In my fantasy world, the winter rains blend the sea and sky into billowing hues of blue and gray. They paint the islands with a steady brush of storms, drum cold fingers on diamond panes, and drip through the draped boughs of evergreen. The last mottled colors of autumn skitter away with the wind.
Villagers venture down puddled lanes, hooded cloaks clutched against the sheeting rain. In the gray twilit mists, roadside bramble twists black, brittle and forlorn, and the smoke of wood fires scents the air with memories of home. Inside, a warm hearth awaits them, a welcoming blaze of vermillion in the deepening dusk of the year.
The full Water Moon shows her face in tonight’s night sky. This will be a supermoon, larger than usual because it’s orbit is closer to Earth. If you have a clear sky, I hope you catch a glimpse of her magic.
Excerpt from Eye of Fire, Dragon Soul Quartet
Her skirt in her fists, Meriel rushed up the stairs to the gallery that stretched across the cliff’s face in the Compassionates’ Hall, connecting the public and private quarters. Long ago craftsmen had carved the gallery into the ivory rock and framed thirteen stained glass windows with a view of the sea, one for each moon. The windows weren’t only exquisite in themselves, the glass perfectly cut in a myriad of colors, but when sunlight shone through them, the gallery’s back wall came alive, mottled in soft hues, subtly edged and blending like pebbles under water. The sun promised to peek from behind the cloud cover, and she wanted to see it.
When she opened the door, the display dazzled her as it filled the air. Stepping into the color, her body became both a palette for the sun’s brush and a silhouetted shadow on the rock wall. She glided along the corridor, stopping at each window, noting the moon, the change of seasons in the hues, wondering at the artist whose work so sincerely and boldly reflected the complexity of creation.
“I never get tired of it,” Caron said.
As she turned, Meriel sought out his form in the liquid color. Her focus returned to the windows, and she continued down the gallery.
The tall man fell into step with her. “I especially like it during winter moons when the skies are brushed with gray.”
“Do you have time to talk?” Meriel touched his arm.
“I thought I already was.” He smiled.
“Yes, you were.” She let her hand drop. “Caron, I want to ask you about the dragons. Can we sit?” They moved to a stone bench bordering the rock wall.
“I don’t know very much about them, Meriel. In fact, you probably know more than I.”
“I told Gallard I would ask if anyone in the islands knows their nature, if anyone cares about what’s happening to them.”
The sun winked out behind scudding clouds, and the color vanished from the gallery, its windows still beautiful but flat and static. He rested his back on the wall and closed his eyes. With his hair newly shorn and beard tightly trimmed, the angles of his face lent him an appearance of weariness. “It seems I should know more than I do—a natural concern for the Compassionates, understanding and preventing cruelty. Why do I always feel I’m plodding uphill?”
Meriel knew the sensation. “I’m not blaming you for anything, Caron. I’m only asking questions.”
“The dragons live above us in the hills of Eydis. They abound in Anghard and fly deep in the mountains of Halle. Other than in Yula, we rarely see them, and that’s a good thing—for the dragons.”
***
This is my last moon post. A year of 13 full moons began last December, all marking time in the Dragon Soul series. Thank you for reading along and celebrating nature’s timekeeper with me. ❤
Myths of the Mirror 
Coming from someone born in June and is often called a “moonchild,” I enjoyed reading your posts referring to the 13 full moons. I love the way you connected natures timeline with your series.
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Thanks for reading, Mary. It was a fun way to share the books and I enjoyed my connection to the moon each month. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, my friend. ❤
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Your descriptions glow and glisten like those windows, Diana. Lovely. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thanks for the visit, Suzanne. I would love to have a row of stained glass windows like that! Part of the fun of writing is imagining them. Have a lovely week, my friend.
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You write so beautifully. That and I have always been pulled by the moon too. What great prose, keep up the good work! 🙂
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Thanks so much for reading and leaving a comment. I hope you got a glimpse of the moon 🙂 Thanks for the follow, too. I’m always happy to connect.
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Unfortunately, I didn’t get a glimpse of the moon as it was too cloudy. I loved reading this Diana, the imagery is so beautiful 🙂
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Thanks for reading and the lovely comment, Judy. No moon here either, but I’ve enjoyed the photos and descriptions. Happy Writing!
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Yes I have enjoyed moon by proxy too! 🙂
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[…] Continue reading: Water Moon […]
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Thanks again, Sue, and sorry about the late reply. I was on a writing roll and couldn’t stop until the end of the scene! Happy Weekend, my friend. Hugs.
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Diana, always love reading your posts, this one no exception! I sort of saw the super moon on the horizon until clouds covered it. Looking forward to the next project you hinted about. Loved the moon series. 💛 Christine
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Thanks for the lovely comment, Christine. So glad you got a glimpse of the moon. My next project is still a ways off, but I’m working on it 🙂
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Reblogged this on Art by Rob Goldstein and commented:
Water Moon from D. Wallace Peach
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Thanks for the reblog, Robert 🙂 I was just browsing your site while you were over here. So funny. Glad you enjoyed the post. ❤
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I’m coming out of my post election stupor…:)
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Me too. Barely. If the only bad thing that happens is Trump enriches his family, I’ll consider it a blessing.
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I think I will always get a goose-bump-ly tingly feeling when I read words similar to “I want to talk to you about the dragons.” This is a beautiful lyrical post, Diana. Thanks for sharing the snippet. It was a perfect choice for the post. Mega hugs.
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Thanks, Teagan. My last moon post and I thought the snippet was a nice wrap up with the 13 moon windows. I’m glad you enjoyed it, my friend. Hugs!!!
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The imagery in this excerpt was breathtaking. Really wonderful writing.
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Thanks so much 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed it. The last moon post after doing these for a year. Now I have to think up something else!
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oops, Dragon Soul series. xo
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I loved the way you pull us into where the time of each moon takes place, Diana. The fact you created your own system of moons for your Dragon Ring series is amazing!
When I first left teaching preschool (integrated with special needs), I made blog post “calendars” for each month with special poems, dates and listed the Native American moons. It made me feel like I was creating an international calendar when Mike Lince went to Scotland and I added Scottish battles for a month. 🙂 I did this for more than a year and it was very time consuming! I cannot imagine how devoted you are to create each special moon, season and character. For this completion, you deserve a round of applause. (Hope you may hear hands clapping!) 🙂
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Thanks, Robin. Your moon project sounds wonderful. I bet the kids got a kick out of it. My current writing project has 3 moons. Figuring out the phases based on 3 unique orbits took days. It was overkill but I got carried away 🙂
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You do write beautifully. And there is such escapism there. Truly lovely.
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Thank you, Anais. I’m flattered that you think so ❤ Have a lovely month of the Water Moon.
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I love how you write, Diana. So immersive for the reader. I am ashamed to say I haven’t read one of your books yet. I hope to remedy that soon!
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No problem, Lisa. There are so many good books out there and all kinds of tastes. I’m trying to read at least one book from my blogger/writer friends and it’s going to take me ten years!
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Always beautiful writing Diana! My pleasure to stop by and take it in xx
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Thank you, Lynn. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Have a lovely month of the Water Moon 🙂
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Thanks so much
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Diana, has it really been a year since you started this series? A wonderful link to the powerful forces of nature – alas no magic display for us as heavy clouds stayed stubbornly in the sky. Luckily the magic in your writing has made for this in part and as I’m a huge fan of stained glass window I’m particularly struck by your description of the 13 for each phase of the moon.
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Thanks for the kind comment, Annika. Yeah, a whole year! I’m ready for a break and can always recycle them in a few years 🙂 We missed the supermoon here too, but it’s beautiful and magical every month. ❤
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Your writing always amazes me. Beautiful.
The idea of posting every full moon is great. I feel tempted to steal it.😉 but I won’t of course.
You know the calenders in India are lunar. Most of our festivals and seasons are according to those. There is always some form of ritual or something sacred every full or new moon.
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Please please steal the idea – and of course it’s not really stealing anyway. I didn’t know that the Indian calendar is lunar, and I love that. To me, it feels closer to the Earth’s natural rhythms of which we are a part. My year of moon posts is now done. It would be wonderful if you picked it up 🙂
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The traditional calendar is lunar which is still used( called jantri where I live) but the one used in routine is the same as yours.
Thanks, maybe I will, not sure yet. ☺
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So beautiful! How cool to post about the full moons all year–that’s the kind of stuff I like! Here in Northern California after a warm, clear day, the view of the moon was incredible (and me without a decent camera, other than my Digiital and phone).
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Oh good, Terri. I can’t wait to see your photos. This is rainy season in the Oregon rainforest, so I missed it. But I’m enjoying the stories (and photos) of those who had clear skies. 🙂
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I saw the supermoon tonight as she was rising, low in the sky, cradled on a bed of cloud. I think I must have been blind all my life… it was INCREDIBLE! I saw this orange glow through the tree branches as I was driving and wondered what it was, bright as city streetlights, but I live in the country where the nights are deep black velvet. And then I cleared the trees and there she was, this huge copper orb just hanging in the sky, I almost crashed the car! She was mesmerising! Then she rose higher and shed her rosy glow, and retreated to a more normal size. I’ll never forget it. The night skies are wonderful at this time of year. And your writing is beautiful, as always.
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Such a wonderful description, Ali. Now, despite the rain, I feel as though I got to “see” it. My dad told me that my mom, who is blind, asked “What’s that light?” Truly magical.
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That’s amazing, Diana, about your mom! So glad she had that experience. And sorry about my reference to blindness, I hope I didn’t offend you. There are moments when you really feel you can believe in magic, aren’t there, and for me that was one of them. Xxx
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Oh goodness. Not offended. I use the word all the time as it has it’s poetic moments. I love what you wrote. ❤ It really was my moment to see the supermoon.
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Diana, your prose is just on another level. Thank you for sharing this with us.
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Thanks, K’lee. I love to see you here, as always. Makes my day. Happy photo-wandering, my friend 🙂
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I enjoy every visit, Diana. Your world-building, character creation, and dialog seems so effortless and smooth. You’ve been blessed with a fantastic gift.
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Aww. You got me blushing. Many blessing back at you, my friend. ❤
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Much appreciated!
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As ever, I am struck by the care and detail that goes into your writing.
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Thank you for the visit and sweet comment, Frank. I hope you got a peek at the moon 🙂
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Too much cloud last night. I can see it through a veil of cloud tonight. I remember once driving at night and seeing the full moon low on the horizon directly ahead, and it looked twice its usual size. Took my breath away…
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That’s the best way. The optical illusion makes it look gigantic. Don’t drive off the road!
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Wonderful\, Diana. Your descriptions sing to me!
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Thanks for the lovely comment, Noelle. I’m listening to the song of the rain at this moment. Hope you have a great rest of the day and week 🙂
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Wonderful excerpt, Diana! And beautiful description of the moon and season, as always 😀 I feel fortunate I had the opportunity to see the “supermoon” (no clouds). Every time I see the full moon, it makes me wonder at the sheer power and beauty of nature. Have a great week!
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Thanks, Julie. That old moon is lovely every month, but I’m glad you got a glimpse of the big one. Happy editing!
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I’ve really enjoyed your moon series. They may be moons from your fantasy world, but they also make a lot of sense in our world.
Your power of observation is so acute, as is your ability to translate it back in words.
… and “Skitter” is such a great word. That describes so well the leaves that dance along the ground in the wind 🙂
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Thanks, Joanne. I added skitter at the last moment 🙂 A useful word. Yes, this fantasy world is like an alternate Earth. The next will be a little more out-landish!
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You’ve piqued my curiosity already 🙂
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Wonderful. I missed the moon, too cloudy here.
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Me too, here in eastern Australia.
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Yeah, too bad. The last one this big was in 1949, so I probably won’t live to see the next. Fortunately the moon is beautiful every night. Thanks for visiting, Micki. Have a great day ❤
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Stunning excerpt Diana. Your words always ring so lyrical. And 13 moons is enough, lol. Those moons have caused quite a bit of havoc this past year. And I managed to see that super moon this evening. 🙂
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Yes, 13 moons is enough 😀 I’m glad you got a glimpse of the supermoon. This is rainy season here, so no sky lights. Have a great week, my friend.
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Thanks Diana. Wishing you the same. Enough shenanigans from those moons. 🙂
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Amazing post with the beautiful images!
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Thanks so much 🙂 I’m glad you stopped by. Enjoy the magical moon and have a wonderful week!
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Thank you! U too!
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Reblogged this on Kate McClelland.
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Thanks for the reblog, Kate. You are too kind to me ❤
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Aww :0)
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Wonderful writing. After reading your writing I’m always inspired to write better. (I rarely succeed but at least you make me aspire to it.)
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Your writing is beautiful, Tric. Full of beautiful emotion. Thanks for stopping by and have a lovely month of the Water Moon 🙂
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Beautiful imagery as always, Diana. The sky is overcast here tonight, so we may not see it, but it was incredible last night. It’ll have to do. 🙂
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Thanks, Steven. No moons here. Just rain for another 6 months. I love it though, a great excuse to say inside and write 🙂
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Nothing better than rainy days and a warm fire to inspire. Good luck and have fun!
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Lovely! I noticed the moon last night at around 5 pm–a big orange ball!
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Thanks for reading, Marcia. We are in the rainy season here, so no moons. I’m glad you got a glimpse 🙂 Have a lovely week ❤
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Lovely imagery, perfect choice of words Diana! Those amazing pictures seem more like paintings! Thanks for sharing a wonderful excerpt. I saw the moon last night…as usual it was humming a lilting tune. 🙂
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A singing moon. How lovely is that. Thanks or the visit and comment. I hope your week continues to be magical ❤
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Fascinating excerpt, amazing write and stunning images! Thank you for sharing. And yes, I did catch a glimpse of the super moon. 😊
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Thanks for the lovely comment, Khaya. I’m so glad you saw the moon. We aren’t likely to see another this big in our lifetimes. Have a wonderful week 🙂
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I was able to catch a glimpse and photo of it last night in between clouds. I thought with all this time off work I’d be more than halfway through your books right now, but this PT takes up more than half my day! I’m going to have to set an alarm to set aside a “no PT or housework time” for a couple of hours. Life!!
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I’m glad you caught a bit of the moon. We are socked in so far. And those darn trees everywhere! PT first, my friend. Get yourself healthy 😀
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Nice! Moon, dragons, loved it!
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Thank you. I’m so glad you enjoyed it 🙂 I hope you get a glimpse of the moon tonight. Enjoy your week ❤
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Thank you I will!
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This is so beautiful to read. Wait…i am going to read it again.
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Ha ha ha. You crack me up. Thank you. I hope you have a wonderful week, my friend. ❤
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I hope you have a beautiful week ahead too. I find you truly inspiring.
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wow! Love the way you described the storm and the rains falling… with your wonderful description its not hard to see it… Thanks for sharing..
Have a great week ahead 🙂
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Thanks for the sweet comment. I hope you have a wonderful sunny month of the Water Moon 🙂
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Thanks 🙂
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I feel wet and cold just reading your description. Well done, Diana. Nature is so powerful.
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Thanks, Jacqui. The Water Moon has arrived out here in Oregon. 🙂
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Nicely written – vivid descriptions without being drawn out too long. 🙂
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Thanks Russell. It’s one of my favorite descriptions of the place because it’s somewhat unique. I’m glad I didn’t drag it out! 😀 Have a great week and happy writing.
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This is my fav!
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Thank you! It wraps up the series, so I guess it was a good pick. Enjoy tonight’s moon and have a lovely week 🙂
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I will! You too!! It was an excellent pick! 😊
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Thank you for letting us read part of your novel. You have great talent my friend.
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This is the last one of the moon series, Bridget. Time to wrack my brain for something else to blog 🙂 Have a great week, and if you have clear skies tonight, take a peek at the supermoon. ❤
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Your amazing imagery transports me! I can feel the rain and the warmth of the fire. Superb, Diana!
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Thanks for the visit, Dorinda. I’m actually enjoying the rain and a fire right now. I’m afraid the supermoon isn’t going to show in my sky tonight. Happy Writing, my friend.
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That’s usually what happens here, but tonight was a surprise! There will be others 🙂
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I love this one best so far 🙂
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Thanks, Cynthia. I had a hard time picking one to wrap up the year, so I’m glad you liked it. Happy Writing!
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That was just about the best moon ever. 🌝 Thanks for your excerpt, Diana. I forgot to mention…I read the Bone Wall last week, it was a welcome retreat from the political storm, a delightful look into your fantasy world, so enjoyable. Thanks. 💕
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Thanks so much, Van. Not a very cheery book! I guess that shows how bad the political storm was if The Bone Wall was a nice break. LOL. Many thanks and have a lovely week, my friend ❤
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I hope that it’s clear out tonight. If it is, I will be reminded of Meriel and Caron as I gaze upon the moon.
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Aww. A sweet comment, Rob. It’s raining here, of course. I do hope you catch the moon – the largest since 1949.
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