Tuesday Tales is a weekly blog featuring diverse authors who post excerpts from their WIPs based on word and picture prompts. Our prompt today is beat. The snippet is from a paranormal romance currently being reworked and featuring the goddess Epona, as she is preparing for a lover’s tryst. Please visit the other fabulous authors at Tuesday Tales.
“Come in. Hell’s blaze, there is no need to beat down the door.”
The old woman blustered inside. She wrung her hands together and prattled. “Milady, there is a child begging for a moment of your time. I tried to send her away, but she’s in such distress that I…well…I know you’re anxious to be on your trip, but it’s an emergency.”
Epona stifled an urge to scream. Expelling a long breath, her voice was sharp when she answered. “Oh, all right. Allow me a few minutes to prepare myself.”
“Yes, milady.” Selde backed out of the room, easing the door closed behind her.
Her lips tight, Epona shoved aside clothes in search of her magical bag. Ah, there it was beneath the orchid chemise. Peering inside, she extracted her favorite crystal wand and tied the pouch to the belt of her gown. How fortunate she hadn’t changed out of her ceremonial attire. A few moments saved anyway. She secured the lid over the incense holder on her bedside table and snuffed the ebony candle in the front room before stepping out into the night.
The luscious scent of roses and night blooming jasmine permeated the air, lifting her spirits as she hurried down the hill. She craned her neck upward. Her lingering grumpiness at the unexpected interruption evaporated at the stunning array of stars glittering in the inky blackness of a moonless night.
An errant stone wobbled beneath her foot, and she flailed her arms to save herself from an awkward tumble. Cursing beneath her breath, she swirled the wand. “Come, fire fae, and light my way.”
Hundreds of tiny whirring wings rushed to answer her bidding, and sparkles of light danced around her, creating an iridescent green glow above the meandering pathway. Epona’s lips creased in pleasure. “Thank you, wee ones.”
A few moments later in the gemstone grotto, she resumed her seat on the cushioned floor and accepted the ornate chalice offered by her trusted servant. A sip of blackberry wine might be just the pick me up needed to get her through the additional supplications.
I hope you enjoyed my take on the prompt beat and seeing Epona in her goddess domain. Thanks for stopping by. Please visit the other talented authors at Tuesday Tales.
Cheers & Happy Reading!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic with Paranormal Romance
Pulled me right in and I want to discover what happens. Gorgeous visuals of this magical scene.
Thank you for those kind words, Daisy!
Great excerpt! I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Thanks, Vicki.
I loved the “stars glittering in the inky blackness of a moonless night.” Wonderful excerpt!
Oh, thank you, Mae!
Gorgeous sensory images. Can’t wait to see what happens next.
Glad you enjoyed it, Susanne. Thank you.
Delightful as usual I read the snippet before reading the introductory part and recognized it at once !
It stayed with me, even if I read many books after it.
It’s my favorite I think, Carmen, not sure why. I am working on expanding the length. Any suggestions?
Such beautiful visuals! I loved the Fire Fae!
I’m glad you liked the fire fae, Cathy!
wow. Beautiful! I love the way you describe everything! Jillian
Aww, thanks, Jillian.
Such lovely descriptions as always. Love the little fire fae’s rushing in to light her path. Wonderful touch. Can’t wait to see more.
I’m glad you enjoyed the description and fire fae, Sarah. Thank you.
Can’t wait to read more. It just sucks you right in. I agree with Sarah. The fire fae rushing in was my favorite part
Thanks for the feedback, Mary. I appreciate it.
Beautiful descriptions. It felt like i was right there with her.
I’m glad you enjoyed the descriptions, Joselyn. Thanks.
I know just how she feels about interruptions! And wouldn’t the fairies be so much better than a flashlight. Beautiful description brought me right into the scene.
Another vivid and enjoyable snippet 🙂
Thank you, Morgan.