image by Sue Vincent
Thank you to Sue Vincent for the lovely #writephoto prompt. I couldn’t resist cheating on this one and only slightly modified a scene from The Sorcerer’s Garden. I hope you enjoy!
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Dustin waited at the base of the sweeping stairs, the heaviness of his mail hauberk welcome beneath his light leather armor. He carried his recurve bow and quiver, his sword sheathed, knives tucked in his belt and boot.
The palace lay in darkness, candles snuffed and lamps doused. Only a shimmer of powdery moonlight glided through the stair-hall’s tall windows and polished the curved marble treads. He’d ordered the King’s Guard to double patrols on the walls, leaving the palace eerily vacant.
Soft shuffling feet accompanied whispered voices above. A black hood drawn over his white hair, Tristan drifted down the stairs, no more visible than the shadow of a cloud across a night sky. Behind him, the short, square form of the queen descended, her face hidden by her cowl, a pale hand gripping the banister. She turned briefly to gaze upward at the solitary king who peered over the rail above, a ghostly specter if not for the forlorn eyes glinting in the moonlight. She raised a hand, reached briefly with her fingers in a final farewell.
The princess trailed behind the queen, her cloak open, cowl thrown back. The onyx beads encircling the hem of her black dress swept the steps with a soft hiss. Stately, defiant, she refused to acknowledge her rescuers, and Dustin wondered if she believed the dreamer’s prophesy, if her starched back signified valor or fear. He couldn’t help staring at the woman, the lines of her cheekbones, her dark eyes, and the wisps of raven hair framing her face.
Before she reached the bottom of the staircase, she too paused to look back at her father. Dustin glanced up as well, only to see the king touch his hand to his heart at the gallery rail. The woman’s gasp was little more than a whisper as her fingers returned the final gesture. The doomed king retreated, and her step faltered on the stair. Dustin reached for her arm to steady her, and for a heartbeat, their eyes crossed paths. Then hers, moist with tears, disappeared as she drew her cowl over her head, and whispered, “We must go.”
Myths of the Mirror 
I really like stairs and the stories are too good. Wonderful descriptions. I felt as if I were there.
Embankment Stair
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Thanks so much for stopping by to read. And sorry about the late reply. I was technology-free for two weeks. 🙂 Have a great weekend.
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Great atmosphere and storytelling.
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Thanks so much for reading, Kim. It was a beautiful prompt and fit the snippet perfectly. Have a wonderful week and Happy Writing!
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You are a born writer, Diana! I really enjoyed reading this and it was perfect for the photo.
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Thanks for reading, my friend. The snippet was a great match to the prompt! And perfect while I was rushing around, getting ready to go. Have a wonderful weekend. ❤
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Thanks, you too!
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There’s nothing quite like a big old house full of winding staircases and descending corridors to inspire the imagination! I grew up in the city, in an apartment building, and always dreamed of living in a Gothic mansion straight out of an old movie! That said, my friends and I spent most of our youth exploring the basements and tunnels beneath New York City, which are no less elaborate and foreboding than the stuff of fantasy!
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I always wanted to live in an old mansion too. Not a new one, but an OLD one. 🙂 That’s cool that you explored beneath the city! I did the underground tour of Seattle (a tour – not a bunch of kids exploring). It’s amazing what’s below ground… and I can just imagine the fodder for the imagination!
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Reading this excerpt makes me hunger for more! From the comments I can see this is part of a longer book – I must get my hands on it! Lovely piece, Diana. Even for such a short extract you capture emotions and visuals so wonderfully.
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Thank you. It is part of a book – lots of adventure and a tiny teeny bit of romance. 🙂 If you pick it up, I hope you enjoy it! ❤
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Reblogged this on Creative Writing Reblogged.
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Thanks for sharing, my friend! Have a great week! ❤
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Perfect for the photo, Diana, I could easily see those characters as the scene played out.
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Thanks, Teri. I’m glad you enjoyed it. It fit perfectly with the scene, so I jumped on it even though I usually try to do something original for the prompts. Have a great day and thanks for the visit!
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[…] post in the series was kindly hosted by author D.Wallace Peach and you can find out more about her books at the end of the […]
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Thanks so much for the link, Sally. What a fun way to put together a combined promotion. I’ve been neck deep in editing, but will be over soon! ❤
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Yes, Sue’s photo goes perfect with this scene. And I remember it well from The Sorcerer’s Garden – a GREAT book!
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Thanks so much! Yay! It was the perfect prompt and since I’m drowning in edits, I was thrilled to cheat! Ha ha. Have a great day, my friend. Happy Writing. 🙂
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Using our own writing (whether published or not) for another’s prompt is NOT cheating. At least not in my book (said metaphorically, but you know what mean) . 🙂
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Ha ha. I know. But I like to try to write new stuff for these prompts. 😀 Just busy as a bee right now.
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And we readers love to devour the honey you produce…
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[…] D. Wallace Peach at Myths of the Mirror […]
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Thanks for sharing, Sue. 🙂 Always fun to participate. And a great prompt!
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I’m glad you didn’t resist adding a snippet from The Sorcerer’s Garden to go with this photo. I enjoyed reading the scene.
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Thanks, Mary. I so glad you enjoyed it. Did you notice a little potential for romance later in the book? I hope you’re enjoying you day. Happy Writing!
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I did notice the touch of romance and almost mentioned it. ❤ ❤
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❤
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Oh that’s a great teaser for the book too! x
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I couldn’t resist, Sue. The image was perfect. Just how I pictured that scene. I’m looking forward to hearing where this place is. 🙂 Beautiful prompt!
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It is my neighbour’s house 😉
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Oh goodness. Like living in a fairy tale or a book!
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A bit of both… but then, they are not ordinary neighbours )
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Perfect snippet…left me wanting a lot more!
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Oh, thank you, Donna, for the sweet comment. What every author longs to hear. 😀 The photo was perfect and I had to share. Have a wonderful day!
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now i’m curious, both about the book and the photo that prompt this piece.
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I know, I’m curious too! Sue will share the details on the photo on her round-up of everyone’s responses on Thursday. And thanks for the sweet comment on the scene/book. I usually write something new for these prompts, but this was a perfect fit! Happy Writing, my friend. ❤
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oh? i thought there was a photo in there that prompted this.
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There is a photo. Hm. I guess you can’t see it (?). It’s an elegant, curved stairwell with a balcony and a hint of light coming in through the window. The photo is Sue Vincent’s, but she doesn’t reveal where it was taken. 🙂 Did that explain it? Ha ha. Thanks, my friend. ❤
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Nope, can’t see them. blind as a bat.
but this explains why you chose the piece.
thanks.
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Sorry, my friend. I need to remember this with these dark images in the future. ❤ ❤
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don’t worry. i’ve learned to curb my curiosity. most of the times i don’t think twice about them, but for some reason i was intrigued why you chose this piece out of an entire book. i didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.
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I’m not uncomfortable. Just learning about how to be more inclusive. 🙂 ❤
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alright then, thanks.
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❤
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You have such a gift for creating atmosphere.
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Thanks for the visit, Mike. The prompt screams “atmosphere,” doesn’t it? I’m in the midst of a big edit so I took the easy way out with this one. 🙂 Happy Writing!
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Well done, Diana! Vivid atmosphere and great descriptions. Have a great week!
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Thanks for popping by, Julie. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Have a wonderful week writing and in the garden! 🙂
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Gorgeous Diana!
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Thanks, Lynn. You’re so kind to read. 🙂 The prompt was perfect for that scene and I couldn’t resist. Have a lovely day, my friend. ❤
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You too Diana
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Oh yes, I did indeed enjoy this! Your writing is impeccable, Diana. I was there, every step of the way ❤️
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Thank you for the wonderful comment, Tina. Happy Dance Time! I’m immersed in serious editing of my WIP and this photo was perfect for that scene so I jumped on it. Have a lovely week, my friend, and Happy Writing. ❤
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Diana, you broke my heart in a single scene. Bravo! 🙂
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Thanks, Cathleen. Not that I want to break your heart, but…. Ha ha. Happy Writing, my friend. 😀
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And I remember that passage. I loved that book. ❤
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Aww. Thank you, Debby. Nothing like crystal balls and old woman wisdom. You made my day. ❤
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🙂 😉 ❤
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I loved the vividly drawn images. Well done, Diana!
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Thanks, Mae. I’m buried in editing right now, so this was the prefect prompt for a bit of cheating. Ha ha. I’m glad you enjoyed the read. Happy Writing!
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Beautifully written, Diana! Thanks for sharing with us. Laughing at Jessica’s comment. 🙂
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I know; she makes me laugh too, Jill. Thanks for reading the little snippet. I loved the excuse to pop it up here. Have a wonderful week! ❤
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What can I say? Perfect!
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Thank you. You’re so kind to me. I’m glad you enjoyed this little scene. I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect image to go with it and had to indulge. Have a fantastic week. Hugs. ❤
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It is a pleasure to read your prompts, short stories and your books. xx
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❤
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Perfect picture for such a beautiful section of your poetry. Like reading this very much.
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Thank you, Helene. I’m glad you found the writing poetic. That’s a wonderful compliment. Have a wonderful week and Happy Poeting!
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A very exciting extract, Diana.
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Thanks, Robbie. It seemed to go with Sue’s Photo perfectly. Have a great week, my friend.
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You too, Diana.
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Wow! Terrific, Diana.
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Thanks for reading, Jennie. The photo was perfect for that snippet. I’m glad you enjoyed it! Have a wonderful week!
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You’re welcome, Diana. Yes, perfect photo. Best to you! 🙂
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Diana, this excerpt is just made for the photo prompt and just as I imagined it!l I remember this section from your book, wonderfully atmospheric, and has that black/white feel to it! Hmm…I see I have to reread this after noticing on one of the comments that this is the closest you’ve come to putting yourself in a book! I’m intrigued! 😀😀 Happy Sunday!! Xx
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Thanks for the lovely comment, Annika. Madlyn is a little snarky and I admit to a bit of her sense of humor. And the two brothers are sort of my brothers. Other than that, it’s all fantasy! Lol. Have a wonderful week,my friend, and thanks so much for reading! ❤
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Wow!! I want and need to know more. I loved this.
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Thanks so much, Jan! I’m glad you enjoyed it. The photo made me think of this scene, and I gave in to temptation. Have a great Sunday and Happy Writing! ❤
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Applesauce! Diana you never fail to impress. What a beautifully, evocatively described scene — and so moving. It makes my mouth water — wanting to read the entire story right now in one big bite.
Happy new week hugs.
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I just now put The Sorcerer’s Garden on my Kindle… God knows when I’ll have time for any pleasure reading, but at least I know it’s waiting for me. More hugs.
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Oh! Thank you! This book has a bit of humor in it, too, that I think you’ll enjoy. The main character is the closest I’ve come to putting myself in a book. Lol. Whenever you get to it, I hope you enjoy. Hugs!
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Knowing that adds even more to the story. Hugs back.
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Thanks, Teagan. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Sue’s photo was perfect for the scene and I couldn’t resist. Have a great day, wonderful week, and Happy Writing!
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So that’s how you describe a stair scene? So well done, Diane. I’m sad that my current WIP has no stairs in it. Hmmm, maybe a stair-stepped hill or cliff?
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Lucy probably doesn’t have any black beaded dresses either. Lol. Thanks for reading, my friend, and have an awesome day!
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Terrific writing, Diana. As always. 🙂
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Thank you, Steven. I’m in deep editing mode, so took the easy route on this one. And the picture was perfect. Have a great Sunday and Happy Writing. 🙂
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And happy editing to you! 🙂
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Your words are completely perfect for that moody picture.
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Thanks for stopping by to read, Bernadette. Wasn’t the picture perfect for the scene? I couldn’t resist. Have a lovely week, my friend. 🙂
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Where’s the rest of it 😣
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Ha ha. Your comments always make me laugh, Jess. There’s a whole book! Sue’s photo was perfect for that scene and I had to go there. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed it. Now go pump out another 3000 words!
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Ha! Would love to but today is for the ‘other’ job… the one that actually puts food on the table and pays the bills 🤗😉
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Wow, love it Diana!
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Thanks, Arlene. The image was perfect for that little scene and I gave in to temptation. I appreciate your visit! Have a wonderful week, my friend. 🙂
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You write beautifully Diana and it is a joy to read your posts. Thanks!
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❤
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like it!😊
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Thank you. 🙂 Have a wonderful Sunday, my friend.
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You also🧚🏻♀️
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Beautifully written Diana as well as any scene where the Royal Family must be spirited away before the invaders breech the castle walls. The only thing was, I wondered who the heck Tristan was until I realised one of the party was using a ‘soodonym’.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
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Yes, Tristan is the family’s faithful guard. This is from a book and it fit so nicely with the photo, so I cheated and used it. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed! And they are definitely fleeing! Massive Hugs, my friend. ❤
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What moods you’ve captured with this scene, Diana! As others have written, I felt like I was there. When you described the princess with ‘cloak open, cowl thrown back’ I felt her defiance and her ‘starched back.’ Wonderful use of the prompt, my friend.
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Thanks, Molly. This is from a book so I cheated a little. The photo was so perfect, I couldn’t resist. I’m glad you enjoyed it! Happy Weekend!
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Picturing the scene a if I were in it… Well done! Sharing. ❤ xo
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Thanks for the kind comment and for sharing, Bette. I’m glad that I brought you there. ❤ Happy Writing, my friend and enjoy your weekend!
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Wonderful descriptions. I felt as if I were there.
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Thanks for the kind comment, Anneli. I’m glad you enjoyed it. The prompt was perfect for the snippet. 🙂 Happy Writing!
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How well this excerpt fits the prompt Diana! Given the number of your books, how do you remember the scene so well to reproduce here?
I must say that the castle, the queen and the fight has been superbly handled by you! 🙂 Have a nice weekend.
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Thank you, my friend. I remember all the scenes from all the books. Is that weird? Ha ha. And speaking of books, I finished yours. A beautiful read. 🙂
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Wow!! What a memory you have Diana. Thanks for reading my poetry…I am humbled by your words of appreciation.
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Great use of the prompt!
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Thanks, Cheryl. The prompt has a great mood to it. I was tempted to go with ghosts, but it was perfect for the snippet. Happy Saturday!
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“her black dress swept the steps with a soft hiss”…love this so much, perfection Diane. x
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Thanks, Holly. You are so good to me. I’m glad you enjoyed this one. The staircase in the photo made me think of this scene. Have a wonderful Saturday. 🙂
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You’re a genius lovely lady. Have a great day! ❤
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You and she made a nice entrance!
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Thanks Brad. The staircase was perfect for that snippet – I couldn’t resist. 🙂 Have a glorious weekend. ❤
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Well played. Thanks Diana. 🙂
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