Hello everyone and welcome back to Let's Make a Collage ("LMAC"). This week's contest round, I was inspired to create three themes and a short story for one of them.
To create the settings for all three collages, I started with the photograph provided by 
Image used with permission of contest owner for contest
COLLAGE #1: "Festival of the Rock People" (A Short Story)
Gwendalein waited. I should have called her Princess. Her thoughts, once illuminated and floated on the wings of the butterfly, were recently slow to capture their attention. She felt the change. Gradual at first were her arms and lower body. Now her face showed the weight of her decision. Lately, her tears flowed without effort. But tonight, they must cease. This precious liquid must be saved. In a few hours, the Festival of the Rock People would begin. Their continued existence depended upon her sacrifice.
Once a symbol of beauty and prosperity in her kingdom, Gwendalein made a life-altering decision. In doing so, she forfeited her right, as eldest daughter, to one day ascend to the throne. Upon waking one morning ten years ago, she professed a higher calling visited her. Without a word and with no hesitation, her answer was immediate.
Her father, and King, renounced her birthright.
Her mother wept.
Her siblings pleaded she seek help from the Kingdom's high priest to cast out the demons compelling her commitment. And for what...those detestable little people who dwelt in the harsh and barren lands south of her father's kingdom?
No one seemed to be able to reconcile her decision. They couldn't see past that day she made the commitment.
But Gwendalein heard the spirit of the Rock People. Their song flowed through her body.
This night, they came; young and old. The old to worship and witness; the young to learn their ancestral knowledge. They gathered at a spot designated a sanctuary for renewal and celebration. They prayed. What little offering they scraped from the rocks, they gave willingly to Gwendalein, their "Sun Goddess" as they proclaimed.
The offerings glistened in sunlight, frequently changing colors. The hues pervaded the soil and what scarce food source that sprang between the rocks. They gladly surrendered them for nourishment. Little did the Rock People realize the value of the gems they possessed. What they freely offered up were coveted by the King and inhabitants in the inner circle of the east Kingdom.
In exchange for the offerings, the Rock People's burdens and hardships flowed freely. Upward the encumbrances rose until, with one deep breath, they were absorbed by Gwendalein.
She looked down lovingly at the special people who adored and worshiped her. Suddenly, visions permeated her thoughts. A strange feeling ensued as she remembered frolicking in the field near their castle. A slight breeze brushed past her cheek. Her promised mate, Gregory's tender kiss on her quivering lips while holding her hand jolted her thoughts.
She closed her eyes and allowed the tears of nourishment to saturate the spirits of the beings who had faith in and depended upon her. They danced and celebrated the renewal. Into the late night, the Festival continued. To evidence their joy and commitment to her, the Rock People's bodies glowed turquoise and ruby from her tears of sacrifice.
Flowing down upon them like mana, new pods weakened, then cracked, allowing for the birth of the next generation.
Lifting her face to the night sky, Gwendalein smiled, then closed her eyes slowly as she foresaw other disenfranchised people in her Kingdom calling to her. She offerings would be spread as far and wide as her calling would take her.
For now, she basked in the sounds from the Festival of the Rock People.
I hope you enjoyed my story of sacrifice and benevolence. To create this lovely theme, I located an unusual background image from a free site. Together with another free image of a beautiful lady of the environment, I was able to blend in Canva additional photos that depicted a place where people could gather.
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| Tree landscape of spirits by Jay at Unsplash | Lady of the Earth and elements at PxFuel | Rocks by Matryx at Pixabay | Multicolored Butterfly Fractal created by me in Apophysis 2.09 | Yellow butterfly Contributed to #LIL by @hernleon74 |
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COLLAGE #2: "Castle Rock Dragon Queen"
For my second collage theme, I wanted to return to my favorite dragon theme. I've been away from it for awhile. It's a bit dark. The dragon queen of the rocks has returned from her ventures. Her abode may seem like a dark and dreary castle, but it's her sanctuary. She pauses momentarily to give us a glimpse of her beauty. She certainly possesses an awesome wardrobe.
I located a lovely owl sketch in the LIL by 
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| Rock formations by Buddy_Nash at Pixabay | Castle by Jazella at Pixabay | Princess by shrikeshmaster at Pixabay | Dragon by PNGStock at PurePNG | Owl sketch Contributed to #LIL by @airmatti | Fractal - dark cloud created by me in Apophysis 2.09 |
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Collage #3: "Rock Cabin Rocks"
For my first collage depicts a serene vacation home. Nestled on a small island, this lovely vacation cabin can be enjoyed by all who crave exotic adventures. The cabin is surrounded by rock sculptures. From the lighthouse, one can see the nearby islands. Complete privacy is ensured. Bird watching is an added bonus since several species flock to the small cove during summer and late fall. Numerous amenities are included. Book your weekend soon. Those who have nothing but time on their hands get first choice at the most sought-after beach rock location.
To create this theme, I located a free image that resembled a remote island with unusual rock pillars. I was hoping it would complement the rocks in the original contest photo. The majority of the other images I included were contributed to the LIL by LMAC members. Uploading all images to Canva, I'm able to take advantage of my Annual Pro Subscription Membership to complete the collage theme.
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| Island house ELG21- PxFuel | Woman face painted PxFuel | Red/blue clouds fotomacher - Pixabay | Glass wine PxFuel | Wine bottle diqqiafrizal - PurePNG | Lighthouse Contributed to #LIL by @redheadpei | Egret Contributed to #LIL by @digitalis | Row Houses Contributed to #LIL by @agmoore | Door Contributed to #LIL by @brittandjosie | Black birds Contributed to #LIL by @onyechi |
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I appreciate your visit and hope you like my collage.
CONTEST RULES
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
It is imperative that you read the post LMAC School - Public Domain Picture sources (Free Materials for creating collages) by 
Happy rest of the week everyone with whatever your endeavors.
SOURCES:
a) JustClickindiva's Footer created in Canva utilizing its free background and images used with permission from discord admins.
b) Unless otherwise noted, all photos taken by me with my (i) Samsung Galaxy 10" Tablet, (ii) Samsung Phone, & (iii) FUJI FinePix S3380 - 14 Mega Pixels Digital Camera
c) Purple Butterfly part of purchased set of Spiritual Clip Art for my Personal Use
d) All Community logos, banners, page dividers used with permission of Discord Channel admins.
e) Ladies of Hive banner used with permission of and in accordance with the admin's guidelines.
f) Image created in Canva by 
