The setting sun found the group known as the Slayers at a large two- story manor on the outskirts of Zefilia. They had been shown in by Lina's mother, a woman who looked to be in her mid-thirties with fiery red hair in a tight bun and ice blue eyes. She showed the newcomers around the manor as much as she could in the fading daylight, then led them to their rooms for the night.
Gourry loved his room. A pale shade of cerulean covered the walls. The back wall had a huge window lined with azure curtains. On the right side of the room, an oak dresser with a wash basin and a rectangular mirror stood ready for use. On the left side, a large comfortable-looking bed greeted Gourry's all-too-happy eyes. It had been a while since they had got to sleep at an inn since they spent so much money on meals. He slipped off his armour, sword belt, and boots, and jumped into the awaiting covers. He fell asleep almost instantly.
The same enthusiasm was felt by Amelia on the sight of her own designated bedroom. The walls, originally white, were now lined with a lavender wallpaper. The sighting of a canopy bed in front of a silk-curtained window made Ame realise just how weary she really was. She quickly stripped off her adventuring outfit and replaced it with a satin nightgown she kept in her pouch. She folded up the other clothing and placed it within a white oak trunk at the foot of the bed. Then Amelia opened one side of the curtains surrounding the inviting bed and slipped underneath the large rose-coloured quilt. As sleep began to overtake her, she thought about home, her father, the rose garden at Seyruun palace...her sister...her mother...
The princess cried herself to sleep.
Xelloss was shown to his room first, but he didn't bother to stay there. He received a call from his master and left. When he returned, however, he got a very delicious meal. Someone was giving off quite a bit of pain and sorrow. Xelloss reached his senses outward and found the source in the room next to his. When he heard the cries, he recognised the voice as Amelia's. Hmm...so the princess still cries about them, eh? I didn't figure she would by now. It has been almost ten years. Ah well, just means more food for me. He smiled his Trickster's smile as he sat down on his bed. Suddenly, he frowned. So why doesn't that cheer me more? he pondered.
Sylphiel headed straight for bed as soon as she had changed her clothes. Travelling took a lot out of the shrine maiden, especially when it was with Lina-san and her friends. She giggled as she thought of how cute Gourry-sama looked with a chicken leg in his mouth, then closed her eyes and dreamed of her itooshii.
Lina was not having as good or relaxing time as some of the others were having. As the others took their tour, the sorceress went up to her old bedroom. She found it exactly as she had left it the day she ran away. She thought that was a bit creepy, but it was soon forgotten as she flopped onto her bed. Lina sighed as she brought her stuffed bear, Bri, to her chest. She took in the scent of the bear. It smelled like her mother's perfume, all roses and springtime and happiness. Maybe I should try some of that stuff on, she idly thought. Lina sat up and tugged off her boots, short sword, belt, cape, and shoulder guards. She laid back down and snuggled with the bear underneath her covers. Staring at the ceiling, she thought about their current quest. If this temple place really existed, it would mean a lot of fun and treasure! The sorceress smiled to herself. Loot galore! Probably tons of new magic spells that she could learn. Ah, the joys of a travelling mage's life...
Of course, Lina wasn't the only one thinking about the temple at Tromper. It also had the mind of a certain chimera quite intrigued at the moment. Zelgadis sat on his bed, legs crossed in front of him as he leaned against the headboard. It would figure Lina's family would own a bed I could actually use, he had thought when he came in. The frame of the bed was made out of some metal alloy that Zel couldn't recognise. The mattress was made out of...well, he couldn't tell what that was either, but it was softer than the floor and he didn't sink into it too far down, so he was grateful. Once again, travelling with Lina Inverse. Once again, following a lead on his cure simply because it had a ghost of a chance of working. "Am I really desperate enough to be going on hunches?" he asked himself. Sighing, he continued. "...Yes. I've been stuck this way for almost five years now. Sure, I've got friends now, but that doesn't mean my cure doesn't matter anymore. I'm still a freak, and those who don't know me would rather bring out the pitchforks and torches and ask questions later than have me sit down to tea with them." Zel grumbled. He kicked off his shoes and proceeded to take off his two belts, cape, and shirt, tossing them on a chair next to the bed. He turned his thoughts back to the temple. "Maybe this time won't be like all the others," he mused. "The Tromper temple has a legacy dating as far back as the Clair Bible, and we found out that legend had a usable truth behind it," The chimera's anger flared once more as he hit the mattress with his fist. "Why the hell couldn't they let me see it? All I wanted was a chance to see if it had any answers. Anything that would help. But did the dragons care? No!" Defeatedly, Zel slid down onto his back and pulled the covers up over him, letting his thoughts stew for the night.