Act one: Scene three

In her room, Starfire hummed to herself. Not long before had she been told a party would enchant their house this night. She instantly sent for her childhood friend, Raven, so they could prepare together. That was who she was expecting when there was a knock at her door. Instead she came face to face with her sister. "Good Evening, Sister, what brings you here?" Starfire asked.

"Not for pleasant reasons I fear," Blackfire answered as she forced her way into the bedroom. She shut the door with Starfre looking on in confusion. Then, Blackfire took Starfire's arm and lead her away from the door. Certain it was safe to speak, Blackfire explained, "Starfire, please, listen well. You may not like what I have to tell." Now Starfire was at full attention. "There cam a King to our door. He declares he wants you as his whore."

Starfire gasped. Furry raised in her words as she spoke, "This is horrible? Does his queen know too?"

"Actually, he intends his Queen to be you."

"I will not do it! We won't even meet!"

"Starfire listen... you may need a seat," following her own instructions, Blackfire sat at the end of the bed. Carefully, Starfire did the same. "He's offering to give the desires of your heart. And it would not be often you would do your part."

"He will not give feelings true and pure. For me to wed him, I am not sure." Blackfire sighed as she reached into the bag she had been carrying. She pulled out the scroll the king had given her. She sorrowfully handed it to Starfire. Starfire could sense her sister's dismay as she took the parchment. She opened it to read the golden print inside. Her eyes grew wide and her jaw dropped as she read the cursed message. "He'll touchier everyone of Tamaran, and burn the house until it's sand!"

"And it will only get worse if he can not have your hand."

"My hand he can have, the rest not a chance! I swear I'll run him through with a lance!"

"Though that would be an enjoyable show, I am afraid my responsibility is to tell you 'no'." There was a moment of silence before Blackfire continue. "His name is Kind Mod, of the Eastern Thrown. Other than that, not much is known. For the sake of all in Tamaran, I think it's best you marry this man."

"I understand, but why not another? Must it be I?"

"Yes, dear sister, for you have caught his eye."

"Then for my home, It is better I say yes. How did I get into this terrible mess?"

"Oh dear Starfire, for you I cry. All this happening, and without reason why. I don't blame you, the man is thick. It's apparent all he wants is a rub on his..."

There was a sudden, gentle knock at the door. Both sisters glanced at the wooden block aid between them and their visitor. Then, Blackfire turned Starfire's head to face her once again. "Now listen to me, remember what I said. Be presentable for the man you will wed." Starfire nodded sadly as Blackfire made to leave. Upon opening the door it was revealed the new arrival was Raven of the Clan of Azarath. "Come in, come in, I can not wait. Already I have guests at the gate," Blackfire hurriedly lead Raven into the room before departing. Silence remained as the pair listened to Blackfire's steps fading with distance. Then Raven noticed the saddened look on Starfire's face. "Starfire, what troubles you? Is there anything I can do?"

Starfire sighed, "Do not fret my dearest friend. In time my broken heart will mend." Raven frowned deeply, but said nothing. She walked over to Starfire and placed a hand on the other girl's shoulder. Starfire smiled slightly at her friend's comfort. Then Raven walked over to the vanity. "Come and sit, You hair is in need of a fix. You can't go to a ball with this terrible mix," she ordered. Starfire obliged. After collecting the brush, and setting to work, Rave added, "Please tell me why your heart does ache. So much so your joyful spirit did break."

Unshed tears sparkled in Starfire's eyes as she explained, "On this night, I do grieve. I will be meeting a monster on this eve."

"What monster is this you speak?"

"One who makes my heart grow weak. He who wants my hand, you see. He offers riches not love, oh how can this be?!" At this, Raven set down the brush. She gathered a chair from the corner, and sat with her friend. "Do tell me more. Is he from our shore?"

"No, he is not, He's from a far off place. I wonder if he is even of the human race!"

"Calm yourself; please don't fret. He may be a good man yet."

"My sister may not know of him, but what I know fills me with grim. Argent did tell me, he's the king of her Clan. Though he is handsome, he is a cruel man."

"Well, he's a beau, that's at least good for show."

"But at the price of a bruised face? And to not live life at my own pace? What life is that I have been led? He's not the one, and I refuse to wed!"

"This situation is difficult, that much is true, but just what is it you intend to do?"

"I will make my stand and fight. Let King Mod feel my furriers might! A kick to his jewels, and a smash on the head! He'll regret wanting me for his bed." Raven did not know if she should be proud of Starfire's determination, or annoyed with her friend's stubborn nature.

"Either way, you'll need to look your best. Hurry now, it's time you get dressed," Raven hoped this would end the conversation. Starfire, however, was not through. "But what of love, and the feelings of my heart?"

"Starfire, I ask that you please don't start."

"I want to love a man that I choose! Before it is my happiness I lose."

"Love and happiness, of this you talk. Come with me, we'll go for a walk."

Raven lead the way out of the room and down the winding hallways. Starfire followed unsure of her friend's intentions. Finally the pair reached a large window at the front of the house. They stood there a moment watching brightly coloured guests all bound in masks enter the front garden. Early dancers swayed with the tune played by the band. The night air was filled with joy and cheer. It was a completely different atmosphere then Starfire felt trapped inside of. "Those ladies there, all married by force. Yet they lead life at a normal course. They do their best, and what will be will be. The time will come where it is the same for you and me. If you wait for the one you love, you'll end up like the sorrowful dove. She cies and coos, for the love she will choose, but most of her life will pass her by, as she waits for that one special guy. And so lonely she will stay, as he life does pass away. It's a shame such a pretty thing, with snow feathers and a heart's song to sing, would deny all other males, for that one love that supposedly never fails. Do you understand what it is I said? Ride yourself of this heart of dread. If you love man that have not a cent of silver or gold? or not even a wondrous warm household? What if you don't have a bed to sleep? All this and more makes my heart weep. You are my true friend, unlike any other. Just as My mother was with your mother. I am saying this so that you may be well cared, and I will be here for you when hardship can not be bared."

"Raven, you are my friend, and you always look after me. But is it wrong to want a choice that's free?"

"No, I guess not, but for now, perish the thought. We must hurry and get our gowns, and do away with these frowns." Starfire nodded in agreement, but just before they made to leave, Raven added, "Know this my friend, if there is a way for you to be free, then I will do everything in my power to help thee." Starfire smiled and hugged Raven with renewed hope. "Oh thank you Raven, you're such a dear. Come now, let's be off, the hour is near!"

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Sorry guys, only one tonight. I hope this is alright.

... AH! I'm sill doing it! My family is gonna wonder what's up with me if I start speaking in rhyme! Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed. See you again soon :)