Trials

by Gray lines

Witches were being burned, and mages were in hiding. Humans to stupid to know the difference between dark and light magic persicuting all. The guilds were well hidden and sorcery was kept secret. But the flames have been licking along Lucy's feet lately and her own mistakes just might be the ropes that bind her to the burning stake

1. Chapter 1

Lucy hurried down the dark road. She couldn't be found out this late. It would make people suspensious. Ever since the witch trials had started twenty years ago it had become unsafe to practice magic. If anyone was caught using magic they would be accused of witch craft and burned at the stake

For her entire life she had to learn in secret. Taught by her mother and the master to summon the stars she was now a full mage. But if anyone in magnolia ever caught wind of her or any of the others powers they would be killed. So she was quiet and careful. She only headed to the guild at sundown. She was later today than usual. Her father had taken an interest in her life, or rather found it displeasing and spent the last few hours yelling at her.

But tonight natsu would come of age. Gajeel had thrown a party and spred the news. That's the only reason Lucy hadn't just stayed home instead. She had left her stifling dress and corset at home, trading it instead for her custom short skirt and top Mira had sewn for her. She was so lucky to have a seamstress in the guild, since the social rules seldom applied, besides the heat down there was stifling when the boys lit up all of the fire pits.

She slipped silently across the dirt road and through the tavern doors. The door that led to the underground guild was in the back of the storage room. It could only be opened from the inside, or with certain magic. Lucy nocked sharply on the hallow boards and and slipped through the thin entrance when the wood was pushed aside. Gray was standing there. Looking uncomfortable and very much naked. Lucy politely averted her eyes and asked him what the matter was. Though it was obviouse that natsu had upset him at some point through the night.

With all of the dragon slayers making a ruckus down there it was a wonder how the town hadn't caught on to them yet. But Lucy only smiled fondly at her friends. She slipped off the hot cloak and floated towards where cana had stripped down to her underwear and was chugging ale.

Everything seamed so lively and happy. This was the way the guild was supposed to be. An escape.

Lucy half contemplated calling forth several of her spirits to join the party but she was much to exhausted at the moment. But this here, this was family. No matter what her father thought.