting things. (But I’m also excited to find out what your next tale will be!)
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A month is Florida sound wonderful – at the beach, I hope. 🙂
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Yes, right there! Plenty of nighttime walks planned. 😀
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Gorgeous Diana. Loved the way you fit the runes in there. 🙂 xx
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Thanks, Debby. I actually picked a read one and designed the fiction around it. Seemed like it fit the photo. 🙂 Have a great week, my friend. ❤
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You’ve reminded me to seek out my bag of runes! 🙂 xx
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Oooh – maybe impetus for a post 🙂
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Maybe! 🙂
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Your imagination running wild!🌿
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That’s a sweet thing to say. I try to let loose with these if I can; they’re good practice. 😀 Have a great week ❤
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The perfect match-up, Diana. Nicely done.
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Thanks, Mary. Glad you enjoyed it. This one was a little challenging for me, but good practice. 😀 Have a great week!
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A very good read, Diana. This post suits this photo so well.
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Thanks, Robbie. It was a challenge, but always fun. 😀
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Reading this, I almost felt as those I were wicked back to the prologue of Sunwielder. The grandmother who possesses a magical power over time, but is unable to control fate directly. Loved it. (and I’m starting to get a little nervous… I’ve already read the first 6 of your novels, and I know I’m going to have to start pacing myself soon 😉 )
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Ha! You’ll be fine, Gabe. The world is full of amazing books. Our only problem is there are too many to read in a lifetime. I’m so glad you gave Sunwielder a try. It’s my husband’s favorite and I still have a crush on Gryff. ❤ Thanks so much for the visit, my friend.
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hehehe I don’t want to throw out spoilers, but I have to say that one of my favorite characters kept getting a crossbow bolt to the neck!
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I know. The poor guy. I felt bad about that – authors are so ruthless. He’s one of those characters that would make a great friend.
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You conjured a magical, epic scene in my mind, it had power and movement and grew in so few words.
Loved the sailing moon and salted air…. as always, you inspire me to write. Love you, D. Have a great weekend. xo
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Well, I love your writing, Kelly, and I’m cheering you on. Thanks so much for the lovely comment, and I hope you’re having a peaceful summer full of long walks, love, and sunshine. ❤ ❤ ❤
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Thank you, Diana, likewise. xo
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This is another piece of your trademark writing with rich description that builds tension and atmosphere into a scene.
I loved the rune at the end. I expected a threat of danger, but the words seemed to me to speak more of promise. A beautiful way to start the weekend.
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Thanks for the lovely comment, Joanne. A rune about getting ready for big changes and letting go of those parts of us that no longer work for us. I think there’s danger and liberation in that rune. It’s so fun to do these and pretend they’re real. Ha ha. Have a great day, my friend. ❤
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If you’re inclined to believe in horoscopes, mine said I have a period of transformation ahead of me, so your post was certainly an interesting coincidence 🙂
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We’re always transforming, Joanne, but when we embrace it consciously and fearlessly, it can be exhilarating. One of the best things about being our age! ❤
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Nailed
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Thank you. I’ll take that as a job well done. Thanks for the follow too.
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‘The World spun faster, drawing the sky down, the earth up, bidding the waters to eddy and ripple in overlapping circles of light, bringing the forest to sing low and hum, smelling of leaf and loam.’
Are you kidding me?? You are a genius, a masterful artist and a creative goddess. You impress me all the time with your ability to string words together into something so powerful and beautiful. You have done it once again here. My hat is off to you and your imagination, what a gift you are. Bravo, D!! ❤️
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You are way too kind, but thank you. Of course the grammar in the sensory string is terrible, but it’s how the character perceives the world. Ha ha. It was fun and challenging, and I’m so glad you enjoyed it. ❤
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Beautiful description! I enjoyed this.
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Thanks, Bibhuti. The prompt was challenging for me. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
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Lovely post Diana 🙂
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Thanks so much for visiting, Arlene. Have a wonderful weekend. 🙂
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Diana, this is an exquisite piece of writing. It drew me in and took me away to another time … I remember a night in the desert by a crackling fire hissing and spitting a message to any who would listen. We were shamans unmasked, our eyes piercing the very soul of nature. Thank you, my lovely friend ♥
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What a great comment, Tina. You drew ME in and took me away to another time…. I think scenes like these speak to something ancient and are oddly familiar. That old old mystical wisdom that speaks not to the mind but to soul. I’m so glad we went there together. ❤
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Oh Diana I just woke up from a dream about the runes. Did I dream? The message from the rune is very interesting Diana. It was too short, I feel there is something more you wanted to write. Have a nice Sunday!
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You are so perceptive, Juli! The interpretation of the rune was longer originally, and I shortened it. I was afraid it was too cryptic. It’s based on a real rune that I picked for the post. 🙂 Strange coincidence? Happy Weekend, my friend ❤
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hahahaha as if I knew, I had the feelings. So I had to say it lol. Happy weekend to you too.!
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😀
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Thank you Diana, will check it out
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This is just magical D! Thank you I have to read it again now!!!!
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Thanks, Hector. What a lovely comment. I had to pull this one with a little more effort than usual and worked on it until the minute it went live! I’m glad you liked it. ❤
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You have got a very special talent D. Please keep up writing like this. It is so inspiring. Thank you!!
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❤
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You DO D! thank you
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Fascinating and imaginative writing! Great read… magical.
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Thanks for the lovely comment, Iris. I appreciate the visit. Happy Writing 😀
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It’s a pleasure, Diana. Have a lovely weekend! 🌹 😀
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That was absolutely stunning.
I’m gobsmacked.
I especially loved:
“Soon the sea-rains would gray them, rise over cowled peaks and fall with the wind, heavy cloaks of snow coating her magic in ice.”
Poetry in prose.
Bravo!
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I enjoyed this, Diana. 🙂
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“The old woman sat atop her weathered stone, swaying, rocking, singing to herself…” are you sure you didn’t see me dreading work yesterday morning?
Seriously this is a gorgeous piece, Diana. TGIF and mega hugs.
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The lovely message gets warped by your brilliant prose…this could be a poem too Diana! I kept re-reading the succinct power packed piece before reaching the inscription. Great response to the prompt! 🙂
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I love the message of the rune Diana. Lovely post. 😊
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Thank you, Brigid. I was worried it was too cryptic, but I didn’t want it to be too straightforward either. I’m delighted that it made sense! ❤
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magical descriptions, you took me on a journey thanks 🙂
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Aww thanks for the kind comment, Kate. I was editing this one up until two minutes before it posted. Not as easy as most. Thanks for visiting!
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but well worth the effort 🙂
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What a great character sketch. ‘Crone’ is a wonderful world. Five letters that say so much more. Nicely done, Diana.
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Thanks, Jacqui. A friend of mine recently mentioned that we had entered the “crone” stage of life. What? I nearly punched her. Ha ha. I’m going for the “wise woman” stage. Glad you enjoyed my little scene. 😀
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Loved the inscription from the rune!
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Thank you. I think it was probably her interpretation for the dreamer, but who knows. I like how these sort of write themselves. 🙂
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Fascinatingly atmospheric, Diana. It sounds like the perfect spot and time of day to cast spells. It’s a truly magical land. Great take on the prompt. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thanks, Suzanne. This one didn’t come as easily as most. I had to conjure it up. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 😀
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Stone reading ?? Great take, D. And I love that release from “time-worn forces”.
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Of course, stone reading. Ha ha. Those little stone runes with symbols carved on them 🙂 I’m glad you picked up on the message, Van – always wise to let go of things that no longer work for us. ❤ Thanks for reading.
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