THE GIFT OF THE MAZOUKU - A SLAYERS STORY
Chapter 12 - The Cure (Tricky Switches)
There is nothing ugly! I never saw an ugly thing in my life! For let the form of as object be what it may- light, shade, and perspective will always make it beautiful. - John Constable
The next day Lina's troop traveled non-stop to an inn she had heard served great food. No one spoke about Amelia's problem or Xelloss's solution by silent agreement. Wait and see. This decision was supported by the fact that Xelloss had disappeared, again.
"FOOD.MUST HAVE FOOD." chanted Lina, Gourry, and Amelia.
"Miss one meal and they turn into that?" Yoyo asked the silent Chimera beside her.
"Out of my way!" shouted Amelia, pushing aside Yoyo, and jumping magically to the top of a tree. "Yes! Yes! I see it right around the next curve!"
Lina, Gourry, and Amelia disappeared in a cloud of dust. Zelgadiss shook his head and followed resolutely I will not shed one ounce of dignity. Why didn't I leave last night? Oh yeah, I slept instead. Now I must pay the price for my humanity..
* * * *
Yoyo watched in horror at the spectacle 'dining with Lina'. Zelgadiss, she noted, ate very little, but added to the madness by continuing to order them more dishes. Amelia was eating like a crazed woman, fighting occasionally over a last scrap. Lina and Gourry ate like starving animals. She kept her hands back for fear they might be targeted as consumable. The other patrons of the inn watched in disgust and disbelief, staring rudely at the entertainment.
To distract herself from the debacle, Yoyo nibbled on a roll and attempted to engage the Chimera in conversation. "So, Rocky, how long have you been taking orders from that Inverse chick?"
Zelgadiss choked on his sip of coffee in alarm, then glaring from under his hood, he said, "Zelgadiss. ZEL-GA-DISS. LI-NA is a friend. So are Gourry and Amelia. I have my own.plans to explore.but that's MY business!" he said scowling some more.
"Whoa, back down, kid. Your people skills can use some work. You see, I'm looking for some talented hunks to join my bandit crew. I saw you in action. You were awesome! Hey, if you weren't so freaky looking, I'd call you really HOT! So tell me, are you covered with rocks, like, all over?" she grinned mischievously.
CHOKE!
Zelgadiss blushed purple, drew his cloak around him, stood up and moved at demon-speed to the exit.
"Nice going, Yoyo," Lina mumbled around a mouthful of food.
Yoyo watched the door slam. "Awfully sensitive isn't he? Can't take insults or compliments, huh?"
Amelia rose to follow Zelgadiss, but Lina, barely looking up from her food yanked her down.
"Let 'im go blow off some steam. He'll get over it and come back."
Yoyo took the opportunity to take Zel's vacated chair next to Gourry.
"So, Big Guy, how long have you been swinging a sword? I noticed your moves- some were quite.remarkable?"
Gourry, not wanting to waste valuable eating time by talking just blinked incredulously.
"You know, I could use a talented, good-looking swordsman of your caliber in my bandit crew. Anyway, could I lure you away from that violent, little redheaded girl? Why is he looking at me like I'm speaking demonic tongues or something? Better try a more direct question. I mean, is she your girlfriend or something?"
Gourry looking a bit glazed and wide-eyed shook his head side to side then added, "I'm her guardian."
"Bodyguard! The word is bodyguard, Jellyfish brains!" cried Lina while pounding Gourry on the head with a drumstick.
Hummm." Yoyo thought, "Strong, but kinda weak upstairs. Powerful, but touchy. Then there's that weird Lord-priest guy. He doesn't seem to do much but irritate the others. One girl's nice but preachy, the other's, well too dangerous and actually too much like me. I'll keep working on Big guy and Rocky., and Yoyo's mind rolled over the possibilities as she tasted her soup too bland, needs peppers!
* * * *
The unhappy Chimera didn't stop moving until he was deep into the forest. He could go no further. A still lake and stone wall blocked his further escape. He plunked down on a rock, sighed, talked to the stars as the dark deepened around him.
Arrrrrrghh! That girl has no idea the Hell I go through everyday. The frightened stares or angry shouts when I'm spotted. Having to cover up, to hide, avoid the curious, avoid touching. I'm so sick of being hideous! What if there is no cure? I will be cursed forever.I'm hopeless.If I simply walk into that lake, I'll sink and die. No one will ever find me. They'll think I'm off in search of a cure. No one will ever know.the pain will finally be over...
He stood at the lake's edge, water lapping at his boots.
"You know, you'd be much happier if you stopped stressing about your looks."
XELLOSS! " GO AWAY! Leave me alone!" Zelgadiss snapped without turning around to look at the intruder.
"What if your rocks were gone and your skin was flesh right now? How would you live differently?"
"Not that it's any of your business, but I'd have choices. I wouldn't have to hide or be a sneaky, destructive thief to survive!"
"Ah yes.find a nice girl and settle down and FARM?"
"Maybe.or not right away. I could be a shaman and exorcise evil Mazouku for hire!"
"You can do that now. Does the way you look have anything to do with your powers?"
"What kind of question is that? You know it does. When Rezo the Red Priest turned me into a Chimera, I got the strength and speed of demon and the protective skin of a golem. But, if I study and practice I'll be better.good enough!"
Gasp! He wasn't born that way? No wonder he's sensitive. "Well, you're impressive now. You have friends that care about you. Why bother about what everyone else thinks? It's not like they're any happier being weak NORMAL humans at the mercy of marauding demons!"
"Why do I let you lead me into these stupid arguments?"
"Huh? This is the first time we've even talked, Rocky."
"WHAT? Yolande? Where did you come from? Where did that sneaky bastard get off to?"
"Hey, it's just me, honestly, you are so paranoid. Who did you think I was, that fruitcake priest guy?"
How could I have confused her with him!?..Arrrrgh, there goes my mind AGAIN! Now I need a cure for mental illness too. Yet another quest to add to my list of futile goals!
"By the way, Rocky, I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings. I didn't know about.I mean, I figured you'd just been born that way, and.I meant what I said.and call me YO-YO."
"As soon as you call me Zelgadiss."
Yoyo headed back to the inn to secure a room for herself.
The Chimera moodily settled under a tree and closed his eyes.
Gods, I hate myself. I'm a freak and I'm losing my mind.
"I don't know how to put this delicately, but you are wrong."
Zelgadiss jerked his head up, "Back already, Yolande?"
Xelloss was seated on a branch above Zel, with his legs dangling over. He smiled and dropped silently to Zel's side. Zelgadiss practically hissed with anger.
Unaffected by Zel's attitude, Xelloss continued, "You are no freak. You are unique. Your problem is that you've made searching for a cure your life's goal, which depresses you. What if I gave it to you right now, would you want it?"
"Yes! You know I'd do anything!"
"Even make a deal with me?" said Xelloss slyly.
"Yes, I'm that desperate. Is that what you want to hear? You want to see me beg too? Damn, I'm pathetic! Now he'll tease me and laugh."
"Oh, that won't be necessary. But before I hand it over, you should know that once undone, I cannot return you to this chimerical form. Are you sure you're ready for this?"
Xelloss looked very serious. Without hesitating, Zelgadiss nodded, "Yes, give it to me." His teeth were clenched so that they didn't rattle. nerves or fear?
"Oh my, so eager. Well then, close your eyes," then leaning in close to the Chimera, he added seriously, "You don't want to see this part."
Xelloss removed both his gloves. He placed his right hand on Zel's forehead and the left behind Zel's head to hold it still. Zelgadiss closed his eyes and trembled slightly hurry up before I lose it here..
"ZERO SCHIZ!"
A swirling black aura encompassed the pair.
NAUSEA! VERTIGO!
Zelgadiss could barely stand.
More nausea.when will this stop???
And then it was over. Xelloss released his hold and stepped back into the shadows. The moon had risen and was full. He did not want Zelgadiss to see him just yet.
"You can open your eyes now. How do you feel?"
Zelgadiss steadied himself then looked down at his hands, pale human-flesh hands!
GASP!
He felt lighter. He patted his chest -no rocks! His face WOW! It's so smooth!. He'd forgotten how it had felt to move his face freely and smile openly, "I-I'm normal!"
Zelgadiss ran to the lake's edge and looked down to see.Xelloss's face reflected back. He gasped in shock. "My God, Xelloss! What- what have you done? I'll kill you!"
faints, SPLASH!
"My, my, I guess I have to save you again. Now look what you've done to my hair! Let's get you cleaned up." Xelloss pulled Zelgadiss out of the icy water, dragged him to the tree, and smoothed Zel's purple hair down. "Damn am I handsome!" mused Xelloss, "You'd better take good care of my body now. I'll CERTAINLY take good care of yours. "
Giggle
Xelloss-who-looks-like Zel rubbed his hands over his new body. Shorter and thinner, rock-hard, lots of pebbles, lovely wiry hair, pointy ears, oh yeah this will be fun!
He walked back to the inn. Gourry was leaning on the banister as if deciding whether or not to go up. When Zelgadiss walked in, the blond swordsman called, "Yo, Zel! I was just going up to our room. Lina and Amelia settled in awhile ago and Yoyo before that..ummm.ahhh, are you okay? You look sooo. happy."
"Oh, Gourry,.. I feel . different, yes that's it!"
"You know.I get teased lots too.That Xelloss guy really gets to you, huh? And. that Yoyo girl too? Though she's scarier.but not as scary as Lina, right? But good looking, no?"
"Ah? I hadn't really noticed, OOOF!" Xelloss-who-looks-like-Zel had attempted to dance up the stairs but since he wasn't used to the new weight, he tripped.
THUD, SPLINTER
"Wow! Take it easy. I get it now. You've had too much to drink!"
* * * *
Zelgadiss-who-looks-like-Xelloss woke up feeling cold and wet.
Goosebumps?
"Oh, my Gods! It wasn't a dream! It's human skin but, but Xelloss's!! M-My mind is in Xelloss's body and-and-and HE'S IN MINE!!! Argh! These clothes are wet, I've got to get dry. What does he do about spares? And what's this shoulder bag for? Shit, can't get it open.must have a locking spell on it. Well if he won't tell me I'll blast it open later. Damn him anyway! What right does he think he had to do this to me, without asking? Although, he does take good take of his body.I wonder what it is shudder that he does to last over 1000 years? Achh! What am I doing? He's gone off who knows where in MY BODY, doing who know what to put me into some embarrassing situation! "
Zelgadiss-who-looks-like-Xelloss decided to try the inn where he, Zelgadiss, should share a room with Gourry. He was cold in clingy, wet clothes, Bastard! He doesn't even wear underwear. and so, wrapped the soggy cloak around his unfamiliar body and slogged on to the inn. Lucky for me everyone's gone already.HE had better be in his, MY room too!
* * * *
In the room Xelloss-who-looks-like-Zel fumbled with the scabbard buckle and cloak clasp and, finally his boots, then flung himself onto one of the beds. The sudden crushing weight brought both Xelloss-who-looks- like-Zel and his bed crashing to the floor.
"Hoy there! Take it easy.you really did have too much too drink!"
Before he could think of a clever retort to Gourry's observation, Xelloss-who-looks-like-Zel was distracted by the booming sound of their door flying open. Zelgadiss-who-looks-like-Xelloss stood at the threshold, shaking with fury.
"I should KILL you right here, but..WHAT ! You've broken my bed too!"
Gourry gasped, "Now.ah.Xelloss.that can't be your bed, this isn't your room.besides you don't sleep, right? Ahhh.I get it! You guys went out drinking without me!" Gourry was clearly upset for being left out.
Sweatdrops
Zelgadiss-who-looks-like-Xelloss glared at Xelloss-who-looks-like-Zel and said, "Can I speak to you outside ZEL-GA-DISSsss?"
"Oh go away, XEL-LOSSss, and leave me alone!" smirked Xelloss-who- looks-like-Zel. He then rolled up in his blanket and turned his back to the door.
Zelgadiss-who-looks-like-Xelloss spun around and moved as a blur to Xelloss's side. He bent close to the demon's ear and hissed, "I'll see you in the morning. And.keep your hands off my body."
* * * *
Zelgadiss-who-looks-like-Xelloss returned to the great room and perched on a stool by the fire. He sat, head in hand staring into the flames. The warmth was welcome anyway.
"Ah, 'cuse me sir, but I'd be a poor host to make a fine gentleman like yourself, and a holy man at that, sit 'ere in wet clothes, when I've got spares and a wee warm room lying empty. Come, come, follow me."
Zelgadiss-who-looks-like-Xelloss was taken aback by the kind words, smiled, and said, "Why thank you. I'd appreciate that."
He stepped into the cozy room offered by the innkeeper A Chimera wouldn't have received this treatment, you can bet!
" 'Ere's a robe for you tonight. Now you just leave your wet things out here and I'll have them cleaned and dried for you in the morning. Oh no, your money's no good here. Call it a donation to your shrine.Oh and I'll be right back with a bit o' tea."
Zelgadiss removed the wet clothes, donned the robe, tossed the wet things in a pile outside the door, flopped onto the soft bed chuckling.
"Yeah, I have my own room, no snoring Gourry, an intact bed, a cleaning service and tea for tonight.. I guess I'll survive 'til tomorrow."
Chapter 12 - The Cure (Tricky Switches)
There is nothing ugly! I never saw an ugly thing in my life! For let the form of as object be what it may- light, shade, and perspective will always make it beautiful. - John Constable
The next day Lina's troop traveled non-stop to an inn she had heard served great food. No one spoke about Amelia's problem or Xelloss's solution by silent agreement. Wait and see. This decision was supported by the fact that Xelloss had disappeared, again.
"FOOD.MUST HAVE FOOD." chanted Lina, Gourry, and Amelia.
"Miss one meal and they turn into that?" Yoyo asked the silent Chimera beside her.
"Out of my way!" shouted Amelia, pushing aside Yoyo, and jumping magically to the top of a tree. "Yes! Yes! I see it right around the next curve!"
Lina, Gourry, and Amelia disappeared in a cloud of dust. Zelgadiss shook his head and followed resolutely I will not shed one ounce of dignity. Why didn't I leave last night? Oh yeah, I slept instead. Now I must pay the price for my humanity..
* * * *
Yoyo watched in horror at the spectacle 'dining with Lina'. Zelgadiss, she noted, ate very little, but added to the madness by continuing to order them more dishes. Amelia was eating like a crazed woman, fighting occasionally over a last scrap. Lina and Gourry ate like starving animals. She kept her hands back for fear they might be targeted as consumable. The other patrons of the inn watched in disgust and disbelief, staring rudely at the entertainment.
To distract herself from the debacle, Yoyo nibbled on a roll and attempted to engage the Chimera in conversation. "So, Rocky, how long have you been taking orders from that Inverse chick?"
Zelgadiss choked on his sip of coffee in alarm, then glaring from under his hood, he said, "Zelgadiss. ZEL-GA-DISS. LI-NA is a friend. So are Gourry and Amelia. I have my own.plans to explore.but that's MY business!" he said scowling some more.
"Whoa, back down, kid. Your people skills can use some work. You see, I'm looking for some talented hunks to join my bandit crew. I saw you in action. You were awesome! Hey, if you weren't so freaky looking, I'd call you really HOT! So tell me, are you covered with rocks, like, all over?" she grinned mischievously.
CHOKE!
Zelgadiss blushed purple, drew his cloak around him, stood up and moved at demon-speed to the exit.
"Nice going, Yoyo," Lina mumbled around a mouthful of food.
Yoyo watched the door slam. "Awfully sensitive isn't he? Can't take insults or compliments, huh?"
Amelia rose to follow Zelgadiss, but Lina, barely looking up from her food yanked her down.
"Let 'im go blow off some steam. He'll get over it and come back."
Yoyo took the opportunity to take Zel's vacated chair next to Gourry.
"So, Big Guy, how long have you been swinging a sword? I noticed your moves- some were quite.remarkable?"
Gourry, not wanting to waste valuable eating time by talking just blinked incredulously.
"You know, I could use a talented, good-looking swordsman of your caliber in my bandit crew. Anyway, could I lure you away from that violent, little redheaded girl? Why is he looking at me like I'm speaking demonic tongues or something? Better try a more direct question. I mean, is she your girlfriend or something?"
Gourry looking a bit glazed and wide-eyed shook his head side to side then added, "I'm her guardian."
"Bodyguard! The word is bodyguard, Jellyfish brains!" cried Lina while pounding Gourry on the head with a drumstick.
Hummm." Yoyo thought, "Strong, but kinda weak upstairs. Powerful, but touchy. Then there's that weird Lord-priest guy. He doesn't seem to do much but irritate the others. One girl's nice but preachy, the other's, well too dangerous and actually too much like me. I'll keep working on Big guy and Rocky., and Yoyo's mind rolled over the possibilities as she tasted her soup too bland, needs peppers!
* * * *
The unhappy Chimera didn't stop moving until he was deep into the forest. He could go no further. A still lake and stone wall blocked his further escape. He plunked down on a rock, sighed, talked to the stars as the dark deepened around him.
Arrrrrrghh! That girl has no idea the Hell I go through everyday. The frightened stares or angry shouts when I'm spotted. Having to cover up, to hide, avoid the curious, avoid touching. I'm so sick of being hideous! What if there is no cure? I will be cursed forever.I'm hopeless.If I simply walk into that lake, I'll sink and die. No one will ever find me. They'll think I'm off in search of a cure. No one will ever know.the pain will finally be over...
He stood at the lake's edge, water lapping at his boots.
"You know, you'd be much happier if you stopped stressing about your looks."
XELLOSS! " GO AWAY! Leave me alone!" Zelgadiss snapped without turning around to look at the intruder.
"What if your rocks were gone and your skin was flesh right now? How would you live differently?"
"Not that it's any of your business, but I'd have choices. I wouldn't have to hide or be a sneaky, destructive thief to survive!"
"Ah yes.find a nice girl and settle down and FARM?"
"Maybe.or not right away. I could be a shaman and exorcise evil Mazouku for hire!"
"You can do that now. Does the way you look have anything to do with your powers?"
"What kind of question is that? You know it does. When Rezo the Red Priest turned me into a Chimera, I got the strength and speed of demon and the protective skin of a golem. But, if I study and practice I'll be better.good enough!"
Gasp! He wasn't born that way? No wonder he's sensitive. "Well, you're impressive now. You have friends that care about you. Why bother about what everyone else thinks? It's not like they're any happier being weak NORMAL humans at the mercy of marauding demons!"
"Why do I let you lead me into these stupid arguments?"
"Huh? This is the first time we've even talked, Rocky."
"WHAT? Yolande? Where did you come from? Where did that sneaky bastard get off to?"
"Hey, it's just me, honestly, you are so paranoid. Who did you think I was, that fruitcake priest guy?"
How could I have confused her with him!?..Arrrrgh, there goes my mind AGAIN! Now I need a cure for mental illness too. Yet another quest to add to my list of futile goals!
"By the way, Rocky, I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings. I didn't know about.I mean, I figured you'd just been born that way, and.I meant what I said.and call me YO-YO."
"As soon as you call me Zelgadiss."
Yoyo headed back to the inn to secure a room for herself.
The Chimera moodily settled under a tree and closed his eyes.
Gods, I hate myself. I'm a freak and I'm losing my mind.
"I don't know how to put this delicately, but you are wrong."
Zelgadiss jerked his head up, "Back already, Yolande?"
Xelloss was seated on a branch above Zel, with his legs dangling over. He smiled and dropped silently to Zel's side. Zelgadiss practically hissed with anger.
Unaffected by Zel's attitude, Xelloss continued, "You are no freak. You are unique. Your problem is that you've made searching for a cure your life's goal, which depresses you. What if I gave it to you right now, would you want it?"
"Yes! You know I'd do anything!"
"Even make a deal with me?" said Xelloss slyly.
"Yes, I'm that desperate. Is that what you want to hear? You want to see me beg too? Damn, I'm pathetic! Now he'll tease me and laugh."
"Oh, that won't be necessary. But before I hand it over, you should know that once undone, I cannot return you to this chimerical form. Are you sure you're ready for this?"
Xelloss looked very serious. Without hesitating, Zelgadiss nodded, "Yes, give it to me." His teeth were clenched so that they didn't rattle. nerves or fear?
"Oh my, so eager. Well then, close your eyes," then leaning in close to the Chimera, he added seriously, "You don't want to see this part."
Xelloss removed both his gloves. He placed his right hand on Zel's forehead and the left behind Zel's head to hold it still. Zelgadiss closed his eyes and trembled slightly hurry up before I lose it here..
"ZERO SCHIZ!"
A swirling black aura encompassed the pair.
NAUSEA! VERTIGO!
Zelgadiss could barely stand.
More nausea.when will this stop???
And then it was over. Xelloss released his hold and stepped back into the shadows. The moon had risen and was full. He did not want Zelgadiss to see him just yet.
"You can open your eyes now. How do you feel?"
Zelgadiss steadied himself then looked down at his hands, pale human-flesh hands!
GASP!
He felt lighter. He patted his chest -no rocks! His face WOW! It's so smooth!. He'd forgotten how it had felt to move his face freely and smile openly, "I-I'm normal!"
Zelgadiss ran to the lake's edge and looked down to see.Xelloss's face reflected back. He gasped in shock. "My God, Xelloss! What- what have you done? I'll kill you!"
faints, SPLASH!
"My, my, I guess I have to save you again. Now look what you've done to my hair! Let's get you cleaned up." Xelloss pulled Zelgadiss out of the icy water, dragged him to the tree, and smoothed Zel's purple hair down. "Damn am I handsome!" mused Xelloss, "You'd better take good care of my body now. I'll CERTAINLY take good care of yours. "
Giggle
Xelloss-who-looks-like Zel rubbed his hands over his new body. Shorter and thinner, rock-hard, lots of pebbles, lovely wiry hair, pointy ears, oh yeah this will be fun!
He walked back to the inn. Gourry was leaning on the banister as if deciding whether or not to go up. When Zelgadiss walked in, the blond swordsman called, "Yo, Zel! I was just going up to our room. Lina and Amelia settled in awhile ago and Yoyo before that..ummm.ahhh, are you okay? You look sooo. happy."
"Oh, Gourry,.. I feel . different, yes that's it!"
"You know.I get teased lots too.That Xelloss guy really gets to you, huh? And. that Yoyo girl too? Though she's scarier.but not as scary as Lina, right? But good looking, no?"
"Ah? I hadn't really noticed, OOOF!" Xelloss-who-looks-like-Zel had attempted to dance up the stairs but since he wasn't used to the new weight, he tripped.
THUD, SPLINTER
"Wow! Take it easy. I get it now. You've had too much to drink!"
* * * *
Zelgadiss-who-looks-like-Xelloss woke up feeling cold and wet.
Goosebumps?
"Oh, my Gods! It wasn't a dream! It's human skin but, but Xelloss's!! M-My mind is in Xelloss's body and-and-and HE'S IN MINE!!! Argh! These clothes are wet, I've got to get dry. What does he do about spares? And what's this shoulder bag for? Shit, can't get it open.must have a locking spell on it. Well if he won't tell me I'll blast it open later. Damn him anyway! What right does he think he had to do this to me, without asking? Although, he does take good take of his body.I wonder what it is shudder that he does to last over 1000 years? Achh! What am I doing? He's gone off who knows where in MY BODY, doing who know what to put me into some embarrassing situation! "
Zelgadiss-who-looks-like-Xelloss decided to try the inn where he, Zelgadiss, should share a room with Gourry. He was cold in clingy, wet clothes, Bastard! He doesn't even wear underwear. and so, wrapped the soggy cloak around his unfamiliar body and slogged on to the inn. Lucky for me everyone's gone already.HE had better be in his, MY room too!
* * * *
In the room Xelloss-who-looks-like-Zel fumbled with the scabbard buckle and cloak clasp and, finally his boots, then flung himself onto one of the beds. The sudden crushing weight brought both Xelloss-who-looks- like-Zel and his bed crashing to the floor.
"Hoy there! Take it easy.you really did have too much too drink!"
Before he could think of a clever retort to Gourry's observation, Xelloss-who-looks-like-Zel was distracted by the booming sound of their door flying open. Zelgadiss-who-looks-like-Xelloss stood at the threshold, shaking with fury.
"I should KILL you right here, but..WHAT ! You've broken my bed too!"
Gourry gasped, "Now.ah.Xelloss.that can't be your bed, this isn't your room.besides you don't sleep, right? Ahhh.I get it! You guys went out drinking without me!" Gourry was clearly upset for being left out.
Sweatdrops
Zelgadiss-who-looks-like-Xelloss glared at Xelloss-who-looks-like-Zel and said, "Can I speak to you outside ZEL-GA-DISSsss?"
"Oh go away, XEL-LOSSss, and leave me alone!" smirked Xelloss-who- looks-like-Zel. He then rolled up in his blanket and turned his back to the door.
Zelgadiss-who-looks-like-Xelloss spun around and moved as a blur to Xelloss's side. He bent close to the demon's ear and hissed, "I'll see you in the morning. And.keep your hands off my body."
* * * *
Zelgadiss-who-looks-like-Xelloss returned to the great room and perched on a stool by the fire. He sat, head in hand staring into the flames. The warmth was welcome anyway.
"Ah, 'cuse me sir, but I'd be a poor host to make a fine gentleman like yourself, and a holy man at that, sit 'ere in wet clothes, when I've got spares and a wee warm room lying empty. Come, come, follow me."
Zelgadiss-who-looks-like-Xelloss was taken aback by the kind words, smiled, and said, "Why thank you. I'd appreciate that."
He stepped into the cozy room offered by the innkeeper A Chimera wouldn't have received this treatment, you can bet!
" 'Ere's a robe for you tonight. Now you just leave your wet things out here and I'll have them cleaned and dried for you in the morning. Oh no, your money's no good here. Call it a donation to your shrine.Oh and I'll be right back with a bit o' tea."
Zelgadiss removed the wet clothes, donned the robe, tossed the wet things in a pile outside the door, flopped onto the soft bed chuckling.
"Yeah, I have my own room, no snoring Gourry, an intact bed, a cleaning service and tea for tonight.. I guess I'll survive 'til tomorrow."
