I'm glad the previous chapter was appreciated, and Amelia was considered in character. Hopefully this will continue.

Dreamsinger: I enjoy your Slayers fic, though the later chapters are a bit too romantic for me. I don't think my fic will proceed as quickly as yours, at least in areas of romance. I'm pleased that you like my ideas.

Amelia draws a breath before telling me about Seyruun. "I found a great deal of work was waiting for me when I returned to Seyruun. The first wave of dignitaries from the Outer Lands had arrived. They were the bravest and most righteous of the dignitaries, as they left to pursue justice in foreign lands!" That last sentence is one of excitement and admiration. She looks at me, eyes shining with admiration, most likely for those dignitaries. I manage to hide my usual reaction to a justice speech, a grimace, and keep my expression thoughtful. She apparently notices I am not quite a warrior of justice, so continues without making a speech.

"Tousan had already pretty much made treaties with them when I returned. After a too-short period of settling down, they began asking me questions about my travels on their continent. It would have been unjust to refuse to answer them, so I answered all their questions to the best of my abilities of justice!" By now she had turned around and pointed dramatically at the window. I am not sure what significance that action holds for her, so my ordinary justice-sized sweatdrop is much larger than usual.

She instantly resumed a more ordinary posture. "Several of them were only a little older than myself, Zelgadis-san, so they...expressed an interest in me." She pauses here and turns to look at me. She is obviously blushing, and her eyes search mine. I am a little irritated at their actions for some reason. She must see this irritation in my eyes, for she smiles and continues. "I did not reciprocate their...interest, so they left." She looks at me again, and I do not manage to keep my relief from my face. Hopefully her troubles do not relate to romance. "Everyone returned to their kingdoms, and all of us were happy at what turned out."

So far this tale seemed to be one of success, rather than disappointment. "The next wave of dignitaries arrived a few weeks after the first departed. The first travelers were out for justice, and some of these were, as well. Others wanted to succeed here, as they could not in the Outer Lands. Akira is a minor prince of a small kingdom in the Outer Lands. He looks about twenty-five, and said he fell in love with Seyruun." Amelia eyes shine a little at this recollection. She seems to admire this man Akira. I only hope that he is as innocent as she seems to think. I let her continue before asking about him.

"Several advisors came here, in addition to the dignitaries. Apparently, many kingdoms in the Outer Lands have advisors, instead of just a royal family. Some came over here to look for work. They came to Seyruun first. Most were middle-aged men. Tousan felt that an advisor could be handy, and asked them to tour Seyruun and the palace and see what they thought of it. After a day or so of examination, most of them praised the kingdom greatly. In fact, only one man, by the name of Audric, recommended changes. He felt that we were too generous and naive. Those were his own words, in fact!"

I would have expected her to be angry at repeating his words, but in fact she was almost admiring. "He recommended placing guards in the gate as well as in front of the palace buildings, and also to place pairs in patrols around the city." Ah, that was why the guards were at the gate. It seems that his idea of patrols was not followed. "He also told us about plain-clothed and undercover guards, saying they would be better suited in the city." Hm. Audric seems much more intelligent than other Outer Landers I met.

"When Audric told us his ideas, the other potential advisors were getting nervous. They had not expected anyone to actually make suggestions, and had none to offer. Tousan dismissed them, and invited Audric to his office. I followed them, of course. Audric continued to make suggestions, this time relating to Tousan and me. He told us to never to travel alone, and to always have only guards that proved their abilities and trust. He even reprimanded Tousan for giving him and others free reign of the palace. To us, this proved that Audric was worthy of being hired." Indeed, his suggestions were reasonable.

"Tousan then asked Audric what he expected to be paid. Audric named a figure that struck us as very low. He asked for a place to stay, which we would have given him anyway. He also asked for a raise once he was fully trusted." Audric seemed incredibly reasonable. I wonder if it could possibly be an act, or if there was actually such an impressive mind in Seyruun. I would remember to ask Amelia about him later.

"More and more people continue to come, Zelgadis-san. Audric is suspicious of most of the people from the Outer Lands, which is making me a little more stressed." I wonder if Audric is really allied with someone, and is merely pretending to be suspicious in order to make himself appear trustworthy and cause tension. Or perhaps he actually cares for Seyruun and its monarchy. I hope the later is true.

"Because of all the attention of the people of the Outer Lands, I've been very busy. Just the other day I had to sign a great deal of minor treaties and papers. Tousan is handling most of the important ones, but I still have the minor ones, as well as suitors, to deal with."

Amelia pauses and sighs, apparently finished with her brief account. She looks again at me, apparently nervous. Heh, perhaps she thinks that I would leave Seyruun now. She might be thinking that I would think her problems too minor to dwell upon. Or perhaps she simply is embarrassed at giving such a long account so soon after my arrival. I think the later is most likely, as she looks slightly apologetic and is opening her mouth to speak. I quickly interrupt her probable apology. "Seems like a lot to worry about, Amelia." Her expression is now one of somewhat surprised happiness, rather than nervous. Apparently my first words since she began her account were more reassuring than I thought.

"If there is some plot against Seyruun or your family, Amelia, it sounds to me like it is in a very early stage. We'll be able to fight it off." I pause for a second, realizing that my search may have to be delayed. This would be understandable, but far from preferable. I also note that Amelia's eyes are starting to shine again. Already I am starting to adjust to her personality. "Amelia, I realize that this may be an inopportune time, but I would still like your aid in my search for a cure." I pause again. Amelia's eyes return to normal after she blinks a few times. "It will hopefully not be too time-consuming. I would like you to help me gain access to Seyruun's libraries. Also, perhaps you could request information be sent to Seyruun about curses and cures?"

At this point Amelia beams. I was almost expecting such an open gesture of happiness, though it still surprised me. "I've already honored your last request, Zelgadis-san!" I had briefly contemplated a few possible reasons for her elation. This was far from the list.

My eyes widen with the very pleasant surprise. "Really? Why?" I blurted out the first thing that came to mind, as I tend to do when surprised.

"Because we're friends, Zelgadis-san! Justice demands that friends help each other! To not aid the reversal of such an unjust act would be unjust!" During her justice speech, complete with the characteristic gestures and movements, I sweatdrop only slightly. In fact, I am surprised that it took her so long to make a justice speech. It seems to have done her some good. Her expression has lightened, and she looks a little more sure of herself. Or perhaps that's just part of the speech.

I am not sure whether she has stopped or merely paused melodramatically before continuing. I decide that it is not worth the risk. "Amelia." She is off in her land of justice, but returns to reality at my voicing of her name. She jumps lightly from the table, as well. I am unsurprised she ended up on the table, but the improvement in her speed and agility is more surprising. "Thank you." I smile slightly as I say the simple phrase. Apparently the combination of the two makes her smile as well. We smile at each other for a few seconds. My face must have shown something besides gratitude, because Amelia blushes and turns away. I quickly do the same.

I cough lightly to dispel the slight tension. "I'd like to meet some of the people you talked about, Amelia, and also talk to you and your father more closely about possible problems." Her eyes shine at this idea. She apparently thought I would brush off her problems and only work towards my cure. The idea was not as tempting as it should have been. Waiting for information and searching through Seyruun are two actions that could be done over a reasonably long period of time. Further, I could always study at night.

"Great, Zelgadis-san! Tousan and I always eat dinner together, and you can join us of course!" I nod, slightly amused at her enthusiasm.

"Before then, I'd like to arrange to get books from your libraries." Her face falls slightly in response to this affirmation of my search. She didn't expect me to drop my search completely, did she? "Might as well start now." I shrug slightly, attempting without much skill to disengage her from her disappointment.

She smiles slightly. "Of course, Zelgadis-san." I would not say her smile is forced, but it certainly is not as enthusiastic as usual. "I'll take you to our main white magic library." I am tempted to say I could find it myself, and she appears to expect such a response.

Instead, I simply nod. "Very well." She blinks, and then her smile becomes more genuine. I open the door for her and she leads me out of the room.

Author's note:
I wasn't quite sure how to write this chapter, so I simply had Amelia describe the events and people in her own words, rather than writing a flashback in her perspective. This chapter was a little difficult to write, both because of the perspective issue and also my rather long hiatus. The lack of updates are mostly due to my newfound lack of wisdom teeth and a fresh addiction to Phantasy Star Online (PC version = much rejoicing). The new characters are of my own creation, though they were inspired by various characters I have read. I also chose names that I felt had appropriate meanings. Look up the name of any of my characters and form your own predictions, if you like :) Please review, as well. The only thing more gratifying than getting an e-mail with the subject "Review alert!" is reading it.