Exton

Grace looks around smiling behind her mask. So many people... She did not know she had touched so many lives. A hand touches her arm, and she looks into the sparkling deep blue eyes framed by the flowers and pale green leaves of the mask of Spring.

The silken robe that matches the mask is spring green and pale yellow, bringing to mind the pale daffodils that Grace always bought from the florist each spring.

The young woman points at her sister dancing with her lover. Then at Erik and Star standing with Keon. Both Star and Keon have left their hair hang loose. The tips of their ears peek through the shimmering falls, exacting nothing but how lovely, or realistic, their costumes are. The trio looks up as four robed women approach them. Herne appears just as the foursome are close enough to speak quietly in the noisy throng.

"May I introduce to you the Goddesses of the Seasons."

"Spring"

Tara inclines her head, titling her mask up slightly as she raises her head. She winks at Erik. She quickly drops the mask in place, adjusting her flowing pale robes regally.

"Summer"

The mask, of deep green oak leaves and acorns, and robes, of sea greens and turquoise blues, had seemed oddly compatible. Her robe is fastened with an acorn broach. She extends and elegent, pale blue hand and raises her eyes to meet Keon's.

His breath catches and he smiles, bowing over her hand. He kisses the acorn ring on her hand, brushing his lips surreptitiously over the pale skin. "My favorite season..."

"Autumn"

The woman in golds, browns, and reds takes a step closer to the trio. She lays a hand on the still flat plane of Star's belly. Her hazel green eyes darken slightly to a deeper brown. She blinks, dislodging tears. Star steps back into Erik's arm, staring at the eyes in the mask of fall colors. Tears fill her own eyes when the woman whispers "My baby is having a baby."

Star's lips move as her eyes swirl through a kaleidoscope of color changes. She tries again, the words barely audible. "Momma? How"

The woman nods, and gathers Star into her arms, slipping her mask up just enough to kiss her daughter's cheek. "Thanks to Grace. And Lord Herne."

As they part, she dabs Star's cheeks, then wipes under the mask, replacing it and stepping back into place.

Herne bows his head to Star as her mother steps back. He nods to the last figure in snow white and ice blues.

"Winter."

Grace nods regally to the trio, smiling behind her mask. They begin to nod back, but Keon pauses as the woman cocks her head to the left slightly, tilting as if seeing something others do not. He grins and reaches out for her hand. She lays a pale hand in his ebony black palm. As he leans forward, he mutters just loud enough for their group to hear. "You just couldn't stay away from your own party, could you."

Her eyes flash merrily as Mera gurgles and claps in recognition, reaching for Grandma Grace. She caresses the baby's cheek. "Never could resist a great party, and the "Others" in this town threw me one hell of a wake. I was surprised when My Lord Herne suggested it. Once I met Star's mom... well... I was allowed some companions."

She gestures to the three other women. "They are now my family through all of you. I had to bring them." She leans close again. "Once, I was alone and lonely. Thanks to all of you, I am not, anymore."