THE GIFT OF THE MAZOUKU - A SLAYERS STORY

Chapter 11- Amelia's (Out of a Job) Freedom?

The true use of speech is not so much to express our wants as to conceal them - Oliver Goldsmith



Lina and Co. plus Yoyo were spread out near the campfire. Amelia was safely situated between Lina and Zelgadiss; Gourry was next to Lina. Yoyo had happily insinuated herself between the clearly uncomfortable Gourry and Zelgadiss. Xelloss had volunteered (?!) for lookout duty some distance away on a tree branch. Pleasure washed over his body as he 'dined' at the all-you-can eat Mazouku buffet of emotions coming from below.

Zelgadiss was moodily poking at a glowing coal with a stick. What am I doing this for? Why do I put my self into the position of yet another tag-along for Lina? I'll wait for everyone to go sleep, then take off. I am glad Gourry's got a sword again. HE'S happy. HE'S achieved every goal he's dreamed of now. It just makes my failure all the more apparent. And just what I need, ANOTHER meddler to remind me of how horrible I look. What makes it worse, she's hard to hate especially when she pisses off Lina or Xelloss.

Zelgadiss turned to look at Gourry then Amelia. Catching his eye, Amelia sniffled a little.

"Amelia, are you alright?" Zel was sensitive other people's feelings, even though he devoted himself to denial.

"Oh, Mr. Zelgadiss, I was only thinking about my leaving Seyruun."

"Was that a mistake?"

"Oh, no! I can't go back.and now I understand why my sister left too."

Hearing this, Lina leaned over and remarked, "Ok, Amelia, spit it out!"

Sigh "Ok.My 16th birthday is this year. According to some ancient rule or other all heirs to the throne must be engaged to be married by the age of 16."

silence

".and not just anybody- someone of royal blood. I found my sister's diary and, well, I read the last few pages. She had fallen in love, but he was not approved of.she was a strong-minded girl.so now I'm next.I'm expected.Oh, Lina, it's been terrible. These awful old, greedy men.I-I-I don't even want to be engaged! I want to glances swiftly at a blushing chimera to do this.fight for justice.travel.you know.."

"Yeah, that really sucks kid." Lina said sympathetically.

"I don't know. Why make such a big deal about it? Take home one of these guys, they probably clean up pretty good, and get it over with. Presto! Your a princess, take a leave of absence or something," piped up Yoyo.

"Stay out of this!" shouted Lina, Zel, Gourry, and Amelia.

"Actually," floated the Mazouku's seductive voice, as Xelloss walked into the circle of light, "I can solve your problem!"

"Not YOU, Mr. Xelloss!" Amelia's eyes like saucers.

"Hummm, well, I hadn't considered marriage, of course, it might be very. interesting.I AM qualified nobility or was as Lord Xelloss Metallium, but. don't you think I might be a little.mature?"

"You're the most immature 'MAN' I've ever met! Obviously a worthless noble sort," sniffed Yoyo.

Zelgadiss sputtered to contain an outright laugh, while at the same time muttering an Astral protection spell.

"You REALLY don't want to go there," sighed Lina.

Zelgadiss could hardly contain himself, "Xelloss, has she got YOU pegged!"

"That can't be right, isn't he REALLY old?" asked Gourry.

Lina's fist took down the clueless blond and stopped his chatter.

Xelloss's smile faltered slightly.

"So.Xelloss, what were you planning to do for Amelia?" prodded Lina, directing conversation away from sensitive areas. Yoyo did not need to know all their secrets.

"I think Mr. Xelloss' feelings were hurt, Miss Lina," Amelia pointed out.

"Pouting." added Zel.

Xelloss had moved away into the shadows partly to compose himself, and also to avoid that Yoyo girl's face. He shouldn't, wouldn't let her, a human, get to him clever girl, nice scar -gasp- where did that come from?

"Not at all, Princess. I was simply waiting my turn to speak. Now, if you've finished insulting me.I have good news."

silence

"Sometime ago I ran into your sister. NOT an experience I wish to repeat anytime soon. I also met the MAN in question. At the time, she agreed to consider a return to Seyruun, given that I could make certain arrangements. These pertain to the fiancée's title and financial status. I am prepared to provide both, if you wish, princess?"

"Mr. Xelloss!"

"You are giving a fortune away to a perfect STRANGER? Gimme that NOW!" demanded Lina, grabbling the Mazouku's shoulder bag and dragging him into a headlock.

"You're not seriously considering accepting this?" sputtered Zel, "You know he's lying or will trick you into some compromising situation."

"My, my, Chimera-chan, I save those for you and Lina. I'm not lying."

"Xelloss, you're creeping me out! First you hand over the COPY Sword of Light to Gourry, now you're doing favors for Amelia. You expect us to believe this is all out of the goodness of you're heart?" Lina screamed.

Xelloss turned his back to the group and floated back to his look-out post.

"We're not STUPID!" added Gourry.

Lina lowered her voice, "It's very suspicious, Xelloss, but then. you are a very suspicious person, right? Ha, ha, ha, ha! I don't get your angle.you have something up your sleeve and I'm going to find out what Oh well, time to get some sleep."

Lina resigned herself to reality, rolled up into a blanket, and started snoring.

"Well, that ends all discussion for tonight," muttered Zelgadiss, crawling off to brood alone.

Gourry was watchman. Amelia turned in beside Lina.

To the blond swordsman, Yoyo said, "Well if YOU'RE keeping watch, I guess it's safe enough for me to sleep too, big guy."

"Yes!" smiled Gourry.

Xelloss floated over to where Gourry was sitting, polishing his sword against his pants leg. Gourry looked up and greeted him with a friendly nod.

"Hi, Xelloss, ummm He gave me my sword, Lina called him a friend, " Can't sleep? Do you, ahhh she also said not to call him monster guys sleep?"

"Not really," he answered evasively, "I'll stay up and watch. You can get some rest, if you like."

"'Kay! Thanks! 'Night."

Gourry fell backwards snoring.

Xelloss stared into the fire, smiling, "That went well, I think."