Fantasy
The Solstice Stones
The Standing Stones had been present longer than living memory or oral history. The old tales spoke of wishes granted or powers given to those who hiked up to the stone circle on the summer solstice and performed the proper ritual. Precisely what that ritual was, had been lost to time.
By Natasja Rose2 years ago in Fiction
The Eye of Elddraugur. Content Warning.
On days like these Freyja stayed indoors; sun-filled days, brimming with life, where the chill of perpetual winter loosened its bony grip upon Draugavik. “Indoors” was inaccurate; there were no more doors, just holes in the stone where sunlight peered through every so often. On moonlit nights, she would wander the ash fields, trace along the scars of lava flows, leave traceless footprints in the black sand beaches, but not today, not on a day when the Sun would not set.
By Steven Christopher McKnight2 years ago in Fiction
The Solstice in Bad Gumption. Top Story - July 2024.
‘How do we go about it?’ The group of three men and one boy shifted from foot to foot around a bonfire spluttering sparks in the bone chilling drizzle, a few hefty stones sitting amid the flames. They were thinking about all the time it took to get it going in this weather. Someone sniffed, someone coughed. They all felt cold and uneasy standing at the edge of the fields sprawling in front of them in the dusk, with their backs to the dripping birches surrounding the cemetery.
By K.D. Popiel2 years ago in Fiction
The Harvest. Top Story - July 2024.
Koyi wobbled to her shabby wood and straw kaz, holding her machete and an old burlap bag with some yams. Someone had laid another basket in front of the patched up door—rose apples today. They were a bright reddish pink, looking waxy and crisp, just the way she liked them. The culprit knew her very well. Those would be crunchy, juicy and sweet—she could tell—but she gathered all the will she could muster and pushed the basket aside to enter her home. She had already said no repeatedly and would not be taking bribes.
By Lily Séjor2 years ago in Fiction
Believe in Magic
"Believe in Magic: Unlocking the Secrets of the Universe" In the whispering winds of wonder, where dreams and reality entwine, magic beckons us to believe. Like a siren's call, it echoes through the chambers of our hearts, summoning us to embrace the extraordinary. For in the realm of magic, the impossible becomes possible, and the boundaries of reality are but a distant memory. With eyes wide open to the wonders of the world, we begin to see the magic that surrounds us. In the golden light of sunrise, we find the promise of a new beginning. In the gentle touch of a summer breeze, we feel the caress of nature's embrace. And in the starry expanse of the night sky, we behold the celestial tapestry of infinite possibility. Belief in magic is not merely a childish fancy but a powerful catalyst for transformation. It awakens our imagination, stirs our creativity, and nudges us to challenge the status quo. By embracing the magic within and around us, we tap into a deep wellspring of potential, unlocking the secrets of the universe and unleashing a torrent of wonder. In this realm of enchantment, the ordinary becomes extraordinary. A smile from a stranger becomes a gift of joy, a rainbow after the storm becomes a symbol of hope, and a good deed becomes a testament to the human spirit. Magic infuses our lives with meaning, purpose, and beauty, reminding us that we are part of a larger narrative that transcends the mundane. As we believe in magic, we begin to see the world with fresh eyes. We notice the intricate patterns on a butterfly's wings, the sweet melody of birdsong, and the majestic beauty of a sunrise. We start to appreciate the little things, the hidden wonders that surround us, and the magic that lies within ourselves. Magic inspires us to dream big, to aim high, and to never give up on our aspirations. It reminds us that anything is possible, that our imagination is the only limit to our potential. By believing in magic, we become the architects of our own destiny, crafting a life that is filled with purpose, joy, and wonder. As we journey through life, magic becomes our constant companion, our guiding star, and our beacon of hope. It reminds us that every moment is precious, every experience is valuable, and every person we meet is a treasure. Magic teaches us to cherish every second, to appreciate every beauty, and to love every soul. In the realm of magic, we find the courage to face our fears, the strength to overcome our doubts, and the resilience to rise above our challenges. We discover that we are capable of more than we ever thought possible, that our potential is limitless, and that our spirit is unbreakable. So let us believe in magic with all our hearts, with all our souls, and with all our minds. Let us embrace its transformative power, its boundless potential, and its unwavering belief in the impossible. For in the words of the great magician, Walt Disney, "It's kind of fun to do the impossible." Let us spread magic wherever we go, like wildflowers blooming in the desert. Let us be the spark that ignites the flame of wonder in others. And let us never forget that magic is not just a belief but a way of life, a way of living that is filled with joy, laughter, and endless possibility. As we believe in magic, we become the creators of our own reality, the masters of our own destiny, and the architects of our own happiness. We become the dreamers, the thinkers, and the innovators who shape the world with their imagination, creativity, and vision. In the end, belief in magic is not just a fantasy but a powerful tool for transformation, a catalyst for change, and a source of inspiration. It reminds us that life is precious, that every moment is valuable, and that every experience is a gift. So let us cherish every second, appreciate every beauty, and love every soul. For in the world of magic, every day is a wonder, every moment is a miracle, and every life is a masterpiece...
By Swathika Swathi2 years ago in Fiction
They Will Dream Again
Sweet grapes burst under teeth, filling children's mouths with a taste better than candy. Watermelon juice dripped down their chins while their fingers were still sticky from picking apart fresh figs. They sat on the soft grass, feeling a light wind graze against their hair and clothes, waiting for the adults to light the pyre.
By K. Kocheryan2 years ago in Fiction
The Solstice Circle
The mid-year solstice was an extraordinary event in the curious town of Alderbrook, settled between moving slopes and thick woods. Consistently, the townsfolk accumulated for a humble festival — potluck meals, people music, and huge fires — yet this year was unique. This year denoted the 200th commemoration of the town's establishment, and the residents had chosen to restore an old solstice custom long neglected by time.
By Numan Anwar2 years ago in Fiction
