Three pebbles, found in the stream.
The mage holds them close,
sees their perfection:
round, smooth, hefty.
One black, one white, one grey.
The walls aren't talking anymore.
He relied on them for forecasts:
Weather, war, crops, all human affairs.
He puts the pebbles in his pouch.
Climbing the bank,
he takes hold of a willow branch.
Hauling himself up to the path;
the pebbles heavier by the step.
The magic flowers greet him merrily as he passes,
glad he won't snip them for spells today.
He wipes away the reeds from his boots.
And moves toward his sacred cabin.
Liliana, his mate, awaits him at the door,
smiling in anticipation of his usual gift.
An aroma arises from his pouch;
the pebbles are warming as he enters.
He places the pebbles in her palm.
The woman begins to glow.
Happiness lights up her face.
She'll use them for divination.
Seated at the hand-hewn table,
she puts the pebbles in water.
Gazing intently at the three,
she silently asks a question.
Moments pass, the pebbles turn about -
this way and that.
Smiling with delight,
she looks to the waiting mage... and, with joy,
announces a child will soon be borne to them.
Sunlight from the stained glass window
lights up the pebbles on the table.
The mage embraces her, she snuggles closer.
Rejoicing fills their hearts.
©Ellen Pepper 2026
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