Chapter Seven: Rezo's advice on clothing

Disclaimer: I do not own Slayers, or any of their characters. However, I do own Babbit, Yeshta, Pickle and Slipper. Varunia is borrowed from my sister.

Enjoy!

*********************************************************************** The next morning, Babbit rose early, before the sun had even come up. As she had been falling asleep the night before, she decided that it would be best if she looked a little more like Rezo. She knew that she didn't have any robes in her pack, and had decided to ask Pickle if she could barrow some of his. So, she set out to find Pickle, before dawn. She thought that the best place to look would be in the "vision receiving room" that he had been in the day before. As she walked through the halls, she was pleased that none of the monks tried to delay her. As a matter of fact, she didn't come across any of them. That surprised her, but she was glad. She managed to find the room in a relatively short time, and went in without knocking. The room tingled with the faint scent of sake. Pickle was seated on the throne, asleep.

"Does he always sleep here?" She asked herself, then slapped him on the shoulder. "Pickle! Wake up!"

"What?" He jumped, and looked around. "Oh. Hi, Babbit." He wiped drool from his chin. "What can I do for you?"

"I want some robes." She stated plainly. She had decided to ignore the sake scent. She didn't even WANT to know why it was there.

"What? Why?" Pickle stood up and stretched out his arms.

"Look, everyone knows that Rezo the Red Priest wore robes. How are you expecting me to impersonate Rezo when I don't wear robes?" She gestured to her clothes. She wore a green tunic that was belted at the waist by a black leather belt that held a sword on one hip, as well as brown pants and black boots. Her sky blue cape was securely fastened to her shoulders by large red jewels that were set in gold. The gold settings had been molded in to a form that resembled dragon's claws.

"I think those clothes are fine, but sure. If you want robes, you can have them." Pickle yawned. "I'll take you to some right now." He then proceeded to lead Babbit through the corridors to a large room full of robes.

"These robes were intended for me... But I think they'll fit you just fine." He smiled. "Just pick some out, and you can keep them." She glanced at him oddly.

"Pickle, do you REALLY think that I can fit any robes that were made for you?" She asked. She was a good deal shorter than him, coming up to only his shoulder.

"Sure. Why not?" He shrugged. She was taken aback once again at how dense he was. Sighing disgustedly, she looked around at the robes.

"Whenever you're done, you can come eat breakfast." Pickle waved, and left the room.

"Breakfast. Probably more pickled vegetables." She whispered in antipathy. She turned her attention to the vast array of robes. Even if she knew where to look, if would take her a very long time to find it amidst all these.

"I recommend this one." Rezo appeared nearby.

"Oh!" She was startled by his sudden appearance. She tried to make a serious face. "What are you going to do when I mistake you for a Mazoku and shoot a fireball at you?" She couldn't hide the small smile on her face. He returned the smile.

"I wanted to thank you."

"Whatever for?" She walked near him, and inspected the robes he indicated.

"For giving me such a wondrous gift."

"Really?" She smiled coyly. Then, remembering the robes, she added, "I think these robes will be too warm."

"No, it is necessary. Some healing magics draw their energy from the heat of the body. If you give all your body's warmth to the magic, you will grow cold and die." He explained quietly. She looked at him thoughtfully.

"I see." She picked up the robes. "Thank you for your advice."

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*sigh* Pickle was drinking sake... Can you guess who his drinking partner was? ^_^ R&R, please!