The day was a little more cloudy than the day before, but the flowers were bright and fragrant. Zelgadis and Amelia walked with each other through the path that had been left between the various plants. Without going into great detail, he related the tales of his fruitless search. Through every ancient temple, dusty shrine, and mysterious cave he explored. Amelia was captivated by his every word. Although he was being brief, this was the longest time she had heard him talk. She enjoyed listening to him talk. He could=ve spoken about anything and she would=ve enjoyed it. He had such a gentle voice when he wasn=t trying to push people away.

AAnd that=s when I decided to return your bracelet. Oh yeah! I completely forgot!@ He reached into his pocket and pulled out the star-embedded bracelet and offered it to Amelia. She reached out to take it, and for a brief instant...their hands met. It was an instant that lasted forever for both of them, but neither of them would admit it to the other. AThank you. I=ll have to place it with it=s twin.@ She hadn=t worn the other bracelet since they separated. Sometimes at night, she would pull it out of her drawer and think about all the adventures she had with her friends. And she would wonder where the bracelet=s sister was. They continued on their walk and admired the scenery for a while. ADo you still have your guitar?@ asked Amelia. AYeah, I hold on to it for when I get bored.@ AWould you....would you play it for me later?@ AHuh? Why would you want to hear that? Don=t you have servants that can play for you?@ AWell, yes. But I=d just like to hear you play. Please?@ Poor guy, how could he resist? A....alright. I suppose I could play a little.@ Her smile returned. AThank you, Mr. Zelgadis.@ AYou really don=t have to call me that. If anything, I should be calling you Princess Amelia.@ AOk, Zelgadis.@ She beamed a smile at him. ADo you like flowers?@ AI=ve never paid much attention to them. They=re nice, I guess. But I=m not about to start planting my own garden or anything like that.@ AOh, I=ve always just enjoyed walking through here. It makes me feel at peace whenever I=m down.@ He made no response to this. Her smile faded. A....um...Zelgadis?@ AYes?@ AWhy did you wait so long to come and see me? I mean, Lina and Gourry came to visit me a few times. Even Xellos dropped by a couple of times. So why did you wait so long? And it seemed like you weren=t planning on staying here long.@ They both stopped walking. She turned towards him, but he couldn=t face her. AZelgadis...do you...do you not like me? Do I just bother you?@ She bit her lip to keep from sobbing, her eyes began to water. She lowered her head so he couldn=t see. He raised his face with surprise and looked at her. Suddenly he had realized how horrible he had been. He cared about her more than anyone, and he had treated her like she was nothing. What could he say to her now? He couldn=t tell her how he felt. He could hardly tell himself. The emotions began to stir violently in Amelia, and a small sob escaped. AAmelia...@ He slowly approached her and wrapped his arms around her. Her eyes opened wide for a moment. Was this really happening? It didn=t matter. She nuzzled into his chest and returned his embrace. AI=m sorry, Amelia.@ That was all he said, and that was all she needed right now. For another moment of eternity. The two just stood there holding one another. A pity that even eternity seems to end sometimes.