.
Scene One: Ill met by storms
"Love comforteth like sunshine after the rain"
-Venus and Adonis
The dust being kicked up from the road was starting to make a new layer on the Chimera's black boots. With a heavy sigh, Zel drew his eyes to look at the trees and the blue sky they let through.
Why am I going this way? he thought. Zelgadiss came to a halt in the road and reached in his pocket to pull out the folded white paper. With one finger he traced the seal that held the page folded. It was the crest of Saillune. He opened up the paper and read its message again, like he had already done so many times.
To Mr. Zelgadiss Graywords,
You have been invited to attend King Stag's masked ball at the palace of Saillune, this winter. The ball will be held in one week, and your showing would be much appreciated.
Amelia Wil Telsa Saillune
The one week had now turned in to two days. The ball was tomorrow and Zelgadiss could easily get to Saillune in less then a day. No, he knew he could. Ever since he found himself traveling in the city's direction he kept slowing down his pace to and telling himself to turn around. Apparently something inside of him was not agreeing with the rest of his thoughts and kept pushing him in the one direction.
"Masked ball," he growled to himself. "Real funny." He had been wearing a mask for so many years, trying to hide his appearance. He told himself not to take the whole part about the mask to seriously, it was just a little fun for the party.
His feet began to walk again down the dirt road.
Why am I going? It's not like I want to, I could think of at least five things that would be better then going to this masked ball. Maybe even ten or twenty! Hell, I could probably write a book on things that would be better then going to this masked ball! I wouldn't even need a mask to get in, people could already think I was wearing one!
"So why am I still going?!" At his yell to the world, Zelgadiss heard a loud crack that was followed by faint hiss. The Chimera turned his face to the sky and was greeted by a down pour of fast and heavy rain falling in his face. He let out a soft sigh and closed his eyes as he brought his face back down to level.
Another crack of thunder followed by a spark of lightning.
"Greeeat," He said to no on imparticular. Zelgadiss stood still in his spot letting the rain coat him. He knew that any wise man would do the smart thing and find shelter, but what if a wise man was in terrible stress and couldn't even figure out his own actions?
"Croak!"
"Hm?" The sound startled Zelgadiss and returned his mind to reality.
"Croak!"
He turned his face to the sound and looked down at the now muddy road. There in front of him was a toad, sitting in the mud and watching the Chimera with his bug-eye's.
That has got to be...the biggest toad I have ever seen. Zelgadiss formed a fist and held it up to his face eye level with the toad before him. That thing is bigger then my fist! Zelgadiss brought his fist down and stared at the toad. At least I can now say I look better then something out there.
The two held a moment of silence and stared the other down.
"...Croak!"
"I must be tired," said Zelgadiss, as he rubbed his head. He turned on his heal and began to head down the road.
"Croak! Croak!"
The sounds stopped the Chimera and made him turn back to the toad. He watched the animal as if to expect something to happen. "What?" He finally asked.
The toad didn't make a sound at first, the replied with: "Croak!"
I shouldn't expect anything less from an old toad, Zelgadiss thought.
The toad watched the Chimera's foot slowly turn to walk again. At that instant the toad bounded off the mud and smacked it's body on Zel's face.
The chimera's breathing was cut off and his nose picked up the scent of mud, moss and rain water. "Mmrf! Greffh roff!" Zelgadiss pulled at the toad on his face. The sticky creature wouldn't let go and gripped to the pebbles framing Zelgadiss' face.
Zelgadiss tasted what he decided to claim was the worst taste ever. He couldn't see a thing in front of him and told himself to stop moving his feet and concentrate of this blob planted on his face.
"Croak!"
The toad released it's grip and Zelgadiss drew a long breath of air and repeatedly wiped his mouth. "Stupid, repulsive..." He needed something to wash out his mouth, the toad's slim was spread all on his face.
Zelgadiss reached for his canteen and dumped the fresh water in his mouth as he let the rain wash off his face. He swished the water about his mouth and spit it on the ground.
Wiping the water from his lips, he looked at the road and the toad looking back at him. "Croak!"
"You..." Zelgadiss stopped his words when he noticed a certain pink bracelet with a blue orb hanging around the toad. Taking a second to realize what was around the toad, then checking the canteen in his hands, Zelgadiss came to the conclusion that the toad had somehow got the bracelet Amelia had given him. "Hey! What kind of toad do you think you are?!"
Zelgadiss quickly dove a the ground with his arms stretched out and aiming for the toad. The toad bounced off the ground and let Zelgadiss slid in the mud. The Chimera shook his head and pushed his body from the think mud. He darted his eyes about for a wort infested blob and saw just what he was looking for not far form his left.
"...Croak!"
"Shut up!" Zelgadiss crawled/slid in the mud for the toad again, only having it jump over his head to the other side.
The duel in the mud an rain went about for a few minutes until the toad began to hop in the forest.
"Get back here!" Zelgadiss stumbled around in the mud. His shoes barley had a grip on the ground as he got on his feet and ran after the hopping toad.
His chimeric senses picked up occasional 'Croak!' and he continued tracking down the creature. Past the heavy ran, Zelgadiss soon made out a shade of pink by the ground accompanied by a blue circle.
"Croak!"
"You son of a-" The toad continued hopping and made its way to a small stone cave shrouded in greenery. In a most cautious manner, Zelgadiss crept up behind the toad and reached out in a flash. The toad squirmed and croaked and soon slipped out of the Chimera's hands. "Oh Gods!"
The toad hopped off with the bracelet in the cave. Zelgadiss hated the fact that his ears could pick up the toad's croak echo in the stony walls.
I can't believe I'm doing this for that bracelet! With that last thought Zelgadiss marched in the damp cave cave.
Well I can stay here for the night and out of the rain, he thought. The pattering of the rain echoed amongst the walls with drips of water that escaped between the damp rocks.
"Croak!"
The single sound made Zelgadiss' mind snap and his body move faster through the cave. Moving only slightly further and barely even in the cave, Zel hit something in the dark backed up. He picked up the sound of a small cry and sensed movement. "Lightning," he chanted.
The light filled the palm of his hand and lit up the darkness. Curled on the floor were two young women in rags and old clothing, soaked and dirty. Still not sure what to say, Zelgadiss stood astonished looking at the too women. "If you were here first I'll leave," he began, and turned around to walk out in the rain once more.
"Wait!" One of the yelled. "No, stay! It's so cold out there, and the rain still falls. Come, come sit with us!"
Zelgadiss was taken at them inviting him. He looked out at the rain and back at the two maidens curled on the floor in barely any rags at all. "Thank you," he whispered, and leaned against a wall, slowly sitting down.
He swung his bag off his shoulder and put it on the floor. Nothing was said between the Chimera and the two maidens. It was, to Zelgadiss, a rather awkward silence but nothing he wasn't used to.
"A-choo!"
Zelgadiss quickly turned to the two maidens at the sound of one sneezing. The dark haired one pulled her arms in more as the golden haired one came closer comfort and hug her. He watched the two exchange low whispers back and forth. They cuddled together to try and stay warm and rubbed their hands back and forth.
Zel looked at his bag and made his decision. He stood up and walked over by the maidens and took a seat before them. Their eyes grew wide and curious as the Chimera opened his bag and rummaged through his few things. He began to pull out food and place it before the women. "Here."
The gold haired one watched the food placed on the ground and began to name them as if she had seen food for the first time. "Bread. Cheese. Apples." She quickly shot her look up at Zelgadiss. "Kind Sir, we can not accept this!"
"It is far too much! Are not you hungry?" The other protested.
"I hardly eat, I'll just take some bread," Zel mumbled. He took the cape off of his back and brought it in his hand. "You can take this." Zelgadiss tossed the cape in the two Maiden's laps.
They caught the clothe and slowly unfolded it. "But-"
"I'm serious, take it. It's obvious you're cold, I can hear your teeth chattering. That and your stomachs are growling."
The two women blinked at the Chimera. The black haired woman's stomach growled and she blushed as she covered her stomach. The two wrapped the cape around them and huddled together.
Zelgadiss broke off a small piece of the bread loaf and ate. Slowly the two maidens reached for the food and began to eat hungrily, devouring as much as they could.
When the food was gone, the two maidens let sleep consume them and slept through the night. When they awoke, the women noticed the Chimera had retreated back to his spot on the wall. His eyes were gazing at the clearing rain in a lost and longing way, his arms folded across his chest and the two women could have called him still as stone.
Nudging the golden hair friends next to her, the dark haired girl walked over and sat across from Zelgadiss, only with her friend to join her. The Chimera turned only his head and watched the two lift their heads to look at him.
"Well good morning. My name is Revyn," the dark haired woman began.
"And I am Mabala," said the blond haired woman.
Zelgadiss blinked and had nothing to say, so the two maidens continued. "We wish to bear you thanks," said Revyn. "You have given us food and warmth, much to give us health."
They talk so odd, Zelgadiss thought. "Like I said, it's nothing."
"That is a lie!" Mabala butted in. "It is something very kind."
The two maiden's looked at each other and closed their eyes. Zelgadiss watched in wonderment as the two maidens sparkled with glittering light before him. There before him the two woman transformed in to what he thought were Fae like folk. They were no longer in few rags, nor muddy or wet, but instead wore their earthly clothes decorated in spider web and flowers, beautiful and strange.
Zelgadiss had his palms planted on the floor and his mouth was slightly open and able to say no words.
Revyn giggled in a light hearted voice and smiled at the shocked Chimera. "Surprise!" the Fairy chimed.
"My, there is ever so much rain!" Mabala pointed out. "How beautiful! It must have rained through the night!"
"Mabala!" Revyn pulled at her friend's dress and pointed to the Chimera across form them.
Zelgadiss' eyes widened and his body made no movement. Mabala giggled along with her friend. "Don't fear us, we just want to thank you!" Mabala chirped.
Zelgadiss closed his mouth and opened it again slowly. "A...Are you-"
"Fae!" Revyn said with a laugh. She quickly stood up turning in a circle and spun around, twinkling like a small bell and smiling.
"You're Fairies?" Zelgadiss pushed himself up against the wall In a better position to sit. "W...Where did you come from?" He tried to think out what he had just thought was there and now not. "You were the two women?"
"Indeed!" Said Mabala.
"Where did you even come from?" Zelgadiss asked.
Mabala smiled and joined her friend in spinning around. She began to sing in a charming voice along with her friend who followed her words.
"Over hill, over dale,
Through bush, through brier,"
"Over park, over pale,
Through flood, through fire;"
"We do wander everywhere!" They said in unison. "Swifter than the moonès sphere..."
Zelgadiss decided it would be best not to move and watched the two Fairies take there seat before again. "And we wish to thank you for your good givings," Revyn stated.
Zel wasn't sure whether he should say 'It's nothing' again, or give in and say okay. "Well..."
"We shall grant you a wish," Mabala said with a wink.
"Your deepest desire for a single day, come the chime of midnight and it all fades away. 'Less you-"
"What do you mean 'deepest desire'?" Zelgadiss snapped. The Fae watched his eyes narrow and his face go from shocked to stern in a flash.
Revyn looked at Mabala and the two smiled. Zelgadiss felt himself grow impatient when the Fae didn't answer him. "Please tell me!" He yelled. As far as he was concerned, his only desire was to be human again. His thoughts cut off when he pushed back his soft hair and moved locks form his face. As he brought his hand down he noticed the change in his hairs texture and moved his hand through it again. "My..." He removed his hand from his head and brought both his hands before his eyes. Peachy white skin.
Zelgadiss felt his face with his fingers, smooth, no rocks, the only answer could be that he was human. He tried to speak but he felt that all the words he wished to say didn't exist.
The two Fairies smiled in happiness that shown like the sun. Revyn quickly transformed to a smaller version of herself with wings and fluttered through the air. "One day, one day, or it all fades away!"
Mabala giggled and went to her own smaller version with wings and whispered. "One chance, one chance, to get in her pants!" She was happy that Zelgadiss no longer had his keen hearing to hear her. Revyn nudged her partner and whispered that she should be more polite.
Zelgadiss looked at the fluttering Fae and watched them move about. "Wait. One day?"
The two Fae settled level with his eyes and spoke. "One day to be human."
"Therefore, you go forth to the ball."
Zelgadiss was puzzled. "How do you two know about the masked ball?"
"Go! Go!" Mabala encouraged.
"You must take this opportunity! You have become human and may now do all you wish as human!"
Zelgadiss didn't understand any of what was going on, but he grabbed his bag and quickly stood up and got ready to leave. I'm human now... But what... do I want to do? Has this whole search become some pointless obsession?
The two Fairies watched Zelgadiss stand still in the dark and ponder. Revyn nudged her friends and whispered something in her ear. "Oh, that's right!" Mabala chirped.
The Fae fluttered over to the man's ear by their glittering wings and spoke close to him. "Do not fear," Mabala whispered. "Your cure can have a purpose."
"Indeed," Revyn added. "But we must warn you of one more thing." Zelgadiss listened carefully as the Fairies continued. "You must not speak to anyone of who you are."
"Excuse me?" Zelgadiss questioned. "Not only am I human for one day, but now I can't tell anyone who I am?" The Fae twinkled in response. "I can't even tell Lina, Gourry or even Amelia?"
"Correct."
Zelgadiss felt like his spirit had just sunk deep down. "Then..." He dropped his bag on the floor and turned to the two Fairies, glaring with his sharp eyes. "You're just toying with me! Is this some sort of test? It's become pointless!"
"Please, be soft Zelgadiss!" Revyn tried to calm down the enraged man.
"You do have a chance to remain human," said Mabala.
"And what is that?" Zelgadiss snapped.
"Get to the masked ball and let your feelings guide you."
Zelgadiss looked at the Fae for a few moments and ground his teeth together. "What is that suppose to mean?!"
"Listen, you ungrateful man!" Revyn snapped. "We just gave you your deepest wish and you can't even thank us! Instead you complain like a child who has lost there favorite toy!"
"That is right!" Mabala added. "Yes there are rules to this cure, but life is full of rules and puzzles! So you can leave this chance for your cure behind or give it shot and try your best and enjoy what you have!"
The cave was quiet except for the hissing of the rain outside. Zelgadiss looked at the ground in defeat. He knew that the two Fae were right. "Okay," he said. He picked up his bag once more and headed for the caves exit. The rain had cleared and the sun was breaking through the foggy forest. He took one more look at the Fae behind him. He felt his stomach tie in a small knot and mumbled. "Thank you," he began. "So... Follow my feelings?"
"Yes," they answered.
Zelgadiss nodded and took one step before one of the Fae called out. "Do you have a costume for the ball?"
Thinking for a minute Zelgadiss replied. "No." He looked back at the Fae and found that they had come behind him.
"Let us help with that," they said.
Scene One: Ill met by storms
"Love comforteth like sunshine after the rain"
-Venus and Adonis
The dust being kicked up from the road was starting to make a new layer on the Chimera's black boots. With a heavy sigh, Zel drew his eyes to look at the trees and the blue sky they let through.
Why am I going this way? he thought. Zelgadiss came to a halt in the road and reached in his pocket to pull out the folded white paper. With one finger he traced the seal that held the page folded. It was the crest of Saillune. He opened up the paper and read its message again, like he had already done so many times.
To Mr. Zelgadiss Graywords,
You have been invited to attend King Stag's masked ball at the palace of Saillune, this winter. The ball will be held in one week, and your showing would be much appreciated.
Amelia Wil Telsa Saillune
The one week had now turned in to two days. The ball was tomorrow and Zelgadiss could easily get to Saillune in less then a day. No, he knew he could. Ever since he found himself traveling in the city's direction he kept slowing down his pace to and telling himself to turn around. Apparently something inside of him was not agreeing with the rest of his thoughts and kept pushing him in the one direction.
"Masked ball," he growled to himself. "Real funny." He had been wearing a mask for so many years, trying to hide his appearance. He told himself not to take the whole part about the mask to seriously, it was just a little fun for the party.
His feet began to walk again down the dirt road.
Why am I going? It's not like I want to, I could think of at least five things that would be better then going to this masked ball. Maybe even ten or twenty! Hell, I could probably write a book on things that would be better then going to this masked ball! I wouldn't even need a mask to get in, people could already think I was wearing one!
"So why am I still going?!" At his yell to the world, Zelgadiss heard a loud crack that was followed by faint hiss. The Chimera turned his face to the sky and was greeted by a down pour of fast and heavy rain falling in his face. He let out a soft sigh and closed his eyes as he brought his face back down to level.
Another crack of thunder followed by a spark of lightning.
"Greeeat," He said to no on imparticular. Zelgadiss stood still in his spot letting the rain coat him. He knew that any wise man would do the smart thing and find shelter, but what if a wise man was in terrible stress and couldn't even figure out his own actions?
"Croak!"
"Hm?" The sound startled Zelgadiss and returned his mind to reality.
"Croak!"
He turned his face to the sound and looked down at the now muddy road. There in front of him was a toad, sitting in the mud and watching the Chimera with his bug-eye's.
That has got to be...the biggest toad I have ever seen. Zelgadiss formed a fist and held it up to his face eye level with the toad before him. That thing is bigger then my fist! Zelgadiss brought his fist down and stared at the toad. At least I can now say I look better then something out there.
The two held a moment of silence and stared the other down.
"...Croak!"
"I must be tired," said Zelgadiss, as he rubbed his head. He turned on his heal and began to head down the road.
"Croak! Croak!"
The sounds stopped the Chimera and made him turn back to the toad. He watched the animal as if to expect something to happen. "What?" He finally asked.
The toad didn't make a sound at first, the replied with: "Croak!"
I shouldn't expect anything less from an old toad, Zelgadiss thought.
The toad watched the Chimera's foot slowly turn to walk again. At that instant the toad bounded off the mud and smacked it's body on Zel's face.
The chimera's breathing was cut off and his nose picked up the scent of mud, moss and rain water. "Mmrf! Greffh roff!" Zelgadiss pulled at the toad on his face. The sticky creature wouldn't let go and gripped to the pebbles framing Zelgadiss' face.
Zelgadiss tasted what he decided to claim was the worst taste ever. He couldn't see a thing in front of him and told himself to stop moving his feet and concentrate of this blob planted on his face.
"Croak!"
The toad released it's grip and Zelgadiss drew a long breath of air and repeatedly wiped his mouth. "Stupid, repulsive..." He needed something to wash out his mouth, the toad's slim was spread all on his face.
Zelgadiss reached for his canteen and dumped the fresh water in his mouth as he let the rain wash off his face. He swished the water about his mouth and spit it on the ground.
Wiping the water from his lips, he looked at the road and the toad looking back at him. "Croak!"
"You..." Zelgadiss stopped his words when he noticed a certain pink bracelet with a blue orb hanging around the toad. Taking a second to realize what was around the toad, then checking the canteen in his hands, Zelgadiss came to the conclusion that the toad had somehow got the bracelet Amelia had given him. "Hey! What kind of toad do you think you are?!"
Zelgadiss quickly dove a the ground with his arms stretched out and aiming for the toad. The toad bounced off the ground and let Zelgadiss slid in the mud. The Chimera shook his head and pushed his body from the think mud. He darted his eyes about for a wort infested blob and saw just what he was looking for not far form his left.
"...Croak!"
"Shut up!" Zelgadiss crawled/slid in the mud for the toad again, only having it jump over his head to the other side.
The duel in the mud an rain went about for a few minutes until the toad began to hop in the forest.
"Get back here!" Zelgadiss stumbled around in the mud. His shoes barley had a grip on the ground as he got on his feet and ran after the hopping toad.
His chimeric senses picked up occasional 'Croak!' and he continued tracking down the creature. Past the heavy ran, Zelgadiss soon made out a shade of pink by the ground accompanied by a blue circle.
"Croak!"
"You son of a-" The toad continued hopping and made its way to a small stone cave shrouded in greenery. In a most cautious manner, Zelgadiss crept up behind the toad and reached out in a flash. The toad squirmed and croaked and soon slipped out of the Chimera's hands. "Oh Gods!"
The toad hopped off with the bracelet in the cave. Zelgadiss hated the fact that his ears could pick up the toad's croak echo in the stony walls.
I can't believe I'm doing this for that bracelet! With that last thought Zelgadiss marched in the damp cave cave.
Well I can stay here for the night and out of the rain, he thought. The pattering of the rain echoed amongst the walls with drips of water that escaped between the damp rocks.
"Croak!"
The single sound made Zelgadiss' mind snap and his body move faster through the cave. Moving only slightly further and barely even in the cave, Zel hit something in the dark backed up. He picked up the sound of a small cry and sensed movement. "Lightning," he chanted.
The light filled the palm of his hand and lit up the darkness. Curled on the floor were two young women in rags and old clothing, soaked and dirty. Still not sure what to say, Zelgadiss stood astonished looking at the too women. "If you were here first I'll leave," he began, and turned around to walk out in the rain once more.
"Wait!" One of the yelled. "No, stay! It's so cold out there, and the rain still falls. Come, come sit with us!"
Zelgadiss was taken at them inviting him. He looked out at the rain and back at the two maidens curled on the floor in barely any rags at all. "Thank you," he whispered, and leaned against a wall, slowly sitting down.
He swung his bag off his shoulder and put it on the floor. Nothing was said between the Chimera and the two maidens. It was, to Zelgadiss, a rather awkward silence but nothing he wasn't used to.
"A-choo!"
Zelgadiss quickly turned to the two maidens at the sound of one sneezing. The dark haired one pulled her arms in more as the golden haired one came closer comfort and hug her. He watched the two exchange low whispers back and forth. They cuddled together to try and stay warm and rubbed their hands back and forth.
Zel looked at his bag and made his decision. He stood up and walked over by the maidens and took a seat before them. Their eyes grew wide and curious as the Chimera opened his bag and rummaged through his few things. He began to pull out food and place it before the women. "Here."
The gold haired one watched the food placed on the ground and began to name them as if she had seen food for the first time. "Bread. Cheese. Apples." She quickly shot her look up at Zelgadiss. "Kind Sir, we can not accept this!"
"It is far too much! Are not you hungry?" The other protested.
"I hardly eat, I'll just take some bread," Zel mumbled. He took the cape off of his back and brought it in his hand. "You can take this." Zelgadiss tossed the cape in the two Maiden's laps.
They caught the clothe and slowly unfolded it. "But-"
"I'm serious, take it. It's obvious you're cold, I can hear your teeth chattering. That and your stomachs are growling."
The two women blinked at the Chimera. The black haired woman's stomach growled and she blushed as she covered her stomach. The two wrapped the cape around them and huddled together.
Zelgadiss broke off a small piece of the bread loaf and ate. Slowly the two maidens reached for the food and began to eat hungrily, devouring as much as they could.
When the food was gone, the two maidens let sleep consume them and slept through the night. When they awoke, the women noticed the Chimera had retreated back to his spot on the wall. His eyes were gazing at the clearing rain in a lost and longing way, his arms folded across his chest and the two women could have called him still as stone.
Nudging the golden hair friends next to her, the dark haired girl walked over and sat across from Zelgadiss, only with her friend to join her. The Chimera turned only his head and watched the two lift their heads to look at him.
"Well good morning. My name is Revyn," the dark haired woman began.
"And I am Mabala," said the blond haired woman.
Zelgadiss blinked and had nothing to say, so the two maidens continued. "We wish to bear you thanks," said Revyn. "You have given us food and warmth, much to give us health."
They talk so odd, Zelgadiss thought. "Like I said, it's nothing."
"That is a lie!" Mabala butted in. "It is something very kind."
The two maiden's looked at each other and closed their eyes. Zelgadiss watched in wonderment as the two maidens sparkled with glittering light before him. There before him the two woman transformed in to what he thought were Fae like folk. They were no longer in few rags, nor muddy or wet, but instead wore their earthly clothes decorated in spider web and flowers, beautiful and strange.
Zelgadiss had his palms planted on the floor and his mouth was slightly open and able to say no words.
Revyn giggled in a light hearted voice and smiled at the shocked Chimera. "Surprise!" the Fairy chimed.
"My, there is ever so much rain!" Mabala pointed out. "How beautiful! It must have rained through the night!"
"Mabala!" Revyn pulled at her friend's dress and pointed to the Chimera across form them.
Zelgadiss' eyes widened and his body made no movement. Mabala giggled along with her friend. "Don't fear us, we just want to thank you!" Mabala chirped.
Zelgadiss closed his mouth and opened it again slowly. "A...Are you-"
"Fae!" Revyn said with a laugh. She quickly stood up turning in a circle and spun around, twinkling like a small bell and smiling.
"You're Fairies?" Zelgadiss pushed himself up against the wall In a better position to sit. "W...Where did you come from?" He tried to think out what he had just thought was there and now not. "You were the two women?"
"Indeed!" Said Mabala.
"Where did you even come from?" Zelgadiss asked.
Mabala smiled and joined her friend in spinning around. She began to sing in a charming voice along with her friend who followed her words.
"Over hill, over dale,
Through bush, through brier,"
"Over park, over pale,
Through flood, through fire;"
"We do wander everywhere!" They said in unison. "Swifter than the moonès sphere..."
Zelgadiss decided it would be best not to move and watched the two Fairies take there seat before again. "And we wish to thank you for your good givings," Revyn stated.
Zel wasn't sure whether he should say 'It's nothing' again, or give in and say okay. "Well..."
"We shall grant you a wish," Mabala said with a wink.
"Your deepest desire for a single day, come the chime of midnight and it all fades away. 'Less you-"
"What do you mean 'deepest desire'?" Zelgadiss snapped. The Fae watched his eyes narrow and his face go from shocked to stern in a flash.
Revyn looked at Mabala and the two smiled. Zelgadiss felt himself grow impatient when the Fae didn't answer him. "Please tell me!" He yelled. As far as he was concerned, his only desire was to be human again. His thoughts cut off when he pushed back his soft hair and moved locks form his face. As he brought his hand down he noticed the change in his hairs texture and moved his hand through it again. "My..." He removed his hand from his head and brought both his hands before his eyes. Peachy white skin.
Zelgadiss felt his face with his fingers, smooth, no rocks, the only answer could be that he was human. He tried to speak but he felt that all the words he wished to say didn't exist.
The two Fairies smiled in happiness that shown like the sun. Revyn quickly transformed to a smaller version of herself with wings and fluttered through the air. "One day, one day, or it all fades away!"
Mabala giggled and went to her own smaller version with wings and whispered. "One chance, one chance, to get in her pants!" She was happy that Zelgadiss no longer had his keen hearing to hear her. Revyn nudged her partner and whispered that she should be more polite.
Zelgadiss looked at the fluttering Fae and watched them move about. "Wait. One day?"
The two Fae settled level with his eyes and spoke. "One day to be human."
"Therefore, you go forth to the ball."
Zelgadiss was puzzled. "How do you two know about the masked ball?"
"Go! Go!" Mabala encouraged.
"You must take this opportunity! You have become human and may now do all you wish as human!"
Zelgadiss didn't understand any of what was going on, but he grabbed his bag and quickly stood up and got ready to leave. I'm human now... But what... do I want to do? Has this whole search become some pointless obsession?
The two Fairies watched Zelgadiss stand still in the dark and ponder. Revyn nudged her friends and whispered something in her ear. "Oh, that's right!" Mabala chirped.
The Fae fluttered over to the man's ear by their glittering wings and spoke close to him. "Do not fear," Mabala whispered. "Your cure can have a purpose."
"Indeed," Revyn added. "But we must warn you of one more thing." Zelgadiss listened carefully as the Fairies continued. "You must not speak to anyone of who you are."
"Excuse me?" Zelgadiss questioned. "Not only am I human for one day, but now I can't tell anyone who I am?" The Fae twinkled in response. "I can't even tell Lina, Gourry or even Amelia?"
"Correct."
Zelgadiss felt like his spirit had just sunk deep down. "Then..." He dropped his bag on the floor and turned to the two Fairies, glaring with his sharp eyes. "You're just toying with me! Is this some sort of test? It's become pointless!"
"Please, be soft Zelgadiss!" Revyn tried to calm down the enraged man.
"You do have a chance to remain human," said Mabala.
"And what is that?" Zelgadiss snapped.
"Get to the masked ball and let your feelings guide you."
Zelgadiss looked at the Fae for a few moments and ground his teeth together. "What is that suppose to mean?!"
"Listen, you ungrateful man!" Revyn snapped. "We just gave you your deepest wish and you can't even thank us! Instead you complain like a child who has lost there favorite toy!"
"That is right!" Mabala added. "Yes there are rules to this cure, but life is full of rules and puzzles! So you can leave this chance for your cure behind or give it shot and try your best and enjoy what you have!"
The cave was quiet except for the hissing of the rain outside. Zelgadiss looked at the ground in defeat. He knew that the two Fae were right. "Okay," he said. He picked up his bag once more and headed for the caves exit. The rain had cleared and the sun was breaking through the foggy forest. He took one more look at the Fae behind him. He felt his stomach tie in a small knot and mumbled. "Thank you," he began. "So... Follow my feelings?"
"Yes," they answered.
Zelgadiss nodded and took one step before one of the Fae called out. "Do you have a costume for the ball?"
Thinking for a minute Zelgadiss replied. "No." He looked back at the Fae and found that they had come behind him.
"Let us help with that," they said.
