The sun was starting to sink low in the sky, setting the clouds ablaze in radiant oranges and pinks. The horse clopped along the forest path, with Vaati and Selene walking on either side of its neck. Thunder raised his nose, ears swiveled forward. Vaati cocked his head, his long pointed ears listening as well.

"What?" Selene asked.

"Music," Vaati replied, "I think we're almost there." Soon enough, the group emerged into a large clearing of the traveling performer's caravan. A large wooden stage had been set in the middle of the clearing, and large colorful tents aligned the edges of the forest. Various members of the troop were scattered about the camp, practicing for a show or just sitting around.

Vaati looked toward Selene, who was gazing about the clearing.

"Selene," he addressed her softly. She turned, her eyebrows raised expectantly.

"Yes?" Vaati glanced back at the encampment, and back to Selene.

"I love you," he whispered, knowing this could be the last chance he would have to tell her. The girl's face became somber with understanding.

"I love you, too," she told him, a note of longing in her voice.

"Selene?" The pair looked away from each other as a young woman of her late teens stepped out of a colorful tent. She was slender, tan, with cat-like golden eyes and short raven hair. She looked about the same age as Selene.

"You're back!" she cried, dashing to the group. The girl threw her arms around Selene, nearly sending her to the ground.

"Jezebel!" Selene cried, returning her best friend's embrace with equal enthusiasm. "I've missed you," she told the tan one, releasing her.

"No kidding!" the act's not the same without you! Vaati, you're looking lively. Dark will be happy to see you back." Vaati gave a chuckle.

"I'm sure he will be." Jezebel's jaw dropped, and she gaped at the wind mage.

"Is that a smile? What did you do to him?" she inquired, rounding on Selene. The fire mage shrugged, giving her friend a devious smile.

"Oi! Vaati!" A figure called as they bounded over to the group. His hair was long and black, and fiery red eyes peeked out from beneath the shaggy dark locks.

"Dark. How've you been?"

"Good, good. Glad to see you back. You too, Selene, c'mere!" Dark Link jumped on his friend, capturing her in a brotherly-like embrace.

"Euh!" Selene gagged, trying to loosen his grip, "I missed you too, Dark!" he released her with a laugh.

"Selene, Vaati." the group grew silent as they turned to look at the stout and bent form of Madam Rosa. "Nice of you to join us once more." Her sharp black eyes studied the new arrivals. "Very well done, Vaati, I praise your success. Selene, my dear, lets catch up in my tent!" The old woman turned and disappeared into a black tent dusted with golden stars. Selene looked to Jezebel, who shrugged. The fire mage obeyed, and followed the woman into the tent.

"I'll take care of Thunder for you. See you boys at the festival tonight!" Jezebel called, taking the horse's reins and leading it away.

"So," Dark started, as he and Vaati walked through the camp, "How was the trip?" Vaati sighed, and gave a light chuckle.

"It was interesting. Full of… surprises." Dark Link raised an eyebrow at his friend.

"Surprises?" Vaati gave a nod. The pair stopped suddenly as a scream came from Madam Rosa's tent. Vaati stared horror toward the tent. Dark looked away from it.

"Disobey the rules and you get punished. You know that, Vaati," Dark reminded him grimly.

"Selene…" After a few moments, Selene's trembling figure emerged from the tent. Even from a distance, Vaati could see her tear-stained cheeks. Her head was held high despite her appearance, and without a glance in his direction, she walked across the clearing to disappear into a crimson tent. Vaati started quickly after her, but was stopped by a tan hand.

"Careful," Dark warned, "We aren't usually allowed in their tents." Vaati gave is friend a desperate look. "Go around through the forest and go in the back," he advised. Vaati gave a nod, and silently ducked into the forest. Behind the cover of the trees, he sprinted around the clearing, eyes scanning for the red tent. He soon came across it, the crimson tent with the raspberry fringes. Breathing heavily from sprinting, he slipped into the back of the tent. Selene was seated in the middle of the tent, bent over clutching her arms. Her head snapped up at the sound of his panting. Her deep midnight eyes were red-rimmed and tear-filled.

"Vaati," she said softly. He moved toward her and dropped to her side, taking her face in his hands.

"What did she do to you?" he urged. Selene closed her eyes, and tears glided down her cheeks as she shook her head. Vaati wrapped his arms around her, pulling her against his chest. The girl sobbed into his chest as he placed light kisses on her dirty-blonde head.

"Ssssshhhhhh," he crooned, tilting her chin up. He kissed her cheeks gently, her salty tears wetting his lips. "What did she do to you?" Hesitantly, Selene took hold of the frills of her baggy white sleeves and pulled them to her elbows. Vaati took a sharp intake of breath. Four scarlet bands were burned into her arms, two on each. One was seared just above the wrist and one was just before her elbow, on both arms. Vaati pulled her against him again, being careful not to hurt her.

"Goddesses, that woman is insane," he said rocking Selene back and forth slowly. Selene's sobs died down, and Vaati pulled back. He took her hands to carefully examine the brands.

"Use your healing, Selene," he told her, releasing her hands and waiting for them to glow blue. Her hands trembled as she shook her head no.

"It doesn't work like that," she said.

"Why not?" he asked, holding her hands to stop them from shaking.

"This isn't a regular burn. It's cursed." Vaati rested his forehead against hers.

"I'm so sorry," he told her. Selene gave a weak chuckle.

"It's okay. I'll be alright." She tilted her head up, placing her lips against his. Vaati closed his crimson orbs and moved his hand to rest on her neck, deepening the kiss. They broke apart momentarily, as Selene wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed herself against him. Their lips connected again, the passion intensifying. Selene broke away suddenly. Vaati held her by the waist, and gave her a confused look.

"What?" he asked in a breathy voice, his chest rising and falling rapidly. He brought her to him again, placing deep, slow kisses of her neck.

"The pain in my arms are fading," she told him. He continued to kiss her.

"That's good."

"No! It isn't!" she said in a sharp whisper, "It does that when I'm near Madam Rosa!" Vaati paused, holding his breath as shuffling feet sounded near the door of the tent.

"Go!" Selene mouthed to him. He placed a quick kiss of her lips before ducking out the back of the tent.