Love Sees Not With Its Eyes
by Cooking Spray
Disclaimer: These peoples and places be not mine. I make no money. So leave me alone, copyright enforcers!
Mirthtook is a fictional flower, just one of those exotic things you find in fantasy. It's mine! Oh, and so is Miro, so far my second original character in this fan fiction. He's Sylphiel's tabby cat. ^_^
Yes, and sadly, summer is drawing to a close. *sniffles* Gotta get back in that school mindset again... You know, this story's been around for almost half a year, and we're only on the seventh chapter? I'm really slooooooow, don't you hate me? Actually, I just have a lot of ideas, and no time to write about them. Such an unfortunate malady, 'tis. *sighs*
Anyway, I'll let you read, now. . .
~*~*~*~*~
Act V:
More Cure-Searching and the White Garden
Mint green boots impounded the cobbled ground, the remnants of the previous snowfall melting rapidly under the midday sun. A familiar blue-eyed, violet-tressed princess was the owner of the footfalls, running (or skipping, to put it more aptly) with glee, cloak rippling in the breeze. An honest breeze - it was one of those rare days in February, unnaturally warm and beautiful, the brightness of the sun only lightening the atmosphere. It was a flicker of the spring weather that would follow in the upcoming month - but, as Amelia knew, it would be short lived, quickly preceded by a maelstrom of ice, snow, and bitter, biting wind. But, she would make the most of it while it lasted. The conditions were perfect to go cure-searching!
The towering Pearl Shrine, now their meeting place, loomed just ahead. It was a little later than she'd expected to arrive, but she'd had an appointment with the Sailoon Artiste's Guild about the advertising campaigns that couldn't be put off. Anyway, she was free now! She slowed her pace en route to the Shrine's entrance, navigating her way through the enormous pillars. Now, to find Zelgadis-san. . .
"Zel-gad-is-san! Are you there?" she chimed cheerily, hands cupped over her mouth. "Zelgadis-san. . ."
A vaguely human shape rose from the shadows, moving silently towards her. It was, unmistakably, the object of warrant.
"Zelgadis-san!" she exclaimed triumphantly as he stopped before her.
"Amelia-hime, so you've come." There was the shadow of a grin carved into his face. He couldn't be so much older than her, could he? "You should really be more quiet next time."
She blushed. "Oopps, I guess I forgot I was undercover. . . Anyhow, I'm sorry I didn't come sooner. Yesterday I had to meet with my father, and today there was an important meeting I couldn't get out of until just now."
Zelgadis arched an eyebrow concernedly. "The King?"
Amelia realized what he was implying and frantically waved her hands. "No, it wasn't anything about you, really! In fact, I even convinced my father to let me get out more, so it'll be easier for us!"
His expression lightened considerably, but his face wasn't as pleasant as it had been before, jaw still set tensely. "Good then."
Our Amelia, however, was quite perplexed. Why did he get so tense when I mentioned Daddy? Something must've happened. . . but I'm not sure what. Whatever it was, it certainly isn't a very pleasant memory. . . She remembered how distant he had been the other day when they had visited the Ryuuzoku temple. Maybe he doesn't like people? No, he talks to me easily enough. . . Zelgadis-san sure was a very complex person.
She decided, wisely, to change the subject. "So, have you eaten yet? We could stop somewhere, at an inn or a tavern, before we start. Would you like that?"
He turned away. "I'm not hungry. Chimera do not have to eat as often as humans." The word 'chimera' seemed bitter on his tongue.
"Well. . . I guess we'd better go then, ne?" she asked, thoroughly uncomfortable with his silence. Wow, maybe I shouldn't have told him about Daddy. I hope I didn't upset him. . .
Zelgadis nodded. "Right," he replied tonelessly.
"Um. . . Levitation!" she cast hesitantly, nervous to see if he would follow her example.
"Raywing!" Evidently he was not too angry with her.
As they soared high above prying eyes, Amelia was still having doubts. Perhaps this would not be the beautiful day she had envisioned, after all.
~*~*~*~*~
Fortunately, by the time they reached their destination, some of Zelgadis' stiffness seemed to have melted away. Amelia could not help but breath a small sigh of relief. So he wasn't upset with her, after all.
They walked toward a small cottage, older, with a thatched roof, but well-kempt. Now they were on the outskirts of the city, just where it gave way to the countryside. Approaching the door, her accomplice noticed the large, fenced-in garden behind the little dwelling.
"A garden?"
The smaller girl turned back to look at him, following his gaze. "Oh, yes. This is the home of Miss Sylphiel nels Rahda, a former priestess of Sairaag. She's settled down here, and this garden is her pride. Many of the plants have healing properties."
To her surprise, he actually looked interested. "I see. I've never really looked into the option of herbal remedies. . ."
Empowered by this remark, Amelia rapped lightly on the door. "Sylphiel-san? Are you home? It's Amelia, please open up!"
There was a muffled 'Coming!' from inside, and moments later the door opened, revealing a young woman, possibly in her early twenties or late teens, with long, blue-purple hair and soft, feminine features. Surprise and confusion knotted her brow as she looked over her visitors.
"Princess Amelia. . ." Her stance turned to a sweeping bow, hair and cloak brushing the wooden floor. "Many respects, your highness. I am honored to receive your visitation." She opened her eyes, studying Zelgadis. "Whom may I ask is your guest, Amelia-sama?"
A drop of sweat formed at Amelia's temple in accordance to the older girl's formalities. "Now, Sylphiel-san. . . we know each other, no reason to be so formal!" The embarrassment dissipated as she began to answer the question. "This is Mr. Zelgadis Graywords. I'm helping him to find a cure for his skin. And we were wondering if you could help."
"Pleased to meet you, Graywords-san," she said politely. "Come inside, both of you." She motioned them forward, hurriedly straightening pillows or gathering up offending items. She gave her visitors a sheepish look. "I'm really sorry it's such a mess. . . I don't have company very often, you see."
At that moment a tabby cat descended the small stairway, surveying the foreign people with a look of apprehension in its feline eyes. After a few moments it slunk soundlessly down the remaining steps, stopping near Sylphiel and rubbing against her feet affectionately. She looked down at her smaller companion, and then bent to stroke the fine hair on top of its head. The animal purred loudly and gave her a lick.
"Wow, what an adorable cat!" Amelia exclaimed, fists curled cutely beneath her chin in elation. She bent down to look it in the eye. "What's its name?"
"Thank you." Sylphiel flushed slightly at the compliment. "His name is Miro. He's really quite friendly, if he gets to know you."
The princess offered a hand, to which Miro hesitantly sniffed. Then, apparently deeming her trustworthy, let her pet him. She giggled. "How cute. . ."
Zelgadis cleared his throat, bringing up the subject at hand. Amelia straightened, the look fading from her face, and Sylphiel jumped, looking nervous. Miro backed up, ears going flat as he found the producer of the noise, and bolted from the room.
"Um. . ." began the ex-priestess, trying to be a good host. "Would either of you like any tea?"
~*~*~*~*~
"Amazing! Your garden is so beautiful, Sylphiel-san!"
The eclectic trio sat around a circular table, each with a small cup of steaming liquid in front of them. Making the most of the weather, Sylphiel had decided to bring their discussion out into the garden. The princess was enjoying the view, as the winter flora were thriving. The atmosphere was quite enchanting.
"Well. . ." began the garden's tender herself, resting her teacup on its saucer, "I'm rather used to being a sort of. . . healer, if you should choose to call it that. My magic helped my garden to thrive and grow much faster in such a short amount of time." She looked thoughtful. "I have many different plants. . . but, I've never heard of a condition like yours, Graywords-san."
The stone man offered a grim smile. "I understand it's a very rare case."
"Well. . ." Sylphiel continued, "you've done well to search in the white magic capital. If there's a place to find a cure for something, it would be here." She sighed, and then looked back up at him. "But really, your current state might not be the most pleasant. . . but it does offer some advantages. Girls like mysterious-looking men like you." She giggled rather childishly, sneaking a glance at her subject to see how he reacted.
Zelgadis responded by turning an odd shade of lavender and ducking his head. Sylphiel, too, seemed shocked by her audacity, and flushed not for the first time, eyes falling to her lap, where her hands were folded.
Zelgadis-san gets very embarrassed easily. . . Amelia noted, observing the scene that had just played out. She stole a look at Sylphiel. She supposed the botanist was right, after hearing the town girls talk in that pub yesterday. The youth grinned. I knew Sylphiel wasn't as naive as she led others to believe. Just very humble. . .
Sylphiel's reprise turned back to business as she discussed the subject. "But, if you're serious, and I'm certain by now that you are, I can try and look for something. . . herbs are usually used in folk remedies of rather minor sorts, so I do doubt that's going to be of any aid. But, there is a section where I've grown a few plants that have very major possibilities. . . and I've had to request a permit to do so. My mother introduced me to them when I was little. . . come with me." She gestured with her arm for them to rise and follow her.
The princess and the chimera tailed after her, through a twisting stone path that navigated the expanse of the garden, past beds of star-shaped blossoms to which Amelia cooed over and rows of small trees bearing mythic purple fruit. When their leader stopped they followed suit obediently and surveyed their surroundings, waiting for explanation.
"This," Sylphiel said softly, "is mirthtook." She knelt down and caressed a mint green petal. The flower had an enormous, stalk-like stem with a thick growth of leaves at the base and many bell-shaped flowers, each with yellow and pink stamen protruding visibly from inside. "Their nectar is highly poisonous to humans when ingested. But when cultured and boiled at high temperatures, the poison dissolves and it is able to be used for medicinal purposes." She jerked the plant from the earth, dirt crumbling in grasp of the now-visible roots as she held it in her hand. "It's not a very common flower to come across, most of its growth was restricted when it was found to be harmful. Local village doctors and healers don't even grow it anymore because its potency isn't something they normally need. I am one of the few that I know of who is licensed to harvest it."
Zel seemed interested. "What does it do?"
Sylphiel took in a deep breath. "That. . . is pretty unknown, in a definite way of speaking. It's been classified as a medicinal plant, but everyone responds to it differently. It's only used in the most dire of situations when a cure isn't available. Sometimes it is beneficial, or sometimes the patient doesn't react at all. It really just depends on the person. There's no scientific evidence on the matter, but it is said that this plant is the creation of an ancient mage, and it chooses its users by the amount of good in their heart. Its a very fascinating flower."
"Indeed," the stone man agreed, but it was apparent in his eyes that he was mulling over what the violet-haired woman had just said.
Amelia looked awed as well. "So. . . you think this flower will help Zelgadis-san? How long would it take to prepare?" This plant was astounding! Maybe she should tell her father about it so that they could grow it in the palace gardens and hothouses. It was worth a bit of research.
The aforementioned bit her lip. "The nectar has to be carefully extracted, then boiled to rid it of the toxin so that it's fit for consumption. Then it has to culture in a cool, moist environment for precisely fourteen days. The process involves maybe twelve flowers, to obtain the correct amount. As for it helping Graywords-san. . . there is no way of telling. Like I said, it chooses its users. . . But, since he's been searching for so long, it's worth at least a try."
The inquirer nodded silently, transfixed. She inspected her partner, his back turned to her, all that was visible being a large amount of wiry hair and the outline of his face. There was no way of telling if it would work or not. . . the flower chooses its users by the pureness and good in their heart. . . Was Zelgadis-san good enough? And even so, would it turn him back to normal?
"Well, thank you very much, Sylphiel-san!" Amelia said cheerfully, for the time being brushing away her thoughts and bringing light back into the atmosphere. "We'll be sure to visit you again when the mirthtook is ready!"
The older girl nodded, a gentle grin spreading across her features. "Thank you for the visit, Amelia-hime. I'll send you a message when you're to come back. And please, both of you, feel welcome anytime. I'm always glad for company!"
"We'll be sure!" Amelia exclaimed in the same tone, waving exuberantly as they disappeared through the barren foliage to the exit. "Goodbye!"
"Bye!" Sylphiel waved, watching them leave. Princes Amelia. . . always such a good-spirited person, despite having such family trauma. And Mr. Zelgadis Graywords, her strange stone accomplice, looking for a cure. Well, he did himself good to find Amelia. If anyone can help heal him, she'd be the one. And she was talking about more than his skin. She'd seen that familiar darkness in his eyes. . . What an unlikely pair they made. Then again, to Amelia, nobody was too odd in the world. . .
Well, it's really none of my business, the ex-priestess conceded, clipping the rest of the mirthtook and heading inside. I just wonder. . . She shook her head and smiled, as if ridding herself of her musings physically, and unlatched the garden gate. That was something that only time could tell, and therefore was a thought for another day.
~*~*~*~*~
The sky was once again dimming as Zelgadis and Amelia arrived back at the Pearl Shrine. And this time Amelia's mind was bristling with even more unanswered questions, questions she knew would have to be answered before she could sleep that night. So, without further ado, she began the interrogation.
"Zelgadis-san? Do you. . . do you think the mirthtook will help you?"
His slim body was illuminated by the sun, the violent, molten orange of dusk. She could not see his face, so his expression was well-hidden. "I'd never explored botanical remedies, I'd thought they were limited to folk medicines. A plant such as mirthtook does hold some interest. . . but, when dealing this condition-" -Once again the words were acidic- "-I'm not sure even it could be of use. But it's still a lead."
"I see," she said quietly, sharing some of his desperation. She imagined how it must feel for him, an outcast to society just because of his appearance. The mere thought made her clench her Fists of Justice in anger, strengthening her will to help him. Of course, there were some advantages to having stone skin, but still. . .
"I admire Sylphiel," Zelgadis said, so suddenly that Amelia was actually surprised. "Her family must have been destroyed during Sairaag's fall. It probably took a lot for her to just bury those memories and start anew here. She's strong. We're alike, in a way." He swung to face her, with a grim smile chiseled into his face.
"I hadn't. . . thought about that," the young princess said at last. "How horrible. . . I, at least, still have my father." She hoped Zelgadis didn't react badly to that last comment. She knew Sylphiel because her father had frequently ordered bulbs and seeds from her and she'd came up to the palace on a few occasions to deliver them. They'd gotten along well, but even though the older girl had mentioned briefly her old life in Sairaag she hadn't given it too much thought, or put two and two together. . .
The smile changed, and he turned away again. "We all have our losses. And we shouldn't look upon them with pity, or remorse. . . but instead, keep moving toward the future." While she was still digesting that bit of philosophy, he looked back to face her. "I might see you again, if you'll come. But, for today, it's goodbye." And he leapt from the rooftop and vanished without a further word.
Amelia, too, turned to leave, easing herself down with a little help from her magic, not quite as dramatically as the chimera had. He hadn't thanked her for her help, or even asked her to return. She was only beginning to learn his ways, and she was still far from figuring him out. . . but, by her royal namesake, she would unravel him, or she wasn't Amelia wil tesla Sailoon!
On that note, her steps became more strident as she walked towards the sinking sun, her premise optimistic. Whatever she came across. . . she would conquer with her own hands, like a true heroine should.
~*~*~*~*~
Authoress's Note: Just something I mentioned but didn't elaborate on in the last chapter - suitors. Yes, I'm aware there are so many stories out there that involve this plot device, both in the Slayers realm and many others. Indeed, there will be suitors - it is, after all, quite a realistic custom, and the theme is Amelia's coming-of-age. But they're only a fraction of the story ahead. So no, this isn't just another suitors fic, and don't worry, there won't be any love triangles involved. ^_^
In this chapter I tried to emphasize a little more of what we know about Zelgadis' character and incorporate it. Before, he was somewhat of a novelty - Amelia really didn't know much about him, but she's beginning to learn. Which of course, makes him all the more endearing, as she's not judgmental in the least, and she is always one to help those in need. . . although, as she thought briefly last time, this might be a little more than a charity case.
In addition, I also took some time to develop some of Sylphiel's character and the relationship between she and Zelgadis. The idea actually entered my mind while reading one of Dreamsinger's notes on her fanfiction, Only Stone on the Outside (Z/A fans, go read!). I do think Zelgadis respects Sylphiel enough to be protective of her, because of the whole matter with Kopii and the Bless Blade and her incredible white magic. But this is A/U, so of course the reasoning was altered. And Sylphiel is often a misjudged character or a bit of a pushover, so I gave her some solidity that makes her stand. I really like her, myself.
Anyway, after these recent developments, in the chapters to come I'll focus a bit more on Amelia's position as ruler and her 'newfound responsibilities', and hopefully work in another conversation between her and Phil (don't you just love them together?).
~*NEXT CHAPTER*~
Act VI:
Musings of a Chimera and a Meeting with a Dragon