A/N: Insert the standard "I don't claim the rights to these characters" spiel here. Beware, this story contains adult themes (i.e., big chunks o' lemon) and gets VERY explicit at times. Read at your own risk. Also, this story only covers the exploits of Lina and Xellos. Gourry, Amelia, and Zelgadis' adventures during the time frame that "Penance" takes place are detailed in a fic called "Pursuit of Merit", which is about halfway written but probably won't be done until '05. "Penance" is followed up by "Reckoning" and then "Absolution" series, all of which are available here on fanfiction.net.
You can view this story in its un-chaptered form at my website, also. I went back and broke it up into chapters because I was getting complaints that it was too long. Sorry if the chapter divisions seem awkward in places, or if some chapters seem too short or too long. That's what happens when you write a story without chapter divisions, and then later chop it up.
Reviews are welcome!!
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Xellos was walking down the street several hours later, his new clothing in hand, when he passed a jewelry shop. He wouldn't have noticed it ordinarily, but there were several strange items in the window that he noticed had magical properties. Curious, he opened the door and went inside. From the street the shop had looked dusty and cluttered, but once inside he found everything impeccably clean and organized, with plenty of cheerful light streaming in through the windows. Looks can be deceiving, a little old man behind the counter said, sucking on a pipe.
Xellos smiled mildly and looked through the cases. Lovely collection, he commented softly.
Isn't it? Plenty of rare things in here. Are you looking for something in particular?
Xellos straightened, putting his things down on the counter. I'm looking for something for my. . .wife, he said gingerly.
What sort of price range? the little old man replied.
Well, would you be willing to trade anything for these? Xellos asked, reaching into his cloak and taking out several stones.
The old man picked one up and peered at it, looking at it through the light. These are just glass, he grumbled.
Xellos cast about and found the man's jeweler's glass. Please, take another look, he urged, handing the glass to the man.
The old man raised a bushy eyebrow and did as Xellos asked, gasping. These are flawless gemstones, he breathed. Where did you find these?
I made them, Xellos replied. They are ready to be cut and set into jewelry, if that's what you see fit to do with them. They're also magical.
Xellos replied. The red ones hold powerful physical protection spells, the green ones offer astral shields, and the blue ones hold light spells.
What do you want for these?
Xellos looked around. I'll choose first and then we can speak.
Take your time.
Xellos turned slowly, examining the multitude of cases. He should get Lina something pretty for the festival, but he also wanted something more meaningful. Walking around, he selected a comb made of carved firefly stone, the shaped, multicolored pieces creating a soft glow in the shape of a curled dragon. The vivid greens and blues would look marvelous in her hair. He kept walking around the cases until he saw, in a corner somewhat dusty, a pair of rings. They were on a little velvet pillow, tucked almost out of sight behind a large display of necklaces. The rings were a dull gold in color and simple in design. There was no ornamentation whatsoever on the exterior, but on the inside there were faded markings. Xellos looked more closely and realized that the language was an ancient one. Wherever the rings had come from, they were very, very old. The metal was strange, too. It looked like gold, but seemed much, much harder, and tickled the edges of his magic-sense. His eyes opened wide- could these rings be made of amurium? If they were, the likes of them hadn't been seen since the War of the Monster's Fall. Amurium had the unique ability to absorb a single spell and make it unbreakable for all time. The metal amplified and focused the spell, and anything cast on amurium would be a very, very difficult spell to interfere with. By the looks of it, the rings hadn't had a spell set on them yet, and he felt excitement leap in his chest. He wasn't sure what he would do with them, but he knew that when the time was right he would figure it out. I'll take that dragon comb and these two rings. I'll need two orihalcon chains to go with the rings as well.
Those rings? Why would you want those old things?
They suit me, was all Xellos would say.
The old man shook his head and shuffled over to the case, drawing out the rings. Whatever you say, my boy, he grumbled.
Will three of each color stone be fair? Xellos asked.
More than fair, the old man replied. Even including the orihalcon chains.
Be sure that they are pretty chains, please, Xellos called. He doubted that Lina would ever wear a ring on her hand, but she might do so on a chain around her neck.
All my chains are pretty, the old man grumbled, leaning down and rifling through some boxes.
Xellos looked around, excitement building in his chest. He couldn't believe he had made such an important and impossible find. Lina might not be the jewelry type, but once he explained the import and value of the ring, he was sure she would love it. Now, if only she'd hold onto it instead of selling it. Still, the rings had come in a pair, which was rare. They must have bee from the same forging, which was a rarer find still. He had to be certain to find a wonderful spell to cast in the rings and wait for the right moment to give it to her.
the old man said, shoving several chains his way. Pick two.
Xellos hummed to himself as his long, gloved fingers plucked deftly between the chains, picking two of the finest orihalcon. And here you are, he replied, pushing nine of his talisman jewels across the glass countertop toward the old man. Might I have the comb wrapped?
The man nodded, sweeping the talisman gems into his palm. Right. For your wife? You two here for the festival?
Er, yes to both questions, Xellos replied, sliding the chains through the rings and sealing them in a linen envelope before dropping them into his bag.
Well, I hope you have a good time. This town knows how to put on a good party, the man answered, handing Xellos an exquisitely wrapped box. I think she'll like the comb.
Thank you very much, Xellos said politely. I hope you can fetch a good price for the jewelry you can make from those stones.
Oh, I have no doubt of that. You have a good day, now, the man said, and Xellos walked out the door.
He spent the next few hours simply wandering around, looking at bookstores and shops. Magic was rare in the region, which he found ironic, with Lorander having been so close by. As he browsed through the bookstores, waiting for the hour to dine with Lina to arrive, he found several books of history and had a good chuckle over them. Having lived through most of what had been recorded, he found the mortal point of view quite interesting. He wondered if they ever even questioned the accuracy of their records, for what he had known was far different than what the books said. Still, it was interesting and educational for him, just not informative in the way the books' authors most likely hoped. Reading through the books, however, made him a bit nostalgic for the past, when every human being knew what a Monster was and what they were for. In fact, mortals had even known his name during the War.
The town's clock struck and Xellos shut the book, shoving it back on the shelf as he rushed out of the shop. Lina would be furious if he was late. A glance at the sun's position told him that he didn't have long, and he'd never make it by running. Besides, he was laden with clothing and gifts, and racing along with them was quite cumbersome. Casting a quick spell, he took to the air, speeding along above the buildings as people gasped and pointed at him. He smiled mildly down on them, finally able to ignore the slow ache of loss using magic left him with. He landed lightly in front of the inn and dashed inside only to find Lina already waiting, hands on her hips and an angry stare fixed upon his face. he said as sweetly as he could, trying not to wince under her unwavering gaze of fury.
she said coldly. You're late.
Only two minutes, he said, wondering if she was going to cause a scene.
That's two minutes that I could have been eating sooner, she hissed.
Xellos glanced from side to side, his brow becoming warm as he realized people were starting to stare. I'm sorry, Lina dear, he said gently, laying his things on a chair and wrapping his arms about her.
What the- she began, but was stopped when his lips met hers. She was tense at first, but her body slowly relaxed. When she was putty in his hands he tenderly released her, running his thumb over her full lower lip.
Do you forgive me? he whispered.
Lina blushed and growled something beneath her breath. she finally said.
Xellos pulled out a chair for her and made sure she was seated. Go ahead and order, he said. I'm going to put these things upstairs.
No peeking at my dress! she called after him and he waved in acknowledgement.
By the time he returned, Lina was gesturing madly at the menu and talking animatedly to the waitress. And three of these, she finished up as he seated himself.
And you, sir? the waitress said, veins standing out at her temples as she eyed Lina warily.
Xellos sighed and glanced at the menu. Just the roast, please, he murmured, handing over his menu. The waitress nodded and left, leaving him to focus his attention on Lina. Did you find anything you like?
I guess. Just the same old stuff. It had better be good.
It's fairly good, but nothing compared with what's to come tomorrow.
Dragon cuisine, Lina said, leaning back in her chair as her eyes glazed over.
Uh, yes, he said slowly, putting his chin in his hand and listening to her prattle on about different kinds of food.
The meals came and were immediately consumed by Lina. Xellos was surprised when Lina suddenly tried to attack his roast, but he was too quick for her, snatching the entire plate out of her grasp before she could spear anything. He wondered briefly how Gourry had managed to feed himself all the years he had stayed with the ravenous sorceress. Soon, however, Lina leaned back in her chair and patted her full belly. Oh, there's nothing like a full stomach, she sighed.
Well, what would you like to do now? he asked, stacking the dishes neatly.
Read and go to bed, she murmured, eyes drifting shut.
I think I'll go for a walk, he replied. I'll be up in a while.
Suit yourself, she said, and sighed again.
Xellos stood and walked out the door into the moonlight. He pulled his cloak more closely around him, marveling that they had actually taken so long to eat. It was already full night, and as he looked up into the sky he realized that the moon would be full on the night of the festival. He wandered around town for quite some time, every once in a while stopping to watch the activity in the brightly lit houses. He saw old couples sitting quietly by the fire, sharing silent companionship, young couples that were never more than a few inches away from one another, no matter what the task, and people with families, mothers rounding up children as fathers held their offspring close. He wondered where he fit into all of that interaction. Of course, not many men were powerful sorcerers that used to be Monsters, nor were the women anything like Lina. As he wandered towards the river he found himself curious where he would end up. Would he be one of those old men sitting by the fire, grandchildren at his feet, or would he be a man who died young and violently in battle? Or would he simply just fade away, alone? He sat down on a rock and drew his knees up into his chest, reflecting. He had become comfortable with his humanity. Not happy, not by any means, but definitely comfortable. It seemed as if he had experienced the full gamut of the emotions he was capable of. He had felt the will to live leave him and then return with vigor, had nearly had his heart ripped from his chest when he thought Lina might be dead, had been gravely injured, had fallen ill, and felt great, great pain. There were also the good things, however, like having his nose buried in Lina's warm hair as she slumbered on his chest at night, or feeling her hand clasp his in the darkness. Some days her smile was all the light he needed in the world, and her body the only universe he needed to inhabit. What had happened to him, to feel so much? What that really what being human was all about? Was the brevity of their lives the reason all the feelings were so sharp and undeniable? Again the future loomed before him, and he shuddered at its enormity. As an immortal, oddly enough, he had never given thought to the future, not really. Having an eternity meant not worrying about the next few moments of existence. If things didn't go his way it was irritating, but ultimately tolerable, since he had forever, more often than not, to remedy the problem. Now, however, he wanted desperately for things to go the way he wanted them to. Nothing less would satisfy him. So what, exactly, did he want out of his life? Power? Fame? Fortune? If he wanted it, the world could be his. Even as a mortal he possessed magical power that surpassed any human that had ever lived. Lina was the only being that could even hope to fight against him, and he knew all her tricks while she had no idea about his true power. Yes, he could conquer the world with ease. However, what would he do with it once he had it? He didn't desire to control petty human lives, but now that he was human, he didn't know if he really wanted to destroy them. In fact, he had noted a change in the way his mistress thought after the Darkstar incident. She seemed to have realized that fighting with the gods was futile, since neither could ever win. The gods were dying off just as quickly as his previous race was. Humans, both good and evil, would be what determined the fate of the world.
The wind picked up off of the stream and blew through his cloak, chilling him. He looked up at the sky and shivered, gazing at the clear, cold stars floating on the sea of darkness above him. It was getting late, and he had been musing far too long. Lina was most likely not waiting for him, or even wondering where he was. It should have bothered him, but he knew it was simply a sign of trust on her part. She respected him enough to think that he could take care of himself, and he recognized that. In fact, it was one of the things he liked about her. Lina would never coddle anyone.
He nodded at the innkeeper once he returned and crept up the stairs, boots clomping on the wood despite his best efforts to be quiet. The inn was full to capacity, and he really didn't want to deal with waking anyone up. He found his room and slipped inside, locking the door behind him and leaning against it. Lina was curled up on the bed, a fire in the fireplace slowly winding its way towards being mere embers. A book rested near her head, her waves of coppery hair spilling over its pages. She looked so vulnerable sleeping there. It was hard to believe that in the next moment she could be filling the room with fire, or flailing about with blade and fist. He walked over to the bed and sat down next to her, smoothing the hair away from her face. Taking the book and closing it, he set it down on the bedside table and turned back to her, tracing her lovely features with his finger. He gently and quickly removed most of her clothing, leaving her only in her undergarments, and picked her up easily. He unfolded the bed covers and laid her inside, undressing himself before crawling in beside her. She turned to him and blinked sleepily. You never have worn underwear, have you? she murmured, then dozed off again.
He smiled and closed his eyes, wrapping his arms about her and inhaling the scent of her hair deeply. Her breathing slowed and she nestled against him in her sleep. He ran his hands over the soft skin of her arms and sighed his contentment, knowing that for all his musings and wonderings, the now was all that really mattered. Lina was real, and for the moment he had her. The rest would come in time, he just knew it.
