Setting 

A beach on a moonless night. 

The sounds of wildlife playing lightly in the background. 

There are no waves or changing of the tides.

 Characters 

ASTRID, NISHA, and THEROS can be played by any age.

All characters can be played by any race.

 ASTRID, an almost luminescent woman with thick pale blonde hair framing her round face and wide pale eyes. She stands barefoot in a pale butter yellow sundress with shining silver jewelry adorning her including a long pendant made of faintly glowing moonstone.

NISHA, a tall slender woman with long wild dark hair, that always appears damp, framing her face and piercing blue eyes. She wears a dark green wrap dress resembling seaweed and stands barefoot.

THEROS, a short hairy man of any race wearing furs formed into crude pants.

ALBA, a young ‘modern’ person dressed in nondescript clothing.

BAQI, a young ‘modern’ person dressed in nondescript clothing.

THANA, a young ‘modern’ person dressed in nondescript clothing.

 

☽☾

 

The ‘titles’ found throughout the play can be portrayed in whatever form the director desires, or ignored. Personally I think they could be portrayed via signage or projection. All stage directions 

involving this are in {} for ease of distinction.

 

The Beginning?

 

{The title ‘The Beginning?’ is displayed on a still stage and then removed.}

(The lights rise with ASTRID standing center stage on the beach staring pensively out at the sea with sounds of wildlife in the distance.)

ASTRID: Oh how I wonder what it is like to have company, like all the creatures of the sea. I stayed at such a distance for so long allowing all others to flourish and grow. Yet watching these schools of fish, pods of orcas, and blooms of jellyfish I feel I have missed something crucial.

(ASTRID turns from the sea wrapping her arms around herself in hollow comfort.)

ASTRID: Why should I suffer this lonely existence? How is it that all of this planet’s creatures deserve companionship and I just get to float alone through a dark and bleak expanse.

(ASTRID looks up at a moonless sky for a long moment.)

ASTRID: What cruel punishment is this ?! Why can’t I have a companion to share this existence with? Why must I be forever solitary…

(ASTRID kicks at the sand and moves the beach.)

ASTRID: Truly how bad could it be if I stayed…?

(ASTRID notices a shell at her feet and sits to admire it. Taking the shell and slowly turning it over in her hands. From stage left NISHA enters and the sounds of wildlife vanish. NISHA spots ASTRID and comes to a complete stop as she marvels at her from afar as ASTRID continues to examine the shell innocently.)

ASTRID: Such beauty left to the wayside. Do you have another half, or were you made to be alone too? Is this shiny allure of yours your way of protecting yourself from floating alone? 

ASTRID: I’ll tell you a secret little beauty...I am not supposed to be here, yet delicate designs like your own drew me in... I am supposed to float alone at the world's edge never coming near for destruction could follow…

(ASTRID looks up at the moonless sky.)

ASTRID: Yet nothing has been pulled apart yet….

(Beat as NISHA looks moved by ASTRID’s lament.)

NISHA: (Coyly) Where are you supposed to be then Sweetheart?

(ASTRID whips her head in the direction of NISHA’s voice. Her face, full of fear and curiosity.)

ASTRID: (Stuttering) Y..y...you...stay there. P...p...please do not come any closer.

NISHA: Huh? Why not? I have never met another…? Only the creatures of the sea..

(ASTRID stares in silent awe at NISHA.)

NISHA: Will you not answer my question, or shall I come closer?

ASTRID (Startled) NO! No...I...I am from...far away. That much I can say.

(NISHA settles into her place content with ASTRID’s answer and with curiosity written across her face.)

NISHA: Alright.... Then can you at least tell me your name?

ASTRID: ...You may call me ASTRID. 

NISHA: Hello ASTRID. I am NISHA. 

(NISHA pauses looking up at the night sky full of stars.)

NISHA: Aren’t the stars beautiful tonight?

ASTRID: (Looking up at the sky) I....I never truly noticed them before. They do have a certain beauty to them don’t they? 

ASTRID: No matter how far away they are.

(ASTRID and NISHA slowly  move to sit down beside each other as they appear to be talking to one another more but nothing is heard by the audience. As this is happening three groups of birds fly along the horizon.)

 

Evolution Of Mankind

 

{All action on stage freezes and the title, ‘Evolution of Mankind’ appears on stage. The title is removed and action resumes.}

(ASTRID and NISHA sit side by side in the sand with a space delicately held between them chatting. The horizon shows dark storm clouds beginning to form on both sides yet the sky right in front of them still has a view of the moonless sky. The sounds of far off winds play in the background.)

ASTRID: I never knew it was dark down there! From afar I assumed this…

NISHA: Water.

ASTRID: Yes yes, water. I assumed this water was perfectly habitable for all this planet’s creatures and filled with light! It is everywhere and glitters from afar.

(NISHA chuckles at ASTRID’s innocence)

NISHA: I adore the way you viewed this world from your vantage point, all beauty, light, and life.

ASTRID: I always thought planets were lit because of the sun and that was why no one likes moons because they come out and take away the bright light leaving only our dull reflection… (Beat.) So it is dark...under-water?

NISHA: Yes, after a certain point. Sunlight, or moonlight, only penetrates the water so far. Then after that it is just a dark expanse full of unseen life.

ASTRID: Like the stars!

(NISHA smiles sweetly at ASTRIDs enthusiasm with sadness in her eyes.)

NISHA: Yes, like how the stars were unseen by the moon (NISHA gives ASTRID a small smile) until she decided to take a little trip to visit us down here. 

(Both laugh slightly, NISHA full of adoration faintly tinted with sorrow, and ASTRID hesitantly. The women both lean back and stare out at the stars and the sea. They take a long moment to bask in what they have found in each other. Eventually a faint whistling is heard as it grows in strength the sounds of another coming storm emerges. THEROS enters from stage left whistling carrying pieces of driftwood. He pays no attention to the women down the beach as he continues his search. NISHA and ASTRID notice him part way in his approach along the beach. They both freeze cautious and uneasy.)

ASTRID: (Hushed) What is that?

NISHA: (Hushed) Uh…

ASTRID: (Hushed) I have not seen one of those before.

NISHA: (Hushed) Neither have I.

(ASTRID whips her head around to NISHA in confusion and a bit of fear.)

ASTRID: (Hushed) Well then what are we to do? If we do not know what it is...we do not know if it is dangerous.

(As the women are immersed in their conversation THEROS casually walks up behind them gathering driftwood.)

THEROS: (Jokingly) Boo!

(ASTRID squeals in fear and scoots closer to NISHA. NISHA instinctually grabs ASTRID in an attempt to protect her. When NISHA touches ASTRID a large clash of thunder roars across the sky and the storm clouds in the distance open up releasing sheets of rain streaked with lightning. THEROS laughs at the women's reaction ignoring the extreme change in weather.)

THEROS: (Startled and sarcastic) Damn, jest much?

ASTRID: (Worried) No! Oh no, oh no, oh no!

(ASTRID scrambles to get up and put distance between her and NISHA without getting closer to THEROS. THEROS follows the exchange like a tennis match, back and forth.)

NISHA: Oh bugger. Bollix. Fuck. Damn it! ASTRID I did not mean to upset you!

ASTRID: (Frazzled) This can’t be happening. Oh shit. This is wrong, all wrong.

(THEROS whistles one long single note in disbelief.)

ASTRID: (Scared) I need to leave. I have to go back.

NISHA: (Pleading) No Beautiful please. Stay. Stay here with me.

ASTRID: I can’t! Oh gods…

(THEROS loses interest in their conversation and continues back up  the beach.) 

NISHA: I won’t ever touch you again if it was that horrible. Just please stay…

ASTRID: Oh… 

ASTRID: NISHA no, feeling your touch was world altering. It makes me want to pull everything around us apart and reform it so we can be together. (THEROS exits stage right.) There is nothing that I want more than to stay here. With you. In your arms. 

NISHA: Then please...  Stay...

(NISHA takes a large step forward, arms open, ASTRID takes a quick small step back pain clearly in her eyes.)

ASTRID: No...I should go...go back there that is… (ASTRID quickly looks up at the moonless sky.)

(ASTRID goes to walks past NISHA, pauses beside her and gives her hand a small squeeze then lets go, moving to exit. The sounds of the storms increase at their touch.)

 

High Tide

 

{All action on stage freezes as the title ‘High Tide’  is displayed. Once the title has been removed, action again resumes.}

(ASTRID moves to exit stage left yet hesitates looking out to the horizon along the sea. Turning back to stage right she realizes the tide is now high, blocking off her exit. Sheepishly ASTRID turns back around to face NISHA standing farther up the beach.)

ASTRID: What is this sorcery? The whole time I have been here this water has not moved? What have you done?

NISHA: (Confused) Well it looks like high tide…

ASTRID: High tide? What is that?

NISHA: Well the sea’s level is usually affected by the moon's pull... 

(NISHA looks up at the moonless sky.) 

NIISHA: That’s why the water levels have been the same the whole time you've been here. 

ASTRID: Well fix it then NISHA! I have to leave…

(Considering the situation a look of realization comes across NISHA’s face.)

NISHA: What if this is a sign ASTRID? What if this happened to keep you here. Maybe you should stay…

ASTRID: It is an omen (Beat) I am just not so sure it is a good omen like you believe. I want to stay, yet that seems like too easy of an answer. (Beat while she looks across the high tide to the stage left exit.) What if I…(ASTRID looks back at NISHA) What did you call it…...Swim! That is it. (To herself) If i can just swim across I can create some distance between us and then try and figure this out…

(ASTRID begins slowly stepping towards the water while NISHA appears at a loss for words. Once ASTRID is near the water it begins to flow towards her forming tendrils reaching for her. ASTRID doesn’t notice this as she has become entranced in her walk into the water. Soon she is being enveloped by these tendrils of water. NISHA snaps out of her own enthralled state.)

NISHA: ASTRID! Stop! (NISHA runs forward to ASTRID’s side.) Please ASTRID! This is not natural. You have to stop. You are not meant to be this close to the water! Come on ASTRID, I am trying to do as you wish and not touch you! You have to snap out of it! 

(Beat as the water continues to crawl up ASTRID.) 

NISHA: That is it! (NISHA Throws her hands up in exasperation then physically grabs ASTRID by the arm.) Stop this nonsense now Atrsid!

(When NISHA touches ASTRID the water falls to the ground. ASTRID is still seemingly lost as she allows NISHA to gently guide her further up the beach avoiding the high tide. Once up the beach they stare out at the moonless sky. ASTRID stares blankly while NISHA is clearly ridden with anxiety.)

NISHA: (To herself) What was that? All of my existence I have been a part of the sea, yet I have never seen it act like that. (Beat.) It was like it wanted to pull her into the deep. That was not natural… 

NISHA: I have to protect her. Even if it is from my own entity. 

(A look of determination appears on NISHA’s face as she steadies her resolve. As NISHA is coming to this realization ASTRID begins to float out of her trance. All of the sudden she releases a heartbreaking wail and crumples into NISHA ignoring her own rule of not touching.)

ASTRID: (Distraught) Oh NISHA it was horrible! I was trapped...trapped here on this planet yet I was somewhere dark and cold and full of menacing life hidden in the darkness. I was frozen, forced to watch all the destruction I caused, unable to act, to return and bring balance back. (Beat) You were there too, all around me, yet I could not see you. I couldn’t breathe. Oh it was terrifying!

(ASTRID turns her face into NISHA and sinks to the ground crying into the other woman's hair. NISHA appears to be torn between her desire to hold ASTRID near and her concern at what just occurred.)

NISHA: It...it is okay. I have you now. That is what matters at this moment. I have you and you are safe in my arms. I will protect you and everything you hold dear. 

(As the women sit in their embrace the storms grow worse and worse howling winds and the rain sounds close by now. THEROS comes running from stage left clearly worried, now clad with a fur as a cloak a spear slung over his shoulder attached to a long piece of crudely formed vine rope.)

THEROS: (Out of breath) I don’t know where you two generally seek shelter but you need to find it now. There are swirling howling winds coming towards the beach both from over the ridge and out at sea. (He points out away from the sea and then out to one side of the sea.) They will be here soon and none of my brethren or I have ever seen anything like this before. You need to find shelter!

(As THEROS finishes speaking the rain reaches them and a complete downpour begins. ASTRID and NISHA remain still, tightly clutching each other.)

THEROS: (Exasperated) Fine! Be that way, we will be taking shelter. But if you think you are stronger than a reckoning of nature feel free to stay here.

NISHA: (Quietly) We will be fine. Go. 

(THEROS turns and runs back out stage right.)

 

Prophecy

 

{Once again action on stage freezes as the next title ‘Prophecy’  is shown. Once the title is removed, action on stage begins again.}

ASTRID: (Exhausted) I have no doubt you want to protect me...keep me safe here in your arms. 

(Beat.) Yet I fear that may not be possible...feeling your skin against mine. (Sighs.) There is such an all consuming pull towards you. Monumentally more intense than the pull I have felt since I first met you. It is as if you are me and I am you. 

(Long pause while NISHA pulls ASTRID in closer before looking back at her face full of serenity from having ASTRID in her arms, giving the storm raging around them no mind. ASTRID sits upright straining NISHA's grip. Her face is blank as if she is present somewhere far from their beach. A singular howling wind persists.)

ASTRID: (In an eerie voice not her own)

Two halves of the same lonely existence finally meet,

A forbidden meeting filled with disastrous temptation.

(Beat as ASTRID stands up looking out to the horizon along the sea.)

ASTRID: (Eerily curious)

Together they can wrought monstrous destruction,

Reform the heavens and earth… 

Wipeout life before it can enter its next age,

Creating an era of their own making:

With love above all else 

As storms rampage through barren lands,

Across calm seas, and under an empty sky.

Or is it that these two halves can stay apart?

Idly watching from afar

As time winds past and through

Each moment seeming a second and eternity in one.

Never able to hold another, 

Only their own cold embraces welcome them,

Memories haunting each moment of their solitary existence.

(Beat as ASTRID turns to face NISHA face intense and yet not hers.)

ASTRID: (Insistent yet entertained eerie voice)

Tick tock…

Will they invent the clock?

Or will they bring them to rot?

(ASTRID crumples to the ground as if a puppet with its strings abruptly cut and the singular howling wind disperses back into the sounds of the storm. NISHA rushes to her side gently brushing ASTRID’s hair from her face without touching her skin.)

NISHA: (Softly) Darling… Hey… Where did you go?

(NISHA gently touches ASTRID to begin trying to rouse her. At the slightest touch ASTRID’s eyes spring open and she clutches NISHA’s forearm.)

ASTRID: I have seen it! I have seen the written history to come. There is a whole destiny that relies on us. 

ASTRID: Well there are two really… That creature we met earlier, his kind goes on to build cities and touch the stars! Even venture wearily into your depths! They create such beauty...yet so much destruction follows in their wake… They will slowly kill this planet and other creatures, even each other. (Beat while ASTRID and NISHA both shiver at the memory/thought.) But… (ASTRID looks at NISHA with large tearful eyes.) we would have to be apart. 

NISHA: (Feigning confidence) And why don’t we want this other destiny? If we are together I am sure it has merit.

(ASTRID looks off into the moonless sky above a motionless sea.)

ASTRID: (Slightly afraid) You did not see it. The destruction that our choices may bring to this planet will completely reshape it. Just as our attraction has been forming it even prior to our meeting. This pull between us is not just emotional. It is a force of nature. One to not be toyed with.

ASTRID: If we stay together that creature’s whole species will die out. As will many of the air, land, and even the sea. (ASTRID looks back into NISHA’s eyes at the word sea.) All of the beautiful things on this planet will rot. (ASTRID pulls from NISHA to look her in the eyes.) Our proximity to each other is what is causing this. Our pull that feels so electrifying is disastrous to everything around us, the planet and its occupants. 

(Beat as ASTRID stands up taking three steps from NISHA then turning to face her still crouched in the sand.)

 

Goodbye

​

{Motion on stage freezes as the title ‘Goodbye’ is displayed. Once the title is removed from the stage the action begins again.}

(As this all happens they are moved into the eye of the storms that have collided. Everything immediately around them is calm while the world beyond is being pulled apart.)

(NISHA straightens herself  up to her full height, emulating the power she holds as small waves begin lapping at the shore.)  

NISHA: FUCK THEM THEN! Why does it matter if they create these so-called cities?! You yourself said they will also kill this planet, its creatures and each other! 

NISHA: (Defeated.)

 ...Why is that so much more important than us?

(ASTRID seems taken aback by NISHA's sudden outburst and moves to close the gap and comfort Nisha. NISHA swiftly turns from ASTRID’s advance. ASTRID appears hurt and hovers close behind her but not touching NISHA.)

ASTRID: NISHA...we are made for each other. You know it and I know it. Yet we can not be together just now. We should let this planet's creatures follow the path before them. 

ASTRID: The creatures of this planet will create wondrous things even while destroying their own home. They will even come visit me in the sky and explore your depths. (NISHA seems to soften at this and the small waves cease.) We will not be completely alone. These creatures will come to call themselves mankind and they will be near us while we can not be together. 

ASTRID: I know that does not seem enough for you...I just need to let them flourish so I may know what else lies with me in the dark with the stars...I must know NISHA…

...I am sorry.

(NISHA seems to break at this apology from ASTRID yet she still does not turn. After a long stretch of silence ASTRID raises her hand to place it on NISHA’s back and hovers right beyond NISHA. Tears now pour down ASTRID's face as she fights an internal war waiting for NISHA to turn and face her begging her to stay. It doesn’t happen.)

ASTRID: (Demure) I love you. 

NISHA: (Heartbroken and without turning around) I love you, Mea Luna.

(ASTRID drops her hand, turns away from NISHA, and after briefly hesitating she walks away towards stage right.  Once ASTRID has made it a bit more than halfway to the water NISHA turns towards ASTRID.)

NISHA: (Quitely) So you are leaving me for some hairy little species? 

(ASTRID stops completely without turning to face NISHA.)

NISHA: You are leaving me here alone.

ASTRID: You will not ever be alone.

ASTRID: There are so many creatures in your depths and mankind will be here. They will eventually keep both of us company.

NISHA: (Filling with power as small waves again lap at the shore) THEY ARE INSIGNIFICANT! They are so weak and meaningless. I have felt the power of the universe in my own hands.

NISHA: (Sweetly) When they are holding you. 

(The power NISHA had gathered seeps out of her and the waves stop again. ASTRID stands ridgid listening to NISHA’s anger.)

ASTRID: (Cooly) Well at least you have creatures to view as less than. I have only myself in a cold expanse. No stars truly near; they only appear close from here. 

NISHA: (Defeated) I am sorry ASTRID. You are right. If you wish to one day see these hairy little creatures all the way up there (She looks to the moonless sky) then I vow to let them flourish. (Beat. Aside, under her breath.) Once they are no longer afraid of me that is.

(ASTRID does not hear this aside. ASTRID softens at NISHA’s vow.)

ASTRID: Thank you my love. (Long Beat.) They will marvel at our strength and tell stories of our love. I swear it.

(NISHA appears taken aback at this as ASTRID strides confidently into the sea. The water runs up her body in tendrils like before except this time ASTRID is in control, even seeming to glow everywhere the water touches. The tendrils engulf her as she walks farther out. Once fully engulfed the water begins to swirl about her reaching for the moonless sky and taking ASTRID along with it. ASTRID turns in the water to face NISHA as she is fully illuminated, hair fanned out all around her forming a circle. ASTRID's voice is heard.)

ASTRID: I love you, Mare meum.

(NISHA stands in awe as ASTRID ascends from the towering water and retakes her place in the sky. In a flash ASTRID is gone and the full moon, the same color as her glow, hangs in the sky. The moment that ASTRID ascends the storms disperse. And the sounds of wildlife return along with distant celebratory hollering.)

(NISHA slowly sits down in the sand. As she does she sees the shell ASTRID had originally been holding and picks it up holding it like it could save her from this nightmare. NISHA looks fiercely at the shell.)

NISHA: (Determined and forlorn) We will see each other again. Some day.

 

The End?

 

{Action on stage freezes as the title ‘The End?’ appears. Once the title is removed from the stage the action begins again.}

(NISHA is sitting forlorn staring up at the full moon that hangs low on the horizon. NISHA spins the shell ASTRID once held in her hands.)

NISHA: Why…? Why does the one to complete me have to be so far from me? (Beat.) Sweet ASTRID...why couldn’t it have been I who had to leave? You didn’t deserve to go back to the existence you dreaded. You were the one who should get to continue to know this world.

(From stage left enters THEROS, dressed in peasants clothing, looking around joyfully. He then notices the moon hanging in the sky and becomes in awe of it. After a moment THEROS notices NISHA sitting father down the beach. He eagerly comes to stand slightly behind NISHA.)

THEROS: Can you believe it, those crazy storms finally dispersed...and what is that thing in the sky? (Beat.) It is too big to be a star.

NISHA: It’s beauty personified… it’s called the moon…

(NISHA looks full of sorrow as she gets up and turns away from the sea to face THEROS.)

THEROS: Wait, what’s wrong?

(Realizing, THEROS looks around in search of ASTRID taking a few steps in the process then turning back to NISHA confused.)

THEROS: Where is the other? You two have always been together…

THEROS: When I left to take shelter from the storm you two were here together.

(As NISHA listens she becomes visibly angry clutching the shell in her fist.)

NISHA: She left!

NISHA: She had to go back…

(Beat while THEROS digests this information.)

THEROS: Then she must have missed home. I know I would miss it here if I left or gods forbid something happened to it…

(This is the last straw for NISHA as she snaps at THEROS for being unaware of his role in ASTRID’s departure.)

NISHA: (Screaming) YOU! She left for you! To keep you and your ~delicate~ little species safe! (Her voice drops to an angry speaking level) She would have given any part of herself to stay here. (NISHA’s voice drops to a hushed tone.) But sacrificing you was too much for her.

(NISHA begins crying intensely as THEROS just stands there dumbfounded. After a long moment THEROS steps towards NISHA and puts his hand on her shoulder in comfort.)

NISHA: DO NOT TOUCH ME!

(NISHA yells through her tears bringing her hand up and hitting THEROS’ hand off of her with as much force as she can muster. THEROS looks shocked.)

THEROS: I’m sure she did the right thing.

(NISHA flies into a fury at this statement storming past THEROS, shoulder checking him in the process. Once she is halfway between stage left and THEROS NISHA turns back to him.)

NISHA: What was right for YOU!

NISHA: You are the reason she left! YOU!

(As NISHA yells the last “you” she throws the shell at THEROS. It hits him in the chest and falls to the ground, broken. At the shell hitting THEROS the sound of undistinguished war cries begins from stage right. THEROS rushes towards stage left waving his arms shouting.)

THEROS: Nay! Stay back. I am fine. (Beat as the sound of war cries stops at his reassurance.) She is hurt. It is only human of her..

(At this sentiment NISHA turns back to the sea defeated.)

NISHA: If only...then maybe she would have stayed for me. If I was one of her precious delicate beauties....

(THEROS stands silently watching NISHA as the sounds of wildlife are heard.)

THEROS: (Softly) You truly loved her, didn’t you?

NISHA: (Speaking up to the moon) Yes I do.

(Then NISHA turns back to THEROS.)

NISHA: How would you know of love?

THEROS: Why, you two showed me. That’s how. (Beat.) I will teach the others and it will be your two's legacy.

(Beat.)

NISHA: Thank you.

THEROS: I’ll leave you now. It seems you need to be alone with this…moon of yours.

NISHA: (Exhausted) Yes.

(THEROS exits stage right. NISHA looks for the pieces of the shell. Finding them she sits and silently cries over them. Then a beautiful orb of moonstone rolls from stage left to NISHA. She places the shell pieces beside her and picks up the orb. Looking at it lovingly for a long moment NISHA finally looks back up at the moon.)

NISHA: I love you too.

(Lights fade leaving only two spotlights. One on the moon and another on NISHA. Then the spotlight on NISHA fades. Then the Spotlight on the moon. Leaving darkness. A long moment persists while the next scene is set.)

 

The Legend Beyond 

{With no action on stage the title ‘The Legend Beyond’ appears. Once the title is removed from the stage the following scene commences.}

(The lights rise slightly to show THEROS dressed in nondescript ‘modern’ clothing sitting around a small fire with three younger companions on a beach under a low hanging full moon. Waves lap at the shore while sounds of thriving wildlife are heard in the background. A small basket full of moonstone sits beside THEROS. A small shell sits neatly in front of ALBA while BAQI and THANA both hold small twigs.)

THEROS: Now that we are finished searching for moonstone along the beach would anyone like to share any stories?

(ALBA becomes excited at the idea. BAQI appears disinterested. And THANA is restless, wanting the night to end.)

ALBA: Oh but Sir you tell the best tales out of all of us! Sometimes I swear it’s like you were there. Please, will you tell us a story?

THANA: (Mockingly) Oh yes Sir please tell us another long winded tale of yours. I could just die if you don’t!

(BAQI snorts lightly at the joke.)

THEROS: Now we are out amongst the moon and the sea. We are to be nice to each other THANA.

(THEROS take a long moment pondering which tale to tell tonight looking out at the sea and the moon. THANA becomes more and more restless as this moment drags on. ALBA sits patiently waiting. And BAQI sits doodling in the sand with a small twig.)

(THEROS claps his hands together once then pulls out a small moonstone from the basket.) 

THEROS: Say…? Have I ever told y’all why we can find moonstone along the beach?

ALBA: No you haven’t! Oh please tell us. I feel I must know now.

BAQI (Indifferent) Oh. No you actually haven’t told us that story yet.

THANA: Oh wow. Fucking shocking. The old man has more stories.

(THEROS sighs disapprovingly at THANA’s language but says nothing. THEROS instead settles in to tell his story. ALBA is excited. BAQI stops doodling and patiently looks at THEROS. THANA could seem to care less as they dig a small ragged hole in the sand with their own twig.)

THEROS: Once there were two lovers who were destined to be apart. One outcasted so she was floating forever alone and left yearning for a companion. We shall call her ASTRID. The other was left to the depths of the sea. Millions of companions in the creatures who dwelled in the same depths. We shall call her NISHA. The two are special. See, for them time moves all at once yet painstakingly slow. 

ALBA: Ooo I bet they are princesses!

(THANA silently mocks ALBA.)

THEROS: (Chuckles slightly) No they are not princesses. They are the Moon and the Sea and they were in love the moment they laid eyes on each other. 

BAQI: But I thought one was outcasted and the other stuck in the sea?

THEROS: Yes BAQI, they were. But ASTRID broke her main rule and left the sky to come down to Earth before the panet truly had a name. 

(BAQI begins idly playing with their twig once more while THANA’s digging begins to slow as they listen.)

THEROS: Once ASTRID was down here on our Earth Nisha was drawn up to the coast for reasons unknown to her. She walked the coast until she found ASTRID talking to a sea shell of all things.

(ALBA giggles and scoops up her own shell. BAQI smirks and chuckles a bit. THANA gives no reaction.) 

THEROS: NISHA finds this endearing and begins a centuries long courtship on their own beach. Once they had introduced themselves they could not be separated. The weather even grew more intense to parallel their love. Yet they never touched. Well they never touched until yours truly came along. Even they did not find my jokes very funny.

THANA: Yeah right like you were really there. You’re just writing yourself in!

(ALBA appears outraged by this. BAQI shakes their head in disapproval.)

THEROS: Well it is my tale so I will tell it how I know it. May I continue? (Beat.)

Thank you. Where was I? Oh yes! I had entered the scene looking like one of our long forgotten ancestors. I tried to make a joke and it fell flat but something did come from it. ASTRID and NISHA touched in their…disbelief of my poor joke. 

(ALBA and BAQI laugh lightly at this. THANA grumbles.)

THEROS: That is when the storms began. Their touch was the linchkey to out right chaos. For centuries to follow there were incredibly intense storms raging  and the temperatures plummeted. Many of our ancestors were lost to the mayhem. 

(THANA stops digging and is just sorta poking the sand now.)

THEROS: They were in love. There was no denying it. They fought for what felt like forever over whether they should be together or not. For our sake. NISHA wanted to bring ruin to the world if it meant holding her beloved in her arms, yet ASTRID could not suffer our demise. Eventually ASTRID won out and NISHA vowed to let our species flourish. ASTRID returned to her place in the sky. As NISHA wept she briefly took out her frustration on the nearest creature, me. 

THANA: (Under their breath) Yeah right, old man. 

THEROS: Now young stone hunters I share with you this secret: ASTRID sent down a perfect orb of moonstone for her beloved to hold in her stead. Since then NISHA has calmed and the sea has become traversable. Now small pieces of moonstone wash ashore and float through the sea’s depths as love letters between the Moon and the Sea. This is why we have such high respect for these stones.

(THEROS grabs the basket and stands up facing out to the sea. ALBA follows suit hurriedly and takes their place beside THEROS, shell in hand. BAQI takes their time to stand up and join THEROS and ALBA leaving their twig beside their doodles. THANA begrudgingly rises and moves to be inline with the others but with a large space held between them. THANA takes their twig and flings it into the waves.)

THANA: That was a pretty dumb story, old man. Like the Sea is actually a woman. 

(THANA scoffs and exits out stage right kicking sand along the way.)

BAQI: It was quite a fantastical tale THEROS. I liked the sound of it. Time moves all at once yet painstakingly slow…

THEROS: Thank you BAQI.

(BAQI and THEROS bow towards each other and BAQI calmly wonders off stage left exiting. ALBA grabs THEROS’ hand as they look out at the sea and the moon in silence.)

ALBA: (Wistfully) I would love to meet them…

THEROS: Well ALBA, they were quite something together and apart. 

ALBA: Will they ever get to be together Sir?

THEROS: I believe they will. One day when our species is long gone and through they will get to be reunited. Until then all we can do is help collect their love letters to each other.

(THEROS holds up the basket in reference. Then he turns to walk off stage right with ALBA.)

ALBA: The moon is very beautiful.

THEROS: She is the personification of beauty.

(THEROS and ALBA exit stage right as the lights fade to black with a singular spotlight on the moon. The spotlight then fades leaving nothing but darkness and the remains of their fire.)

 

End Of Play