He released an anguished sob and buried his face against his forearms that rested on his knees. Catherine sat up and put her arms around his shoulders, rocking him softly. She didn't want to know anymore what had happened then, and when he started speaking again she considered asking him to stop. But somehow she felt he needed to talk about it in order to get it off his chest. So she waited patiently for him to find the words that would ease the weight on his heart.

"Then I forgot everything but her closeness, her soft, yielding body, her curiosity to know me. Me! - I don't know exactly what happened, but when I regained some semblance of composure we were lying on the floor, my body on top of hers. She was staring at me with a frightened expression, and there was blood on her shoulder...and on my hand. I lifted my weight off her, realizing with horror that my body had betrayed me. I was devastated, and when she started inching away from me, I jumped up and bolted from the room. I believe I ran to the falls, trying to purge my body and soul in the icy cold water. From that day on Lisa avoided me. I wanted to talk to her, apologize to her, but she made it impossible for me to speak with her alone. I wrote her letters she left unanswered, and one day she finally left the tunnels to start an education above."

Turning his head, Vincent looked at Catherine from tear-filled eyes. "I didn't know what happened, or what it was that I did to her," he whispered. "All I knew was that there was something inside me that could not be trusted. I swore to myself that I would be on guard, that no such thing must ever happen to me again."

Catherine's heart was bleeding for Vincent. She knew that nothing she could say at the moment would change his view of what happened. Suddenly she was able to understand him so much better. Although she thought that what had happened wasn't really unusual between teenagers, she knew that the fact he had hurt the girl at a moment so vulnerable and fragile, must have ravaged his self-image. But those were things to be discussed later, she decided while she continued rocking him tenderly. She cradled his head against her breast, kissing the top of his head over and over again.

"It's over," she crooned. "I'm here now. Everything will be all right."

He was quiet for so long that his voice startled her when he finally spoke again. "She came to visit when we were in our early twenties. She acted as if nothing had happened between us. This time it was I who avoided her.

The way she looked at me, studied me furtively when she thought I was unaware of it, confused me. I was terrified of what might happen if she ever got close to me again, and so I left the hub for as long as she was there and went to that place deep below our home chambers where I found the paintings on the walls."

Catherine tightened her hold on him, kissing the side of his face. He leaned into her as he continued, "Studying those pictures cleared my mind and my emotions, and I realized that I had never really loved Lisa, that there was just a part of me which had responded to her because it was in its nature to respond like that. On that day I decided that love could never be for me, because it involved the possibility of evoking the threatening part of me that would make me ruin everything I touched."

"Oh Vincent," she breathed close to his ear. "You know that's not true."

Shifting his weight he pulled her onto his lap and held her close. "I hope so. I hope so with every fiber of my heart."

Catherine felt Vincent close behind her as she climbed up the last steep part before the mouth of the Crystal Cavern. When she pulled herself over the edge of the wall, she was able to look down into the cavern at last.

There were several lanterns placed strategically so that the crystals glittered and shimmered mysteriously. Rebecca and Joshua stood there, holding hands as they looked around in wonderment. Catherine cast Vincent an uncertain glance. She didn't want to disturb the two people obviously lost in a moment of great intensity. He smiled at her and then, swinging his legs over the edge of the entrance, jumped to the floor. His arms came up to help her down and she let herself fall into them quite happily.

"This is beautiful," she gasped as she looked around her with awe. Catherine closed her eyes. The vibrations were incredibly strong in here. Her skin tingled as if she were passing through under a high voltage wire.

Suddenly she felt Vincent's hand on her arm. "Come," he said, picking up one of the lanterns. "There's more."

Vincent led the group to an adjoining chamber. The brilliance in there was even more overwhelming than that of the outer one.

"Such beauty," Joshua whispered, completely spellbound.

"In ancient tradition quartz crystals were often referred to as the 'veins of the earth', frozen water or frozen light," Vincent explained in a low voice that sent a tremor through Catherine. "They are formed naturally from the elements silicon and water through a lengthy process involving heat and pressure. They are buried in the earth, usually where the rock is sandstone in nature, or sometimes in streambeds where they have washed down from higher ground after they have been dislodged. Varieties of quartz crystals are found all over the world. Currently, the largest numbers of extremely fine crystals are being mined in Arkansas, Herkimer/New York, Mexico and Brazil."

Catherine and Rebecca listened with rapt attention, but Joshua interjected teasingly, "Always the encyclopedia. What would we do without you, my friend?"

Vincent returned Joshua's grin and continued unperturbed, "Their natural formation features six sides or facets with a point on one end, or sometimes on two ends. Quartz crystals can be both clear and colored. Each color has its own rate of vibration particular to it and different attributed characteristics and powers."

Joshua left for a moment and came back with a lantern for each of them.

"They don't look the same without light," he explained as he handed a lantern to everyone.

"What's this?" Rebecca asked and pointed at a large piece of clear crystal that had in it golden fibers.

"That is rutilated quartz," Vincent replied. "Those fibers are Titanium. Sometimes they are copper colored."

"Beautiful," Rebecca said with admiration.

Joshua stepped behind her. "Aren't they also called 'angel hair'?" he asked quietly, winding a strand of her hair around his finger.

Vincent smiled at him indulgently. "That's right," he replied, casting Catherine a fond smile. She couldn't help but notice that Vincent was at peace here, as if he felt completely at home among all these crystals. It was as if the vibrations of the energy in the room interacted with his life force in a way that seemed to sustain him miraculously with additional strength and clarity. His eyes were still on her, as he seemed to follow her train of thought. Then he spoke again and she had to make an effort to follow his words.

"Not only do the crystals amplify body energy but thoughts as well. They create power and clarity in thinking. They enable thoughts to more effectively influence matter. With our thoughts we can focus energy precisely where we desire. With the crystal we can use this ability for healing. The crystal is a corridor between the physical dimension and the dimensions of the mind. We can use it to communicate with minerals, plants and animals." He paused and his voice grew even lower as he added, "Some say crystals help them to talk to angels or spiritual teachers who aren't incarnated and who have great wisdom to impart."

"So that's your secret," Joshua said, poking Vincent's side playfully.

"I've used crystals for healing, yes," Vincent responded evasively. "The crystal enables the metaphysical mind to direct the physical body to repair and balance itself. Thus, the crystal can be a vehicle through which the physical and metaphysical become united."

"Hey," Joshua interrupted him. "Could you slow down a bit so that us mere mortals can follow your teachings?"

Vincent chuckled softly. "I'm sorry," he said quietly. "I'm afraid I got carried away."

"I'll say," Joshua remarked, placing one arm around his shoulder. Vincent didn't seem inclined to say any more at the moment, so Catherine contented herself with wandering about and admiring the beauty of the quartz crystals.

"You love them." Vincent's voice startled her a little since she'd been so absorbed with the gems before her eyes.

"I do," she replied, locking her gaze to his. "This place gives you peace," she stated in a whispered voice.

"And sanity," he breathed.

Catherine raised her hand as if to touch him, but suddenly she felt strangely shy about him. With a swift motion he captured her fingers and pulled them to his lips. Then he drew her into his arms and simply held her close, making her feel as if her own life force swirled through the air like the vibrations of the crystals, to meet and merge with his.

That night when Catherine went to sleep she dreamed of a dark-haired woman in a scarlet dress. Her arms were restrained by a rope, and someone slowly lowered her into a narrow shaft. There was light at the bottom of the shaft, so she followed the woman, curious to see what would happen to her.

Catherine's heart stopped as the woman rounded a corner and disappeared into Vincent's chamber. Catherine remained outside, hesitating to actually follow her, but then she couldn't stand it any longer and entered. She caught sight of two bodies in a passionate entanglement of arms and legs, and the sounds of ardent lovemaking made her stomach churn.

The scene shifted and Catherine found herself searching for Vincent. When she found him at last, he didn't recognize her. She woke up disoriented, and it took her a while to remember where she was. She rubbed her eyes with the backs of her hands and found herself face to face with Vincent as he regarded her solemnly.

"You didn't sleep well," he observed.

"No, I didn't," she said truthfully, glancing at Rebecca's and Joshua's sleeping forms on the opposite side of the fire place.

"Did you have a bad dream?" Vincent asked with concern.

"I was searching for you," she replied evasively. For some reason she was reluctant to tell him about the woman in the scarlet dress.

Vincent lowered himself to sit beside her. "I'm sorry," he murmured.

She raised her eyebrows in puzzlement. "Why?"

"Because in a way I am hiding from you," he confessed quietly, his gaze riveted to the floor.

Catherine got up on her knees and brushed back the strands of long hair he was hiding behind in order to look at him. He raised his head and met her gaze at last. Wordlessly they stared at each other for long uncounted moments. Finally he rose to his feet, bringing her with him. Her heart skipped a beat as he pulled her close. She leaned into him, laying her head on his chest. His palm was warm against her skin as he gently massaged the nape of her neck. Suddenly she felt his lips nibbling intimately just below her ear. A wave of intense emotions washed over her and she sighed.

"You want this," he rasped. It was a statement, not a question, and the thickness in his voice betrayed his astonishment.

He lowered his head and brushed his lips against hers. The contact was brief, all too brief, and as he pulled back she opened her eyes, encountering the wonderment in his gaze. Quickly she rose on tiptoes to kiss him back, the friction of their bodies causing a delicious tingle inside her. This time, he didn't pull back. He held her very tightly against his body and met her lips with the same hungry desperation she felt rising within herself. His abandon elated her and she parted her lips in invitation. There was a brief pause of hesitation before she could feel his tongue probing gently.

Finally he gave himself to the kiss, and she became acutely aware of every plane and angle of his hard, male body against hers. She moved tentatively against him and his gasp made her wonder if she was taking this too far. She remembered what he had said about the necessity to be on guard, to remain in control of himself. Tenderly she caressed his throat and pressed a lingering kiss there. When she looked up, she could see that his eyes were squeezed shut and that he was struggling for composure. She cupped his cheek with her hand.

"Look at me, Vincent," she whispered. He complied wordlessly, and the anguish in his eyes stabbed her heart.

"Not yet," he rasped breathlessly. "We are moving too fast."

His remark mystified her. "What do you mean?" she asked.

He leaned back his head and pulled her firmly against his body.

Catherine rose on tiptoes and pressed a lingering kiss on the taut skin of his throat. He gasped and drew her even closer. His large palm cradled the back of her head, and they stood like this for a long, silent moment, just listening to each other's breathing and to the erratic pounding of their hearts.

It was Vincent who broke the silence at last. "You should go back to sleep," he whispered into her hair.

Catherine shook her head. "I can't. "

He gave her a long, unreadable look and then took her hand. "Come," he said simply.

Vincent led her along a sloping tunnel and she held on to his hand as she trailed behind him in the soft light of the lantern he carried.

"Where are we going?" she asked at last, although she had noticed that they were heading back to the Crystal Cavern.

Vincent stopped and turned. "There's a place - a special place," he replied enigmatically.

"A place to dream?" she ventured with a smile.

"Yes." His voice was husky and low as he continued, "A place where we will be alone."

The way he emphasized the last word reminded her of something she once read about the real meaning of the word 'alone'. "All one," she whispered.

Wordlessly he held her gaze with his. There wasn't the slightest flicker of doubt in his eyes. Catherine marveled at the change she could sense in him.

The man who was standing before her, making her shiver under his steady gaze, knew very well what he wanted and what he was going to do. As if he had read her thought, he put down the lantern and released her hand, seizing her shoulders instead.

"I must ask you something," he began, "and I have to do it now before it is too late."

Catherine met his stare silently, expectantly, and he cast a helpless glance up to the rocky ceiling. "This is very difficult," he said, releasing a ragged sigh. She lifted her hands and grasped his wrists, giving them an encouraging squeeze. He sighed again. "This need we share, this intense desire to be...together..."

"Yes?" she coaxed gently when his voice trailed away.

He dropped his gaze, whispering, "It may not be wise to give in to our desire, although you are safe...here...with me."

"I know that," she hastened to reassure him. "I've never thought anything else."

"It's not me you should trust," he replied. "It's this place. I couldn't allow this to happen anywhere else but here."

"Where the energy of the crystals helps you keep your balance," she added with dawning comprehension.

He nodded. "I wasn't sure if you would want that - to love only once and never again."

Catherine's heart turned over at his words and breathlessly she whispered his name. Instantly his arms closed around her and he pulled her into a tight embrace. "I love you," he whispered, "and I wish things were...different."

She pulled back a little to look up into his face. "I love you, too," she replied softly.

With a sob he tucked her head against his throat again. "I'm so afraid of giving you hopes I can't fulfill."

"You are not responsible for what I hope," she murmured against his warm skin. "I would have hoped anyway."

"I know," he said and she could hear a sad smile in his voice.

They stood there like that for a long, tranquil moment before he released her and took her hand again. "Come," he breathed as he picked up the lantern.

They passed the entrance to the Crystal Cavern and entered a narrow passageway that led them to another opening. Vincent passed through it and hung the lantern on a hook in the wall. Catherine looked around her in wonderment. The chamber was small and looked inviting with soft-looking sand covering the floor.

"I've spent many a night here without anybody knowing," Vincent explained as he noticed her questioning look. "I come here to replenish my strength and regain my equilibrium after...events that had an unsettling effect on me."

She could only guess what he was referring to and slipped her hand into his, leaning her head against his arm. "The Crystal Cavern must be very close," she said. "I can feel it." He cast her a glance that reminded her very much of that of a parent whose child has said something wise. "Am I right?" she wanted to know.

"It is almost palpable, isn't it?" he replied reverently. Then suddenly he took a step away from her and turned, staring at her from an arm's length away. "What else do you feel?" he asked.

"You," she replied truthfully and closed her eyes in the hope to find words for what exactly it was that she felt. "Your presence fills this room," she continued, "and you fill every empty place within my heart. I don't know how else to explain it."

His eyes softened and he returned to her, opening his arms. "I wish it could always be that way," he murmured as he enfolded her in a tender hug.

"Why shouldn't it always be that way?" she asked.

He straightened in her arms and looked down at her, but instead of replying he tilted up her face with one finger as he lowered his mouth to hers. How much she had missed the feel of him, that irresistible blend of rough and silky textures, of hardness and softness at the same time. "I love you," she whispered against his lips, not caring she was repeating herself.

In response he drew her even closer and she thought her heart was going to burst any moment. Her eyes snapped open when she felt him slowly pulling away, but he gave her a reassuring smile as he released her. He shed his cloak and spread it on the sandy floor. With fascination she watched as his hands came up and he started working at the fastenings of his quilted vest.

Then he pulled off his heavy sweater and stood before her in a soft looking cotton shirt. She couldn't resist any longer, she needed to touch him so badly. Although she had seen him in far less clothing than this, the sight of the worn shirt clinging to his chest and shoulders stirred something in her she couldn't describe. He moaned softly as she ran her hands up his arms and down his chest before hugging him to her again.

Suddenly she felt his palms burning on the bare skin of her waist as he slipped his hands beneath her sweater and caressed her shyly. Tears stung her eyes at the tenderness radiating from him, and she rose on tiptoes to press a soft kiss on the side of his neck. His hands trembled as he lifted the hem of her sweater and pulled it off over her head. He stared at her for a moment before he removed her camisole as well. She trembled under his gaze and when she felt his palms skim across her ribcage, she released a sigh of surrender. His thumbs brushed her breasts, sending sparks of arousal through her as he drew her close. His lips touched her forehead and she raised her tear filled eyes to his. He took his time kissing the moistness from her cheeks before he straightened and released her.

Without taking his gaze away from hers he undressed with slow, deliberate motions. She could hardly believe it as he finally stood before her completely nude, and she thought how vulnerable he looked despite the powerful build of his body. She couldn't resist the urge to take him into her arms and rock him gently.

"I love you," she whispered over and over again. He wove his fingers through her hair and pulled back her head, kissing her deeply. When they parted for air, she took a step in retreat and finished undressing herself. His eyes followed her every movement with rapt attention. Finally he reached for her hand and pulled her to his side as he lay down on the cloak. To feel his bare skin against hers was heaven. Never...truly never in her life had she felt more complete than at that moment.

Vincent loved her with a tenderness she hadn't believed possible, and the beauty of it made her heart burst open with joy. Suddenly all the dark and sad places inside her soul were touched by the most delicate light of his spirit. Being all-one with him brought to life something wonderful within her, a purity and joy she hadn't even known existed, a completeness too deep for words.

Catherine awoke in complete darkness. A warm weight was pressing her down as she tried to move. She didn't care that she couldn't see a thing. The reality of Vincent's solid body half atop her was all she needed to feel safe. His name escaped her lips as she ran her fingers through his hair. He shifted his weight and rolled to his side. Instantly she missed his warmth and the steady thrumming of his pulse against her skin. She sat up and suddenly a light came on. Reflexively she closed her eyes against the flame of a match as Vincent lit the lantern. When she dared look again, he sat before her, studying her face. Apprehensively she searched his features for any trace of regret, but his eyes were peaceful and serene. The distance between them was starting to hurt, and they moved at the same time to return into each other's arms.

"How are you feeling?" she asked, certain he was perfectly aware of her state of drowsy contentment.

"Blessed," he said simply, pressing a kiss against the side of her neck.

"Vincent," she began, but he put his fingers over her lips to silence her.

"Shhh," he whispered. "Can you hear that?"

Catherine closed her eyes and strained her ears, but she couldn't hear anything at all. "Hear what?" she whispered back.

"The voice of silence," he replied. "The essence of peace."

Suddenly she could hear it, too. There was an ethereal hum, which had no physical cause. Maybe it was the blood running through her veins or the breeze of the spirit going through her. Maybe she was only imagining it, but that didn't matter. All she knew was that he heard it, too, and that it had meaning for him. Nothing else counted.

She turned her head and kissed the corners of his mouth, thus soliciting a kiss from him that took her breath away. His passion carried her away and she lost herself in the ardent play of lips and tongues, releasing a sigh of contentment when he pressed her down onto the cloak. He moved over her and all she saw was the broad expanse of his chest as he held himself still on trembling arms. She tilted her head backwards to catch a glimpse of his expression. His eyes were closed and she pulled him to her, starved for the feel of his body against hers. He buried his face against her neck and she thought she detected traces of a sob in his sigh.

"What is it, Vincent?" she asked quietly. "Please don't shut me out," she begged when he just shook his head.

He remained motionless, unwilling to meet her gaze. Slowly he pushed himself away from her and got to his feet. The fact that his hand came down immediately to help her up comforted and reassured her a little, yet she was alarmed by his unwillingness to speak. He half-turned and hugged her to him, this time without passion, but the gesture was incredibly warm and intimate.

"We have to go back," he whispered. Slowly, reluctantly, he released her and they started dressing.

"Vincent?" she asked hesitantly.

He straightened to look at her. "Yes?"

Suddenly at a loss for words, she just stared at him helplessly. He inclined his head and smiled indulgently. "We will talk later," he promised. "We really should return to the campsite now."

Catherine gave him a grateful nod and quickly put on her clothes. He waited patiently, and the way he kept his eyes averted to give her privacy touched her. Then he extended his hand and she took it, thinking yet again that she didn't care where they were going, as long as they went there together.