\Circles Close

"Greetings," the spirit said, "I am Melanie Lindal, or rather, her spirit. I am the one who led you to Paladin, the one who guided your conscience towards the vision from Collin. And I am the spirit who protects the temple of the sword, as well as residing within the sword and giving it the power it has."

"How did you do all of that? Paladin's power comes from a mortal who perished long ago, and not a divine being? Then why is it as powerful as it is?" asked Ramza, well aware that the sword would not react to him if the order was to kill its own resident spirit.

She told him, "Paladin was forged with my own blood, when I was a small child. A seer had told me that I would die young, and there was nothing I could do to change it. So my mother had a sword forged by the local blacksmith, and then dipped in a sample of my blood, containing the essence of my magical powers. When I died, I would become one with the sword, and live on. Collin had no idea that my brother had led him to me, he thought that he'd been given a family treasure. The Lindals were all powerful sorcerers, thus the energy that created the blade. I have a warning for you, Ramza Beoulve. If you do not listen to what your heart is telling you, there will be great sorrow. On New Years, I want you to bring your hidden emotions out, and tell them to the one they are meant for."

Ramza wanted to ask more of the ghostly woman, but just then she had vanished. He looked to the others, not knowing what to say. The group then began to leave the castle, and head back to town. Christmas was coming, and they wanted to have a peaceful holiday.

* * *

They spent the rest of the year in Zeltenia. Since Ramza had decided to head for Warjilis Trade City right after the New Years Celebration, and then catch a ship for a new world, Balmafula wanted to spend these last few days with Olan. She offered him the option of coming along, certainly Ramza would want him to be safe, but he refused. The man knew that he was the only hope that Ramza and his party would have over clearing their names. He might die, but at least the truth would be out there. Then, even if a few generations passed first, it would eventually become facts and not lies.

Tess had researched a little more into Delita's new wife. But she learned nothing new concerning Ovelia's death. Even when alone, Delita seemed shaken up about it. Either he was telling the truth, or her death had been an accident on his part. Or they could have been fighting.

When New Years Eve came around once more, the party was again sitting in a bar in order to celebrate. Glasses of beer and ale were in the hands of the adult members of the party, while milk or water were in their places. Everyone waited for the clock to strike twelve, and the New Year to begin.

Meliadoul was sitting at her own table, a small glass of fine wine at the place in front of her. 'I wonder what Melanie was speaking of when she mentioned Ramza's hidden feelings. Could he be in love with someone? I wish I was as strong about these things as I am when it comes to battle. But I'm a cold fish, not used to showing my emotions freely to others. If my mother hadn't died when I was a child, would I have turned out differently? Could I have told him how I felt?'

The clock was beginning to wind down. Everyone held up their glasses, just awaiting the clock to strike midnight. Some of the patrons of the bar were already a little bit drunk, from all of the drinks they had throughout the night. Eyes were looking up at the clock, time was winding down at rapid pace.

"Get ready," the bar tender stated, "Midnight is on its way. Hold up your glasses, get ready to toast your neighbor, and count down with me. Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one. Happy New Year!" Glasses clinked together, and liqueur was drunk at an alarming rate.

Meliadoul, however, was not toasting her allies. Instead, her mind was wandering back to Ramza and why she was not able to tell how she felt. It distressed her greatly, how she was too weak in this field. Maybe she should talk to Tess, the Ninja always was willing to lend an ear to a problem.

"Why are you sitting here alone? Can I join you?" Ramza asked. He sat at the table across from Meliadoul, and noticed her blank stares. The young woman wasn't usually this spaced out. He began to wonder if it was something to do with Izlude having to leave her once again.

Meliadoul replied, "I'm ok, just wanted to be alone for a little while. You know, sometimes a person just needs time to think for themselves, and not bother their friends. It's not like I have a problem or anything, I just wanted to be alone." But she noticed his concern, and was happy.

Ramza looked at her. "Sorry, I just thought you were in pain. You know I hate to see my friends when they're sad, it makes me sad too. I guess I'm just a sentimental fool sometimes."

"Don't worry," Meliadoul told him, "Sentimentality isn't so bad, if used in the right way. And you always use it for the good of other people, like when we need a pick me up over something."

He looked at her for a long time, remembering the words Melanie had said. He had already figured out that the emotions she had talked about was the love he felt for Meliadoul. Collin had said something similar as well. After Melanie's death, Collin had lost the love he had kept hidden. Ramza might very well do the same, if he didn't tell the woman how he felt.

"Meliadoul, can I tell you something?" asked Ramza, embarrassed as he spoke.

She inquired, "What is it Ramza? You usually have no problem expressing yourself. I'll listen to you If you need an ear to hear it. Not like I have anything better to do with my time. And who knows, maybe I'll have an answer to whatever problem you are having."

He took a deep breath, psyching himself up for what he had to say. "Meliadoul, I love you. I have for a long time, but have not been able to express my feelings truthfully. Can you find it in your heart to love me as well?" A deep blush covered his face.

"I understand," Meliadoul replied, "And I also have something that I need to tell you. I love you Ramza, your courage to tell me has given me the needed courage to tell you too."


Then, the two stared into each other's eyes. A smile crossed their lips, as they leaned forward. Suddenly, Ramza took Meliadoul in his arms, and they shared a deep, passionate kiss.

- - - -


Well, let's thank everyone who contributed to the story. First, to Square for the characters. Next, to my friend Dan for getting me into it. Ummmmmm. . .gags came from a bunch of animes, maybe, I can't remember. But if any did, I have to thank their creators too.