Chapter 3
Companions! - Tempting fate? Or prolonging destiny?
Zel blinked at Amelia's "surprise".
It was a small shop that was quaint in appearance yet located in a obscure part of Saillune - This store was situated at the bottom end of a whole row of buildings, at the end of a lane, that drew away from the main street. Therefore it was impossible for the store to be seen by anyone travelling through the busy roads that made up Saillune.
In the
terms of appearance, the building itself wasn't anything spectacular. It consisted
of one floor, it had a roof made up of tiles of faded red, it's walls were a soft
cream colour and all was accompanied by a brown porch. Facing the chimera was a heavy oak door flanked
on either side by a pair of windows with dark green shutters.
The windows
revealed nothing about the store's interior: They only showed a mass of black,
- it was as if the windows were unwilling to reveal any of the inside secrets
that the store may be holding. The porch was also bordered with thin pillars
and also held home to a bunch of pot plants that were situated underneath the
windows.
The chimera cast a glance at the princess, who grinned with delight.
"It's still here!" she grinned. "Even when I've been away for so long!"
"What is this place,Amelia?"
"This is a really cool place I found when I was little!"
"Hrmmm...." Zel replied, his voice rich in indifference.
"Come on!" Amelia said eagerly. "I have to show you this place! I've been going here for years!"
And before he could protest, the princess grabbed the chimera by his hand and pulled him into the store.
But nothing could prepare Zel for what greeted him in the shop itself.
There was little lighting within the store but there was enough to reveal to Zel what the shop was selling - and enough to make Zelgadis' eyebrow rise.
The first thing the chimera noticed was the scent of wood that came blasting through his nostrils like a hurricane. Immediately, it struck Zel that this place was the home of a craftsman of some kind.
And it didn't take him long to see what kind of craft this was.
The second thing Zel realised, was that he was surrounded. All around he could see faces. Faces of dragons, mazoku, trolls and humans alike. Faces that leered from alcoves built into the wall. Faces that grinned from the various shelves that ran up and down the store's floor. Faces that also hung from the ceiling to peer down at the chimera.
The chimera grit his teeth - what was this place?! Has Amelia pulled him into some kind of Hell?!?!
But the princess didn't seem too bothered by this audience of twisted grins. Instead she advanced into the store, her eyes widened with wonder and her mouth moulded into one of pure delight.
However, it didn't take long for Zelgadis to come to realisation as to where she had taken him: This place was the home of a puppet-maker.
Now that the chimera was convinced he wasn't in some kind of danger, he blinked at the place he had stepped into. Indeed, this was definitely a world apart from Saillune. Intrigued, he stepped closer to examine some the items on sale.
And what he saw took his breath away.
These puppet's were carved out of wood but they had been done so in an extraordinary manner. They had been carved with such skill and such precision that the talent involved defied belief. They were so detailed and so life like.....
Indeed, Zel couldn't believe what he was seeing. What was this place? Was this another world?
He had never seen puppets crafted in such an astounding way. What kind of talent would produce such an intricate construct?
But there was something about the intricate design that disturbed him. The level of effort involved was extraordinary to behold and the genius behind it was truly a master of their craft.
However this level of craftsmanship couldn't the feeling that Zelgadis had.
A feeling of being watched……..
His inquisitive eyes then fell on a finely craved dragon. A dragon which was fashioned into a sleeping position with it's head resting on it's front claws.....
.....a dragon which then opened it's eyes and raised it's head to meet Zelgadis' gaze.
The chimera blinked and shook his head in disbelief. Did he just see what he thought he just saw?
He looked at the dragon again - only to see that it had returned to its sleeping position.
Zel's mind got swept up in a whirlwind, taken completely aback by what he had just seen. What was going on here? This place was certainly a world apart from the rest of Saillune. And such a place must hold it's own fair share of secrets. And suddenly, the craftsmanship of these puppets seemed no longer extraordinary but suspicious.
Something very wrong is going on here.....
Just then, a booming voice brought the chimera back to earth.
"Your highness!" came the voice. "It's been a while since I saw your face!"
"Oh please Konstantin" answered Amelia's voice. "Please call me Amelia"
The chimera looked up to see Amelia at the other end of the store talking to a man who stood behind the counter. But this man was nothing like Zel had seen before. He was a giant, literally bursting all over with an incredibly muscular structure. This man had arms like tree trunks and a chest that was barely covered by the shirt the man wore. The man also had a shaved head and chin accompanied by a kindly face.
Zelgadis' eyes widened at the sight of this newcomer. He had seen bandits of the muscular kind before but they paled in comparison to this giant. And now, Zel had ever the more reason to be suspicious of this place - It seems everything within this store has defied any concept of the logic he had come to be known of this place.
But then again, he's been through weirder experiences....
Just then, Amelia and the giant strode over to the chimera. Zel, instinctively, tried to hide within the many shadows that filled the store. He doesn't want to be pried upon by invading glares. He doesn't want to be regarded as a freak.....
....But to no avail. Because, as long as Amelia is around, Zel has no chance hiding his chimera curse from the rest of the world!
"Zelgadis?" Amelia said. "May I introduce Konstantin. He's been the carver of these puppets and the owner of this store for years."
The giant whom was named Konstantin reached out a huge open paw in Zelgadis' direction - all accompanied with a with warm grin.
"Pleased to meet you Zelgadis" the giant greeted in a friendly manner.
Zel raised an eyebrow. Odd - whilst the full extent of the chimera curse is full light, this guy seems unperturbed by such a fact. In fact, he seems more eager to establish a friendship.
A feeling of warmth radiated through Zelgadis' heart. Realising that this degree of acceptance was as good as any other, he grasped the giant's hand and returned the handshake.
"The pleasure is all mine" Zel grinned.
"I hear you're a friend of the princess." Konstantin said. "Any friend of Amelia is a friend of mine!"
The chimera chuckled softly but uttered no further reply.
"My, my" the giant said, gazing at Zel with a curious eye. "You certainly look different. I haven't seen anything like you before. How did you manage to meet the princess?"
"We have been both travelling together for so many months" Amelia said quickly. "We met each other during our travels. It just happens that Zelgadis has been inflicted with a chimera curse so I've been helping him find a cure."
"I see" Konstantin said. "A chimera curse eh?"
"Yeah" Amelia added in a conversational manner. "One that makes him one third demon and one third stone golem as well as one third human"
As Amelia was delivering this explanation, Zel shot her with an accusing glare. What the hell was she thinking in giving away all that?! It wasn't bad enough that he had to suffer this curse from dawn to dusk, day after day, but having the whole world know about it - particularly to people whom he had just met - was another matter entirely!
But even as Amelia delivered her explanation, the craftsman listened with keen interest. As the story progressed, his eyes grew wider and his expression grew all the more fascinated.
"Well, Zelgadis" he grinned. "You certainly are an intriguing character. I have seen many amazing sights in my time but I haven't seen an amalgam of human, demon and chimera! I would be interested in hearing more about your story...."
Suddenly the triggers of alarm ignited in the chimera. Alarm that was enough to drive him onward into action without a second thought.
The chimera reached out a hand and grabbed the princess by her arm and pulled her closer towards him.
"Zel?!" Amelia protested.
Zelgadis didn't pay attention to the princess. Instead he turned to address to Konstantin.
"We have to go now" the chimera said. "Excuse us"
And before Amelia could argue, Zel began to bustle her out of the store, leaving the puppet-maker blinking in astonishment.
Elsewhere, Lina and Gourry were soaking up the pleasures of Saillune – Provided that the pleasures in question involved sitting in a tavern.
With one's feet on the table.
And the afore-mentioned table is currently housing a whole bunch of dirty dishes.
"Luuuuuurrrrrrrvvvvverrrrrrrrly!" Lina grinned. "It's been a while since I had the opportunity to stretch my legs!"
"And the food is an added bonus?" Gourry replied
"Absolutely!" the sorceress grinned.
"So what are we going to do for the rest of the day?"
"Well" Lina mused. "We just plunder every restaurant and tavern we find in this city! And we'll be able to get away with it easily!"
"But what about the dinner that Philionel said he had planned for us all?" the swordsman inquired.
"Well then" the sorceress replied. "We simply accept it, of course!"
"But…."
"What's bothering you?" Lina interjected, her mouth now formed into a frown. "Considering we're under Phil's sanction, we can have all the free food we want! The banquet that he has planned is an added bonus!"
She fixed Gourry with a crafty gaze and a malevolent grin. "We're living on easy street here! You don't want to complain about that now, right?"
The swordsman blinked before nodding his consent.
"Sounds good to me!"
And with that, he grabbed a roasted chicken and tore off a leg. Lina, meanwhile, began working on a seafood dish.
Gourry took a several bites out of his chicken leg, before pausing.
He suddenly remembered something…..
"Hey Lina?" he asked. "Where's Sylphiel?"
Lina looked up for a handful of seconds before shrugging.
"Ah" she said. "Chances are, she's still behind us. Knowing her, it won't take long before she catches up to us."
"You don't suppose she got lost?" the swordsman replied. "Saillune is a very big place"
"Gourry, just relax" Lina reasoned. "I have faith in Sylphiel – And I'm certain that she will turn up sooner or later"
"You don't suppose we should go look for her?" the swordsman said urgently.
He was already on his feet and was prepared to go look for Syl…..
…when he noticed the sorceress' current expression. Although her mouth was behind a piece of cod and thus hidden from view, her eyes were glaring at him. It was a glare that glowed with the fury of impatience.
Gourry had seen this type of glare before. And he should know what could certainly happen next – if he made the wrong decision.
When it came down to Lina Inverse, it was either her way or no way.
He grinned sheepishly and sat back down.
"I suppose you're right Lina" he blurted out.
Immediately, all fury vanished from the redhead's eyes. She silently nodded before resuming eating.
The swordsman paused before returning to his chicken wing.
A brief moment of silence passed before Gourry cleared his throat.
"Where do you suppose Naga is?" he asked.
"No doubt she would still be at the palace." Lina replied.
The further away from me, the better she thought
"And where do you suppose Amelia and Zel have disappeared to?" Gourry added.
Lina paused, as she chewed on a piece of cod. Eventually she gave the swordsman a facial expression that was twisted with the evillest of grins.
"I suppose they have their own private matters to deal with."
Gourry blinked in a vacant fashion.
The sorceress noticed this but continued on:
"I bet Zel is being consoled by Amelia…."
"….hrmmm…."
Lina blinked at Gourry's obliviousness but she carried on undaunted:
"…. …And she is doing it via her own methods….."
"……….right……"
"…………in her bedroom…."
"……………..Why would Zel want to go to a girl's room?"
The sorceress slowly raised her hand to her forehead and paused. Her fingers slowly massaged her flesh and thus eased her out of trying to pick up the dinner table and smashing it over Gourry's head.
But that would've been a good waste of food anyway.
Still, she couldn't believe how blank he was when receiving this suggestive wordplay.
Might as well take the direct approach then.
"Gee, I wonder if Zel really is rock all over…"
This time, it didn't take Gourry long to catch onto what the sorceress was thinking.
"Lina!" he exclaimed. "Are you thinking what I think you're thinking?!"
The sorceress smiled a mischievous smile.
"Oh come now, Gourry" she chuckled. "I was only kidding"
Who knows where those two are?' she continued. "I bet whatever they're up to it's with each other."
She paused – to notice a slight blush make it's way across the swordsman's face.
"No wait…..forget I said that…." She added.
But Lina wasn't going to remain within an exasperated frame of mind:
"Lets talk about something else okay?" she said.
"Geez Lina" Gourry murmured. "Since when did you become so dirty minded?!"
"I SAID" the red-head growled through clenched teeth. "Let's talk about something ELSE"
Having travelled with Lina for so long, the swordsman certainly recognised this mood. Thus, he wisely opted to close his mouth. Instead, he returned to his chicken leg.
Lina grabbed her cod from its dish and took a bite out of it. She chewed on it for a brief moment whilst waiting for the conversation to resume.
"So" Gourry said. "What did you think of Phil appointing Amelia as his successor?"
The sorceress looked up and fixed him with a quizzical gaze. This line of conversation was certainly unexpected.
"Knowing Amelia, she isn't one for royal life" she said. "When he told her, I noticed that she didn't look too happy."
Gourry nodded in agreement.
"Well in that case" he asked. "Do you think she might accept it?"
"Of course not!" the redhead grinned. "Amelia would rather live a life of adventure than royalty!"
"Would you?" the swordsman countered.
Lina blinked.
Gourry went on: "Spending the rest of your days in a huge place with lots of money and hundreds of servants sounds like a pretty good deal to me!"
The sorceress' gaze hardened but she remained silent.
Unperturbed the swordsman went on:
"What worries me is that what if she accepts the position? She may not want to be seen with us."
"That's nonsense!" the redhead snapped. "Why wouldn't she want to be with us?! We're her friends! We've been through so much!"
"We're wanted criminals Lina!" Gourry shot back.
Upon hearing this, the sorceress went silent – thus allowing the swordsman a free reign to continue:
"We have prices on our heads! Every bounty hunter from here to Sairaag would give anything to have us killed!"
"And being a long time associate with a member of royalty could result in problems?" Lina replied softly.
Gourry nodded.
The sorceress paused as she thought this revelation through. Whilst the friendship with Amelia goes back a long way, the fact that she is in line to the position of rulership of Saillune could result in problems. For one thing, the fact that Amelia has spent a lot of her teen years in such infamous company could challenge the legitimacy to her heirship.
Of course there was the chance that Amelia could use her powers of command to secure a pardon for any past transgressions. However, once it becomes public knowledge that Amelia has such previous, and indeed questionable, relations with the infamous Lina Inverse, this in turn sets herself up as a target of revenge from all the villains that have previously clashed with Lina and Gourry.
The redhead looked up at the swordsman who patiently waited for her resolution. Determined to save face, Lina quickly adopted a smile:
"I wouldn't worry about it Gourry!" she beamed. "Amelia isn't the type to neglect her friends! And I severely doubt she will give up her adventurous life with us in favour of rulership over Saillune!"
The swordsman blinked before nodding. He returned to his chicken while Lina resumed consuming her seafood.
But deep down, she really had no idea how to overcome such a prospect……
Meanwhile, in another part of Saillune, Sylphiel wandered through the streets in a state of utter confusion.
She was completely lost. Lina and Gourry had both hurried off into the busy depths of Saillune. And they had left without leaving any trace to pick up on.
Of course, this left Syl all by herself. She had no idea where her friends had gone to and, as a consequence, she had got swept up in the crowds that made up the populace of Saillune. It was no use returning to the palace: Phil was busy with his plans for the evening and Zel and Amelia could be anywhere.
And if that is the case then they are better off left alone.....
Nevertheless, her desperation to not be alone drove her onward. Drove her on to search for Lina and Gourry, wherever they might be.
But the problem was she had no idea where they might be. Knowing what Lina's like, she would already be going from one restaurant to the other in quick succession.
So, the only thing that Syl could do was try her luck.....
Her eyes caught sight of a nearby tavern. This seemed like the best starting point to commence her search.....
The shrine maiden stepped into the tavern....
.....only to be confronted with a scene of smoke and inquisitive faces. Face that were battle-scarred, cruel, and weren't expecting a shrine maiden to show up.
Alas for Sylphiel, this place was a warrior's tavern. And not the place for the gentle types such as herself.
"Err...." Syl blurted out with. "Wrong door...."
But before she could utter another word, a pair of great hands descended upon her and grasped her cruelly by the front of her tunic.
The startled Shrine Maiden started at the man who grabbed her. He was a muscular type with a bushy orange beard, orange spiked hair and a truly unfriendly expression.
"What the hell are you doing in here?" the bearded man snarled. "We've never seen a woman 'round here before!"
A man with a bald head cleared his throat. "Maybe she's one of them warrior wimmin, Egil!"
"Nah!" spoke up a third man - this one had a face that was scarred beyond belief. He also had an unshaven chin and a eye-patch. "I don't think so Sven. She doesn't look like a warrior ta me!"
"Please!" Syl exclaimed in desperation. "Please let me go!"
Just then the bearded man named Egil let out a laugh. "Begging for you life eh?" he boomed. "Don't worry, we'll let you go - once you've given us some entertainment!"
"Yes!" sneered the bald man named Sven. "I wouldn't mind some fun myself - Right Olaf?"
"Exactly!" said the scarred man named Olaf. "I've always loved the frail looking wimmin!"
"No!" Sylphiel shrieked, with tears swelling up in her eyes.
"Oh whattsa matta?" Egil mocked. "Crying won't save you now!"
In desperation and in dread of the horror that was looming, Sylphiel closed her eyes.
But why should she be bothered? She's been in worse situations such as this.
Because back then she had the reliance of a knight in shining armour.....
But where was he now? He had gone from her grasp for good - And she accepted it! Consequently, such a move has left her defenceless in the current situation.
"Gourry....." she whispered, as cruel laughter from her attackers rung throughout her eardrums.
Suddenly, in amongst the laughter, a cool, commanding voice snuck in through:
"Put her down."
Immediately, the laughter in the tavern came to a standstill. All eyes turned away from Syl and towards a man standing in the doorway of the tavern.
Surprised, the Shrine Maiden opened her eyes and joined all the astonished gazes that travelled to the interloper.
He was a handsome man with a well-trimmed goatee and with a close-clipped haircut, along with a bronze breastplate with black leggings, a black shirt, and a distinctive red sash. His facial expression was also moulded into one of disgust.
This newcomer fixed Egil with a hard gaze.
"You heard me" he snarled. "What are you waiting for?"
"You wait your turn!" Olaf bellowed.
"And mind your own business!" Sven added
"Well I'm making it my business!" the newcomer snarled.
"Tough guy eh?" Egil thundered. "You're on!"
And with that, he shoved Syl aside onto the floor and drew his sword. And then he began lumbering towards the newcomer with a cruel glare.
But the newcomer didn't look too worried. Instead, he drew his own sword in a calm manner.
"So you think you're some hot shot eh?" Egil said. "You won't live to regret the day you set foot in here!"
And with that he charged, with his blade held high.
"Yeah, whatever" his opponent said.
And as the bearded man, charged, the newcomer bowed his head forward. The bearded man laughed sensing an easy victory.....
...until the newcomer's sword plunged it's way right through his chest!
The bearded man gasped with astonishment before toppling forward, Egil hit the floor with a tremendous crash as the newcomer quickly dodged out of the way.
Suddenly, from out of nowhere, a dagger came flying through the air and into the swordsman's shoulder! With a roar of pain, the newcomer went backwards into the wall. Suddenly, Sven and Olaf both charged at the swordsman. They grinned, ready to deliver vengeance for their fallen comrade.
But the newcomer had no intentions of losing this fight! Despite the pain that was cruising through his body, he pulled out the dagger out of his shoulder and threw it back! The dagger caught Sven right between the eyes and penetrated it's way into his brain. The man died with a gargling scream.
This left Olaf in a position where panic was greater then the importance of extracting vengeance. Acting on pure fear, the man turned tail and fled! But the swordsman wasn't finished with him yet! Grabbing the now discarded sword from the bearded man's cold fingers, the swordsman threw the sword with all his might....
....only to catch Olaf as he fled. The sword went right through the man bringing his flight, and his life, to a grinding halt.
Satisfied that this battle was won, the swordsman summoned all his remaining strength to get to his feet and approach Sylphiel. No one else in the tavern dared challenge him.
The wounded swordsman knelt down beside the prostrate shrine maiden.
"All you all right?" he asked gently.
Syl looked up at her rescuer with astonished eyes. But eventually she nodded.
"Come on" the swordsman said reaching out his hand. "This is no place for you"
Using his last reserves of his strength, the swordsman helped the shrine maiden to her feet and to the door of the tavern.
Once outside, Syl turned to her rescuer. It was then she noticed his injured shoulder.
"Oh my!" she exclaimed. "You're wounded!"
"...It's... nothing" came the reply.
"No it's not!" Sylphiel argued. And with that, she began casting a healing spell.
The swordsman blinked as the shrine maiden worked her healing magic onto his shoulder. Immediately, the wound healed up completely.
"Thank you" the swordsman said.
"Oh no" Sylphiel smiled. "It should be me thanking you for helping me back there."
"Hey, it was the least I could do" the swordsman said awkwardly. "I guess I'm just a sucker for a pretty face"
The shrine maiden laughed out loud before reaching out her hand in a friendly gesture. "I'm Sylphiel"
The swordsman reached out his hand and returned the handshake.
"...Aldebrand"
"Why did you have to be so rude?"
"You shouldn't have told him you know"
"Sorry?"
"Why did you go and tell that man about my cursed form?"
Elsewhere in Saillune, Amelia and Zelgadis were busy making their way through the many crowds and the busy streets that made up Saillune.
But no amount of noise from the populace could conceal any form of argument, big or small.
"Come on Zel!" Amelia said. "I've known Konstantin for years! He's a nice man!"
"Nice enough to be trusted with the knowledge of befriending a chimera?" Zel retorted.
"Now that's ENOUGH!" Amelia shouted, sternly.
Indeed, such was the force of the princess' words that Zel stopped dead in his tracks. His eyebrow rose upwards at the princess' outburst.
Amelia, bearing an expression of anger, walked around front to face the chimera.
"What's gotten into you Zelgadis?" she demanded. "You've changed!"
"It's .....nothing"
But if Zel thought that was going to stop Amelia, he was wrong:
"No, it IS something!" she yelled. "You have grown more distant over the past few days! This isn't like you at all! First you try to murder that bandit, then you knock me back in the palace gardena and now you refuse to associate with a long-term friend of mine just because he comments on your skin!"
As the princess paused to get her breath back, Zel said nothing. His face was as hard as ever and his eyes showed little emotion.
When Amelia saw Zelgadis' facial expression, her wrath subsided. Her voice grew softer and more gentle and her eyes went from angry to sympathetic.
"It is because of your skin, isn't it? It's all because of what happened in Dakeyras, right?"
Zel sighed heavily and nodded.
Amelia blinked, as memories flooded into her head. Memories of being a chimera herself. Memories of bearing the hardships of being perceived as a freak. Memories of experiencing, first hand, the frustration that had constantly dogged Zel's mind for many years.
"Zelgadis" she said slowly. "I know the pain.
"Sure you have had your chimera curse longer then mine, but in that time, I....."
"No you don't know!" Zel interrupted.
Amelia blinked in shock as the chimera continued.
"You don't know what it's like to live every day in torture! You don't know what's like to wake up every morning to continue on a journey to nowhere! You don't know what it's like living a life where you treated no better then scum!"
"But I do know that I should live a life that is not controlled by bitterness!" Amelia shot back, quickly.
Upon hearing this, the chimera fell silent.
The princess then moved her face closer to Zel and continued:
"I can understand your frustration" she whispered. "But you shouldn't let your rage cloud your perceptions. In the end what matters is not the skin but the heart that beats underneath.
"I know you're a good person Zelgadis. A good person with a noble heart and kind intentions. But nobody can see such goodness when you allow yourself to be blinded by your rage
"If anything, I believe you can do it"
Zel blinked at the princess' wise words. Eventually he smiled a small smile.
Satisfied with his response, Amelia reached down and grabbed his hand.
"Come on" she grinned. "Let's get back to the palace. I bet Daddy has already got that banquet together!"
As the afternoon grew older, Lina and Gourry continued on their quest to experience every restaurant in Saillune. By now, they had entered a restaurant which specialised in a unique brand of food.
The type that Gourry hadn't seen, or indeed heard of, before.
"La- Sag – Knee?!" he said as he looked through the menu. His brow furrowed with concentration and his expression was one of absolute confusion.
"It's lasagne!" Lina answered. "It's kind of like pasta!"
"Huh?"
"Oh come on, you would've heard of pasta before!" the redhead exclaimed.
"I have?" the swordsman replied in diminutive fashion.
"You know" the sorceress said in exasperation. "It's like spaghetti – you should've heard of that right?!"
Gourry paused for a moment to think this through.
Eventually, he came to the conclusion of:
"No, not at all!"
Lina sighed. She should've guessed. Nevertheless, she gave the waiter her order.
As they waited for their meal to arrive, Gourry cleared his throat.
"So what did you order?" he asked.
"I ordered some tortellini!' she grinned.
"Tore –a whatta?" he replied, his face moulded into his familiar expression of confusion.
"Ah never mind."
Suddenly, the swordsman was hit by a sudden thought.
"Hey wait a minute!" he exclaimed. "I didn't give the waiter my order!"
"Don't worry Gourry" Lina reasoned. "I ordered your meal for you!"
"What?!"
"Well, seeing you seemed so fascinated by the lasagne, I ordered it for you!"
Gourry blinked at the sniggering sorceress.
"Well look at this way" she went on. "At least this way, you will find out whether or not you like it!"
The swordsman sighed and raised his elbow onto the table - so his hand could nurse his head.
The redhead chuckled and leant back in her chair.
A moment of silence passed between the two, before Lina's eyes grew irritated.
"Man, that food is taking its sweet time getting here!"
Gourry blinked.
"It should be on its way" he reasoned. "Come on, you need something to take your mind off it"
Lina fixed him with an irritated gaze but said nothing.
"Lets talk about something else!" the swordsman went on.
"Like what?" the sorceress replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Have you any bright ideas?"
"Well I was thinking…." Gourry began
"Really?" she cut in, her sarcasm stronger than before.
Regardless, the swordsman continued:
"…about what we discussed earlier."
Upon hearing this, Lina raised an eyebrow.
"You know, about Amelia being in command of Saillune"
"…..Yeah?"
"If that should happen, what do you think Zelgadis might do?"
The sorceress didn't reply straight away. Instead, she leaned forward and placed her hands on the table. She clasped them together whilst fixing Gourry with a quizzical gaze.
"That's a very good question." She said at last. "Knowing Zel, he won't let anything get in his way of him finding his cure."
"Not even Amelia?" the swordsman answered.
And with these words, a grim silence hung between the two.
"You know" Lina said at last. "I think that Amelia must be envious of Zel."
"Yeah?" Gourry blinked. "How?"
"Well, as I see it, Zelgadis is being driven by his goal to find a cure for his curse. Therefore, he lives a life where he sees the world and finds adventure.
"Furthermore, considering that Amelia has been born to a royal family and been trained to succeed Phil, she hasn't had quite an exciting lifestyle."
"And Zelgadis' life is one that Amelia wants?" Gourry finished.
Lina nodded.
"It seems that living a life of royalty is certainly not a destiny that's fit for Amelia" she sighed.
Suddenly, the swordsman grinned a broad grin and slammed his fist down onto his open palm.
"Well in that case, she should tell Phil exactly how she feels!" he proclaimed. "Then she will be free do what she wants!"
Lina slapped her forehead in disbelief.
"It's not that so simple Gourry" she groaned. "Being in line for succession isn't something you can get out of that easily."
"But anyway, do you think that she will accept the throne?"
"It's possible" the sorceress replied. "But I doubt it"
But before the swordsman could issue another statement from his mouth, the waiter arrived with the food. Now, all thoughts of conversation had been replaced with thoughts of eating! Lina promptly tore into her tortellini whilst Gourry pondered on the new experience that was lasagne. After prodding it with his fork, he eventually used this utensil to tear off a chunk. He then directed this piece of lasagne into his mouth where he chewed on it.
And then, a smile of satisfaction grew across his mouth.
"Mmmmm!" he beamed. "This is good stuff!"
"Well it was just as well" Lina replied. "Because I would've fire-balled you if you didn't like it!"
"What?!?"
"Ha!" the sorceress chuckled. "I was just kidding!"
Gourry blinked. Then, he let out a sigh - before resuming his meal.
A moments silence passed between the two – well, maybe not if you count the noises of food being consumed as creating noise – before Gourry cleared his throat.
"Do you think you might be a princess one day?"
When she heard this, Lina looked at him for a while before shaking head.
"No way!" she said firmly. "There's no way I would want to spend the rest of my life cooped in a castle! To hell with that!"
"You seemed quite eager for that lifestyle when we first met Zel" Gourry countered.
The sorceress blinked before breaking into a smile.
"Gourry, that was kids talk!" she said. "Besides, I would rather travel the world and try so many wonderful delicacies!"
"Until when?"
This question was so unexpected, it sent Lina off guard.
"Well….until the day I die I suppose…….." She said slowly.
"But at the rate I'm going" she quickly followed. "I've quite a way to go yet!"
The swordsman blinked.
"So, you think you'll keep on adventuring even when you're an old lady?"
Upon hearing this, Lina was astonished – so much so, she dropped her utensils.
"Oh I can see it now!" Gourry said in a playful tone of voice. "An old woman with a broken back, grey hair and saggy breasts chanting out the Dragon Slave spell but forgetting the lines half way through!"
The sorceress didn't reply. Instead, she slammed her fist down on the table. And she fixed the swordsman with a sinister glare – the type that blazed with murderous intention.
When the swordsman saw this, his grin quickly vanished. And he resumed his meal in utter silence.
Lina picked up her utensils and resumed eating her tortellini – without saying a word.
But deep down, she knew that Gourry had a point. There was really no telling how long can her adventurous life can keep on going.
Nor exactly what to do when this exciting lifestyle comes to it's inevitable conclusion.
And it was that thought that chilled Lina Inverse's soul……
"Why are you doing this to me?"
"Huh?"
"Why are you taking me around this city?"
"You…you saved my life! The least I could do is repay you"
Aldebrand has been taken from one end one end of the city to the other with Sylphiel. She was quite grateful to her rescuer and seemed eager to spend some time together.
However, in all honesty, the mercenary seemed quite abashed by the Shrine Maidens courteous manner.
"But….but this isn't necessary…."
"What?" Syl blinked.
"What happened in that tavern" Aldebrand said. "Was just me doing what anyone else would do."
"No, it's not like that!" Sylphiel exclaimed. "I want to express my thanks by buying you dinner!"
"Besides" she said solemnly. "You said I had a pretty face…..
"….no one has ever said something like that to me before."
Aldebrand blinked – before mentally cursing himself. It seems his mercenary instincts had taken control at that point in time.
But it wasn't like he wasn't interested in Sylphiel – Hell, he had seen a lot of women in his time but she seemed somewhat….interesting.
No, something bothered Aldebrand. He was being persuaded into sharing dinner with someone he had just met. And someone whom he had just saved from certain death from a tavern brawl at that.
But there was also the nagging annoyance that he had seen her somewhere before. He was certain that this wasn't the first time that they had crossed paths. Indeed, his battle-forged instincts told him that he should be wary of Sylphiel.
And the sooner he gets away from her, the better……
"So Aldebrand" Sylphiel smiled. "Why did you come to my rescue like that?"
The mercenary blinked.
Tell a lie! Tell a lie! A voice in his head urged. This woman is bad news – we gotta get away from her!
"Think nothing of it" the mercenary said. 'If I didn't, no one else would've and you would already be dead!"
Upon hearing this, Sylphiel's expression paled and her eyes grew apprehensive.
Seeing this change, the mercenary paused.
Come on! The voice in his head commanded. Now's your chance! Get out of here while you still can!"
But instead of abiding to his inner wishes, Aldebrand felt compelled to stay. Quickly, he set about moving onto a different topic of conversation.
"What were you doing in there anyway?" the mercenary then asked.
"I was looking for a friend of mine" Syl replied.
"Yeah? Who?"
However, the Shrine Maiden didn't answer this question immediately. Instead she thought quickly how to approach it – Lina and Gourry still had a price on their heads and there was a very good chance that, if his battle-hardened appearance had anything to go by, Aldebrand could be a bounty hunter who had been sent to catch them.
"Errr…..well" she said. "Let's just say that one is a sorceress of powerful ability and the other is an excellent swordsman!"
"A swordsman eh?" The mercenary raised an eyebrow. "Interesting…."
"Oh?" Sylphiel asked. "Why's that?"
"I know quite a lot about swordplay myself." He replied. "And I would be curious to see if your friend is as excellent as you say so!"
Syl blinked.
"Say, do you know someone called Zangulus by any chance?"
"Who?"
"Oh never mind" the Shrine Maiden replied. She blushed – now that was a stupid thing to say…..
Suddenly, she caught sight of a nearby restaurant. And this meant the perfect distraction!
"Hey look!" she said. "This looks like the perfect place to get a meal!"
Aldebrand opened his mouth to protest but he never got the chance. Before he knew it, Syl was bustling him into the restaurant without any delay
Once they were inside, he wheeled around to face the Shrine Maiden.
"Please!" he said his voice strong and firm. "There is no need for this!"
"But Aldebrand!" Syl protested. "Can't you at least accept this token of appreciation?"
The mercenary sighed in frustration – before he noticed Syl's eyes grow tense. Correctly suspecting that she was about to cry, he sighed.
"Okay, okay" he reasoned. "I accept your offer."
"Besides" he added. "It's been a while since someone else paid for my meal!"
Syl grinned and directed him into the restaurant.
This better be worth it. The mercenary thought.
But seeing as I'm now stuck here, I might as well make the most of it…..
"So tell me" he said conversationally. "Who are these friends of yours?"
Suddenly, the air was pierced by some loud shouting from a nearby table.
"My Lina! This La-Sag-Knee is superb!"
"No Gourry! It's Lasagne! Lar-Sar-Neya!"
"Eh?!"
"Does that answer your question?" The shrine maiden groaned.
Just then Lina caught sight of the two diners.
"Syl!" she yelled. "Hiya Syl! Come right this way!"
"Well, Sylphiel" Aldebrand said. "They're inviting us over. Aren't you going to accept?"
The shrine maiden sighed before nodding.
But as the mercenary and Sylphiel approached the table, Aldebrand's blood slowly turned to ice. He recognised these two from the encounter earlier this morning. Needless to say, he grew apprehensive. There could be a chance that these people will recognise him. And when that happens, there's a very strong chance they could all turn on him.....
But fortunately for the mercenary, they didn't seem to notice him. Yet.
"Hey there!" Lina grinned, addressing Syl. "What have you been up to, eh?"
"I've been looking all over Saillune for you!" the shrine maiden replied, in exasperation. "What were you thinking, running off like that!?"
Then, Gourry noticed the man whom was accompanying Syl. "Hey, who are you?"
"Oh!" Sylphiel said. "He's Aldebrand. We've just met"
"Oh yeah?" Lina said, eyeing the mercenary up and down. "How's that?"
"He saved me from a tavern brawl!" the shrine maiden replied.
Lina blinked. Syl? In a tavern brawl? Odd - it wasn't like her to be a tavern let alone a brawl!
Something didn't seem right here – Thus, Lina locked the mercenary within a suspicious gaze.
"Hold on a minute" Gourry said to Aldebrand. "Haven't we seen you somewhere before? You look kinda fam....."
The swordsman never got to finish his sentence. For Aldebrand caught on quick as to what Gourry was going to say. Thus, in order to prevent his cover from being blown, the mercenary stuck his foot to deliver a sharp kick to the swordsman's shin!
Gourry let out a yelp of pain - But not that anyone really noticed.
"So tell me....Aldebrand" Lina said, conversationally, "What exactly do you do for a living?"
"I'm a sword for hire" the mercenary replied, in a rather definitive tone.
"Yeah?" Gourry said - now that that the topic of discussion had changed to swords he was now ready to give his undivided attention (if such a thing existed in the swordsman).
"So what are you doing now? Hunting someone down?"
Just then, Lina pulled Gourry out from his chair and away from the table - by the ear.
"Excuse us" the red-head said. "Gourry and myself have gotta have a little chat...."
Lina pulled the swordsman away as, Syl and Aldebrand exchanged bemused glances. Eventually they shrugged and sat down at opposite ends of the table.
"Is that normal?" the mercenary inquired.
"Yes it is" Sylphiel sighed.
"They seem to be a colourful pair" the mercenary noted politely.
The shrine maiden sighed a second time. If only he knew the half of it…….
Meanwhile, now a fair distance from the table, Lina began whispering at Gourry.
"What the hell were you thinking?!"
"What?" Gourry protested.
"Don't give me that!" Lina snapped. "There's something about him I don't like."
"Oh?"
"This guy could still be after us!"
"You think so?" Gourry replied diminutively. "He seems like a nice guy to me."
"That's what he wants you to think!"
"Huh?"
This made Lina slap her forehead in frustration.
"Okay listen" she said. "I'm just saying that we should be on our guard with this guy. He could be dangerous!"
"Okay! Okay!"
Satisfied with this conclusion, the two adventurers went back to the table.
"Have we come to a conclusion?" Syl inquired.
"Yeah!" Gourry beamed. "We've decided that Aldebrand is...."
But the swordsman never got to finish his sentence - For Lina brought her foot down on his own! Gourry grimaced with pain but, fortunately, not a sound escaped his lips.
The red-head then cleared her throat.
"Wow Syl" she chuckled teasingly. "I didn't you were into the warrior types!"
Sylphiel blinked
"What are you talking about?!" Gourry demanded. "She spent over a year chasing after me!"
Upon hearing this, a long-forgotten and painful memory triggered in the depths of Syl's heart. A trigger that was enough to dim the spark in her eyes and pale her complexion.
Seeing this change in Sylphiel, Lina slapped her forehead in frustration. Dammit, Jellyfish Brains has done it again.....
Aldebrand blinked at Syl. Then, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief, which he then gave to the shrine maiden.
"Here" he said.
As Gourry and Lina blinked in astonishment, Sylphiel took the handkerchief and used it to dry her eyes.
"Thanks" she said.
Gourry blinked at Lina.
"He could be dangerous eh?" he whispered.
"I wouldn't be letting my guard down just yet" the sorceress murmured through gritted teeth.
Then without a further ado, the two both resumed sitting at the table.
However, the rest of the meal was a grim affair. Lina and Gourry were both suspicious of Aldebrand and remained silent. But thy weren't the only one's: The mercenary wasn't exactly enthusiastic with conversation so he said nothing.
Sylphiel noticed this and tired to break the tension.
"Soooo" she said. "Have you two being enjoying your time in Saillune?"
"Yes" Lina said. Gourry nodded his agreement.
Syl blinked as another period of grim silence settled in. Perhaps she should try a different tack:
"You know Gourry" she said. "Aldebrand told me he's a swordsman as well!"
"Really?" the blond-haired idiot replied, his speech suddenly enthusiastic.
"Yes" the mercenary replied.
This in turn, gave way for yet another period of awkward silence.
"Sooo" Lina said. "Aldebrand, you seem to have led an adventurous life"
"That is true"
The sorceress raised an eyebrow. Hey, this looks like a breakthrough....
"Yeah? Doing what?"
"Killing people"
Such was the unexpected nature of this response that Lina and Gourry immediately feel silent.
"Ahhhhhh-haaa...." Syl laughed awkwardly. "I sure you...."
But it was too late: Lina and Gourry had already exchanged knowing glances and were getting to their feet.
"Uh Syl?" the sorceress replied. "We've just remembered something and we need to split"
"Yeah" the swordsman added. "Nice meeting you Aldebrand"
And with that, they both made their way out of the restaurant and into the busy streets of Saillune.
"So his name is Aldebrand?"
"Yes"
"Really? What's he like?"
"….I………."
"Yes?"
Lina sighed. She wasn't really enjoying being grilled by Amelia for information. But ever since she mentioned that Sylphiel had met a man, she had been besieged for information from the eager princess.
Lina and Amelia were both in the guest quarter of the Saillune palace. They were both sitting on a comfortable couch whilst Naga lent on the wall nearby. Outside the door, all three could hear the hustle and bustle as the palace servants went everywhere to attend to the momentous banquet that Phil had ordered. And beyond the window, the sun was setting over Saillune, thus casting a palette of orange light that streamed in through the window.
"….I….." Lina said. "I'm not quite sure what to make of him"
Amelia blinked. "Why's that?"
"He looks like a warrior to me…"
"Really?"
"Is that a fact?" Naga said. "Knowing you Lina, you were always attracted to rich looking types! OH-HO-HO-HO-HO-HO-HO-HO-HO-HO!!!!!!!!!!"
The princess chuckled at her sister but the redhead grimaced.
"So did you say anything to ….this Aldebrand?" Amelia went on
"Well he didn't seem to talkative" Lina said slowly. "Both myself and Gourry tired to maintain a conversation out of him but he didn't seem too keen on talking"
"I see…."
"If anything" the sorceress mused, "He didn't seem keen to be there….."
"Oh, anyone would try to do anything to get out of talking to you Lina!" Naga said. "OH-HO-HO-HO-HO-HO-HO-HO-HO-HO!!!!!!!!!!"
"So Naga" Lina growled. "What did you get up this afternoon?"
"Oh, I went around the palace with Daddy! I got to know so much about him!"
"That's wonderful Gracia!" Amelia grinned.
"Yes!" Naga cowered. "I had no idea how I was born into such a family with so much money!!!! OH-HO-HO-HO-HO-HO-HO-HO-HO-HO!!!!!!!!!!"
As Lina's muscles began to twitch with homicidal rage, Amelia cleared her throat.
"In any case" she said. "I would like to meet this Aldebrand. I think I can arrange a seat for him at the banquet…."
Lina blinked. "What?"
"That doesn't sound like a bad idea!" Naga added.
"Now hold on a second here…" Lina started.
"Of course!" Amelia said, addressing her sister and ignoring Lina, "that way we can all meet Aldebrand at once."
"Are you two going to listen to me?!" said one frustrated sorceress.
"If Syl likes him then he can't be all that bad!" Amelia grinned excitedly.
"Just think – if he can win Syl over so easily" Naga beamed. "Then he must be a man to die for!"
And then both the Saillune sisters started laughing: "OH-HO-HO-HO-HO-HO-HO-HO-HO-HO!!!!!!!!!!"
"RIGHT!" Lina bellowed. "That does it! FIREBALL!!!!!"
Night descended upon Saillune. But inside the palace itself, it was a hurricane of noise, light and activity. The banquet that Phil had ordered to celebrate the return of his long-lost daughter Gracia had been arranged in quick succession. Thus, the servants of the place had been running this and that, busying themselves with food preparation, decoration arranging and the general tidying of the palace itself. Indeed, each and every palace servant bore an understanding of this occasion, so they were working with a responsibility and the excitement that this event goes flawlessly.
Sadly, not everyone involved with the banquet shared such sentiments.
"I! Hate! These! High! HEELS!" thundered a grouchy but distinctive voice.
Lina Inverse and Amelia Wil Tesla Saillune both made their way to the dining room dressed in impressive finery in accordance to the demands of the occasion. Amelia was bedecked in an exquisite crimson gown whilst Lina had picked out a black number. Both had accompanying white gloves that reached to the elbows and an impressive selection of jewellery.
But, living a life of constantly on the road and being an infamous bandit killer, hadn't prepared Lina for the nightmare that was high heels!
"Whose idea was it to wear these anyway?" the red-head snapped.
"Relax Lina!" Amelia replied. "It all takes the right amount of patience and balance!"
"Yeah, it would take a princess to know this type of thing"
"What?" Amelia said teasingly. "You defeated Ruby Eye Shabranigdu, Dark Star, and countless other foes and horrors - And yet you can't overcome wearing high heels?"
"Oh yeah?!" Lina growled. "I'll show you!"
"Lina!" Amelia exclaimed in alarm. "Watch out!"
Despite her consistent grumbling, Lina couldn't quite master standing on high heels, let alone walking! Thus, she stumbled left and right, down the hallway. She stumbled into a pillar, before knocking over a decorative ornate bust and finally slamming into a wall!
Amelia winced with the sound of each collision before seeing her friend sprawled out onto the floor - the battle with the high heels well and truly lost.
"Lina?" the princess cried out in alarm as she hurried over. "Are you all right?'
The sorceress didn't reply. Instead she moaned in derision.
Amelia opened her mouth to speak.....
....before being cut off by a loud noise coming from up the hallway.
The two
adventurers looked up towards the source of the noise. And what they saw was Naga.
Like her two associates, the raven-haired sorceress was dressed in an
impressive dining gown. This one was black with a red skirt and accompanying
black gloves. Sadly, this gown did little to change Naga - even in that outfit
she was as voluptuous as ever.
Even Lina was impressed - this was the first time she had seen her 'travelling
companion' in anything that wasn't the infamous battle bikini.
But now, no amount of finery could stop Naga from moving down the hallway at an extraordinary speed. Her legs were going in all directions, her facial expression was one of panic and her balance awkward.
Then, much to the astonishment of both Amelia and Lina, Naga continued on her way plunging blindly down the hallway. She didn't seem to pay attention to her sister and her former associate.
"Gracia!" Amelia cried out in alarm. She got to her feet and chased after her sister.
Lina chuckled at Naga's predicament. It seems the red-head wasn't the only one having troubles with the nightmare that was high heels.
Elsewhere, Gourry and Zelgadis waited outside the dining room for their friends. And as was necessary with attending a royal banquet, both were dressed in princely clothes kindly lent by the palace itself. Gourry was in a blue tunic with white trousers, and a white collar. Zel was in the same outfit but whilst his tunic was blue, his trousers and collar were black.
And although the chimera felt ridiculous, Gourry didn't seem to mind at all.
"Wow" the swordsman grinned. "Can't wait to see what Phil has for the banquet"
"You're actually looking forward to this?' Zel replied.
Gourry blinked, before catching onto what the chimera was thinking.
"Hey look on the bright side Zel" the swordsman grinned, pointing at the tunic. "It matches your hair and your skin!"
Upon hearing this, Zelgadis nursed his head in one hand as he let out a groan.
Suddenly, Gourry's face adopted a more serious tone.
"Say" he said. "Have you met Aldebrand yet?"
Zel blinked. "Who?"
"I've only just met him this afternoon" the swordsman explained. "Sylphiel introduced him to Lina and myself – Said he saved her from a tavern brawl."
"Really…." Zelgadis mused.
Suddenly, his facial expression grew sceptical:
"Sylphiel? A tavern brawl? That sounds unlikely."
"You're not the only one who thinks so" Gourry replied.
"Have you met him?" the chimera inquired. "What is he like?"
"I can't really say……"
"Oh?"
"Well, Sylphiel seems to like him a lot but…. Lina seems distrustful of him"
"And you?"
"Well, I follow Lina's judgement."
"And why doesn't that surprise me…." Zelgadis murmured.
Just then, Amelia turned into the hallway. She was followed by Lina and Naga - both of whom were leaning on each other and looking well worn, quite bedraggled and very frustrated. It seems the battle with the high heels had produced no clear victor....
Seeing the sorceress like this, brought Gourry into action. He quickly moved to her side.
"Lina!" he exclaimed. "Are you all right?"
He quickly let out an assisting hand to which Lina gladly accepted - But this, in turn, left Naga without any pillar of support. Consequently, she hit the floor with a loud thud (not that any one seemed to notice).
Lina smiled at Gourry.
"You look nice" the swordsman said.
"And you don't look so bad yourself" she replied.
"I do?" he replied diminutively.
Amelia gently reached out her hand - to which Zel gently took up. The princess smiled at the chimera.
"You look.....amazing" Zelgadis breathed.
"And you look truly handsome" Amelia smiled sweetly - before giggling as a bright red flush burst out across the chimera' face.
"Say" Gourry said. "Where's Sylphiel?"
Upon mentioning the shrine maiden, silence descended the five (including Naga who was still on the floor)
"I don't know" Lina mused. "I didn't see her on the way down here"
"You don't suppose" Amelia said. "That she will be joined by Aldebrand?"
At the mention of the mercenary, everyone exchanged uneasy glances.
"I seriously doubt that!" Lina said quickly. "It seems unlikely that he would turn up at this dinner!"
"Why do you seem so sure?" Amelia replied.
"Oh come on, we've all just met him!" the sorceress retorted. "If she already has an eye for him then the rate that this relationship is moving at seems ridiculous!"
"Ridiculous yes but not infeasible" Zel argued, casting an eye at Gourry. "I mean, this IS Sylphiel we're talking about"
"Well, what do we all think of him?" Amelia inquired, scanning her eyes across her associates.
A brief moment of silence followed.
"I don't trust him" Lina said firmly with her arms folded.
"Same here" Gourry added.
"I have yet to meet him" Zel declared.
"Neither have I" Naga mumbled (but no one seemed to notice)
"However" Zelgadis went on. "As we can't seem to com to a conclusion about him, we must ask ourselves this: Do we have any clue on his intentions. Or, for that matter, his past?"
And all the chimera got in the way of replies was three (plus one) blank expressions.
"Actually, Aldebrand hasn't mentioned anything of that sort" Lina said softly.
"And the fact that he has made an impression on Sylphiel" Zel added darkly "Is all the more suspicious."
By now, Naga had managed to get back to her feet. Although the high heels made walking difficult, she leant on a nearby wall for support.
"No way!" Amelia argued. "You don't seem prepared to give him a chance!"
"And you are?" Zelgadis growled.
"Well yes!" she said. "If Syl likes him then he must be a good man!"
"That's right!" Naga chimed in. "Do you three have any idea on the amount of persuasion that my sister and Syl had to do at such short notice?!"
"And besides," Amelia added. "The occasion of dinner seems like the perfect opportunity to get to know him. If you are nice to him then, chances are, he could be nice back!"
Sadly, the princess' proposal fell on deaf ears: Lina snorted her contempt for such an idea and the chimera looked as suspicious as ever.
"But in any case" Naga said. "I won't be surprised if Sylphiel turns up in Aldebrand's company."
"That's absurd!" Zel growled. "How can he make such an impression so quickly?! She only just met him this afternoon!"
"He doesn't seem so bad to me" the princess protested.
"I wouldn't be so confident if I were you" Zelgadis warned.
"I agree with Zel." Lina said. "I'm certain he's got something to hide."
"Really?" Amelia blinked. "You've never struck me as being someone so quick to make such a judgement"
"You can talk" Lina snorted.
"Gourry!" Naga snapped. "Talk some sense in her!"
The swordsman
blinked. Being confronted with two accusing gazes, wanting his support in this
argument. Of course, such arguments usually result in drastic effect.
Henceforth, this left the swordsman in a tight spot. Perspiration began
dripping from his forehead. His fingers twitched and his lips trembled. No
matter what he answered here, it would result in certain death from the one
whom he didn't support.
He needed an escape hatch and quick....
"Quiet!" Zelgadis said. "Here she comes!"
Everyone looked up - Except Gourry who breathed a heavy sigh of relief. And there was Sylphiel, dressed in a deep blue dining gown. She too had accompanying white gloves and jewellery. But what was striking was the fact that she was arriving here at the dining room with Aldebrand. Like Zel and Gourry, he was dressed in the same palace donated clothes but he had a black tunic with red trousers and collar.
Aldebrand himself seemed uncomfortable. Being a mercenary he was unused to luxurious living such as this. He had no idea how to act at a table nor how to act in front of royalty. His place was in the battle field, not in dinner table manners. But Sylphiel had to do a lot of work to secure him a place at the table so he should at least be grateful.
Despite how much he feels out of place in a situation such as this.
Man, talk about wanting to repay a debt…….
"Hey everyone!" The Shrine Maiden grinned.
Regardless of everyone's suspicions for Aldebrand, all managed to provide an acceptable greeting.
The
mercenary paused – but it didn't take long before his eyes fell on the chimera.
It was then that he raised an eyebrow. He could recall seeing the chimera before
from that previous altercation. Thus the mercenary was, naturally, wary. This must be the Zelgadis that Syl told him
about – she said that he was in possession of a cursed form and was quite
strong in his resentment of it. Thus, Aldebrand was warned not to talk about it too
much.
But this was the first time that he had the opportunity to see
the chimera at such a close range. And the mercenary admitted that he had never
seen anything quite like him before. His form was extraordinary to behold - and
indeed worthy of concern......
However, Zel suddenly felt the mercenary's eyes prying upon him. He immediately returned his gaze with a grim, distrustful expression.
But, it didn't take Lina long to break the tension.
"All right then!" Lina grinned. "We're all here, then! Lets go get some food!"
Just then, as if on cue, the doors to the dining room opened. A servant brought the colourful lights and delicious smells into the hallway from the dining room. This broke the four from their silence and reminded them as to why they were here:
For the FOOD!
"Dinner is served" the servant proclaimed.
"All right!" grinned Lina and Gourry, who darted off into the dining room without a moments further hesitation.
At the mention of food, Naga staggered from her position leaning against the wall - the frustration of high heels forgotten completely!
"You're not starting any meal without me Lina!" she yelled, as she too darted into the dining room at an incredible speed.
Sylphiel and Aldebrand followed - thus leaving Amelia and Zel standing in the hallway.
The princess turned to the chimera - and then noticed his face was moulded in a grim expression.
"Zel?" she inquired. "Is something the matter?"
The chimera nodded. "Yes there is"
Amelia sighed in derison.
"Let me guess....Aldebrand?"
"There's something about him I can't put my finger on....."
"Well you know what they say: The first impression is usually the worst" she grinned in an optimistic manner.
Zel sighed. He certainly all about that…..
"Come on" she said hopefully. "Can you at least give him a chance?"
The chimera folded his arms and shook his head.
"Honestly, can't you at least try to be friendly?"
Zel snorted.
"You know, you're not going to get anywhere if you aren't prepared to place a little trust in people"
Zelgadis still refused to reply
The princess threw up her hands.
"Forget it" she sighed. "I'm sorry I asked."
But it didn't take her long to adopt a smile that was as sweet as sugar.
"But in the meantime" she grinned. "Would the chimera have the honour of escorting the princess to dinner?"
Zel nodded and took his hand in hers - But still an enormous blush made it's way across his face,
The dinner itself was certainly a colourful occasion. Philionel sat at the head of the table with his daughters at either side. Lina and Gourry joined Naga at on side of the table whilst Syl and Zelgadis sat with Amelia on the other side. Aldebrand sat at the other end of the table but only Sylphiel and Gourry had enough gall to sit at either side of him.
But regardless of the suspiciousness that was residing at the table, Phil was at his most jovial. And who could blame him? For the first time in a long time, he was dining with his two beloved daughters. The family had been reunited at long last. And as an added bonus, he had the pleasure of being joined for dinner by fine friends....(and an extra).
Yes, the enormity of the situation even had him overlook the appalling table manners of Naga, Gourry and Lina.....
"Yes!" Phil grinned. "Eat up! I'm sure you're all hungry following your life on the road!"
Amelia let out a heavy sigh. Jeez, parents can be embarrassing.....
"So tell me.....Aldebrand" the princess went on, in a conversational manner. "What do you do for a living?"
"I...I am a warrior for hire" came the reply.
"Really..........?" Lina said dryly, recalling what he said at the restaurant earlier that day.
"Yeah!" Syl added. "He's good with the swords!"
"Hrm......" Gourry blinked.
"Of course!" Aldebrand said. Now that the foundations of conversation have been established, he may as well build on them. Besides, he was in a tight spot here being at a dinner table with royal presence. So he might as well go with the flow.....
"Cool!" the swordsman grinned. "You know, I happen to have the Sword of Light!"
"You're kidding?" the mercenary blinked in astonishment. "THE Sword of Light?"
Lina
blinked - it seems Gourry and Aldebrand have hit off amazingly well.
Oh well, stranger things have happened.....
Just then Philionel stood up, with wine glass in hand, to make a speech.
"I'm so glad my daughter Gracia has returned to me!" he proclaimed. "Why, we have so much catching up to do!"
Naga blinked: "Catching up?"
"Of course!" Phil beamed. "We have so much to talk about! Where you've been, what you've been up to and, most importantly of all, succession!"
Upon hearing this, everything on the table fell into an abrupt but stunned silence.
"SUCCESSION?!" Lina exclaimed. "Are you serious!?"
"Of course!" the Crown Prince grinned. "Gracia is my eldest! She's next in line!"
"So tell me Gracia" he went on, addressing Naga. "How did you meet Amelia?"
The raven-haired sorceress was stunned at being offered the chance of succession. She was equally perplexed at being addressed with such a peculiar alias. Nevertheless, she still managed speech:
"I met her when I was hanging around Xelloss Metallium!" she replied.
Upon hearing, the name of the infamous Trickster Priest, Phil raised an eyebrow. Still, he allowed Naga to continue:
"Yes, I met Amelia when I was going to bring down the evil forces in Dakeyras and show up Lina!"
"Dakeyras eh?" Phil asked, as Lina coughed.
Noticing Zel adopting a grim expression, Amelia quickly spoke up: "Yes, Gracia told me that she used to travel around with Lina!"
"Really?" Gourry inquired. "Funny, she never told me"
Ignoring the swordsman, the Crown Prince went on: "Ah, so you two are friends, hrm?"
Upon hearing this, Lina's face went crashing down onto the plate. Naga, however, found hilarity in the frustration of her rival. So much so, she began relax and do what she did best in a situation like this: Laugh.
"OH-HO-HO-HO-HO-HO-HO-HO-HO-HO!!!!!!!!!!"
All, including Aldebrand, winced. Amelia and Phil however didn't seem to mind at all.
Lina groaned. It seems Naga is truly a Saillune through and through....
Elsewhere, many miles from the hustle and bustle that made up Saillune, Thyruss brooded in his citadel. He sat at his desk with an ink quill in hand, nutting out his plan of attack.
Even though Thyruss was fortunate enough to find this citadel, it still bore signs of being neglected for countless ages - Consequently, there were numerous shadows that came filtering in through the room. Shadows that grasped the room in it's grip and laughed in the face of what little light that came through the window.
And such an abundance of shadows provided the perfect hiding place.
Suddenly he heard a voice echo out across his chamber.
"Hello there Thyruss" the voice said.
The warlord looked up from his desk, his eyebrow raised in a suspicious manner. He cast an inquisitive glare across the room - only to be confronted with empty spaces and little furniture choked with a sea of shadows.
Funny. He could've sworn he heard a voice a minute ago
Maybe it was his mind playing tricks on him.
Eventually, he shrugged and returned to his work.
Suddenly the voice spoke up a second time:
"No, I am not some figment of your imagination. I am quite real."
This made Thyruss' hand stop writing.
He hesitated - unsure what to do next.
It was then that the voice, now growing stronger in an authoritive tone, spoke again: "Ah that's better. Good to see you're listening.
"So tell me - How's your plan of domination coming along?"
This made Thyruss jump straight out of his chair and onto his feet.
"Where are you? What are you doing here?" the warlord thundered. He had no idea who was addressing him but he was certain that it was one of his mercenaries.
And one who was making him look foolish at that.
However, if that is the case, then perhaps Thyruss should make an example of the bastard, telling all of the others that their employer is not one to be trifled with…..
"Rest assured that I am not one of your minions." The voice replied, in a calm manner.
"Then who are you?" Thyruss roared, drawing his sword in an aggressive manner. "Show yourself!"
"Well I would like to…….
"But that doesn't really suit my style"
"WHAT?!?!?"
"Come on, I have managed to find my way into your private chamber without attracting much attention. No one else in this citadel knows that I am here"
"They will when I remove your head from your shoulders!!!"
"And when you say things like that, do you really think I would show my face now?!"
"Well" Thyruss snarled. "If you have the courage to sneak in here, you might as well have the courage to face my blade! Stop hiding you gutless worm!"
"Oh please" the voice mocked. "I am no threat to you"
"NO THREAT?!?!?" Thyruss bellowed. "You invade my private chambers, and now your torment me with your facelessness attitude and your words! And you say you're no threat?!?!?!"
"Of course" the voice replied bluntly, maintaining a calm attitude despite Thyruss' anger.
The warlord opened his mouth to deliver another enraged speech.
But the voice cut him off before he could even begin: "I wish to discuss business."
This stopped Thyruss dead in his tracks. Immediately, facial expression banished all concept of fury - only to be replaced with intrigue.
"Business?" he growled softly. "What kind of business?"
"I want to offer my services to your banner in return for sanctuary."
"Oh yeah?" the warlord snarled, suspiciously. "And what kind of services to you have in mind?"
"I know you want to invade Saillune" came the reply. "But there are obstacles in your path that even you don't know about"
This made Thyruss pause. If what the voice was telling him was correct then he has just been struck with an opportunity. And any opportunity must be utilised to it's full extreme.
"How did you get in here?" he inquired.
"I merely snuck in, right under the noses of your mercenaries. And to reiterate: you're the only one in this citadel who knows I'm here"
"Well I have to admire your gall" Thyruss said. "To evade all of those homicidal lunatics is a feat in itself. And in order to accomplish that goal, you must have something important to tell me. So I will hear you out - But only once you've shown your face."
The voice chuckled. "Well, I guess since we're now on speaking terms, I might as well."
And with these words, the owner of the voice, stepped out from the shadows. He carried with him a staff and a grin that was twisted with mischief.
"Allow me to introduce myself" he said. "I am Xelloss Metallium....."
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