Gomen! I haven't updated in AGES! The thing is, I have everything typed out already, I'm just too lazy to do all the HTML editing I need to do... But here I am doing it so y'all can read some more! Don't you think Sara Evans' song is so pretty!?? I LOVE IT!!!

Backing away from the edge of the waterfall, Gourry looked around the immediate area for the next clue. There weren't many possible places it could be. Around him, there was only the river and the waterfall, a few patches of tall grass, and large clumps of rocks. Getting on his knees, Gourry probed through each bunch of grass and each pile of rocks. He finally found a piece of yellow parchment halfway under a bleached rock. He grabbed it, crinkling it in his fist, and got to his feet. Instantly, he opened it and read what it said.

Well Done.
You've made it to the waterfall. I again report that your "Lina" is here and safe. Here is a little momento for you to keep to prove her well being.

Contained with the letter was another note, written in a handwriting Gourry recognized as Lina's. He read this quickly, praying Lina was saying she was all right.

Gourry,
I have no clue what the hell happened. I was blowing up the bandits, and this guy snuck up behind me and then when I woke up again, I was in this creepy place. The guy won't let me tell you where I am. He says to tell you I'm fine. Sure, fine for being deprived of food and respect! This guy has no manners at all, Gourry! He won't even tell me what his name is!! Grr! Anyway, he's saying I have to end this. All I want to add is hurry your blond butt over here and get me out! If he kills me, I'll haunt you for the rest of your life!
Lina

Gourry chuckled a little. Despite Lina's situation, she was still acting like her normal self. Then, quickly, Gourry realized he hadn't read the clue yet. Turning back to the original letter, he skimmed over it until he came to the question.

What building weighs the least?

What was that supposed to mean? What building weighs the least? Didn't most buildings weigh the same? Wait, this was supposed to test his brain. It was a twist of words, right? But what could it mean? What building weighs the least?

Gourry changed his train of thought. What didn't weigh a whole lot? Air? But there weren't any air buildings. Feathers didn't weigh much. Was it something to do with feathers or birds? Pillows, maybe? Or a feather duster?

That was it! Maids used feather dusters! He'd just have to find a place that hired out maids. Clenching his fist, inadvertently crumbling the letter, Gourry shouted, "Right! There's a big town by the lake below the waterfall! I'll check there!"

Grinning with his accomplishment, Gourry ran across the cliff until he reached a path leading down. He had to slow his step as he went down, since the trail was very steep, and loose rocks littered the path. He slipped once, and grabbed desperately around him for something to hold onto. He managed to catch hold of a thick tree root protruding from the sheer wall, and used that to pull himself up again. From there on down, Gourry kept one hand firmly against the wall.

When he reached the bottom, Gourry didn't pause for a moment. He had to hurry as fast as he could to get to a maid hiring place so he could get the next clue as to where Lina was. He darted along the coast of the lake, and reached the town just as the sun was starting to set.

The town was larger than normal, being a very prosperous seaport. It had large docks at a marina, and a tall lighthouse overlooking the lake. There were several inns and taverns, and Gourry was almost positive he could find a place that would hire out maids.

From there, Gourry wandered through the streets, looking for such a place. When it was getting dark, and Gourry was about to give up, he saw a sign that read, "Maids for Hire." Cheering up more than a little, Gourry went in there. No one was at the counter, so he took the liberty of looking around. He checked behind the counter, under the carpet, in the potted plants, beneath seat cushions, all to no avail. He didn't see hide nor hair of a clue.

By then it was late, and Gourry resignedly left the store, and checked into an inn. He dragged his feet up the stairs, and plopped down on his bed without bothering to remove his armor or sword. He'd been so sure that was where the next clue would be. If it wasn't a maid service, then what could it be?

"What building weighs the least?" Gourry mumbled to himself, on the verge of sleep. What building would be light? Feathers weren't it. He seriously doubted bubbles, though it could be a soap maker. What would be light? Cursing his brain, Gourry kept trying to figure out what it would possibly be.

Before Gourry could figure out what the answer to the clue was, he drifted off into an uneasy sleep, filled with dreams of Lina.