The Juggler balanced on one foot, tossing his five golden balls so quickly that they seemed to form one continuous ring of light.  He, along with the rest of his circus troupe, were camped just outside of Rhomma’s capital city.  Every year, this always proved to be their most profitable stop -- how could it not be, with so many people arriving in the days before the annual masquerade ball?  Many of the travelers had money to spend and were eager to find amusing ways to pass their time before the big night.<br/><br/>So, for the last week, the circus has been entertaining them.  The Acrobat performed daring feats, awing the crowd as he swung about on ropes suspended over a pit of fire.  The Ballerina danced without ever seeming to touch the ground, her steps as quick and light as the flutter of a butterfly’s wing.  The Animal Tamer displayed her mastery over a wide variety of exotic birds and beasts.  And the Juggler?  The Juggler dropped his balls, and pretended to trip, and generally played the fool until the whole audience roared with laughter.  None of them ever seemed to notice that his tricks required just as much strength and agility as those of the Acrobat.<br/><br/>A soft giggle distracted the Juggler.  As he glanced in its direction, his fingers suddenly went stiff, allowing one of the balls to slip from his grasp.  It was the Ballerina.  But she was not watching his practice session.  Instead, she stood a small distance away, flirting with the Acrobat.  Seeing her, the Juggler’s heart filled with a deep aching desire.  He’d adored her ever since they were both children.  But she only considered him to be her dear friend.  Like many women, she was infatuated with the Acrobat.  And who could blame her?  The Acrobat was strong and brave and infuriatingly handsome.  By comparison, what could the Juggler offer?<br/><br/>For a long time, the Juggler hadn’t known the answer to that question, and he’d pined away with silent longing.  But finally he’d thought of something.  Tomorrow night at the masquerade, he could gain a gift worth giving -- a gift that would finally show the Ballerina what she meant to him.