From Tracie: Ribbons and Gauze

Tuesday, June 04, 2013

Ribbons and Gauze

He sat on a large rock. It was worn smooth on top, as if many travelers had stopped here before, resting tired feet, and deciding which path to take. It was a great place to remove his boot and shake out the twig that had somehow lodged itself next to his left foot.

The sound of laughter broke into his stormy thoughts. Hiking was his was of getting away from the world. He had never encountered anyone in these woods before, and wasn't happy about the change. Especially today.

He looked up to see two girls clutching handfuls of yellow flowers dancing down the path. The taller of the two girls whispered something to her companion, who responded with a laugh, and disappeared into the thick trees.

She turned to stare straight into his eyes. Her fingers quickly formed the flowers into a nosegay, tied with a ribbon pulled from her belt. She was all ribbons and gauze. Her skirt a flowing patchwork of colors. Her long hair tied up in a complicated mass of curls and braids that somehow seemed simple and natural.

Three quick steps brought her to him. She reached out a hand to lightly brush his cheek before deftly tucking the flowers into his vest pocket. She whispered, "Flowers are a soul's friend," and with a small squeeze of his hand, she danced away, into the thick trees.

He sat quietly on the rock, trying to understand what just happned. The smell from the flowers was the only sign either girl had been real. His ears strained for the sound of their laughter, but only birds answered. In any other time or place he would have thought her a freak, but here, in the dark woods, with the scent of flowers bringing a smile to his hard face, he only thought of the peace she left behind.

Trifecta Writing Challenge Button
I dreamed this story last night, and woke to see it fit perfectly with the Trifecta Writing Challenge Prompt: Freak

37 comments:

  1. What a great story from a dream! Perhaps she's a forest spirit? (:

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  2. I am glad I found you via Twitter...

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  3. That is a lovely dream, and a lovely story.

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    1. Thank you. It is always nice when a dream like that sits with you after you wake up.

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  4. What an interesting encounter. He's left to ponder what it all means. I've never dreamed a story - that would be fun!

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    1. It doesn't happen very often, dreaming a story, but when it does - it is magical.

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  5. I just can't get enough of your writing. Seriously in awe over here.

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  6. We're always glad when you have the time and inclination to join us. I think this is the loveliest take on freak that I have read.

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    1. Thank you! I love participating. Y'all have a great community.

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  7. I adore those dreams that leave you feeling dreamy and happy:)

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    1. Yes!! It is wonderful when a great dream stays with you the next morning.

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  8. You have much lighter, sweeter dreams than I do! I think I'm jealous! Beautiful story!

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    1. They aren't always so sweet...but this one was perfect.

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  9. I love the ending. I love the way he goes from consternation to peace. Great job!

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    1. I think we could all use more peace in our lives.

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  10. What an interesting and visual dream!

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  11. I loved this! But a dream? Whoa. That's bizarrely intense for a dream. Either way, I really liked it. :>

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    1. Happy or not, I always have very intense dreams. I lucid dream as well.

      Glad you enjoyed it!

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  12. A great dream turned into a wonderful story. I love when that happens.

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  13. your story was as peaceful a gift as the flowers

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  14. Hi Tracie,

    It's my first time visiting your blog. This is delightful! I love when a dream haunts you in the morning when you wake up, but I've never turned one into a story.

    Stevie

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    1. I'm so happy that you enjoyed it!

      Hopefully you will have a story-worthy dream soon.

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  15. Whoa! COOL!! Great story, Tracie! It's kind of freaky your dream fit perfectly with the challenge!! --The Dose Girls

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    1. Thanks! :) I love it when life works out like that.

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  16. Flowers are the soul's friend. Beautiful.

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  17. Thanks for this great story made me feel good

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  18. How cool is this? I love it. Especially, "Flowers are the soul's friend."

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  19. I really enjoyed this one. You outdid yourself this week! :)

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  20. :) Hopefully the summer will be filled with many enchanting dreams for both of us.

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  21. Love it! I dream really crazy vivid dreams I should start writing too. I need to start doing the trifecta prompts!

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  22. I think your dream fit perfectly in the challenge!

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  23. I've read a several of your posts. You are a very talented writer! Thanks for visiting my blog!

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