Stars hung in the heavens like lanterns lighting the way to paradise. The moon was high and full, as it smiled upon the couple frolicking in the meadow of high, soft grass below. Laughing, the couple chased each other in a game of "can't-catch-me!" Blond hair reflecting the moonlight, creating a halo about her face, the lady ran, searching behind for her lover. The man dashed for her, arms outstretched. He blended so well into the night, she had to squint to see him. Giggling, she slowed and allowed him to catch her into an embrace. They simply radiated happiness, as he swung her around and lowered her gently to the tall, fragrant grass. She laid her head in his lap and smiled, as he lovingly caressed her cheek and bent down to kiss her full, sweet lips. Their lips met, and...

* * * * * *

Drenched with sweat, Xelloss jerked awake. He lay back against the tree he had been sleeping on, gulping air, and concentrated on calming down. After his racing heart had slowed, he hung his head, moaning. Just a dream. It had just been another blissfully wonderful, yet terribly painful, dream. He touched his lips lightly with his fingers. The memory of the taste of her soft lips still lingered there. Xelloss sighed deeply. Remembering the warm, sweet happiness of his dreams only made cold reality all the more harsh and devastating. Throat constricting, Xelloss blinked away that tears that formed, as he realized he was alone, again. He was always alone. Terribly, horribly alone. His chest ached where his heart belonged, and his soul felt empty. Every time he woke from one of these dreams and realized it was only a dream, his heart would rip apart, as if a wild predator had gotten hold of it with its claws. Xelloss stared at the ground in front of him, unseeing. He was in a daze, frozen with the aching pain and searing emptiness only unrequited love can inflict. Hot, streaming tears flowed, unnoticed, from his amethyst eyes, as he curled up to sleep and dream once again.