I had originally intended for Love is Blind' to be a one-shot fic, but after getting so much response to it (I originally posted it on my site about a year ago) I decided to write a sequel. I'm still in the process of writing it, but for now here's the intriguing (ha!) next part
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Zelgadis was devastated. This can't be! Okay, so technically it was, but he wouldn't let it remain so.
"Amelia, I don't know how, but I won't let you stay like this."
Amelia looked up (figuratively speaking) at Zelgadis. "What can you do?"
"I'm more than experienced in searching for cures. I heard quite a few ways to cure blindness, so we can start there. It would require leaving Seyruun, however."
"I don't know if Daddy will allow it."
The two had been too caught up in each other to remember that Phil was still in the room, and had overheard them.
"Mr. Zelgadis, if what you say is true and you can in fact find a cure for Amelia's eyes, then I will allow for you to take her out of the palace. There will be some precautions, however." Phil said.
Zelgadis jumped, having forgotten about the king. However, he wasn't about to pass up Phil's request.
"What kind of precautions?" Zelgadis asked.
"First and foremost, you will have to disguise yourselves. This shouldn't be too hard for you, Mr. Zelgadis, but Amelia will have to avoid anything that would tie her to the throne. If any evildoer were to find out my beloved daughter was away from Seyruun and unprotected.." Phil's voice caught in his throat.
"I understand, King Philionel."
"Please, just call me Phil. Also, you have to promise me that you will do nothing to call attention to yourselves, and should you find yourselves in danger, you'll contact me immediately."
"Daddy, I'm not totally helpless!" Amelia balled her fists up.
"No Amelia, he's right. I'm not as indestructible as I used to be, so it would be wise to be cautious." Zelgadis said.
"What if we hire Miss Lina and Mr. Gourry to protect us?" Amelia asked.
Zelgadis shook his head. "Too risky. Lina attracts way too much unwanted attention, and if we were to see them at any point we'll have to avoid them at all costs."
"But Mr. Zelgadis!"
"No, he's absolutely right, Amelia. It would be best if you two lay low. Also, it would be best for you two to leave as soon as possible." Phil said.
Zelgadis nodded his head. "Of course. All I need are some supplies and I'm ready to go. What about you, Amelia?"
"I can't go around wearing dresses, it's too impractical for travel, so I'll need to get some traveling clothes. But I haven't gone into the city since..well, you know."
Zelgadis blushed. Of course she needed new clothes if they were to remain inconspicuous. He already had to go get some supplies so he'd end up doing some clothes shopping as well.
"Let me take care of that." Zelgadis said. He then remembered he was nearly out of coinage. He sheepishly turned to King Phil.
"Do we get any funds for this trip?"
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As evening came Zelgadis finally returned to the palace. He wasn't empty-handed, however. He had gone back to the stable to pick up Hiro after he'd gone shopping, so the horse was laden with supplies and clothing. He left Hiro with the palace guards and took the clothes inside.
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Amelia was beside herself. After waiting all day, Zelgadis had finally brought her clothing for the trip. He had helped her to her room, given her the clothes, then left her to fend for herself. That wasn't the dilemma. She had worn nothing but dresses since losing her sight (They were much easier to put on and she didn't have to worry about putting them on backward), that to wear pants again felt foreign to her. Her new ensemble included a long-sleeved shirt, pants, boots, and a hooded cloak.
"I really wish I knew how I looked..."
Satisfied she'd gotten everything on right, Amelia made her way over to the door. She opened it and stepped out.
"Mr. Zelgadis?"
Zelgadis looked up from his seat at the end of the hall. Seeing Amelia looking about, he approached her.
"Are you all done?" he asked.
"Yes, what do you think?"
Zelgadis admired Amelia's new look: a pale-colored shirt, dark pants, boots, and a black cloak to top it all off. Zelgadis hated to admit it, but Amelia looked plain in the outfit. Exactly what he wanted. If she looked like any other commoner, they'd be that less likely to attract attention.
"You look nice." Zelgadis replied. No way was he going to tell her she was wearing a villainous' color.
"So are we ready to leave then?" Amelia asked. She was eager to be out of the palace, especially with Zelgadis!
"Yes, we should go before it gets too dark out."
After bidding Phil good-bye, they proceeded out of the palace and toward the palace guards, where Hiro was.
Zelgadis turned to the guards. "Thank you for watching him for me."
"Just doing our duty, Sir." stated one. "Now you do yours and keep Princess Amelia safe."
"I'll protect her with my life." Zelgadis replied.
Amelia was confused. Who did Zelgadis leave with the guards? As for the guards, Amelia smiled in their general direction.
Zelgadis turned to Amelia. "Before we leave, Amelia, I'd like you to meet Hiro."
"Hiro?" Amelia questioned.
Zelgadis smacked his forehead. He had forgotten that Amelia couldn't see. He took her hand and placed it on Hiro's muzzle.
"Yes, Hiro's my horse."
"Oh, I love horses! Daddy hasn't let me near them since, you know." Amelia moved over to Hiro, letting him sniff her hand before she began to pat his neck. "Hi, Hiro!"
Hiro snorted with pleasure.
Zelgadis smirked. It figured he'd have a lady's horse. "We should get going."
"Oh, right." Amelia turned to Zelgadis and smiled. "Well then, please lead the way."
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