#Sunday Snippets, #Weekend Warriors, 'Dancing With Fate' - Terpsichore dances ...

Hi fellow  Snippeteers and readers.  Welcome to  my Weekend Warriors post. I'm continuing this week with another snippet from my fantasy novella, Dancing With Fate. Thank you to everyone who's been following my snippets so far. Don't forget to visit the other authors at the link above and also below this post, there's something for all tastes.

Last time:
Terpsichore, muse of dance, has completed her mission in 5th Century Wales. (or so she thinks. She decides to bathe in a waterfall before she leaves.

 (As usual, some creative editing of punctuation and slight variation from published version to comply with 10 sentence rule)

SNIPPET

At last, she stepped out onto the grass that fringed the pool and looked skyward. How long had she been bathing -- Helios was already on his homeward journey, although his light still warmed the air and he had not yet painted the sky in its twilight hues.

Shaking her arms free of the silvery drops of water, the muse then squeezed the wetness from her long hair, of which she was inordinately proud. Of all her womanly attributes, she loved her hair the best. It was so fine and silky; it took hardly any time to dry. She spread her arms and let the warm air vanquish the last of the moisture from her skin. Oh, this land was fair, she raised her arm in salute to Helios, knowing he could see whatever his warmth touched.

Terpsichore twirled around on tiptoe, bending back her head and taking in the craggy mountaintops, the trees full-leafed and swaying slightly in the warm breeze. On an impulse, she began to dance, she conjured up a silky himation between her fingers and swirled it above her head as she moved to the accompaniment of her own voice. So involved was she in her dancing she failed to realize she was no longer alone.

BLURB

DANCING WITH FATE

When Terpsichore, the Muse of Dance, is assigned to revisit the land of Wales, her task seems simple enough. She is unaware there is a hidden agenda. Before she can return to Olympus her path crosses that of the mysterious Myrddin, and her heart is lost. But Myrddin is promised to another. His mind is set on the dangerous task that lies before him, and the woman he has sworn to save. Nevertheless, he cannot deny the growing attraction between him and the beautiful stranger he meets along the way. 
 Terpsichore and Myrddin face a deadly force that threatens to part them forever. Is she destined to lose the only man she has ever truly loved? Is there nothing she can do to save him? Finally, when all seems lost, in desperation she finds herself DANCING WITH FATE. 

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Weekend Writing Warriors for Eight Sentence Sunday

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 http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

To Hades with her demented half brother!

Hi fellow  Snippeteers and readers.  Welcome to  my Weekend Warriors post. I'm continuing this week with another snippet from my fantasy novella, Dancing With Fate. Thank you to everyone who's been following my snippets so far. Don't forget to visit the other authors at the link above and also below this post, there's something for all tastes.

Last time:

Terpsichore, muse of dance, was given a new mission by Apollo, to restore joy and the love of dancing to the Celts of 5th Century Wales. Now she has completed her task and looks forward to returning  to Olympus, but then her annoying brother turns up, trying to get her to drink his wine. Eventually she persuades him to leave.

 (As usual, some creative editing of punctuation and slight variation from published version to comply with 10 sentence rule)

SNIPPET

He lurched unsteadily to his feet, causing one of his Maenads to loose her hold on him, and fall over, giggling. He grabbed her arm and moments later they all disappeared like mist in the heat of a summer's day.

To Hades with her demented half-brother. The more she thought about it, the more the allure of the water drew her to it, she should never have taken that wine—not even a sip, who knew what enchantment he'd put in it?

She shrugged,what was she thinking, she  was her own goddess, wasn't she? If she wanted to bathe, she would, she certainly didn't need any charmed wine to make her decisions for her. 

In an instant, her Celtic clothing melted away, she  laid her lyre against a friendly tree trunk and ran beneath the curtain of water cascading over the cliff face. She stood, waist deep in the shallows of the pool and let the water rush over her. The cold crystal clear liquid invigorated her, she felt the life force of the spring flow around and through her, the molecules that composed it, the tiny life forms unseen. This was her element and she rejoiced in it. 

BLURB

DANCING WITH FATE

When Terpsichore, the Muse of Dance, is assigned to revisit the land of Wales, her task seems simple enough. She is unaware there is a hidden agenda. Before she can return to Olympus her path crosses that of the mysterious Myrddin, and her heart is lost. But Myrddin is promised to another. His mind is set on the dangerous task that lies before him, and the woman he has sworn to save. Nevertheless, he cannot deny the growing attraction between him and the beautiful stranger he meets along the way. 


 Terpsichore and Myrddin face a deadly force that threatens to part them forever. Is she destined to lose the only man she has ever truly loved? Is there nothing she can do to save him? Finally, when all seems lost, in desperation she finds herself DANCING WITH FATE. 

Amazon UK
Amazon US

Don't forget to visit the talented authors who are also taking part in 'Sunday Snippets'

Weekend Writing Warriors for Eight Sentence Sunday

Snippet Sunday Facebook Group

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! I also promise that I never have and never willl share your information or email address with anyone or any organisation.

 http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

Weekend Writing Warriors #SundaySnippet - 'Dancing With Fate' - ..."Come on, you know you want to."

Hi fellow  Snippeteers and readers.  Welcome to  my Weekend Warriors post. I'm continuing this week with another snippet from my fantasy novella, Dancing With Fate. Thank you to everyone who's been following my snippets so far. Don't forget to visit the other authors at the link above and also below this post, there's something for all tastes.

Last time:

Terpsichore, muse of dance, was given a new mission by Apollo, to restore joy and the love of dancing to the Celts of 5th Century Wales. Now she has completed her task and looks forward to returning  to Olympus, but then her annoying brother turns up. (As usual, some creative editing of punctuation and slight variation from published version to comply with 10 sentence rule)

SNIPPET

All at once, the purity of the day seemed tainted -- how had he found her, was it he who had eavesdropped upon her conversation with Apollo? She sighed,somehow, she did not think so, Dionysus in his state of permanent intoxication could hardly have moved so stealthily, nor concealed his retinue of women followers.   

Dionysus hiccupped loudly, causing the vines around his neck to bounce and rustle, again, he held out the goblet of wine. "Oh, we are 'Miss Prim and Proper' today, aren't we - come on, lighten up, take a sip, it won't hurt you." He learned toward her, his handsome, if somewhat effeminate features wearing an innocent expression that belied the glint in his blue eyes. "After all, you wouldn't want to upset your brother, would you?"

Terpsichore refrained from commenting that he was, in fact, only one of her many half-brothers. She pursed her lips, reached for the goblet and took a small sip, before handing it back, it did not do to offend the god --"thank you, now I really must be leaving." 

His smile was more of a smirk, "all right, I can take a hint; if I were you, I'd have a good long soak in that pool before you go -- go on, you know you want to." 

BLURB

(Cover by Miss Mae)

When Terpsichore, the Muse of Dance, is assigned to revisit the land of Wales, her task seems simple enough. She is unaware there is a hidden agenda. Before she can return to Olympus her path crosses that of the mysterious Myrddin, and her heart is lost. But Myrddin is promised to another. His mind is set on the dangerous task that lies before him, and the woman he has sworn to save. Nevertheless, he cannot deny the growing attraction between him and the beautiful stranger he meets along the way. 

 Terpsichore and Myrddin face a deadly force that threatens to part them forever. Is she destined to lose the only man she has ever truly loved? Is there nothing she can do to save him? Finally, when all seems lost, in desperation she finds herself DANCING WITH FATE. 

Amazon UK
Amazon US

Don't forget to visit the talented authors who are also taking part in 'Sunday Snippets'

Weekend Writing Warriors for Eight Sentence Sunday

Snippet Sunday Facebook Group

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! I also promise that I never have and never willl share your information or email address with anyone or any organisation.

 http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! I also promise that I never have and never willl share your information or email address with anyone or any organisation.  http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

Weekend Writing Warriors #SundaySnippet - 'Dancing With Fate' - "...would you prefer me to materialize in all my glory?"

Hi fellow  Snippeteers and readers.  Welcome to  my Weekend Warriors post. After all the excitement of last week's Royal Wedding  I'm continuing this week with another snippet from my fantasy novella, Dancing With Fate. Thank you to everyone who's been following my snippets so far. Don't forget to visit the other authors at the link above and also below this post, there's something for all tastes.

Last time:

Terpsichore, muse of dance, has been given a new mission by Apollo, to restore joy and the love of dancing to the Celts of 5th Century Wales. Now she has completed her task. Terpsichore has chosen those she inspired with care. The music will not die again.  The joy of the dance will remain ,whatever befalls the people of Wales. Her mission is complete and she looks forward to her return to Olympus. (As usual, creative editing of punctuation from published version to comply with 10 sentence rule)

SNIPPET

The sound of the waterfall behind her caught her attention, oh, how she missed the spring of Hippocrene, created when Pegasus struck the rock of the Helicon Mountain with his hoof and the crystal water poured forth. 

Beautiful as this country was, it would be good to be home. She turned and gazed at the water tumbling down the mountainside in a frenzy of white froth, the spray catching the rays cast by Helios, making rainbows dance in the clear air. The water called to her—she was, after all, like her sisters, a water nymph, she longed to immerse herself in its cooling spray, to be as one with the living water.

"What harm can it do, cleanse yourself—rid your body of the dust of Earth before returning to Olympus. "

The voice in her mind was all too familiar. "Dionysus! What are you doing here -- get out of my mind"

"Certainly, dear sister, would you prefer me to materialize in all my glory? 

Before she could answer, he appeared, seated upon a rock, his ever-present maenads fawning at his feet.

BLURB

(Cover by Miss Mae)

When Terpsichore, the Muse of Dance, is assigned to revisit the land of Wales, her task seems simple enough. She is unaware there is a hidden agenda. Before she can return to Olympus her path crosses that of the mysterious Myrddin, and her heart is lost. But Myrddin is promised to another. His mind is set on the dangerous task that lies before him, and the woman he has sworn to save. Nevertheless, he cannot deny the growing attraction between him and the beautiful stranger he meets along the way. 

 Terpsichore and Myrddin face a deadly force that threatens to part them forever. Is she destined to lose the only man she has ever truly loved? Is there nothing she can do to save him? Finally, when all seems lost, in desperation she finds herself DANCING WITH FATE. 

Amazon UK
Amazon US

Don't forget to visit the talented authors who are also taking part in 'Sunday Snippets'

Weekend Writing Warriors for Eight Sentence Sunday

Snippet Sunday Facebook Group

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! I also promise that I never have and never willl share your information or email address with anyone or any organisation.

 http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! I also promise that I never have and never willl share your information or email address with anyone or any organisation.  http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

Weekend Writing Warriors #SundaySnippet - 'Dancing With Fate' - the feeling he was not alone still troubled him

Hi fellow  Snippeteers and readers.  Welcome to  my Weekend Warriors post. After all the excitement of last week's Royal Wedding  I'm continuing this week with another snippet from my fantasy novella, Dancing With Fate. Thank you to everyone who's been following my snippets so far. Don't forget to visit the other authors at the link above and also below this post, there's something for all tastes.

Last time: Terpsichore, muse of dance, has been given a new mission by Apollo, to restore joy and the love of dancing to the Celts of 5th Century Wales.

Myrddyn  has just prepared his evening meal and left it to finish cooking. He unsaddles his horse and lets him roam free to graze, but can't help feeling there is someone else nearby.

 (Some creative punctuation from published version,  several full stops were annihilated to comply with 10  sentence rule.)

SNIPPET

The feeling he was not alone still troubled him, while his supper cooked, it would not do any harm to take a look around. He followed the stream that flowed through the little clearing. The area was new to him and he proceeded with some caution. Myrddin loved and respected all the creatures of the forests and mountains; he knew their ways and feared none of them. Likewise, no terrain, however difficult, caused him concern. Nothing in nature held any fears for him; people posed far more danger. There was someone close, a stranger, what were they doing here in the wilderness? Perhaps one of Madog's men lay in wait.

He had not walked far when he heard the sound of rushing water and rounding the rocky promontory, he came upon a vast wall of water spilling down the cliff, feeding a deep pool of sparkling water below.

It was not that, however, which made him stop and stare in amazement. 

What is it that has him so in awe?  You'll have to wait a week or two to find out because next week we're returning to Terpsichore's p.o.v. :) 

BLURB

(Cover by Miss Mae)

When Terpsichore, the Muse of Dance, is assigned to revisit the land of Wales, her task seems simple enough. She is unaware there is a hidden agenda. Before she can return to Olympus her path crosses that of the mysterious Myrddin, and her heart is lost. But Myrddin is promised to another. His mind is set on the dangerous task that lies before him, and the woman he has sworn to save. Nevertheless, he cannot deny the growing attraction between him and the beautiful stranger he meets along the way. 

 Terpsichore and Myrddin face a deadly force that threatens to part them forever. Is she destined to lose the only man she has ever truly loved? Is there nothing she can do to save him? Finally, when all seems lost, in desperation she finds herself DANCING WITH FATE. 

Amazon UK
Amazon US

Don't forget to visit the talented authors who are also taking part in 'Sunday Snippets'

Weekend Writing Warriors for Eight Sentence Sunday

Snippet Sunday Facebook Group

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! I also promise that I never have and never willl share your information or email address with anyone or any organisation.

 http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

Weekend Writing Warriors #SundaySnippet - 'Dancing With Fate' - ".."Do you sense danger—has someone followed us?"

Hi fellow  Snippeteers and readers.  Welcome to  my Weekend Warriors post  and another snippet from my fantasy novella, Dancing With Fate. Thank you to everyone who's been following my snippets so far. Don't forget to visit the other authors at the link below this post, there's something for all tastes.

Last week: Terpsichore, muse of dance, has been given a new mission by Apollo, to restore joy and the love of dancing to the Celts of 5th Century Wales. This week we skip ahead to another character, Myrddyn ab Morfryn.

SNIPPET:  (Some creative punctuation from published version, to comply with 10  sentence rule.)

Seven weeks later

Myrddin glanced around; unable to shake off the feeling he was not alone. Far above the outstretched arms of the nearby forest, beneath the slate cliff, a red kite hovered, its haunting cry sounding eerie and forlorn. He raised his arm in greeting,"Good afternoon, my friend, would that I could join you."

Mist drifted across the valley and the rays of the afternoon sun stained the sky in vivid shades of vermilion and orange. A doe, her fawn at her heels, touched his hand with her nose and a family of squirrels played around his feet. He moved forward slowly, gathering twigs for his fire pit, and glanced around every few moments. He must have imagined it, this sense of someone nearby, no sound disturbed the silence except the twittering of the birds, and the buzzing of tiny insects.

He turned to the doe, "Time to take your baby home now, little one, you too, squirrels." The doe gave him one last affectionate nuzzle, then trotted into the forest, and the squirrels scampered up a nearby oak.

Myrddin walked over to his horse, a sturdy beast, black as a starless, moonless night; its long mane fell in waves, nearly to its knees. Surely, Harri would know if a stranger was nearby, and would have warned him?

"Do you sense danger—has someone followed us?

BLURB

(Cover by Miss Mae)

When Terpsichore, the Muse of Dance, is assigned to revisit the land of Wales, her task seems simple enough. She is unaware there is a hidden agenda. Before she can return to Olympus her path crosses that of the mysterious Myrddin, and her heart is lost. But Myrddin is promised to another. His mind is set on the dangerous task that lies before him, and the woman he has sworn to save. Nevertheless, he cannot deny the growing attraction between him and the beautiful stranger he meets along the way. 

 Terpsichore and Myrddin face a deadly force that threatens to part them forever. Is she destined to lose the only man she has ever truly loved? Is there nothing she can do to save him? Finally, when all seems lost, in desperation she finds herself DANCING WITH FATE. 

Amazon UK
Amazon US

Don't forget to visit the talented authors who are also taking part in 'Sunday Snippets'

Weekend Writing Warriors for Eight Sentence Sunday

Snippet Sunday Facebook Group

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

"For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

Weekend Writing Warriors #SundaySnippet - 'Dancing With Fate' - is danger where she least expects it?

Hi fellow  Snippeteers and readers.  Welcome to  my Weekend Warriors post  and another snippet from my fantasy novella, Dancing With Fate. Thank you to everyone who's been following my snippets so far. Don't forget to visit the other authors at the link below this post, there's something for all tastes.

Last week: Terpsichore, muse of dance, has been given a new mission by Apollo, to restore joy and the love of dancing to the Celts of 5th Century Wales. He warns her that she will have to take the form of a mortal and to be careful not to put herself in danger.

SNIPPET:  (Some creative punctuation from published version, to comply with 10  sentence rule.)

What was Apollo keeping hidden though? She could always tell when he was holding something back, what had he not told her? Still, he would surely have her best interests at heart, no doubt, he would reveal it when he judged the time to be right.

She left the Great Hall through one of the rear doors. Was it her imagination or did she hear the sound of footsteps, as if someone scurried away down a side corridor? She glanced around and narrowed her eyes as she saw what looked like a tall figure slip into the shadows, but she could not be sure. It might just be a trick of the light, had she imagined the dark form, the glint of torchlight on metal, gold or perhaps brass? Could someone have been eavesdropping on her conversation with Apollo? She hurried on silent feet to where she saw the figure disappear, but there was nothing. Nothing except a prickling at the back of her neck and the uncomfortable feeling she had not been mistaken. 

BLURB

(Cover by Miss Mae)

When Terpsichore, the Muse of Dance, is assigned to revisit the land of Wales, her task seems simple enough. She is unaware there is a hidden agenda. Before she can return to Olympus her path crosses that of the mysterious Myrddin, and her heart is lost. But Myrddin is promised to another. His mind is set on the dangerous task that lies before him, and the woman he has sworn to save. Nevertheless, he cannot deny the growing attraction between him and the beautiful stranger he meets along the way. 

 Terpsichore and Myrddin face a deadly force that threatens to part them forever. Is she destined to lose the only man she has ever truly loved? Is there nothing she can do to save him? Finally, when all seems lost, in desperation she finds herself DANCING WITH FATE. 

Amazon UK
Amazon US

Don't forget to visit the talented authors who are also taking part in 'Sunday Snippets'

Weekend Writing Warriors for Eight Sentence Sunday

Snippet Sunday Facebook Group

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

Weekend Writing Warriors #SundaySnippet - 'Dancing With Fate' - "...I may not need to act the helpless female but I have a few tricks..."

Hi fellow  Snippeteers and readers.  Welcome to  my Weekend Warriors post  and another snippet from my fantasy novella, Dancing With Fate. Thank you to everyone who's been following my snippets so far. Don't forget to visit the other authors at the link below this post, there's something for all tastes.

Last week Terpsichore, Greek muse of Dance has been instructed by Apollo to go to 5th Century  Wales, but she has to temporarily lose her immortality and special powers. "...if you have a problem, I may not be able to help you."

SNIPPET:  (Some creative punctuation from published version, to comply with 10  sentence rule.)

Oh wonderful -- although my being allowed some freedom might not be a bad thing. She gave him a knowing smile, "I suppose I'll manage, I may need to act the helpless female, but in reality I have a few tricks that may serve me well."

Apollo frowned again,"take care not to get careless and reveal who you really are, the men of Cymru may not be as awestruck by a goddess as they once were. It could be risky, you would not want to be branded as a witch or an enchantress."

"You think I may be in danger?"

Apollo's frown deepened and his face registered concern. "No, sweet Terpsichore, I would not send you if I thought you might come to harm." He paused, "but you will need a name to be known by." He thought for a moment, "Cora -- you will go by the name of Cora, a name like enough to those of the common people."

Terpsichore nodded, she liked the sound of it, and it carried enough of her true name not to sound alien to her. 

BLURB

(Cover by Miss Mae)

When Terpsichore, the Muse of Dance, is assigned to revisit the land of Wales, her task seems simple enough. She is unaware there is a hidden agenda. Before she can return to Olympus her path crosses that of the mysterious Myrddin, and her heart is lost. But Myrddin is promised to another. His mind is set on the dangerous task that lies before him, and the woman he has sworn to save. Nevertheless, he cannot deny the growing attraction between him and the beautiful stranger he meets along the way. 

 Terpsichore and Myrddin face a deadly force that threatens to part them forever. Is she destined to lose the only man she has ever truly loved? Is there nothing she can do to save him? Finally, when all seems lost, in desperation she finds herself DANCING WITH FATE. 

Amazon UK
Amazon US

Don't forget to visit the talented authors who are also taking part in 'Sunday Snippets'

Weekend Writing Warriors for Eight Sentence Sunday

Snippet Sunday Facebook Group

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join