Disclaimer: I do not own Inkheart or any of Cornelia Funke's characters. They were created by her and loved by me. Thank you!!!

The night sky lit up as a fire dragon raged around the blissful air. The twinkling stars only added to the beauty of the dazzling flames spreading in the atmosphere. A crowd had gathered to watch the brilliant Fire-Dancer perform. All eyes were on the mystical illuminations forming around them. The two most common viewers sat front row, allowing the fire to practically burn their eyes. These two were no other then Lieon and Katriana, who were about four years a piece. Katriana caught the eyes of the Fire-Dancer as he juggled a few fireballs in the air. A wink, a smile, this is what Katriana craved. And every night that craving was fulfilled. Her and Lieon squeezed hands as the Dancer finished his performance. They both knew what would happen, but the adrenaline always came to the same volume.

The act ended and a small pan was passed around to collect donations. Most people gave now; the Fire-Dancer was even more amazing than ever. Perhaps it was because he had been more happy then he ever was now-a-days. As The crowd dispersed Lieon and Katriana rushed up to the Fire-Dancer.

"How was the show?" he asked. Katriana gave him the pan and stared with her twilight eyes.

"It was Brilliant!" she answered.

"Amazing!" Lieon added. The Fire-Dancer smiled ruffling Lieon's hair. The threesomestood and talked about the show oblivious to the people walking up behind them.

"Ready to go Lieon?" the voice behind them said. Lieon turned frowning. His eyes stared up.

"I don't wanna go yet," he whined, "Can I stay a little longer? Please?" He stuck out his lip and folded his hands.

"No, no he's right," The Fire-Dancer sighed.

"Fine," Lieon agreed stubbornly.

The Fire-Dancer looked up from the boy to stare strait into the eyes of Resa Folchart.

"It was your best performance yet," she commented. Her smile, oh how he loved her smile.

"You say that every night," he retorted. Resa smiled bashfully. Then the Fire-Dancer locked eyes with the one and only Mortimer Folchart, Slivertounge. "You see," he started, "you could never do that in your world." Mortimer smiled. For it was true, in the world Mortimer came from, fire didn't obey the same then in the Inkworld. However, those few words inspired a young Katriana.

"What other world?" she asked. The two men exchanged glances then spoke.

"Nothing, it's nothing," Mortimer smiled again as he lead Lieon away.

"Bye Li (pronounced Lee)," Katriana called waving her hand frantically. Lieon turned and waved back at her. "Byyyyeee, see you tomorrow night," she yelled again. As the last three spectators left Katriana was by herself with the Fire-Dancer.

"You should start heading home too," he said. Katriana's bright smile turned into a dramatic frown.

"But, but," she begged.

"No no, your mother will have my head if you're out to late again," he patted her head. Katriana rocked on her toes. The moonlight shone high above the two. "Although, it is a beautiful night," he commented. Katriana's eyes lit up. The Fire-Dancer chuckled; he loved that look in her eyes. Suddenly there was the sound of feet hitting the ground. He turned around to again see Resa.

"I forgot to give you this," she said placing a glass jar in his hands.

"Thank you Resa," the Fire-Dancer said as he accepted the generous gift.

"You're welcome, Dustfinger," Resa smiled and turned, running back to her husband and son.

"So, can I stay a little longer?" pleaded Katriana. "Pleassssee,"

"You know what," Dustfinger told her, "I think I'm going to head home as well." He gathered his backpack and turned the opposite way of the Folcharts'.

"But, but….."

"No buts, now let's go Katriana," Dustfinger motioned for her to come.

"Ohh okay." Katriana whined reluctantly, "But tomorrow night, right?" Dustfinger stared down at the young girl.

"Yeah, maybe tomorrow," he smiled and she smiled back. Katriana wrapped him in a hug.

"I love you Dad," she cried. Oh how Dustfinger loved those word. He returned her hug.

"I love you too," he whispered back.


Hope you liked it. Be sure to review and tell me how I can get even better. YAY go Dustfinger.