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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They spent the day of the festival wandering among the booths, admiring the crafts on display. There were several wandering magicians doing cheap tricks at several spots in town, and Lina scoffed at all of them. Xellos kept his amusement private, wondering what the point of parties and festivals was at all. Musicians and storytellers were on the prowl as well, and even pockets of intellectuals and philosophers had gathered to exchange ideas and opinions. Lina gorged herself fully on dragon cuisine, Xellos looking into his purse and sighing as he found it seemingly emptying itself. Still, Lina was having such a splendid time he found it hard to complain. Besides, there were some truly amazing confectioners at the event, and sweets were his absolute favorite. The morning and afternoon passed pleasantly, and as the sun set it was time for the real festival to begin.

He dressed in the changing rooms of the bathhouse, since Lina wouldn't let him anywhere near their room as she got ready. He dressed quickly in his suit, which was made of black wool woven so fine that it moved as smoothly as silk over his trim frame. He adjusted the cuffs and collar of his shirt, which really was silk. The wine-purple of the shirt offset the color of his eyes perfectly, and he liked the way his reflection greeted him, dashing and slightly evil, from the mirror. He thought for a moment about tying the black cravat around his neck and pinning it with the ruby tack they had given him, but in the end stuffed it in with his old clothes. He liked the open collar better- it wasn't as formal, and he preferred to fly in the face of convention. Besides, he knew Lina appreciated his throat, and it wouldn't hurt to tantalize her for a change. As he gazed into the looking glass he knew he cut a handsome figure; the cut of the suit accentuated the broad musculature of his shoulders and slender waist. Oh yes, he would knock them dead tonight, he thought as he ran a comb through his heavy, silky hair. When he was finished he called an attendant and directed them to take his old clothes to his room and inquire about Lina's state of readiness. The boy came back with a hand print on his face and the message that Xellos could just sit and cool his heels until she was damn well ready to come down. Xellos sighed, telling the boy that he should have knocked before going into the room, and sent him off with a coin. He wandered into the common room, where he was exchanging smiles with some of the single women, when he heard a step on the stairs.

He turned and looked in the direction of the steps, his mouth falling slightly open as he saw her. Lina was walking demurely down the stairs, eyes cast downward as she descended. Her feet were clad in black velvet slippers with just the slightest of heels, and the dress she wore was made entirely of wine-colored silk, nearly the same color as his shirt. The gown was sleeveless and sleek, not billowing out at the waist as so many dresses did, instead accentuating her slenderness. It followed her curves all the way down to her calves, where it flared out slightly before dangling just below her ankle. Her hair was curled and piled on top of her head, ruby earrings sparkling from her earlobes. The pale sheen of her skin contrasted sharply with the dark red-purple of the dress, and her entire being seemed to shimmer softly as she walked. He wanted very much to run his fingers from her exposed shoulder to where her elbow-length gloves began, and even though he wanted her suddenly and very badly, she looked too stunning in her outfit for him to even consider getting her undressed. After long moments she reached the bottom of the stairs and raised her eyes, ruby meeting amethyst. He watched as her gaze swept over his figure and her cheeks stained with a gentle blush. Oh yes, his attire was having an effect on her as well. He went over to her and took her hand, bowing slightly as he bent to kiss it. You look stunning, he whispered. You're enough to make a man give up immortality.

I was before I put this on, she murmured archly, allowing him to take her hand and escort her through the room.

Still, it's missing something, he mused as he walked her to the door.

She scowled, ruining the demure affect of her accouterments. What's that supposed to mean? she growled.

It means that you need this, he said, producing the dragon comb.

Where did you get it? she breathed. This is fabulous! It looks like a Fantini, but he only made twenty or so hair ornaments!

Xellos' eyes widened, unaware that he had chosen so well. No wonder the shopkeeper he had purchased it from had seemed pleased. I'm glad you like it, he said, placing it gently in her hair so that it caught the light just right.

It's wonderful, she murmured, fingering the comb.

You're welcome, he began, but fell silent as she wrapped her arms around his neck and stood on tiptoe, kissing him. It was the first time she had ever made the move to kiss him in public and he felt his insides quiver like gelatin.

Let's get dinner, she said, taking hold of his arm and letting him guide her to the town square.

Once there, they found a table underneath the tent, the perimeter of torches and large fire in the middle making the chilly spring night bearable for less than insulating attire. Your husband is just gorgeous, one woman of a group said to Lina. Are there more like him where you come from?

Lina blushed and glanced up at him. Oh, I'm afraid he's one of a kind, she said softly. Sorry, girls.

The group of women laughed gaily and moved off into the crowd, some dispersing to find partners. Xellos smiled and looked down at Lina, who was still blushing furiously. Husband, eh?

Lina's blush deepened. Well, I've been called your damn wife enough times on this trip to choke a horse, she said, but there was no sharpness in her tone. He smiled gently at her and an awkward silence grew between them, the air heavy with words that would never be said. He knew that it wasn't her way to speak about what she felt, and he really had no idea what was going on. He only knew he was enjoying it.

Let's eat, he said with apprehension. He didn't want to picture Lina eating at such a formal event. How many plates would you like me to order for you?

Just one, she replied, sitting down gracefully in the chair he pulled out for her.

Only one? he gasped, wide-eyed. Are you well, Lina dear?

She frowned slightly at him and nodded. I already ate, actually, she grumbled softly. I figured they'd probably give us pretty puny portions at this thing.

Well, the food is a delicacy at this festival, Xellos replied, making sure she was situated. Besides, you don't want to be too full to dance.

There's dancing? she said, suddenly paling a bit.

Of course. It's a festival, he explained, beginning to move off.

But you don't want to dance, right?

He paused, turning to look at her. She was grasping the edge of the table tightly, and despite the covering of the gloves he knew that her nails would soon be turning white from the pressure. I thought it would be fun, actually, he replied.

Dancing's silly, she said indignantly.

A slow smile crept across his face and he turned to face her, crossing his arms over his waist. You don't know how to dance, do you?

Shut up! I do so!

Then you must not be very good at it, he said, his grin widening.

Shut up and go get my food, she snapped, turning away from him and hunching her shoulders.

Very well, he chuckled, and did as she asked.

He sat, watching her finish up her meal, when the music started. Leaning back in his chair, he observed the gathering crowd until he was able to surmise where the single women were amassing. Are you certain you don't want to dance? he asked, looking out at the couples beginning to move slowly underneath the tent.

Dancing is for morons, she snapped, turning her nose up in the air.

He shrugged and rose smoothly, straightening his coat as he did so. Well, if that's how you feel about it, he replied, and moved off towards the single women. He could feel her eyes burning a hole in his back and a satisfied smile crept over his face. He chose a voluptuous blonde from the flock and moved her onto the dance floor, keeping his eyes away from the deep cleft of her bosom. The music picked up the tempo and he glided off with the blonde, twisting and turning through the throng of dancers, then choosing another well-endowed woman for the next dance. It wasn't long before he saw Lina come up behind the woman and tap her on the shoulder.

Excuse me, Lina snapped, But get the hell away from my man.

Is he your husband? the woman replied archly, gripping Xellos more tightly.

Lina blinked and stammered for a moment. Well, he-

Because I don't see a ring, honey, the woman replied.

Xellos winced, waiting for Lina to clock the woman, but instead she took a deep breath. What we share transcends such petty material attachments, she stated coldly. Now remove your hands from him.

The woman sniffed and pushed away from Xellos, Lina quickly taking her place. He saw her sneak a look down at her own cleavage, then bare her teeth at the departing female. Did I do something wrong? he asked mildly, masking his glee.

Shut up, she snarled. You're here with me.

A laugh escaped him, threading above the music and up into the heights of the tent. Do you really think I'd have it any other way? he chortled. It was you who didn't want to dance.

I changed my mind, she said angrily. Now dance, dammit.

He felt the tension in her grip and suddenly crushed her to him, looking down into her eyes. Relax and follow me, he murmured. We'll have you dancing in no time.

I can dance fine, she replied. I just don't often dance like this.

You'll be fine, he reassured her. As talented as you are at everything else, I think this will be a snap for you.

Of course, she said with a toss of her head.

He took her hand and pressed her to him with his other arm, feeling her breasts shoved up against his chest. The music slowed and he held her, moving in slow circles until she learned to read his movements and relaxed. The melody seemed to wrap around them and hold them suspended in time, and he looked into her eyes, feeling lost within their depths. he whispered. You are very special to me.

I know. I always have been, she replied.

It was only a few hours until dawn before the crowds began to disperse. The torches were put out and people gathered their cloaks, moving off to bed. Xellos ran his fingers over the silken curve of her shoulder, her skin gleaming softly in the silvery light of the moon. He leaned down and kissed her flesh, his lips warm upon her skin. See, you dance wonderfully, he murmured, watching from half-lowered lids as a flush bloomed up her neck.

she replied huskily, her nipples showing through the thin fabric of her dress.

Shall we retire? he asked, offering her his hand.

she whispered, taking his extended appendage.

He gripped her hand and whipped her to him, pulling her into his arms and hefting her as if she weighed nothing. Then let's go, he murmured, and carried her all the way back to the inn.

He laid her gently on the bed, running his fingers under the strap of her dress and kissing the place where her pulse beat away in her neck.

she moaned, arching against him.

He closed his eyes and sighed against her as her deft fingers came up and began to undo the buttons of his shirt, sliding her hand over his taut pectoral muscles. He shrugged out of his jacket and ran his hand up her smooth leg, resting it on her hip underneath her dress. She flicked her tongue against the corner of his mouth and he kissed her deeply, his tongue sliding like hot glass against hers. She made a small noise and writhed slightly, burying her hands in his thick hair and pulling him to her. He reached up and pulled the comb and pins out of her hair, sighing as the fiery lengths spilled over the pillows. She slid the shirt off of his shoulders, gripping his muscles tightly. It wasn't long before their outfits were strewn on the floor. Xellos lit the logs in the fireplace with a gesture and slid down next to Lina under the covers, closing his eyes to better experience the feeling of her body against his. He knew that he could live a million years more and never experience anything quite as intense as what he felt when he was with her. His lips played over her skin, her fingers answering him, and the lines between then began to blur. He felt a deep peace as he lifted her legs over his shoulders, watching her face as he gently entered her. Her eyes closed and she tilted her head back, inhaling slowly and deeply. He began to move inside of her, watching her expression and feeling the world around them fading away. They became the only two beings in the universe, and within that universe they even ceased to be two separate people. He had no words to describe what he felt when he was with her, nor did he think he would ever find them. As they came together and collapsed, sweating and shaking, he wondered if she felt the same way. Her hands came up and rested on his cheeks, pulling his face to hers in a deep kiss. After she released him he stared into her eyes, and in their sparkling depths he knew that he wasn't alone in his awe of the intensity of the situation. No more words needed to be said, and he laid his silken head down on her chest, letting her run her fingers through his heavy hair. The feeling that something very special had happened between them that night pervaded him, and with that sensation within him he fell asleep, listening to the beating of her heart.