"Strange, this baby doesn't look like you or Gourry." Luke said as he held a bubbly golden retriever pup on his lap.
Milina punched Luke on the arm as a golden tabby perched itself on her shoulder like a parrot. "What, Milina?" he asked.
"That's not a nice thing to say!" Milina said as the cat started to purr, "They are beautiful, Lina."
"I never expected to see you here." Lina said as they sat on the lawn in front of her manor.
"We wanted you to know that we don't blame you for living your life." Milina explained as she sat the tabby sat down and it walked over to Lina.
"Yeah, it's what we'd want for you. You two settle down, enjoy your rest, while Milina and I travel the world and have more treasure for ourselves." Luke added as he sat the puppy down and then he brought a ball from his pocket and threw it into the distance. The dog barked and chased after it.
"But you two never got to do that." Lina pointed out as the cat curled up in her lap. "You'll never explore the world or find more treasure again."
"That wasn't your fault." Milina said.
"It's why I called you and Gourry to me." Luke said quietly as the dog brought the ball back to him, "So you two could move forward, even if I couldn't. I knew you would keep the world turning. Stop beating yourself up for it."
Suddenly the tabby jumped on her face and Lina jumped, and when she opened her eyes she found herself in bed with Gourry, who was stretching as he woke. She exhaled as she thought about the dream and realized that she felt as though a weight had been lifted off of her. She felt more at peace than she had since Milina had died, even more so since Luke had died. Had it been a dream she'd needed to have to move on? Or had Luke and Milina's spirits somehow traveled through her dreams to talk to her?
Slowly she sat up and glanced at the window to see how high the sun was and froze as she saw a golden tabby looking in. Lina shook her head, but before she could get up and open the window the cat had run off. Strange.
Gourry put a hand on her shoulder, and she turned towards him and kissed him, and he gently moved his hands to her hips, and for the first time she fully allowed herself to experience the excitement she felt over their upcoming life together. Something must have shown in her kiss, because when he gently pulled away his eyes were sparkling merrily, "Morning, Sunshine."
"Morning." She replied as she moved to give him a deeper kiss, but just for a little bit before she pulled away and touched her forehead to his. "I talked to your mother last night."
"Huh?" he said as she felt his hands tense around her hips.
She reached forward to stroke his cheek, "Couldn't sleep. She couldn't either. And I just want you to know that I know why you left the Elmekian Empire and that it doesn't change anything. I still love you."
He smiled a little and kissed her lightly on the lips, though his expression was unreadable, "Did you think I was scared it would change anything?"
"I wasn't sure." She said.
He nodded, "Big day today. Seeing the last of Mother and more wedding planning."
"More wedding planning!" Lina echoed with gusto.
He cocked an eyebrow at her, "You seem more enthusiastic than you did yesterday."
"I guess I am." She replied.
"Was not knowing about my past troubling you so much?"
Lina frowned, "It wasn't about that so much."
"What was it about then?" he asked.
She sighed, "Look, if I'd not gotten this mansion and accolades, if we'd just gone home and popped into the judge's office for a quick ceremony, I wouldn't have thought anything of it. But all of this, it's a bit overwhelming."
"Well, if you're wanting to be daring we can still elope."
She smiled and punched playfully at his arm, "No one has that much daring."
"What caused you to become more comfortable with it?" he asked.
"It's silly." Lina said. "But last night I dreamt that Luke and Milina stopped by and gave their blessing for all of this."
"Oh," he said.
"I feel better though."
"Then it's not silly if it helped you." He pointed out.
She moved to kiss him again, "You know, we still have an hour before breakfast. We can fool around a little."
"Here it is. The moment of truth." Lina whispered as she waited outside with Gourry, Amelia and Zelgadis. Luna was already in a carriage she had commandeered to take them back to Zefiel City, but as there was only room for four, only Luna and Guloisa would be using it. Or rather, hopefully Guloisa would use it. Hopefully Guloisa would leave the house!
The doors opened, and Lina's stomach flipped, but it was only her parents. Her mother walked behind her and whispered in her ear, "We saw Guloisa with a ton of bags, so hopefully she's serious about moving out."
When the doors opened again, it was Jeeves, carrying all of the aforementioned bags to the carriage. "Let me give you a hand." Gourry said.
"Oh, no sir, I have it."
"Anything to get her out of here faster!" Gourry said as he grabbed three bags and loaded them into the carriage.
"I heard that!" Guloisa said as she stood at the door.
Gourry straightened and gave a nervous chuckle as Guloisa stared out at everyone. And though they tried to remain blank faced, none of them could mask their anticipation. She sighed, "How do I really know that this plumb offer at the palace will materialize?"
"We told you, if you're who knows where you can spread who knows what lies about us. So we have some good incentives to keep you under close watch." Lina said.
"That's true, but…" Guloisa said as she started rubbing her fingers together.
Lina sighed. Figures. By this point what was a few gold coins for some sanity? "Fine!" Lina said as she got out her coin purse and dumped the contents into Guloisa's outstretched hand.
Guloisa smiled as she pocketed the money and stepped out. Lina glowered as she watched her walk to the carriage, but once she was finally in she felt herself relax. At last, she was free of that woman! She only hoped that Luna wouldn't make her pay too dearly for having to endure a carriage ride with her later.
"Lina!" Han admonished, "You didn't even try to haggle!"
"Well, I was worried something like this would happen, so I put some fakes in my bag." Lina explained.
Her father clasped her on the shoulder as he laughed, "Good thinking!"
"I feel so much better now!" Gourry said as the carriage took off.
"You and me both!" Lina said. "Would it be too impolite to throw confetti?"
"She could still see us." Amelia cautioned.
"Well damn. I guess we'd best get going anyway."
Lina felt her mother grab her hand to hold her back as the others set off. "What?" Lina asked once they were a bit ahead and they followed at a discreet distance.
"I'm as guilty as Luna I guess, but I do want to make sure you don't feel rushed into this." Leia explained, "The wedding and everything."
Lina waved her hand, "It's fine, really. Two weeks is a bit rushed considering how big of an event Sis is planning, but Gourry and I have been together for two years and have never had any intention of separating, so it really doesn't matter if it's two weeks or two months. If we were going to do something simple we probably would have done it shortly after we got home."
"That makes me feel better. Honestly I don't know why Luna is rushing this, other than I overheard her telling one of the other Ceiphied Knights that the sooner it happened, the better. One year was already wasted, and in another four it would be too late."
Lina furrowed her brow. "Too late for a wedding? That makes no sense. Why would it matter if we got married now or four years from now? And besides that, who takes four years to plan a wedding?"
"Your guess is as good as mine." Leia replied, "I tried to worm it out of her, but you know how she is."
Lina sighed, "Oh, boy do I ever!"
"Uncle Gourry!" Luna's kids cried as Lina and Gourry approached Luna's cottage with Zel and Amelia.
Lina watched as the boys ran to Gourry and showered him with hugs and found herself smiling warmly. He did have a way with children. Luna shook her head, "I think my sons are happier to see you than they were to see me!"
"You can be mean, Mommy!" Freddie explained as he hugged Luna.
"Hey, that hurt."
"The truth tends to do that." Lina said. "Is Guloisa settled in the palace?"
"Yes," Luna said, "The Eternal Queen is pleased to have a new source of information available. She will attend the wedding, but hopefully you will see her as little as possible."
"Good." Lina said.
"What beautiful children you have, Miss Luna." Amelia commented, her arm wrapped with Zel's.
"Thank you. This is Bertie, and this is Freddie. Come in, let's have lunch." Luna said as everyone followed her in, "Princess Amelia, the Eternal Queen has asked to see you at your earliest convenience."
"Oh, good!" Amelia said, "Our Ambassador is retiring, and I'd gotten permission from my daddy to assume his duties if that's alright with everyone. That way I can be close to court and still stay at Miss Lina's place, and Zel can help with the school."
"Which only has one pupil thus far." Lina said as they sat down around the table.
"Six." Luna corrected.
"Six?" Lina asked, "That fast?"
"This has been in motion for awhile." Luna explained.
Lina exhaled, "Six then."
"While you're on your honeymoon tour we'll make whatever changes are needed to your house." Luna said.
"Ah," Amelia said as she pulled out a binder with the plans she and Lina had been working on, "I have that here!"
"First," Luna interjected, "What are you planning to name your school?"
"Pritty Lina's Magic School?" Lina said with a cutesy smile.
Gourry and Amelia choked down a laugh while Luna stared at her stone faced. Lina continued, "Pritty with an 'i', not an 'e', it's very important."
A red tint started to color Luna's face and her hair started to stand up. Lina waved her hands in front of her, "Calm down, Sis! It was a joke! A joke! Geez, don't get all red in the face! How about the Luke and Milina School of Sorcery and Swordplay?"
Luna stared at her evenly for a moment before saying, "Okay."
Lina folded her arms across her chest, "But in my heart, it will always be Pritty Lina's Magic School."
Lina stood in between Gourry and her parents at the gazebo in the center of the city where, just a few days ago, she had been knighted. Already the townspeople were stopping and whispering excitedly as her father stepped forward. "My wife, Leia, and I are pleased to announce the engagement of our daughter, Lina Inverse, to Gourry Gabriev! The wedding will take place in two weeks at Ceiphied's Chapel."
The crowds applauded as they rushed forward to offer their congratulations. At first Lina was flattered, but after being stuck there for an hour shaking hands and accepting well wishes, it started to get a little tiring. The routine was getting so monotonous and she was getting so overwhelmed that at first she didn't recognize the red haired, bearded man who shook her hand as he said, "Well, it's about time."
"Thanks." Lina said, prepared to move on to the nest well-wisher.
"Don't tell me you don't recognize me!" he said.
Lina stared at him a moment, and then it clicked. "Oh, Lantz!" She grabbed Gourry's elbow, "Look who's here!"
"Lantz?" Gourry asked, "What are you doing here?"
"Just on my way through, as always." He said.
"Who is this?" Leia asked.
"Oh, Lantz helped us out on a few adventures," Lina explained, "Haven't seen him in a while though. Though, this may solve a problem we have."
"Huh?" Lantz asked.
"Any chance you can stay a few weeks for the wedding?" Lina asked.
Lantz shrugged, "I don't see why not. But why?"
"Well, I have three bridesmaids, but because none of Gourry's family is here he only has two groomsmen, and one of them is my sister's husband. It would be good to have another person who fought beside us in the wedding party, if you don't object, Gourry."
"No," Gourry said pleasantly, "I'd be honored."
Lantz smiled, "Well, so would I! Honestly I'm surprised it too you two this long to get together. Hey, why don't I buy you a drink?"
"Thanks," Gourry said as he whispered, "Anything to get me away from this crowd!"
Lina moved to leave with them, but Luna grabbed her shoulder, "Not so fast! You have a dress fitting."
Lina looked at them regretfully, "Don't have too much fun without me. Later!"
"Careful!" Lina snapped at the seamstress as the pin she put into the fabric pierced her leg.
"I'm sorry, my lady."
Lina shook her head, and tried not to mutter about how with this spared no expense affair her sister was planning one would think they could afford a seamstress who didn't draw blood. Instead she said to Luna with more bravado than genuine courage, "I went through the ceremony stuff with a large, red quill and cut out all of the excess."
Luna cocked an eyebrow, "Oh?"
"I told you, Gourry and I don't want all of this pomp and circumstance. We're warriors, and we'll go through with the big public wedding and the whatnot, but we're not becoming members of the royal family and we don't need a ceremony fit for one!"
"Well, if you think that any of the ceremonies presented would have been something that any member of the royal family would have demeaned themselves by having, then your head has been getting too big for your shoulders and you need to be taken down a peg."
Lina's temper flared, and she struggled to keep the reigns on it, "Well, a good way to start would be by approving my edits!"
"No, the ceremony is as fine as stands. This is not a negotiation, Lina. You chose to marry him, you chose to do it in two weeks, everything else is set in stone."
Lina turned red as a deep sense of frustration filled her. But Luna put her fingers to her knife and Lina realized it would be pointless to fight against it. Not unless she wanted a public demonstration of just how much more powerful Luna was than her. Lina folded her arms across her chest as the seamstress continued to pin her gown. Delicately she said, "Look, I was talking to Mom, and she said that there was some reason for all of the rush that you aren't telling me. And considering it concerns my life, I'd like to know what it is!"
Luna shrugged nonchalantly, "If I told you that, then you would be marrying Gourry for the wrong reasons, and I have to make sure you do the right thing for the right reasons and within a timely manner."
"Now I'm even more confused!" Lina said.
Luna shrugged as she tapped her finger against her knife, "It will all be made clear, one day. But not any time soon."
"Oh, fine." Lina moaned as she decided to let the matter drop. Before she embarrassed herself any further in front of the seamstress.
"I just don't get why she's so hung up on this big ceremony!" Lina vented as she sat with Amelia on the porch steps.
"Well, it's a good way to show that your family has achieved an esteemed status." Amelia said.
"Well, I could care less about that, but Sis would." Lina said as she wrapped her hands around her knees. "Well, I guess there's no choice but to go through with it."
"That doesn't sound like you, Miss Lina." Amelia said.
"It is just a stupid wedding after all. Get it over it and behind us."
"It's never just a stupid wedding!" Amelia admonished, "It's about control."
"Huh?" Lina said.
"If you take this lying down, then you give your sister permission to run your life!" Amelia spelled out.
Lina opened her mouth to protest, but found that she couldn't. She stared at her knees instead as she said, "So that's why this is bothering me so much."
"And that's why I eloped. It sent a strong message that I would live my life on my terms." Amelia explained.
"I don't want to elope. I just want the wedding I want, not the one my sister wants. But what can I do? I don't even know the priest performing the ceremony, and Luna has been in their inner circle since we learned that she is a Ceiphied Knight! Plus she has the Eternal Queen's ear."
"Yeah, but your sister wasn't the one who defeated Shabringdu, twice." Amelia said.
Lina shook her head, "Just tell me where you're going with this. Intrigues of this nature are new to me!"
"Find out what the Eternal Queen expects, and anything she hasn't set in stone that you don't want, stay firm with. Find who is responsible for performing the ceremony and talk to them. Don't let her take control."
"And when Sis comes after me with her knife…" Lina said.
"You're a different person than when you left five years ago!" Amelia said. "Show her that."
Lina thought for a moment as she bit her lip. Finally she said, "Okay, go over it with me. How do I approach the Eternal Queen with this without getting my head chopped off?"
AN: Next time, wedding battles get heated as Lina faces off with Luna! Will their parents' store survive?
Lantz is a character in the novels. He does have a brief appearance in the anime as Tarimu's swordsman. He plays a larger role in the sorcerer's guild arc and in the arc with Copy Rezo in the novels. I've been wanting to include him in something for a long time and am glad to finally have the opportunity to do so.