VII

Luna looked up to greet the new customers. It was late and the restaurant was almost ready to close so they were the only people aside from herself and the cook in the back, who to her disgust was more than a little drunk.

Her violet gaze narrowed speculatively as she saw that it was actually two golden dragons in human form that entered. She recognized Filia as the female, but the male was unknown to her. Luna smiled and set down the towel she'd been using to wipe down the counter.

"Filia, nice to see you again."

Filia returned the smile. She honestly couldn't see what terrified Lina so much about her older sister. In stature she was barely any taller than Lina, although she was considerably more endowed than her younger sister, and she seemed much more mild mannered than the loud Lina. Still she had to wonder, Lina could face a Dark Lord without flinching, yet even mention her sister and Lina goes pale and shakes horribly.

"Would you care for some tea, or perhaps something to eat?" Luna asked politely.

"Oh some tea would be wonderful," Filia responded enthusiastically.

"Yes, tea would do nicely," Milgazia said. Unlike the two women he was not smiling. This mission seemed off to him. He was very unsettled that the elders did not share the exact words or even their decided meaning of the premonition.

Luna came back with a tray holding a pot of hot water and three cups along with an assortment of teas. "Good thing you didn't want something to eat, that worthless drunk this place calls a cook has passed out." She glared at the door with such vehemence that it startled Filia.

Setting the contents of the tray down, she took a seat with her guests. "So what do you need?" Since her gaze was back on the dragons so was her smile.

Filia blinked trying to reconcile the lightning fast mood changes. "Umm…"

Milgazia took it in stride and spoke up for the foundering priestess. "We find ourselves in need of locating your little sister, Lina."

Luna stirred sugar into her tea and nodded. "That is a tricky task at times." Setting down the spoon Luna inhaled the aroma of her tea and thought about the last time she'd seen Lina.

"Well she did stop by here a few weeks ago."

"Really? I was under the impression," Filia stopped and tried to think of a polite way to describe Lina's reaction to her sister, "she didn't visit much." Filia finished the sentence in a rush and hoped Luna wouldn't take it badly. She didn't really want to find out directly why Lina was terrified of her sister, or even receive a glare like the one Luna directed at the passed out cook.

Luna chuckled. "Yes, well she doesn't visit much. In fact, she's only visited twice in four years." Luna set down the tea cup and smiled. "That is partially my fault for being so hard on her." Her smile disappeared. "But I think she was very lonely." Seeing the shock on Filia's face she added, "Not that she'd ever admit that to anyone. Ever."

"Lonely?" Filia was thoroughly confused. "What about Gourry?"

"He is married and settled down with Sylphiel. It was a beautiful wedding."

"Amelia?"

"Engaged to some emissary, and learning to rule a country as is proper for the crown princess."

Filia was astounded to hear the splitting of such close friends as those she had previously travelled with. "Zelgadis?"

"No one really knows. I assume he's wondering through the world outside the old barrier searching for his cure."

Milgazia cleared his throat. "Do you know where we may be able to find her?" He asked in an attempt to bring the conversation back to topic.

Luna smiled at him. "Afraid all I can tell you is she was heading southwest when she left town, and all I have heard rumored says she kept to that direction."

"Was she looking for anything in particular?" Milgazia asked hoping to get some sort of destination.

Luna shrugged. "Other than the usual treasure and adventure, I can't say. Filia here probably has as good of an idea of what would attract Lina's attention as I would; she's actually travelled with my sister."

Milgazia nodded. A question was bothering him. "If you don't mind my asking, why is a Knight of Cepheid working as a waitress part-time?"

Luna bust out in hearty laughter. "No asking doesn't bother me. It does seem insane doesn't it?" She laughed some more at his incredulous look. "I have to spend my time somehow. And by spending it here I get to meet lots of interesting people and can keep up on all the rumors and gossip without anyone looking at me twice."

Milgazia's brow scrunched up, clearly showing that he still found it an odd pastime. Still it wasn't his place to question it so he simply nodded and left it at that.

Filia was silent for a moment staring into her tea. She didn't look up when she finally spoke. "Did you know the dragons are marching on Dynast?"

Milgazia gaped openly at Filia. That was information for dragons only. He should have known that given her previous association with humans and monsters she was too much of a wild card for this mission.

Luna nodded her face once again serious. "This is the first I've heard of it confirmed, but I've been expecting it. With Phibrizzo and Gaav dead it really isn't surprising." Her thoughts drifted to Beast Master. It seemed it was past time to give her old friend a visit.

Luna stood and walked with the dragons to the door. "Good luck," she said to them as they transformed and flew towards the southwest. Once they were out of sight Luna went back inside and penned a quick note: I'm taking a necessary leave of absence. Calling upon the power of Ceipheed, she teleported.