Foreword: Another chapter out! Thanks to all of those who posted their reviews. Finally, the awaited first all-Lina-Davon scene. Hope you guys enjoy it.

Disclaimer: I don't own the Slayers. I like to pretend that I do, but I really don't. A Japanese dude named Hajime Kanzaka does. And remember: the capital of Brazil is Brasilia, not Rio de Janeiro, and much less Buenos Aires! The latter is the capital of Argentina, and it is wise never to mistake a Brazilian for an Argentinean or vice-versa, as both will be really pissed off.

Chapter 11 – Setting Sail

Lina stepped out of her carriage, immediately followed by Gourry, and breathed the smell of the sea. The sun shone brightly in the clear blue sky. The air was a bit hot, since it was close to noon. However, the fresh sea breeze was strong enough to keep the heat from being unbearable. She looked around the royal port, which stretched along the beach. Dozens of sailors ran around busily, carrying ropes, barrels, and shouting instructions. The young sorceress' fiery mane flowed wildly in the wind. She heard a voice coming from behind her:

"The wind blows strong. Our depart will be swift".

She turned around and saw the figure of Davon, accompanied by Filia. He inclined his head to the sorceress.

"Let's… hope so" she answered carefully.

Gourry immediately placed himself by Lina's side.

"How long do you expect this voyage to last, Davon?" Filia asked, while trying to keep her skirt from being lifted by the wind.

"I imagine it should be about five or six days… if the wind remains strong. And we don't face many adversities along the way".

"Adversities?" Lina asked.

"Yes" the nobleman replied "Whilst sailing through the Demon Sea going a few miles South East, at a certain point, we will have to enter the domain of Deep Sea Dolphin… one hardly passes through it without confronting one sea monster or two".

"Great" Lina said, cracking her fingers "At least we get to have some fun along the way…".

Soon enough, a silent (as usual) Zelgadis and a rather gloomy-looking Amelia joined them. The princess asked Davon to show them to his vessel. He led the group to an expensive-looking medium-sized frigate, the Sparrow. The vessel had one row of six cannons by each side, two sets of square sails in the middle, and four triangular sails in the front, and looked rather unusual amidst all the other ships in the port, which were bigger, heavier cargo ships. The elongated pointy silhouette of the ship seemed to be designed for speed, rather than carrying heavy load. The hull was made out of dark wood, and had many statues and carvings in the sides – dragons, wind maidens, sea serpents, and the customary sculpture of a woman in the front, to lead the way and ward off bad spirits.

In a few minutes, everyone was already on deck, with their baggage in hand. Davon offered himself to leave all of them in the captain's cabin, where they would be safe. The group was welcomed by a funny-looking middle-aged man, small and very slim, with a big nose and bushy eyebrows. He had a very unusual accent. He said his name was Giacomo, and that he was the ship's captain. The ship didn't have much of a crew – only six men – but it seems it was enough to get the job done. The captain shouted "All aboard!" and ordered his men to hoist the sails and lift anchor.

As the ship was ready to leave, Lina was surprised to see Davon come out of the captain's cabin no longer wearing his cloak, heavy coat or boots, but only with his tight black pants and unbuttoned white shirt. She couldn't help but notice that he had a built swordsman's physique, almost as sculpted as Gourry's.

"I hope you will all enjoy this voyage" Davon said with a charming smile "Now, if you will excuse me, I will be going up".

"Up?" Amelia asked, confused.

"Ah yes, Your Highness" Davon answered satisfied "I always like to enjoy my first hours of seafaring up there" he pointed at the sails "There is nothing quite so liberating as staring at the deep blue sea and the infinite horizon… makes one forget one's troubles".

Davon was about to leave when Lina stepped in front of him and asked, both hands in her hips:

"So, Mister Davon, about that money… when do I get to see it, huh?"

Davon smiled amusedly at the sorceress. Indeed, he hadn't expected her to forget his promise.

"In due time, Miss Lina" he answered "Shall I see you in my cabin tonight? Say… eight o'clock?"

"Alright" Lina shrugged. She'd rather get the money now, of course. But she knew he was using it as an excuse to be alone with her to do… what? She had no idea, but she intended to find out.

Davon retired and skillfully climbed one of the masts, standing way up there, feeling the wind against his face and thoroughly enjoying himself. Gourry, who didn't have enough time to protest to Davon's invitation, took Lina by the arm and said:

"Lina… what are you doing? Are ya' really gonna… take that guy's money like that?"

"Well, duh!" she said "Of course, jellyfish! If someone comes offering good money like that there's no reason why I shouldn't take it".

"Well Lina" Gourry said looking straight into her eyes "If you're gonna go, then I'm coming with you".

"Oh, no you're not!" Lina protested, hands in hips again "It's mine! He's givin' it to me and I'm NOT sharing!".

Though that was a bit of an overstatement. Gourry and her did everything together anyway, so he would eventually end up enjoying his share of it indirectly.

"B… but Lina!" Gourry said with a worried turn to his voice "You and that guy… alone… what is he gonna do to you?"

"Nothing I won't let him!" Lina said defiantly "Or do ya' think I'm not used to dealing with all different kinds of creeps?"

"But Lina… that guy's planning something…" Gourry whispered still worried.

"What do you think I am, an idiot?"she threw her hands in the air "Of course he's planning something! I just want to know what it is!"

"But… but still..."

"That's enough, Gourry!" Lina said harshly, pointing her finger at him "You DO NOT get between a girl and her treasure! Understand?"

The swordsman gave up, shoulders down, with a sick feeling in his stomach. It might be from the ship starting to leave, cause he always hated boats and stuff… but he knew it wasn't it. Lina had an idea set in her mind, and when that happened, Gourry knew it was no use trying to get her to forget it. She was going to meet that guy tonight… and the best he could do was stand guard close by, to make sure that nothing happened to her.

Amelia had made herself comfortable sitting in the side of the boat. She was still gloomy, but decided to enjoy the voyage the best she could. Zelgadis felt the impulse to tell her not to sit like that, because she could fall down… but then he remembered he had made the conscious choice to not talk to her unless strictly necessary for the rest of the day. "Whatever". He sat directly across from her, in the other side of the boat, and pretended to be looking at the waves… keeping watch to see if she was firmly steadied and didn't make any sudden movements.

Filia was looking at the waves, still holding her skirt tight, to keep it from flying all around. Xelloss was nowhere to be seen so, for now, she could keep her peace of mind. Then, when he appeared, she could have a little payback.

Lina stood in the prow, leaning against the front mast. She looked at the deep sea, stretching infinitely before her eyes. The boat was beginning to gain speed, and rocked gently. She looked up and saw Davon holding his weight in the ropes, and noticed he was looking directly at her. She directed her gaze at the waves again. The feeling she got from staring that infinite blue ocean was not one of enjoyment, but rather one of restlessness and unease.

"I always want to know what lies beyond the horizon… it turns out I always have to get there to find out. And, from experience, it is usually trouble"

At precisely eight o'clock Lina approached the captain's cabin, and knocked on the door. Davon's voice answered:

"You may come in".

Lina put her head through the door, and was instantly surprised. The cabin was not big, but it was luxuriously decorated. The brass chandelier in the ceiling, with brightly lit candles, showered the room with amber-colored light. The wooden walls were decorated with paintings showing scenes of the Shinma War. There was a large elaborately woven tapestry hung, showing a naval map of all the known continents – were those strands of gold in the embroidery? – as well as a shield exposing the seal of arms of the Cenivean republic. In the corner, a single bed covered by a thick mantle. There were also a few elegant chairs, and an expensive-looking desk, behind which Davon was seated. The table top was made out of shiny black marble. The heavy red velvet curtains were closed to ensure more privacy.

Davon stood up as soon as Lina appeared, and walked to the door to greet her. She let out a long whistle, to show how impressed she was "That's quite a shack you have here, Mister Davon".

"Oh… one does its best" he lowered his head, "But please, Miss Lina… just call me Davon. I insist" he smiled charmingly.

"Alright… Davon" Lina answered slightly uncomfortable.

"Do come in" he welcomed her with a hand gesture.

Lina walked in and he closed the door behind her. Her eyes immediately fell on a small carved wooden casket on top of Davon's desk, its golden hinges giving an indication to its content.

"Is that what I think it is?" she pointed at the casket.

Davon smiled, and directed a devious look at her.

"It might be" he said "But, for now… why don't you take a seat?"

Lina and Davon walked slowly to the desk, and sat directly across from each other. She looked fixedly at him, her red eyes gleaming defiantly. She had her trademark ironic smile painted on her lips. Davon held her gaze with an amused expression in his face. He placed a hand on top of the casket, and finally said:

"Miss Lina, before our transaction is discussed, would you mind terribly if we… chatted?"

"I don't know, Davon" she drummed her fingers in the table, looking at him "I'm kind of curious to see what's in that casket".

"I am sorry to make you impatient, Miss Lina, but… do you at least permit me to say a few words?"

"Suit yourself" she consented.

He bent slightly forward, a strand of his long dark hair falling in front of his eyes. Lina couldn't help but admit that his fine features, illuminated by the amber light, were very handsome. They also looked strangely familiar. Like a picture she had seen in a book a long time ago. Davon took a breath, never breaking his charming smile. After a few moments of silence, he laughed briefly, admiring Lina's face.

"What's the matter?" she asked "Do I look funny to you?"

"Oh, no, no, Miss Lina! Quite the contrary" he said "I can barely contain myself! It is hard to believe that I am here, alone, in the presence of the legend herself: Lina Inverse!"

The marvelled awe with which he pronounced her name made Lina feel extremely flattered.

"Yeah… I tend to have that effect on people".

Or at least she liked to think she did. Most guys made a point at being rude, or just downright assholes, never showing proper reverence in the face of true greatness. People always blamed her for having a nasty temper. But who wouldn't, when there was always a hoard of insulting idiots crossing your path practically every day?

"You know…" Davon continued "Three years ago, when I received account of a young powerful sorceress who had defeated the Maoh Dark Star, I was intrigued. But since then, I have heard and read so much about you! You have become quite the popular character after your exploits in the rest of the continent Miss Lina!"

"Is that so?" she smiled, now beginning to feel cocky.

"Indeed" he confirmed "The stories I've heard and, more importantly, the witnesses who confirmed such stories have amazed me to such an extent that I am not ashamed to say that you" he gestured at her "You are my chosen personal hero, Miss Lina! I have travelled far the sole honor of meeting you!"

"Oh" she ran a hand through her hair "How thoughtful of you… Though I am kind of used to have people searching for me all the time" she boasted.

"Why, yes of course" he smiled "It shouldn't be any other way… However, I should add that all accounts of your many deeds have failed dismally to convey your ravishing beauty!" he directed a penetrating gaze at her "I am left speechless just by looking at you".

Davon devoured her with his eyes, in silence. Lina felt her faces flush. There it was again… that look. It made her feel a strange heat, like there was a low fire burning her from the inside out. The sorceress laughed nervously and quickly retorted:

"Don't you think you talk way too much for someone who is speechless?"

At her words, Davon smiled surprised. He lifted his head and laughed a full, deviant laugh.

"Oh, Miss Lina, you are devilish…" he winked playfully.

"So, what's with the chit chat?" she gestured inquisitively "When do I get to see the gold?"

"Do you wish to see it now?" he offered, his hand still placed on top of the casket.

"Of course!" she said impatiently.

Ever so slowly, Davon opened the golden lock and lifted the cover, revealing a respectable amount of gold pieces and precious gems. Lina's eyes shone greedily. The treasure glittered seductively by the candlelight, calling her forth. Lina stretched her hand, to get a hold of it, but Davon quickly closed the casket.

Thud!

"Oh…" Lina said ironically "This isn't just a gift after all. There is something to it…".

Davon smiled, and said with a mysterious tone in his voice.

"Quite frankly… there is".

There was a brief silence, in which Lina examined the nobleman's expression most carefully.

"So, what is this really, Davon? Are you trying to buy me?"

"Oh, if only that were possible, Miss Lina" he thought to himself "It would give me great pleasure. But it wouldn't be half as entertaining!"

"I wouldn't be so bold" he answered, a small hint of irony in his tone.

"So, what do you want in exchange for your down payment, huh?" she asked suspicious.

"I want…" he paused briefly "Your silence"

Lina raised an eyebrow, and her smile widened in a provocative grin.

"Ah, I see… You didn't call on me and my friends just to aid you in your altruistic impulse to save your noble city… You actually called on us to help you"

Davon smiled and slightly lowered his head, without disconnecting from her gaze.

"Precisely".

"It figures" she said "An apt sorcerer such as yourself could easily get the job done. There would be no reason for you to call on anybody else if it weren't for ulterior motives".

Davon raised his eyebrows surprised. He didn't remember mentioning to anyone that he was a magic user. In fact, he was very careful not to do so in any conversation he had engaged in, so far.

"Oh, come on!" Lina said like it was the most obvious thing in the world "With a powerful aura like yours, you have to be either a sorcerer or a middle-ranking Mazoku… And still, Mazoku are able to mask their aura. So, if you were trying to avoid being discovered, you would have done so from the very beginning. Which leads me to believe that you are human, and a sorcerer" she concluded.

Davon nodded, following her line of reasoning. He was satisfied. The girl was brilliant, indeed.

"Miss Lina, you are very cunning" he smiled "Your magical sensitivity and your powers of observation have not failed you. Indeed, I am a magic user" he confessed "Though I am nothing compared to you, of course…".

"Of course" she smiled. No one possessed more awesome magic powers than the beautiful sorcery genius Lina Inverse! But she was willing to bet that this guy was not someone you would want to get in the bad side of.

"So… there's some dirt under the carpet, and you want me to hide it?" Lina asked.

"Somewhat…" he answered "Mostly, I am counting on your discretion while pursuing the investigation. I hope you will be willing to collaborate. Certainly, there will be compensations" he patted the casket meaningfully "Many more…".

"Hmmm" she murmured "That is very tempting… But I should like to learn a little bit more before I give my final word".

"You will have to be secretive about the topic of our conversation" he explained.

"Don't worry" she said with a mock-courteous smile "I am a professional"

"Very well…" Davon acquiesced "The fact is that my family might be involved in the scandal".

"Is that so?" she asked "And what family member would be involved… you?"

"No, not me" he said "But some of the evidence does point to my older brother".

"How so?" she asked.

"Well… Some of the victims were political adversaries of the family of Caun. Not all of them, surely. More than half were just ordinary men who happened to attend Cenive's night houses" he explained "But at least ten important members of other noble families have been plagued".

"Hmm… And you believe your brother is controlling this creature?"

"Well… not that I know of. Though that would not be below the likes of him" Davon said with a certain air of contempt.

"Do you have so bad an opinion of your brother, Davon?" Lina asked incisively.

Davon laughed.

"I trust you know what it is like to have an aggravating older sibling… don't you, Miss Lina?"

Lina froze for a moment. Yes, she did know what that was like. Lina had a particularly violent and powerful older sister, and their relationship was relatively shaky. In fact, that was a euphemism. Lina was scared shitless just to think about… Luna Inverse (gulp!) Even the name sent chills down her spine!

"Yeah, I know what that's like" she scratched her head "Uhm… anyway, what reason would you brother have to injure the other noblemen?" she asked, purposely evading the topic.

"Oh… it would be plausible to believe it was a personal revenge, since my brother is not one of the most well-loved man in Cenive".

Lina was surprised. For a person not to be well-accepted in a morally loose city such as Cenive, he had to be quite a scumbag.

"But I doubt it" Davon said "I would say there are more poignant political reasons".

"What are those?" she asked.

"You see… one of the first victims was my father" Davon explained.

"Oh…" Lina said "I… I'm sorry to hear that".

"Thank you" Davon said not sounding very moved "But you shouldn't concern yourself with that. The old man was asking for it. Even after he turned 70, he could never stop chasing after skirts… I'd say he brought this upon himself".

Lina made an awkward face, silently asking herself what hell kinda dysfunctional family was that!

"Now he is bedridden" Davon explained "And, should he perish, would you guess who is to inherit the title?"

"Your brother" Lina concluded.

"Yes".

"So what you really want us to do is spy on your brother?" she asked.

"Not quite" Davon said "I am not sure he is the one behind it… You can proceed to your normal métier, as you are used to doing. I am just asking you to… be secretive about your findings. And keep me informed, of course".

"But there's one part that I'm not getting, Davon" Lina said as she put both her elbows on the table, holding her chin with her folded hands and analyzing the nobleman's reaction "If your brother strikes down your family's political enemies… will that not benefit you? So… why antagonize him?"

Davon put both his hands on the table, and grinned.

"I am afraid, Miss Lina, the result would be quite the opposite".

"So… you and your brother are enemies?"

"No, not really" he explained "But that doesn't mean I trust him".

Lina looked at the man in front of her and, for a brief moment, she could see the hint of a tortured expression haunt his handsome face.

"Miss Lina, let me tell you something about the noble and ancient house of Caun" he whispered "They are backstabbers, the lot of them. I have been thrown in the middle of a feud that has been going on for centuries. And I… can't say that I enjoy it. My kindred do not know the meaning of the word trust and, unfortunately, I too can't afford myself that luxury where they are concerned".

Lina nodded silently. She wondered what it must be like to live in a world of lies and deceit, where you couldn't even trust your own family. She found herself feeling a little sorry for Davon.

"So, Miss Lina, do you accept my… proposition?"

Lina stood up from her chair, and Davon did the same. They stood in silence for a few moments. Davon admired the beautiful shades of her red hair, made more evident in the candlelight. Finally, she stretched her arm before him. He took her hand in his, and shook it gently.

"Deal" she said.

"Deal" he replied, taking her hand into his lips and kissing it softly.

Lina held her breath instinctively. She let it out in a small gasp, and said, embarrassed:

"So… I should… probably go now"

"As you wish, Miss Lina" he walked her to the door "And, should you need anything, I leave myself at your disposal".

He opened the door "Good night, Miss Lina".

"Good night" she said holding the doorknob.

But, before stepping out of the room she called him:

"Oh, Davon..."

"Yes?"

"Just… call me Lina".

"Yes" he smiled "Good night, Lina".

She closed the door behind her. Davon could hear her footsteps walking away from the cabin. The young man laughed, feeling like his heart would leap from his chest.

"Lina…" he repeated to himself, with a smooth adoring tone.

Random notes:

1) The first scene was extremely frustrating to write! I wanted it to be more well-rounded and have a lot more details but… I just lacked the necessary vocabulary in English. Blah!

2) The name of the ship, obviously, is a tribute to the one and only Captain Jack Sparrow, the pirate with the wickedest rastafari of the seven seas. XD

3) I really enjoyed writing the scene for Lina and Davon. I tried not to make things move too fast (since they only met this morning!) but there are already a few sparks flying. ^_^