Act One Scene Two

Inside the temple, in a large room decorated with symbols of every star sign, and a table in the center, a grand spread of white, a young woman wearing traditional priestess garb was lighting incense of complimenting flavors and placing them in burning bowls scattered across the room in regular intervals. She held up her white and red hem as she moved about so as not to trip, and kept her hood bent down to free her violet locks. Her deep indigo eyes reflected the light of the many candles. Things were ready. Just then the doors opened to allow through the first arrivals. A group of men with their elements.

"Lords Fire, Wind, Water, and Earth, you are all early as usual." She greeted bowing graciously.

The seasons were next. Princess Winter in her elegant ice blue gown and hair pinned up regally. Princes Autumn and Summer whispering conspiratorially to each other. And last young Princess Spring, her hair up in a pony-tail and wearing a…..

"Spring, what is that outfit?" the priestess asked unable to contain her confusion.

"Oh this?" She asked, twirling at a lock of her brown hair that had escaped the pink scrunchy. "This dear Starshine, is called a poodle skirt." She whirled around letting the pink skirt fly. "I predict that in about 5000 years this outfit will be the in-thing on Earth. Do you like?" She seemed very proud of her decision in dress.

Starshine swallowed. "Well, it's very creative to be sure."

"Oh please, Star, you don't need to sugarcoat your opinions for her. Just be honest, it's ridiculous!" Winter stated primly, sitting down in her seat.

Spring stuck out her tongue before replying. "To you, maybe, but that's because you HAVE no fashion sense, Princess Outfit-Repeater!"

Winter made jump across the table and strangle her sister, but Star quickly intervened.

"Now now, settle down the pair of you! The Great One will be here very soon, now SIT!" Star was used to breaking up these pre-meeting squabbles.

The next arrival brought much gladness to Star's heart. Her brother, Meteyo, with his short platinum hair and long white robes, swept over to cloak her in a strong hug. She rarely saw her brother, what with his duties controlling the time-space and the movement of the universe.

"Meteyo," she exclaimed returning his hug. After she motioned to his customary seat across from her. "And now we are just waiting on…."

The double doors slammed open as a woman wearing a long robe not unlike Star's or Meteyo's, only it was blue with a high ornate collar, entered.

"No, Flora, you can't just decide to put roses in an arctic climate! Are you insane!"

"No more than you are, Miss. Platypus! What do you call that anyway?" countered another man, an oriental type wearing a green kimono. "Seriously, Fauna!"

"Well, the Great One liked it. But roses in such a cold climate, he'd never agree to that."

"We'll see, won't we?"

Starshine rushed to them, bowing in courtesy. "Empress, Emperor, so good to see you both." She said in a rush. "Please sit, the Great One will be arriving soon and the conference will begin."

As if on cue, a billow of odorless yellow smoke filled the center of the room. The smoke cleared to admit the Great One and his new hire. Everyone stood and bowed in respect for their benevolent ruler. The kindly man waved his hands, banishing the smoke and simultaneously giving the order to sit down.

"My friends, my family, it makes my old heart glad to see all of us together again, as yet another year draws to a close. But before we open with the minutes from our last quarterly meeting, I have an announcement." The Great One moved aside to make Drake more visible. "This, my children, is the newest and final addition to our ranks, Dark Heart."

Drake looked at him. Shouldn't he have a say in what he would be called here? Why couldn't he just go by his given name? He was so deep in thought concerning the fact, he didn't even notice someone come up to greet him.

"It's good to have you with us Dark Heart." a voice broke into his reflection.

He shook his head to clear it and his eyes focused on the woman with the long purple hair and sparkling indigo eyes. He took a long deep breath and let it out in a husky, breathy, "Hi,"

A couple of giggles broke out along the table as Starshine extended her hand. "I'm Lady Starshine."

AN: And our two lovebirds have met. Who knows what will happen next.