The Village: Season Two

[Liamane]

Skye grinned in reply to Vincent's words. "Of course," she murmured, rewarding him with a kiss upon his lips. The Turk smiled after they separated from their kiss and he leaned back to sit up while his beloved followed suite. Placing a hand upon his face, the young woman stroked his smooth cheek with her thumb and she looked into his eyes, offering him a gentle gaze. "Now, what's on our agenda today, my darling?"

The man stared at Skye with his intensely passionate eyes and he placed his own hand over hers. "Well, it seems that it's going to be a gorgeous day," Vincent replied, switching his gaze over to the window with the drawn curtains. "I was thinking maybe we can go out into the market. Rian said that they just shipped a new stock of items from out of the border. That should be a real treat; it'll be just the two of us." Looking back to his beloved, he took her hand that was placed upon his face and he graced each of her fingers with delicate kisses. He gazed up at her once more and the Turk smiled broadly. "How does that sounds, my love?"

[Beebs]

Naomi got up from her seat and walked over to the sitting Kohana, who appeared to just be staring at the floor. "Kohana seems much calmer," She thought to herself, "Since Vincent has been gone..."

She decided not to postpone this inevitable conversation any longer, so she decided to go ahead with it. She started, "Kohana?"

Kohana looked up and had a frown on her face. Naomi has never seen her like this. Her frown soon turned into a half smile, as she said, "Hi Naomi."

Naomi returned the smile, sitting down beside her. She began, "So, I assume Miyo told you about the Academy."

Kohana turned her head to the side and developed a puzzled looks and replied, "Hm...what about it?"

"Well...what you'll be doing there and who your teachers might be..." Naomi answered, as subtly as she could.

"Oh...well...she said I'd be learning lots of things that will help me when I grow up....and that you were going to be a teacher there? I think that's what she said....are you going to be my teacher?!" Kohana asked, changing her expression to a fairly excited one.

Naomi mad a small, relieved laugh, just glad to see Kohana somewhat happy again, and answered, "Yes, you'll be learning a lot...from your instructors....and from me, because yes, I will be one of your teachers."

Kohana developed a grin on her face and said, "Oh boy! That's really great!! I'll already have a friend the first day!!!"

Naomi chuckled and replied, "Well, yes, but I'm sure you'll make many more friends than just me." Her facial expression changed as she continued, "But...there is something you need to know..."

[Siani]

"This place looks even more busy than the last time I was here." Miyo said looking around at all the excitement around her in the village circle. "Of course. You haven't been here in a while and since the new shipments came in, there are more visitors and more shops up." Jiro replied placed his hands behind his head. "You really need to get out more."

"You're right Jiro." Miyo said sighing a little. "I need to start realizing that I have a life to live too. I know in my heart that Vincent will be with me again. All I can do now is wait for that day to come again."

"We'll be with you all the way." Kikyo said with a smile. "I learned many things from being here and you've help me as well."

"Thanks a lot you two." Miyo replied feeling much better. Stopping at a small stand, Miyo looked around to see people from all ages here at the market and noticed a young couple from the distance. "I can wait for that day." she thought. Before she could finish thinking, a young boy came up to her and gave her a paper before walking off, giving more papers to others. "What is this?" the woman asked curiously as she started to read outloud. "Come see the great show! Performed later today west of the village circle. Be there!"

"A show?" Kikyo asked as Jiro took the paper away and read it. "What kind of show?"

"Entertainment I suppose." Jiro said balling up the paper and throwing it behind him with a sly grin. "They always want you to go. I only go to pick pockets."

"It sounds like it might be fun." Miyo replied. "I think that we should go and Jiro won't pick anyone's pocket's right?"

"No." Jiro said rolling his eyes and crossing his arms. "Just for you two I won't but let's keep moving. There are a lot of things we have to see before others get to them first."

[Liamane]

Sliding over to the side of the bed, the young woman stood upon her two feet and walked over to the drawn window. "Sounds like a wonderful idea, my love," Skye replied as she looked down into the bustling streets below before turning to Vincent, still seated upon the bed. "If you will excuse me, I believe I'm going to get dressed. No peeking now!" The woman then winked and stepped over to a screen that stood near the wall.

As his beloved disappeared behind the elaborate piece, the man laid back upon the bed once more and stared up at the ceiling above. "I won't," he said softly, emitting a quick laugh. "I promise." Vincent Valentine blinked and fixed his eyes solely on the ceiling wandering away into a day dream. Letting out an inaudible sigh, the man touched his bare chest where his heart beat in a rhythmic tune. He closed his eyes and drew in a faint breath while trying to enter a peaceful state of mind. A smile crossed his face as an image of Skye entered his mind, and her imaginary silhouette reached out for him, longing to be in his arms.

The woman, now fully dressed in intricate attire, emerged from behind the screen and gazed at herself intently in the large mirror. Turning her head to Vincent, who was in a tranquil daze, laying upon the bed, the woman smirked and made her way over to the bedside. "Well, it seems that someone's tired this morning," Skye whispered softly after placing a kiss on her love, instantly making the Turk's eyes open . "Perhaps you want to keep me waiting then. I understand."

"Never," Vincent responded almost immediately, sitting up from his position. He placed a hand gently over his lover's and he smiled proudly. "I would never keep you waiting. We'll be out of the house in less than fifteen minutes, my love. Just let me get dressed and we'll be on our way." She nodded and beamed while the Turk sported a corresponding grin. He stood and walked over to the screen where his beloved had just changed from her sleeping garbs.

Crossing her arms, the woman's smile melted into a cunning smirk as she brushed away a single strand of hair from her face. "Perfect," she muttered in an undertone. "Just the way I like it." It always pleased Skye when she was the center of a man's attention.

[Siani]

"This is very beautiful" Miyo said holding up a dark red beaded necklace. "I kinda reminds me of the first time I met Vincent."

"Wow it's been a while since then hasn't it?" Kikyo replied smiling a bit. "He was so distant from us. He had this invisible shield around him that seemed so hard to break."

""I know what you mean." Jiro said eating a piece of meat. "He's one tough cookie!"

"Where did you get that? I hope you didn't steal it." Kikyo said as she gave him a stern look, taking it away from him. Looking down at the freshly prepared meat, Jiro's face saddened as he bent down and started to hug his lover's legs. "Please let me have it! I must have the meat!" Jiro whinnied aloud. People started looking at him as Kikyo blushed from embarrassment. She helped him up and smiled. "Well now if you want this meat then take it." Kikyo running off with an sly grin. "See ya Miyo!"

"Wha!? Give it back!" Jiro shouting chasing after Kikyo, disappearing into the crowds. Miyo gave a chuckle as she looked back at the piece of jewelry in her hand, reminiscing about the past. "I don't care about what you're doing now, my love." Miyo thought. "I wish I knew where you were." she thought as she place the necklace down. "I wish I knew that you were ok."

[Beebs]

It looked as though Kohana's face completely flipped over when she said, "Whad’ya mean, Naomi?”

Naomi continued, “It’s just…more to the Academy than you may know….or anyone for that matter.” Her voice escalated down in volume when she said that. She tried hard to continue.

“Kohana, do you know what magic is?”

Kohana said, “Well…sure…I guess. Like pulling a bunny out of a hat??”

Naomi smiled, replying, “No…not like that.”

Kohana quickly said, “Then the other kind, like Vincent?”

Naomi smiled, saying, “Yes, pretty much. You see…there’s something….people here don’t know.”

Kohana developed the same puzzled look she had before saying, “What?”

Naomi saw no point in stopping now. “That there is still practice of magic going on. That….the school is a front for the training of Magens.”

Naomi couldn’t believe she put it so bluntly. Kohana hadn’t even reacted yet, so she continued.

“The board of directors at the school say something is coming, a force to be reckoned with. And right now our support is low…so it will be hard to match this force…so the school has been employing more teachers and training every student they can to practice these spells.”

Kohana still had a blank look on her face, but changed it by saying, “So…why is this so important for me to know?”

Naomi continued once again, “Because Kohana…you are going to be trained. Our seers saw great power in you….great white magic force…”

Kohana developed yet another puzzled face, this one with a hint of anger, saying, “But I don’t understand!!” as she began to tear up, “Why do they need me? Is it because Vincent’s gone?? He’s coming back!! He will! And when he does, he’ll be the important one!!”

Kohana lied down in Naomi’s lap and began to weep softly. Naomi was stunned by this, not realizing what influence Vincent’s departure was having on Kohana. She did all she good, by saying, “Kohana…you weren’t chosen because Vincent isn’t here. You were chosen for this because you’re special and have a kind heart. Vincent isn’t being replaced, in fact, from what I’m told…he’s going to be on our side fighting, when the battle comes.”

Kohana sat up, wiping her tears, and asked, “Really?? He’s really going to come back!?”

Naomi wasn’t sure what to say. She had no idea if Vincent really would be back…but she knew having Kohana so upset wasn’t going to help matters, so she gave all the hope she could, even if it might be false. “Yes, Kohana, I know it in my heart. So…do you want to still attend the academy?”

Kohana sniffed a bit, then said, “Well, if it means being strong like Miyo and Vincent, sure!!”

Naomi smiled, continuing, “That’s wonderful! But…there is one thing…you can’t tell Miyo…because if you do…it could be harm…for all of us. Magic is a secret here, and if the wrong people were to find out--”

“Miyo is a wrong person?”, Kohana asked, curiously, wondering why Naomi said that.

“Well…no…” Naomi said, “It’s just telling anyone, for that matter, could jeopardize the chance of or side prevailing…or the chance of helping Vincent.”

Kohana looked unsure, but still confirmed, “Well…I guess so then. If it will help Vincent find his way home…I‘ll keep it secret.”

Naomi gave a half smile, saying “Ok then…why don’t you go outside and enjoy the fresh air?”

Kohana did as she was told, walking outside, feeling the sun on her face, which still appeared slightly emotionless.

Naomi felt sick. ”How can I be doing this?!”, she asked herself, ”Toying with a fragile, young girl’s emotions and thoughts…all for what…the purpose of training her for war?”

[Liamane]

As Skye clung tightly to her love's arm, the couple strolled lightly about the crowded streets of the Riyona village while looking about the countless merchants that were situated on the sides of the market. The fixed smile upon the woman's face broadened as she spotted a particular vendor that caught her eye. "Oh, Vincent!" she said brightly, pulling the Turk by the hand. "Look at this!"

The Turk let out a quick laugh as his lover lead him toward the direction of the stand where a familiar trio were previously browsing unknowingly to Vincent Valentine. Skye then picked up a red, shimmering beaded necklace in which immediately caught her attention. A grin appeared on her face as she dangled the piece of jewelry close to her beloved's face. Her eyes darted several times from the necklace to his intense red eyes that glistened in the light. "This matches your eyes, my darling," the woman announced proudly.

He caught his love's contagious smile, and he grinned in reply. "Does it now?" he responded playfully, gently taking the necklace from her hand and securing it around her neck. "Well, I must say, it looks wonderful on you. I have to insist on getting it for you."

Skye's eyes widened in delight and a gasp escaped from her lips. "Oh, Vincent, thank you!" she chirped before the Turk drew his wallet from one of his pockets. He promptly paid the owner of the stand, who admired the man's apparent generosity towards his lover. Rewarding him with a kiss afterwards, the woman placed her hands within her partner's. "Did I mention that I utterly adore you, Mr. Valentine?" He nodded and let out another laugh as he shook off the image of another dark, red pendant that loomed within his mind before continuing to explore the marketplace.

[Siani]

After browsing the market circle for sometime, Miyo felt more memories flood in her mind. Sighing a little, the woman took a sit and realized that she was sitting in the same seat during the festival. Miyo lowered her head and she played with her fingers as they laid on her lap. "All this time..." Miyo whispered as she sobbed softly. "..all this time and I'm still alone."

"Excuse me, but why mess up your beautiful face?" an older woman stated as she sat down in front of her. She had gray hair that glistened in the light like silver strands and her face presented a warm, friendly smile. The woman looked at Miyo with kind eyes as she gave a small nod. "What did you say?" Miyo asked wiping her eyes. "I'm not that beautiful."

"I clearly see that you are." the old woman said holding her cane in front of her. "But I can also see that you're in pain as well."

"You're right about that." Miyo sighed as she lowered her eyes. "I just don't know what to do." The elderly woman took in a deep breath as she looked at the young woman with sympathy. "Just be a little patient my dear child. True love always overcompensates false love." the woman replied as she got up. "Life must have positive and negative events, for we will never grow if we don't have both."

"What does that have to do with anything?" Miyo asked as she looked up. Seeing no sign of the elderly woman, she got up to look for her. "I must know what she means by that." Miyo thought. "I need to understand how I can grow through this."

[Liamane]

Rian stared intently on the glancing faces that passed him by. The young man had hated the fact that he was forced to stay nearly undercover because of the sudden threat of their presence in Riyona. Rumors had been passed along that dark figures fully cloaked from head to toe were out and about as of late. Although the simpleton villagers had no idea of their identity, it became very apparent to the young mage that they were searching for not only himself and his sister, but, most importantly, they were hunting for Vincent, the key factor to their much desired plans. Crossing his arms and following Skye and her lover, who seemed to be oblivious to the entire situation, from a fair distance, the man's gaze darted about the area, and he was more than prepared if he had an encounter with any of... them.

"This is getting out of hand," the son of Takun thought to himself as he watched the couple from afar. "If Father knew what the hell was going on, he would be greatly disturbed. I just hope that they wouldn't find us. The consequences may be deadly..." Praying that they wouldn't be found, Rian pressed on through the crowds, being certain not to remove his sight from Skye.

[Siani]

Moving through the crowd, Miyo became slightly discourage in finding the old woman. She looked around one last time and saw Kikyo and Jiro from the distance looking at some clothing. "Maybe they've seen the lady." Miyo said to herself as she walked up to them. "How's the shopping coming along?" she asked them. "Find anything good?"

"Nah, nothing that really sticks out." Jiro replied with a bored look on his face. "We noticed some of the same stuff some people were trying to sell us again."

"Yeah and that kid that we saw earlier gave us some more flyers about the show this afternoon." Kikyo stated. "But there's nothing much going on now."

"I see." Miyo said still looking around a little. "Have you seen an elderly woman with silver hair and a cane? I was talking to her but she left."

"I've seen a lot of elderly women today." Kikyo replied with a curious look. "This is a big place you know."

"Plus who has time to look for an old hag anyway?" Jiro said with a snicker and a sly grin. Kikyo frowned a little before hitting Jiro in the arm. "Ow! Ok.. ok old woman. Miyo we haven't seen anyone but we'll keep a look out if we do."

"Thanks a lot! Let's see the show before we leave ok?" Miyo said with a small smile as they nodded. " I'm going to get something to eat and look a little more. I'll see ya!"

[Liamane]

In the midst of a dark alley, where the gazes of the people of Riyona were blind, a tall, dark shadow leaned against the concrete wall of a building, his mind deep in thought. His leer was thin and colored an icy blue in which froze all who met him in the eye. The shady man stared intently at the parallel wall before him, and he suppressed all other motives or ideas. His hair was short and dark on top, but two long streaks of hair that were level with his chin outlined his emotionless face. Suddenly, a dark aura appeared in the exact middle of the alley, and a familiar red haired, green eyed man emerged forth, the aura fading behind him in seconds. He smirked and crossed his arms as he glanced over to the concentrating figure.

"Thought I might find you here," Axel muttered, his tone lowering. The blue eyed man slowly switched his gaze to his fellow Circuit member while the Nobody raised an unamused brow. "Any luck?"

Dune's eyes fixed themselves upon the younger man. "Found her," he uttered in a quiet hiss. He turned his attention to the wall once again and he closed his eyes after an awkward moment of silence.

Axel chewed his lip and listened to the crowd outside of the alley, for it was the sole source of sound before he dared to continue. "Skye?" he simply asked as his bright eyes darted about. He swallowed while looking upon Dune.

The older man exhaled, and he slowly opened his chilling blue eyes once again. "I was referring to the target's lover," he murmured while staring at the ground. "My mind is drawing her in this direction. She'll be here momentarily."

A tinge of excitement pulsated in the Nobody's body, and a delighted sneer crossed his face. "I suppose I should let you have your fun then," he responded with sarcasm, extending his arms to his side and presenting a small bow. "I'll let the great Dune perform his mind games while I scour this miserable village. Later." Standing from his posture, the young man snapped his fingers, and the dark aura that had previously faded reemerged and consumed him. Within seconds, Axel was gone, and the high member of the Circuit was left alone, but not for long, for his prey was near at hand with each passing second.

[Siani]

"I should just give up." Miyo said to herself with a depressing sigh. "I guess I need to figure everything out myself." As the woman passed vendors and people making transactions, she notice a figure standing in an alley alone and felt a small force pulling her toward the figure.

"Finally." the male figure stated under his breath as he kept his cool presence. "So what bring a beautiful woman like yourself over here?"

"I'm not exactly sure but maybe you can help me. I'm looking for an older woman." Miyo replied using body language to describe the elderly lady. "She was about this tall, had silver hair, and carried a cane with her. Have you seen her?"

"I'm afraid that I haven't, Miyo." the man said with a small smirk. "Why are you in search of her?"

"Well she gave me some advice but I don't understand what she meant." Miyo said with disappointment as she turned away. "It's about my problems and I'm sure you don't want to hear about them."

"I think you should let out whatever you feel." Dune said as he place his hand lightly on Miyo's shoulder. Even though he hadn't said much, his words soothed Miyo's worries and she became relaxed. "By the way, the name is Dune. Now tell me what's wrong...."

[Liamane]

Looking up to the sky above him, Vincent Valentine let out a sigh as his arm extended around his beloved sitting beside him. His red, passionate eyes intently focused on the clouds that appeared to move in the heavens. Losing reality's grip, the Turk began to dwell in his own thoughts and his mind drifted far away. While the man's head was miles away from his body, Skye rested her head upon her lover's shoulder, a smile was fixed upon her face. She stared at his blank eyes, and she turned his face towards hers.

"Something on your mind?" the woman whispered while Vincent responded with a small smile that sprouted upon his face and his eyes blinked once. "You're awfully distracted."

After leaning in and kissing her lips gently, the Turk broadened his grin and he lowered his gaze. "I'm sorry," he replied in a nearly inaudible voice, he raised his vision to meet her eyes. "I... I was thinking about... us." Beaming, the woman let out a laugh and rested her head upon her love's shoulder once again. Although cunning by nature, Skye was no Dune, and she failed to see through the man's lie. His mind focused upon the image of a woman's smile- the upper portion of her face was hidden, but he could see that she was beautiful nonetheless.

"I know that it's been hard, Vincent," the woman's mouth uttered, her voice gentle and loving. "But I'll be here for you forever. I'll never leave you whatever may happen.." The man couldn't help but smile and feel energized by the words that echoed in his head.

Looking up once more, Skye placed her hand upon her lover's face and stroked his cheek with her thumb. "I'm thinking about us too," the woman continued. Her eyes shot a glance at the passing people before she closed her eyes, feeling relaxed in his arms. Sighing, he looked toward the sky once again. He was too ridden with guilt to reply to her.

[Siani]

"Well, it's been a while now but the love of my life disappeared." Miyo said with a depressing sigh. "It almost seems like forever since I last saw him."

After Miyo's words left her lips, flashbacks of memories flood Miyo's mind. She closed her eyes as she visioned the Turk she fell madly in love with. "I feel that he's close though." she said after a moment. "He doesn't know much about Riyona or anywhere else for that matter."

[Liamane]

Dune nodded, his emotionless face was set in stone. "Of course," he muttered in a hiss. As the woman pursued to think about the man that she desired and longed to be with, the mage's mind became increasingly open to hers, and he began to enter her inner mind. Grabbing her wrist and shooting an intense glare at Miyo, the man pierced her deepest and most clandestine feelings and memories using but an ounce of his dark magic. His spoke once again, his voice was bitter. "Now, purge your thoughts of everything and everyone else but him. Concentrate, and solely imagine him."

He released her arm from his grasp, and he circled around her slowly as if to hypnotize her with his mesmerizing actions. "Now," he continued while his eyes intently thinned as they locked upon her, "where... is Vincent Valentine?"

[Siani]

Miyo's eyes widened as the stare of Dune became greatly intensed. Her mind started to push aside other thoughts as the ones of Vincent Valentine came forward. All the memories she said of him started to become more vivid and colorful than ever as Dune started to smile devishly at the progress the woman was making.

The female's eyes watered as she pictured the incidents between Skye and Vincent a few weeks ago.....

((Flashback time! XD))
"Well that's good to know." Skye replied as she rolled her eyes. "To be honest Miyo, I've been attracted to him too. Don't get me wrong but as you can clearly see I have more to offer him. I have beauty, wealth, and smarts."

"Miyo your looks are plain and you actually play around in dirt for a living." the woman continued. Miyo's body stiffened up as she stood from her position. Miyo felt a bad aura around Skye and tried to remain calm taking in the words of another woman. "Vincent needs someone like me." Skye said with an innocent look in her eyes. "You understand right? That's why he stayed longer than he should have yesterday. He knows that I'm perfect for him."

..........


Hearing Skye call out her lover's name, Miyo who was with Rian at the gazebo turned around to see Vincent and Skye hugging each other. She noticed the look that they shared and felt her stomach sink. "Vincent... and Skye really together?" she thought replaying Skye's words in her head. Miyo lowered her head as her hair began to cover her face of emotions. "They almost look as though they are a couple. I shouldn't assume but I can't help but think about what Skye said."

........

“'Stay with me, Mr. Valentine!” Skye shouted with a malevolent, delighted smirk, remembering the words described on the parchment. “Stay and love me as I will do the same!” Everyone at the table looked at her with both shock and surprise as the woman stared carefully at the man.

......

"What if we shaked on it." Skye said with a smile. She held out her hand and as Vincent placed his in hers, she quickly grabbed his hand and pulled him toward her and kissed him. As Vincent kissed another waman Miyo's eyes felt weak and her body tensed up. ((end flashbacks))


"Vincent with Skye?" Miyo asked confused as tears ran down her face and her body became stressed with the negative thoughts in her mind. "Skye took him away."

[Liamane]

Chewing away at his lip, Axel's anticipation grew with each passing second. He was anxious to hear of any news that Dune would deliver to the others after he interrogated Miyo. The Nobody tried to gain his calm composure as he leaned against the wall of the bustling bar of Riyona, his eyes darted from person to person, but the excitement looming inside of him was beginning to show. He had been patiently waiting for over a month for such news of Rian and his sister to surface. Remembering previous events, the man called to mind his fellow comrades bashing him one by one in front of Takun after he had proposed the preposterous idea of Skye and Rian betraying their father and their allegiance. The Nobody longed for the final vacant position, and he could sense that Takun would soon discover the truth about his children. A smirk crossed Axel's face as the thought repeated in his mind over and over. With the opportune moment approaching rapidly, why wouldn't he be excited?

[Siani]

Miyo still dazed by Dune's trap, still had her mind focused on the one she ever loved. All the negative thoughts increased as she suddenly remembered the words of her lover which cleared her head of the negative memories:

“I... I would never intentionally try to hurt you, my love. I’m so sorry, Miyo. I... I just hope... that you can forgive me.”


"He's with Skye but only in a trace." Miyo stated as she closed her eyes and became aware of her surroundings again. As she opened them and looked up at the sky, she spoke softly, "Vincent would never try to intentionally hurt me. I can continue to love him like I've always had and only wait for his return."

[Beebs]

Axel grew impatient once more. All of this waiting was driving him nuts. He quickly ducked into a corner, opening a portal. Once he stepped through, he was outside, up on the second floor of a poorly put together structure, safe from the sight of Dune and his new catch. He peaked around the edge of where he was standing to see Dune working his mojo on Miyo. He hung his head down and sighed.

"No..", he began, "No, this will never do."

He concealed himself fro anyone's vision, opening another portal. He entered it, thinking to himself, "I wonder how Arnia's doing these days..."

---

Naomi sat in a wooden chair outside, watching Kohana solemnly play around the yard. She felt terrible about what she had done. She didn't know why she felt the need to be so selfish about this. She knew what was coming, but were the means she was taking that necessary for what could prove to be a false hope?

She stared blankly into the sky, at first not noticing Tidus approach her. He sat down on the ground beside her, placing his hand on her leg. "Whatever you're thinking, it's not true. You have to do what you have to do," He said, trying to console her.

[Liamane]

Firing a forceful glance at the young woman, Dune's eyes glared and pierced the young woman as he began to slowly circle her once again. To much of Dune's dismay, it became apparent that Axel was indeed telling the truth to the others at last month's gathering. The mage's stare thinned as he froze and ceased walking. He pressed his back against the wall once again, his thoughts raced in his complex mind. An idea surged forth.

"I see," he uttered in a cold tone, seeming perfectly harmless. The man glanced over to look at Miyo, buried in the hopes of finding her lover. "However... you seem to be to preoccupied in your optimism. Perhaps letting him go would be best... for both of your sakes." Blinking, Dune replayed the image of Skye and Vincent kissing inside of the woman's mind.

"Did you ever consider that he is happy?" the mage continued, his voice was ever slow and twisted. "Trance or no trance, he may have found the perfect woman to rival his 'flawless' qualities. ...Look at what you have become. You long and wait for a man who may never return to you. Are you truly in love with him, or, perhaps, you solely desire him because he was the only man that ever dared to adore you?"