Chapter 20 xxxxxxxxxx

Lina knew things were back to normal when a smiling if timid Trina woke her. The sun was up, but it was still morning! "Hey..." she said, a bit grumpy. She had been about to eat the biggest piece of meat she ever had come across, and Trina had spoiled it! However, as she woke up more she started wondering what Gourry's arm was doing in her mouth... oops. She hoped he didn't notice the bite marks. "Hehehehe..." she laughed nervously to herself, then quietly got out of bed. "Gotta watch that..." she said to herself as Trina led her into the next room, where she had wheeled a portable bath tub in place and prepared it for her new mistress' use. Lina looked dumfounded then said to the young girl "This getting waited on is going to take some getting used to. I'm going to have to find a better use for your talents than fetching hot water." Trina smiled and said "Well, that would be nice, but I've done this most of my life, what else should I do?" Lina had to admit that she didn't know off hand, but made a deal with Trina that after the honeymoon was over and they were settled in to Gourry's new manor, well, new to him, of course, they'd work something out.

Lina then sank into the tub and moaned in pleasure. Hot water was sooooo good! "Of course, I could get used to this!" Lina said with a chuckle. "Someone will have to heat the water, but I don't want any slaves." "Slavery, except as a punishment for crime, is illegal in Westhold." said Trina matter of factly. "Good." said Lina, with a cringe, remembering her official status. She wondered briefly if Gourry remembered... Then she asked "But if you don't take slaves, what ever happened to the million man, er I mean six hundred thousand man army the King defeated? That's a hugh pile of corpses." "Oh, didn't you hear the end of the tale then?" asked Trina. "Here's what my father and my brothers told me. They charged the rear of the enemy, and just before they hit a great golden dragon with a mystical warrior on her back smashed into them from on high, sending a line of demons scattering. Then a bright flash and a big hand of smoke rose up behind them and the enemies though heaven and hell were fighting against them, so they paniced and ran into the front lines which were crushed against the wall and litterally could not move. After that, there was a lot of killing, but somehow, the King and the other commanders managed to direct it against the most experienced and elite troops of the enemy.

Some time later in the day, when the enemy had been reduced to under some two hundred thousand, the King called a halt and went to have a truce with the enemy. It took a while, but eventually translators were gotten and an old colonel was found in the enemy side to be the remaining highest ranking officer, and he was in charge of a regiment of engineers, those who built bridges and forts, and repaired armour and weapons. All the battle lords were dead, and with them the elite troops. My dad said it was clear that those who remained were fighting because they had no choice in the matter. Then the King gave them one. He asked the colonel if he and his men wanted to die for the Kahn. The answer was simply "no". He then asked why they were there in the first place. The answer was that the Kahn had told them to go. The King then asked where the great army was that was following them to make sure they fought. Of course there wasn't one. It had all been duty and fear that kept them in line, but those they feared were dead now. The King said to the enemy, "Do you love the Kahn?" There was a shout of "NO!" from the other side. He looked at the colonel and said "Do you think it's time for a new Kahn to sit on the throne? One who would start a new dynasty?"

The colonel was shrewd enough to see what the King was saying, and said "And what do you want?" "Peace" said our King Alfred back to him. "Peace, and a friend to the East, not an enemy. Send merchants, not soldiers, to me if you want my country's wealth." The colconel looked shocked according to my father, who figures he must have been told to expect the worst. But he quickly agreed. The King then let the survivors out, a few at a time, they were stripped of weapons and armour and set to work burying the dead. It took the rest of the day and part of the night, but the King kept them busy so they were too tired to try anything. Finally they were allowed to sleep. Meanwhile the King and the colonel talked some more, but dad didn't get to hear any of that. In the morning the enemy was fed, by us, given supplies, allowed to re-arm themselves, and then march away. The King said he had no doubt they would not return, there was an evil Kahn to depose and a new one, hopefully good, to set up, and there would be a harvest to take in and many widows and orphans to take care of. He hopes that next summer will see ambasadors from the East come to the wall, seeking friendship. Well, we shall see, our guard will not drop just yet. But that's the end of it really, no slaves, and not all were slaughtered. Whatever they were told about how horrible we were, they have to weigh this mercy against it"
Lina nodded. "Mercy, yes, Naga, I mean, Her Majesty told me she had fallen in love with him in part because he was truely able to mix justice with mercy. He did it for me, he did it for the enemy, and neither of us deserved it. I will have trouble taking the Queen seriously, but I will have no trouble loving the King." "Oh?" said a worried looking Gourry from the door. Lina gave a little start then turned around. He looked so crestfallen, pathetic even, that she actually took pity on him and held her arms out to him. "My beloved Jellyfish, come here, I didn't mean I love him like I love you, I only meant I could love him as my King." "Oh." said Gourry as he came forward and let Lina hug him. As always, it felt so good!

He then straightened up and said "Say Lina, do you know where these bite marks on my arm came from? I kept dreaming some big monster with an insatiable appetite kept biting me all night long." "Er, he, he, me? Why would I know that?" Lina said, trying unsucessfully not to sound nervous, or guilty. "Oh." said Gourry, yet again. "I just wondered if you were dreaming of me being a big piece of meat again." With that he sat down, puzzled. Lina laughed nervously again then suggested he hurry and get ready so they could get to breakfast, and then the telling of the epic. As she dressed, in a simple but very becoming summer gown, Trina had done it again, Lina asked Trina about the epic. Trina said she didn't want to say anything about the story, as it was a great tale from the old times, but she did say it wasn't performed often, partly because it was long. It would take a few hours to tell, so Lina resigned herself to a lengthy tale. Soon enough they were ready and went out.

They found a seat and were served, then they were told that the tale began at the tenth hour and would be in the garden used by poets and musicians. Lina remembered to talk to the chief butler about Trina, and the man said he supposed that if her father had no objections with it he couldn't see there being a problem with the young lady going, although he was surprised that Lina didn't want an older lady with more experience. Lina assured him that she found Trina to be a good and worthy servant in her own right, and so that was settled. They moved out to the garden and were seated on a blanket on the grass under a sun screen that had been erected. Soon everyone was there, and it was evident this was a rather informal occasion, the main rule being to remain quiet while the bard was speaking. But you could get up and walk around if your legs were tired of sitting. And there was an all day buffet laid out at the back, which made Lina very happy indeed!

There was a bit of a flourish as the royal family arrived, and all scrambled up to their feet to bow or curtsy. The King said "Good morning!" and they Royal trio took their place by the dias. Amilia and Zel took their place, with the ever watchfull Phil, of course, and Lina and Gourry were joined by Filia and Luna. Several other members of the court took their places and a fair number of off duty guards and servants packed in too. The musicians started playing, getting everyone in the mood, and when the time seemed righ an older man with a harp stood forth and began to play. Then he spoke and the tale commenced.

"Once upon a time, many years ago, there was a little princess, and she was sad, for her mother and her father had died.
One day, there appeared before the princess, a prince, traveling on a white horse.
His bearing was regal, and he had a kind smile.
Wrapping the princess in a rose scented embrace he said "Little one, growing up alone in such sorrow, do not lose your grace and nobility, even when you become a young lady. I give you this to remember this day. We will meet again, this ring will lead you to me"
Perhaps the ring he gave her was an engagement ring?
This was well and good, but so impressed was she by him that she vowed to become a prince herself one day.
But, was that a good idea?"

A long tale then ensued about the young princess growing up to womanhood amids many trials and tribulations, and through many of life's battles, on her way to finding her happiness and her way in life. Lina found herself able to identify with some of what the young lady went through. She realised that a lot of the tale was meant to be understood symbolically, which rather increased the enjoyment for her, after all, magic was highly symbolic, and she did enjoy puzzling out what the symbols were supposed to mean. Gourry seemed to enjoy it too, no doubt it helped that it was full of sword fights and adhering to a code of honour. Lina had a rather enjoyable time of it, there was plenty of food at the back, and the buffet was kept stocked all day long. She could see that Luna rather liked it too, that was good. When they got together they would have to hash it out. Filia seemed to have some trouble trying to follow the way the humans were acting in the tale, but what else could a golden dragon do? It was sometimes hard to remember that the beautiful blonde haired, fair skinned, blue eyed young lady was in fact a false human form taken on by a rather larged, winged, fire breathing reptile. Not that she wasn't pretty as a dragon. Mind you, if you happened to note the lovely golden tail she usually managed to keep discretely hidden, it might make the believing a bit easier. Still, she was very polite and sat through it paying attention to most of the tale.

Finally, in the late afternoon, the tale wound down to a close with a surprise ending that was hard to have seen coming. Lina was very moved by the ending actually, as the young woman and her best friend set out into the big world on their own. She felt she was in just the same spot, but unlike the young woman who was alone, and her friend who left everything behind to look for her, she was setting out together with her friends, her family, and most special of all, with the one... Gourry wasn't sure what the spontanious hug was for but he instinctively knew better than to ask. After all, just because Lina hadn't gotten around to fireballing him lately didn't mean he had any doubts as to when, and how, he would know the honeymoon was over. Still, he'd rather be fireballed by Lina, than live without her. The Royal sisters seemed to be unable to avoid debating what various parts of the story were about, and there were a few times they were discretely hushed, but what to do, they were Royal, after all.

The end of the day came finally, with people still talking, trying to cram as much into the last few hours as they could. They all agreed they would end up together in Zephielia in six weeks time for Lina and Gourry's official wedding, then off to Seirune to see Amilia and Zelgadiss finally get their day too. Luna was not going to be at the Seirune wedding but she begged Lina and Gourry to spend one night at her house on the return trip and tell her all about it. Since Lina and Gourry would be traveling with the King and Queen by then she made arrangements to put them all up in her best hotel and the deal was struck. Finally all went to bed, with early mornings and multiple departures planned. Lina found that Trina had been busy packing up her new mistress' things and Lina felt bad she had missed the performance, but the younger girl smiled and said that in the first place she was happy enough to work and make sure all was as ready as it could be, and second, she already had heard the story more than once so it wasn't like she had missed a once in a life time telling. Lina felt so guilty that she even gave the girl a chocolate to make up for it. Well, it wasn't like it was her last one, guilt only goes so far... Finally, she and Gourry tucked in together and the night was theirs.

As predicted, they were awakened too early to get ready for the trip. She was relieved to find she hadn't been chewing on Gourry again, rather she was safely wrapped in his arms. They grogged awake and dressed and were out. Phil and Amilia along with Zel were up already and being breakfasted by the King and a rather teary Queen who was having to say goodbye to her family, after all the years of estrangement a few brief weeks together weren't enough, especially not ones interupted by a war. Lina had no doubt that the next few years would be full of official royal visits. Well, why not? She had had even less time with Luna, now that they were talking, and would definitely want some vacations herself. Thank goodness for writing and letters! After a final breakfast together in which official exchanges of friendship were made between the two kingdoms, and a lot of presonal vows of good will were also exchanged, Phil, and his family were packed up on their horses and their guards were readied. With a final salute, and hug of baby Arthur, they were off.

Shortly thereafter it was Luna's turn. Now there was no mistaking what Filia really was as she had, privately, returned to her dragon form. Luna too had changed, she had put back on the full battle armour of a knight of Cephied. It was a very impressive suit of what could only be called "Scale mail" a type of armour made of interlocking plates of steel, and in Luna's case, real dragon scales over the most vital spots. It was made to a good pattern and flattered her figure without being obvious, yet it still left no doubt that the person in it was noble, and also not someone to cross swords with... "Well, I couldn't go and not show you what it looked like" she said to Lina with a smile.

Lina also noted that Filia looked a bit more like a mature dragon. Just a bit, dragons age slowly compared to humans, and out live them by several thousand years. Still, Filia had a look about her that, while it still suggested the innocence and purity for which Filia was know to her friends, also suggested that this type of innocence was capable of ripping you to shreds and generally being dangerous if you crossed it. Lina had no doubt the enemy must have been terrified. Here, Filia and Luna were acting friendly and were known to all, there the two of them had dropped from the sky with what would have looked to the enemy like murder in their eyes. Lina could see herself breaking before their combined onslaught, even if she did know who they were.

But this morning it was all teary good byes on the part of the two Inverse sisters and Filia prepared to fly at a more leisurly rate back to Zephielia. She said she could smell rain on the air, but probably not till the morrow, so today was a good day to leave. Gold was offered by way of a reward, and refused. Then some of the finest gemstones Lina had ever seen were offered, and although the two women didn't really want a reward, they had the weakness most intelligent beings have for pretty things and they accepted a small bag each. Lina decided not to tell them that they were worth a small fortune, she figured that her sister and Filia didn't think along those lines, atleast not about rewards. Some more goodbyes and general hugging and the like and Luna mounted Filia, reminding Lina of the time she and Amilia had flown on Filia in the battle with Darkstar. Luna rode without reigns or saddle, apparently she had had a rope around Filia's neck during the battle to allow her to hang on as she leaned over the side to slash away, but that was now safely tucked away. A final farewell and Filia lept into the air like she actually belonged there and in short order they were a speck in the sky, disappearing rapidly to the west. Lina felt a little empty somehow.

Soon enough a proud carriage drawn by four horses pulled into view and six mounted riders formed up behind it, the ceremonial guard King Arthur had insisted on. Actually, Lina could see they were not entirely ceremonial, it didn't take much to see that they were fully capable of being real guards if need be. Well, they should have a safe trip, between Lina's fireballs, Gourry's Blast Blade, and the business like guards it was hard to think of anyone who would be foolish enough to attack them. Certainly there would be no hope of victory. Trina was there too, ready to be of "service" and looking like she couldn't wait to go on this grand adventure of seeing the outside world! She rode up front with the driver and wouldn't hear of going in the main cab of the carriage, at least while the weather was good. So, Gourry and Lina finally set out themselves, well supplied and looking noble indeed. As they rode they talked and exchanged ideas and opinions on everything. Lina found herself tempted to bop Gourry more than once but managed to hold the fist if not her tongue. Gourry took it all in his stride, and so they passed the trip wondefully well.
The day came when they turned down from the now familiar path and ventured deeper into Elemikia. Lina had wandered these parts from time to time in the past, so it wasn't a totally unfamiliar area to her, but she had mostly drifted between the towns and the wild spaces, she had never been to the big estates, especially not to the manor house that was now the ancestral seat of the clan Gabriev. They stayed at an inn just a short ride away from the house on what was planned to be the evening before their arrival and Lina and Trina fussed and fumed about how she should dress to meet the inlaws. She wanted to make a good impression, which rather tended to rule out her familiar yellow and red pants and top, her trademark costume, but at the same time she was well aware of Gourry's rather unwelcome state and insisted on something practical, something she could cast fireballs in, which rather ruled out most of her prettiest dresses. She resolved to get some dressier pants for the future, dresses and skirts were great for looks, but not for hard magical work. Finally she found a simple but flattering dress (like Trina had packed any other kind) which was reasonably free to move in the way she liked and the issue was settled. The two women went down to join Gourry who was sitting in the common room, deep in his own thoughts about the up coming meeting with his estranged family.

He was so caught up in his worries that he hadn't eaten, a fact Lina noted with worry. It was one thing to race Gourry to the last morsle of food when they both had healthy appetites, it was another thing to have him not care if she took it or not. She hugged him and whispered "I'll be with you, I love you!" He smiled and hugged back and said "Thanks." He was persuaded to take a mug of ale, and was amazed to remember how good Elemikian ale really was. He even managed to smile again. Then, there was a bustle and a party of hunters entered the inn in a noisy, good humoured way. Gourry stopped in mid drink and stared! Lina realised he must have recognised someone and squeezed his hand for luck. Gourry turned away quietly and faced the fire. "My brother..." he half whispered to Lina. She understood, Gourry didn't want to confront him in public. "Well, let's go to our rooms then." she said back to him. Gourry replied "Finish your supper, if we leave right away it'll be bound to attract attention, whereas if we wait a bit they will settle into their cups and their story telling and we can fade away, I hope..."

Lina nodded. She ate, but without much appetite and waited for Gourry to give the signal. She didn't pay much attention to the conversation but one line caught her ear. "Who owns that coach and four out by the stables?" asked a voice that sounded like it might have been the one belonging to the man Gourry had pointed out as his brother. Darn, they were spotted anyway. The barman pointed out the table where the young lord and lady from that "new" kingdom, the one where they had just fought the war, were sitting. "Well, well, lords who get out and about." said Gourry's brother's voice, in a slightly mocking tone. "Unlike some Elemikians eh?" sneered another voice in return. Gourry's brother's voice became icy. "That supposed to mean something is it?" it asked. "Oh well, far be it for me to say, but some of us actually saw that man's country. Very pretty, nice mountains, and plenty of work to do, for those that had the stomach for it." replied the more mocking voice.

"Now now boys!" said the barkeeper's voice. "Keep it down. There's others here who want a quiet drink, and no one doubts the courage of either of you lads. We all know the law, that Mister Gabriev the elder there at the manor could keep Mister Rolf here back, what with him being the only known remaining son and all, whereas you and your brothers were able to keep your little brother out of the way while you all did what you had to. Be reasonable Mister Norman." "Gourry, what do we do?" whispered a frantic Lina. "Wait." whispered Gourry back.

"It's my brother and my cousin, who's had one too many, the one that was going to fight him for the Sword of Light. I see they love each other as much as always. Usually these things are shouting matches, or some fisticuffs. I'm not moving unless steel is drawn. Trust me on this, Lina." "Okay I will..." said the petite mage, still sounding worried. Back at the bar the situation got worse. The shouting started, just as Gourry said, and despite the efforts of the local bar patrons it was evident the two hot heads were going to be hard at it. Most of the crowd shuffled out in a hurry to avoid the damage, leaving only the hotheads and their friends who were soon locked in battles of their own in the background. There were a few hard blows and a chair or something broke, then there was the distinct sound of a bottle breaking. "HEY! Put that down!" shouted the Norman voice. "Down your throat! Nobody swings a chair at ME! It ends now!" yelled the Rolf voice back. Trina, who had hung quietly in the background, acting her part as serving woman to her mistress, gave a shriek and ran off. Lina shivered in fright. As bad as she and Luna had been, even in the days of the stick, there was never this raw violence. Lina had feared pain and humiliation, but never death at Luna's hands. Wished for it, at times, but never feared it. She was about to say something to Gourry when the unmistakable sound of a sword being swung though the air cut her off.

"Not if I stick you first!" yelled the Norman voice back. There was a crash as something heavy hit the ground, a scream of pain, and a cry of "Kill him Norman! He struck first!" from one of the supporting cast in the back ground. Lina turned to do something and was almost knocked over as Gourry launched himself from the chair and roared in a commanding voice that even cowed Lina into instinctive obedience "STOP!" In a flash Gourry was between his prostrate brother and his wild cousin and had decked the latter full in the face with his fist, sending the sword weilding brawler into the tables behind in a crash. In another flash the man was up, loudly expressing his uncertainty about not only if Gourry's parents were married, but also about if they even belonged to the same species. He swung his sword at Gourry, and he meant business. Alas, it was a good sword and should have been better treated. Of course it was no match for the Blast Blade which sailed out of its sheath and severed the blade where it joined the hilt. The former business end of the now ex-weapon embedded itself in the bar while the handle, being suddenly lightened, whirled around in the hand of its suddenly off balance wielder who received another blow to the head from Gourry which sent him sprawling. "Get him!" someone in the back yelled and the group lurched towards Gourry. For maybe one step. A familiar voice now yelled "FIREBALL!" and a streak of orange light followed by a window breaking blast of heat and flame sent them all down for the count. A second later the door flung open and the six guards rushed in weapons ready, and Trina right behind. She hadn't panicked after all, she had run for help. The fight was over.

In a matter of seconds the soldiers had the ruffians cowered into a corner. Gourry grabbed his cousin and plopped him into a chair where he sat, looking a bit groggy. He then grabbed his brother and did the same. His brother sat there with a look of astonishment on his face as he craddled his wounded arm, the one that had presumably held the bottle. Lina came forward with a look on her face that would make a Mazoku back off a few paces, and stood beside her husband. "Do you recognise me?" Gourry asked the seated men. Rolf just nodded, still too amazed to speak, but Norman found his tongue quicker. "So the thieving prodigal returns..."

"I see you don't carry the Sword of Light anymore, I suppose you lost it? And where did the redhead come from? Thieving swords not enough for you, now you're craddle robbing too?" he slurred, keeping up a false front of bravado. Lina's eyes flashed dangerously. A voice came over from the corner where the subdued "friends" were cowering "Norman! Shut your mouth! That's the Bandit Killer herself, you know, the Dragon Spooker?" Lina gave a start. She just about fireballed them, but then she heard an echo of Naga's laugh as she had described how that name had come about, and in a strange way it calmed her. A little bit. "Whaddya mean?" said Norman with a slight slur, his head was still abit fuddled from the drink and Gourry's solid punches to his head. "You know," said the voice, "short, long red hair, looks like a flat chested little girl, and has a temper to match her fireballs..." Lina hissed as she prepared to toss one of the said fireballs at the gang, obviously the last one hadn't subdued them sufficiently. Suddenly Gourry stood between her and her prey, sword in hand, advancing on the cowering men.

"Gentlemen." he said. "have you seen this sword before? It is a sword even more legendary then the sword of light. This is the Blast Blade, the sword which is so magically sharp it can cut through anything at all, including and especially any tongue that speakes disrespectfully of my wife the Lady Lina Gabriev, nee Inverse. Now, I admit I was talking to my cousin and maybe I didn't hear the words that were just spoken aright, would someone like to repeat them for me please?" There was a silence as a collective gulp was takien then a man spoke up, forced cheerfulness in his voice. "Well what our friend said was that he recognised your lady as the world famous demon killing, mazoku spooking powerful and beautiful sorceress that she is. She is well known for her perfect and petitie form, her fire coloured tresses which are the envy of any woman who sees them, her youthful beauty and perfect breasts which cause any man, lesser than yourself of course, to throw himself to the ground sobbing with the realisation that he would never be worthy of such perfection. A perfection so complete that it can only have been hand sculpted by the Golden Lord herself!"

Lina continued to glare at the men, but she couldn't keep a smirk off her face as they backtracked as fast and as far as they could. She realised it was actually fun to let Gourry defend her honour, at least sometimes, regardless of whether she was capable of doing it or not. Gourry turned to her and gave her a look that asked if she was satisfied with the revision. She nodded, not wanting to prolong the ordeal, even though making them sing her praises a bit longer would doubtless have been fun. Gourry turned back to the men and made a short jab towards the open window with his sword. The point was taken and in about two seconds the room was emptied as the would be battlers tumbled through the broken opening and into the street.

Gourry turned back and faced his cousin and his brother. "The sword of light is gone. I met it's original owners and gave it back to them. They are from the Overworld, and they use it, along with four other light weapons, to do battle with Darkstar, their equivalent to our Shabradnigdo. I don't care what you think, or whether you believe me or not, I was more than satisfied with their claim, as were all the members of the group there with me. Lina, of course, Amilia, who is the crowned Princess of Seirune, Filia, who is a Golden Dragon priestess of the Fire Dragon King, Zelgadiss, the chimera grandson of Rezo the Red Priest, and even Xellos, the mazoku trickster priest of Beastmaster Zellas-metallium. We were all satisfied to their claim, and so I willingly gave it back.

In time, perhaps by fate, perhaps as some form of reward, I bought a cheap and ratty sword with which to do battle. One day I was, along with my beloved Lina here, locked in battle with the great mazoku lord, Dynast! In the course of the battle the sword was heated red, then the ice cold hand of the mazoku grabbed it, and the blade shattered. But to the amazement of all, underneath it was another blade, this one, the Blast Blade, hidden from view for who knows how long, waiting for the day it would be needed again. Now here it is, the replacement to the sword of light. It is mine, and will be an heirloom to my heirs! And I will have heirs for know this! I am a noble knight now, Sir Gourry Gabriev, made so by Alfred, the very King of Westhold himself.

He it was who also married Lina to me and granted this special trip as a honeymoon and so I might make an attempt to make peace with my family, and also so that I might tell you that the object of your jealous quarreling is gone for good, as is any claim you might have to it's replacement. That is why I took the sword of light and ran away. I overheard the two of you threatening to shed blood to obtain it. Well, it's gone now. I don't expect you to be friends, but there is nothing left to fight for, so stay away from each other, for the rest of your lives! Is that clear?" he asked, his face inches from his cousin, who gulped and nodded. "Then... get out." said Gourry with a commanding finality. His cousin needed no second hint, he was up and out the door in a flash.
Gourry turned to his brother and after a deep breath asked "Are you hurt?" Rolf, who had been silently staring at Gourry in amazement held up his arm and showed where it had taken a long deep cut from the now defunct sword his cousin had swung at him. "I-I'll live..." he said in amazement. "I see that you do too. If it isn't inapropriate, welcome back?" Gourry flopped down in the chair recently vacated by his cousin and gave a sigh as he buried his face in his hands. After a minute of dead silence in the room he looked up again and said to his brother " I'm sorry, I didn't know what else to do..." Rolf stared at him for a full minute then glanced at the sword, then at Lina, then at the men under his command, and finally he said "If this is what you do when you don't know what you are doing I'd be afraid to see what you could do if you did!"

Rolf went on "Well, I must admit I was mad at you for taking the sword, and worried about you for leaving. The family has basically disowned you as a thief, but after this, I think there's going to be a lot of eggs on a lot of faces, and I don't mind admitting mine is good for at least a dozen. Father and Mother have never stopped wondering about you, they will be happy to see you." he sighed. "Gourry, we didn't always have tension between us, it was the sword, and in truth, I see you did the right thing taking it. Please forgive me and let's start anew?" "I'm sorry too, Rolf, sorry things got so bad we had to part like that, but I didn't want you or Norman hurting each other. Okay now what do we do?"

Rolf stood up and gingerly exteneded his hand. Gourry stood up and shook it, also gingerly, as it was the wounded arm. Lina went over and said "I've learned a few little healing tricks from Sylphiel, let me see that." Rolf looked concerned but held out the arm. Lina muttered a spell and there was a white glow around the arm. Magically, of course, the wound knit together and healed. "Wow, uh, thanks..." said Rolf, not knowing what to say. "Er, and, uh, welcome to the family?" Lina gave him a strange look then laughed and shook his still outstreched hand. "You can have a kiss when you clean up." she said, looking at the blood drying on the sleeve, left over from before the wound had been healed. "Right, I'll look forward to that!" he brightened as he smiled at her. "Er, well, now I guess I need to go home. Come with me Gourry, they will not be able to refuse you if I'm with you. Please?"

Gourry smiled at his brother and finally gave him a hug. "Well, I knew this was going to be awkward, I'm just glad it isn't as bad as I thought. Okay, you come with us and we'll take the carriage! And I'm not taking no for an answer!" "Ha! I wasn't going to try. Get a ride in that fancy rig of yours, you think I'm going to give up on a chance like that?" responded Rolf with a smile of his own. They turned to go. "Guys I'm sorry but we're moving out again now instead of tommorrow, but it isn't far." There was some good natured pretense at groaning from the soldiers as they set out to prepare for the trip. Lina and Trina hopped upstairs and got Lina into her dress she had picked out. In short order they were ready. Lina, being the one who usually managed the money in the past, went over to pay up. The owner was sobbing quietly in a corner. "My inn..." he sobbed. "I'm ruined."

Lina was a bit annoyed, she had heard this sort of whining before, and it usually meant someone wanted money. Okay, so his bar had been a little blasted in the battle to stop a fight, but what did he expect. She rolled her eyes and turned away. Trina was standing behind her with the purse open. Lina saw that there was a lot of gold in there, and she felt a twinge from the old times when that much money was a fortune that represented a lot of hard work. She was ready to argue with the man about what he really was owed when it occured to her that there was lots more where that came from, and a life time supply as long as the King and Queen were happy with them. She decided to do something unheard of and be generous for once.

She quietly grabbed a handful of coins that could have bought the whole inn twice over and winked at Trina. She made a show of muttering a spell on the spot, then twirled around and dramatically chanted "Gold!" and tossed the coins at the man. His response was to stagger back. He didn't know if he should believe what he just saw, did she just magically create gold? Taking Naga's cue from the Dragon Spooker business she managed to act like it was no big deal. Let the world spread a rumour that she could create wealth! It would be so much fun! She walked out and joined her husband and his brother as they waited for the coach. Trina managed to bite her tongue until they got out then giggled and giggled. She was a clever girl and had an idea at least of what Lina had just set up in there. Soon they were all giggling, even if they didn't know why. The coach rolled up, and off they went.
It was late, just before sunset in late summer, but it wasn't far, less than an hour's ride. As they arrived the sun was almost set, but the sky was still light, and there was even a moon well on it's way to growing towards full haunging in a clear sky, so they were well seen. In fact, the light was at a quality beloved by artists the world over, and in later generations it would be even more prized by a new species of artist known as the photographer by the name "beauty light." It had the effect of slightly softening everything, and ever so slightly muting colours in a way that made everything seem at it's most beautiful. Onto this scene the whole household had turned out to wonder at what the arrival of such a fancy coach, with six impressive guards, meant.

Lina could see a lot of handsome men and women looking similar to Gourry, tall, blond, graceful and stong. She hoped they would accept her, she felt her old inadequacies returning to haunt her. Well, Gourry loved her and wanted her just as she was, that's what mattered! Or so she kept trying to tell herself. The carriage rolled to a stop in front of the house. It was obviously a wealthy household, but the lack of heraldic symbols proclaimed by their absence that the people who lived there were of so called "common" stock. Like she was. Like she had known Gourry was. "But not any more." she smiled to herself. It was also obvious to Lina that this was not a single family dwelling, but an older type of dwelling, one where several families lived. These families would collectively work the farm, and provide other services, such as blacksmithing, or animal care, or do the doctoring, the woodworking, or any other needed function. There would even be a merchant type or two. They were all tied to the land which might consist of a big spread miles in length. And at the head would be a man, or a woman, who had inherited the title of "owner" from a long line of prior owners. A little kingdom, if you like.

With a start Lina realised something that had been in front of her all the time. Gourry, to even be around the sword of light, would have been a younger son of that owner! A spoiled rich kid! Now that explained a lot about his being so naive all the time! He was probably used to privilage, living in the real world must have shocked him! Hey, he WAS going to make this Knight thing work. Lina drew her attention back to what was happening. By now the coachman had opened the door and set the step down. Rolf had jumped out and started talking to everyone. Trina was out too, waiting to help her Lady out, and the guards were down forming a double row for them to walk through, a real honour guard! Lina listened as Rolf spoke to an older man and a woman who now came forward. From the way he acted towards them, and from the way they looked so much like Gourry, especially the woman, there was no doubt they were his parents. In confirmation Gourry squeezed her hand and with obvious emotion in his voice whispered "My Mother and Father..."

There were a few expressions of curiosity from the assembled crowd but Rolf quickly took charge and with a few words detailed that there had been a meeting of the minds with his cousin Norman and that things were settled now thanks to the timely arrival of the last person on earth anyone would have thought to see here. Oh yes, there was a wonderful surprise in that fancy carriage, and a deal of news too. Gourry's parents looked stunned, but Lina could see that Gourry's mom was already reading between the lines. What she couldn't read was if she thought it was good or bad... Rolf stuck his head in the carriage and said "Okay knucklehead! That's your cue!"

By prior arrangement, while they had traveled in the carriage, it was decided that Gourry should go out first and let the shock roll over the crowd, then they'd be ready to meet Lina, especially once they realised who she was. Lina wasn't sure about that, but not having a better plan, and not being able to use her usual method of getting her way through applied thermal enhancement of her arguments, the carriage was just too confined for a fireball after all, she gave in, and now watched nervously as Gourry, with a look of hope and fear mixed on his face, stepped out of the coach. There was silence for a moment, well, audible silence, although the expressions on some of the faces spoke volumes. Everyone seemed to be waiting for the older couple to speak first. Gourry's father turned to his mother. Lina realised that in fact everyone was looking at the mother! Gourry came from a family where the women were in charge? Hey! Maybe he hadn't been kidding on their wedding night about becoming Gourry Inverse...

The woman finally spoke, her voice obviously emotional. "G-Gourry, have you come back to us then?" Gourry stuttered "M-M-M-Mother..." then suddenly they were hugging and the crowd broke out into joy. Gourry's father looked a little reserved, but greeted his son warmly when his mother was done hugging him. "Well, I see our beloved prodigal is back, welcome home my boy! I hear there is a long tale to be told about your doings since you left us! Get yourself inside and lets hear all about it!" "Yes he will Father!" said Rolf, cutting in, "But the first bit of news is here in the carriage still, and we need to bring her out first. You see, this rascal has gone and gotten himself married!" There was a bit of a stunned look fron the crowed, and Lina was sure that one or two of the younger women looked a little crushed. Well, if Gourry was raised in a warren of family and cousin's to what ever degree there was no doubt that, with the same good looks that had ensared even Lina's heart, that others should have been ensared. Gourry probably never realised, and Sylphiel was likely one of a long line. This was almost funny, but it was her cue and she was nervouse as all get out.

Gourry came to the carriage and with a big "I Love You!" smile said "Lina! Come meet my parents!" Lina couldn't help herself, she felt a trickle of sweat, damned nerves... She emerged, and with Gourry taking one hand, and a servile Trina taking the other (oh Trina could act the part when she wanted to, alright, no mistaking Lina was a Lady!) Lina stepped down onto the ground and locked her arm in Gourry's as he walked her over to his parents. "Mother! Father!" This is my wife, Lina!" Lina grew more nervous as his mother scrutinised her intensly. She dropped a nervouse little curtsy, which seemed to surprise, and soften, the older lady. She gave a big warm smile and said "Gourry! She's beautiful! Where ever did you find her?" "On the road, surrounded by bandits." was Gourry's simple and truthful reply. Lina blushed at that, but wasn't sure why. "Well don't stand there you lot!" interjected Gourry's father. Night's coming in, some of you sluggards show our guests proper courtesy and get the horses stabled and the guards relieved, then let's all eat!"

With that a sudden stir occured and several of the young men, and some of the women, went forward to move horses and people around. Meanwhile Gourry and Lina were shuffled inside. The house was rich, not in a stuffy, pretentious way, but in a way that showed that it's occupants had an enjoyment for the finer things of life, provided they were useable. So, for example, while there were rich tapestries on the wall, obviously meant for enjoyment, they also acted as a record of the Gabriev's history. Lina looked quickly, but realised there was too much to take in with a single sweep. Of course she wanted to know if she and Rowdy had made it on, but it would have to wait. She also noticed a small stack of neatly hung or racked weapons and shields by the doorway. The family was notable as a warrior family after all, she reflected, and it would only be logical to have weapons handy, but not to wear them in the house. Hense the rack by the doorway.

The main part of the building was a great hall, not unlike the one in Westhold, only more square in design, with the tables arranged around a central cooking and heating sort of fire. The servants were busy with preparations in the center and the various other family memebers took their places around the table, with Gourry and Lina seated at the head table in the places of honour. Gourry later explained to Lina that the servants were in fact family members who's turn it was to act that role, over the course of the year most of the members of the family took a turn acting that part, even he had taken turns when he was at home. Lina thought that was more fair, but, when asked, Trina had stated she felt that perhaps it was fine for a family, but in a great hall, with it's protocol demands, it would be impractical, if not impossible. But for now Lina was settled with Gourry on her right and her new mother in law on her left feeling rather caught up in something that was a bit beyond her. "This is so not like the old days..." she thought to herself, remembering how, in her wandering days she had been so in control. Then is struck her, the old days were only 2 and a half months, give or take, in the past. "This is going too fast..." she thought with a gulp. "Oh well, tonight I grin and bear it for Gourry, but, we gotta get out of here and get settled for awhile." she thought to herself some more. Then she sighed, that wasn't going to happen until after Naga's revenge wedding took place. "Later, Lina, think about it later." she finally told herself, pressing the rising panic back down where it belonged.
Despite Lina's misgivings the evening went well. No parent who loved a child that ran away could fail to respond when the child came home, especially if he came home successful in the ways Gourry had. A name, a reputatuion, rich, well married, and with a sword that was possibly better than the one he left with, and by willingly exiling himself he had kept both a brother and a cousin alive, no, such a child could only receive a hero's welcome, and Gourry did. Over the course of the evening other family arrived from other great houses that were under the Gabriev banner. There were even a few brothers and close relatives of Norman who thanked Gourry for sparing his life. Norman himself had the sense to stay away. So a large meal was served and there was singing and dancing and of course Lina was dragged around by several relatives who wanted to meet Gourry's new wife, meanwhile Gourry was dragged around by several of his cousins who seemed to want gossip about Lina, or to bemoan that he hadn't warmed to them.

Gourry generally was simply too overwhelmed to say much of anything and so Lina then found herself hit upon by groups of women welcoming her to the family who seemed very interested in her, or in gossip about Gourry. She jusdiciously answered what questions she though advisable, and turned others away as diplomatically as she could, all the while feeling like she was giving more away than she meant to. She now had no doubt that the women tended to rule the roost in Gourry's family. She hoped that was good, at least Gourry would have no trouble with the idea that Lina was in charge when it mattered. Which she fervently hoped would be very rare. Finally, the dreaded moment Lina knew would come arrived. She was invited to sit down with her new mother in law and have a friendly little chat.

Lina knew instinctively that she'd better tell the truth with this woman, who seemed as sharp as the Blast Blade itself, and answer all her questions. With a sweat drop she hope would be passed off as just exertion from all the dancing she sat down and smiled at her mother in law. "So, um, Madam Gabriev?" she said trying to be friendly. The woman gave a little smile and said "Please, Lina, just call me Mother, like Gourry does." "Oh, okay, Mother Gabriev, thank you." The woman chuckled this time and replied "No, no, my dear Lina, just mother, this isn't a formal title." "I-I know..." said Lina. She decided to take the bull by the horns. "I'm sorry, I am just nervous. This is the first time you've had a chance to meet the woman your son has joined himself to for life, and I really do want you to approve of me. I don't know what you want to know, so I guess the best thing I can do is let you ask the questions and I'll answer you to the fullest and best that I can."

"Okay, that sounds like a good start." said Gourry's mother, her smile warming a bit. She now knew that Lina was smart, savy, and respectful of her son's family. She knew this as much because life had taught her to tell when people were playing the fake and while Lina's words could have been meant to fool her if Lina had been playing games, she could tell that Lina was genuine enough. A hand signal and wine was brought, another signal and the room backed away to give them privacy, though no doubt sharp ears were remaining just within range. "Well, let's not beat around the bush Lina." said Mother. "You are rumoured to be that sorceress Lina Inverse. Is that true?" "Yes, my maiden name is Inverse and I am indeed a sorceress specializing in black and shamanistic magic with an emphasis on fire magic. And life has conspired to make me more famous than I ever wanted it to, though I must implore you not to believe all the rumours that have been spread about me."

"So, you don't spook dragons then?" Mother asked with a teasing smile. "No, that rumour was started by a woman who is both a friend and a rival sorceress as a twisted sort of revenge for my getting the better of her in some spells or some battles we had been in. I know a spell called the Dragon Slave and it has been put to use fighting said creatures when they were attacking, and that was the basis for rumours that I do terrible things to the poor creatures. But it isn't true." "I see. How about being a bandit killer?" "Yes, there is more truth to that, I have killed in self defence when bandits attack. But usually I prefer to injure them in ways they will recover from then let them think about their life of crime as they recover. Gourry knows, he was with me as we cleared out most of the bandit gangs over the past few years." "Ah... so it was you and Gourry then, I thought I recognised him from the descriptions. But there are rumours you hung around with a woman of loose moral character before you met Gourry, and there are some rumours about your character too..."

"I expected this." said Lina with a sigh. "The woman was the same sorceress that started the Dragon Spooker rumours. He name at the time was Naga the White Serpent. Yes, she wore a most bizzar and revealing costume consisting mostly of a black bikini and shoulder spikes. No, she was not of loose moral character, in fact she was and still is, of the highest character, as I am. But she had other problems. I myself only found out two months ago that this woman I had spent almost two years of my life with is really named Gracia Ul Naga Seyruun, and is no one less than the missing crowned Princess of Seirune! But she never would tell me her past. Still, it did me some good, I was accepted by her younger sister and her father, and now I have a bit of an in at the court with His Majesty Prince Phillionel, who is her father, and I have had some adventures with Amilia her sister. By the way, Naga is now the Queen of Westhold, so Amilia is now the crowned princess. And by a twist of fate, Gourry accepted his Knighthood from Westhold's King before I had any say in the matter, an act that has made him a subject of Westhold, and when I married him I became a subject too, so now, she is my Queen."

"You seem less than pleased." chuckled Gourry's mom. "Well, I guess it's okay, it just isn't something I had realised I was getting into until after the fact. Not that it would have mattered, if that's the price, as it were, for the privelage of being Gourry's wife, I have no hesitation in paying it. I think I'm more worried about my upcoming wedding..." "Your what?" asked a surprised Mother. "Errrr, no, let me explain, let me explain!" said Lina, realising her need to clarify. She then went into a brief explanation of the war and chiefly of how Gourry was almost dead when he was brought back, a bit of news that obviously shocked his mother. She told of her long vigil beside Gourry right after her own misadventured of the war, and how she woke up on that fateful day to find him gone, and due to an unfortunate misunderstanding, she thought him to be dead. She then explained about the black hopelessness, the return at evening to have Naga laugh at her, not realising what she was feeling, and the fateful fireball. Then the aftermath, death being the expected outcome, a death to take her to the grave with Gourry, only to find mercy and understanding, and in the end, the very King who's Queen she had almost done in actually marrying her to Gourry in a quiet ceremony. "So now I'm Gourry's wife, and slave, and to be honest, I wouldn't have it any other way. Only, Naga wants to throw me a public wedding, and no doubt get in a bit of public humiliation by way of revenge. Well, so be it, as long as she leaves Gourry alone..."

She looked up to find Gourry's mother just staring at her. Finally the woman started to laugh. "By the Gods! Lina, that is the most amazing thing I've ever heard!" Lina said "One last thing, if you have any more doubts about my virtue, Naga kept the sheets from my wedding night, like it or not, I can access physical proof of my virginity. And she has her own sheets too, if her virtue is still an issue." Mother simply dissolved into laughter. Finally she got up and gave a big hug to Lina. "Welcome to the family Lina! You've been through too much for me to doubt that my son means the world to you, no mother could ask anything more from her daughter in law! I know you'll take care of him, in your own way of course. Just don't forget to let him take care of you too, he'll want that." "Oh I know Mother, I know, and I am so grateful for it! Thank you for raising him to be like that!"

The two women hugged, and Lina finally calmed down and realised she had been given some sort of Gabriev seal of approval. Indeed, she soon realised that the family was now slowly gathering around her. Gourry was found somewhere and brought over to her, and the story telling began. It went long into the night, and Lina found herself with an appreciative audience listening to her tales of their adventures. Gourry did his best to add details but Lina was clearly the story teller. Yet somehow, the family seemed to accept this. They understood Gourry. Finally, it was the wee hours and a halt was called, Lina was ready to start yawning her head off anyway. As they were shown to their rooms Trina did manage to mutter something about not getting to serve her Mistress, but Lina simply told her she was on vacation too. Soon they were tucked in and the house finally quieted for the night. As could be expected, they all slept in.
Late the next morning Lina awoke to find herself snuggled into Gourry's arms. He was awake and smiled down at her. Not knowing what to do, and not wanting to do anything anyway, she simply smiled back at him. Finally he spoke softly as he started to stroke her hair. "Thank you for last night. You impressed my family more than you realise, I think. My Mother doesn't usually take to people so readily. I hope you don't mind, I've tried to keep the visit to as reasonable a length as I could, but they are going to keep us for a week, I'm sure. I know they'd love to keep us forever if they could. The idea of me going off and starting a new branch of the clan, especially one outside of family control doesn't sit that well with all of them, but I don't think that I can go back to this now that I've been out for so long." "Me neither..." said Lina softly. "I'm having enough trouble with the fact we are giving up wandering and settling down in Westhold, even though it is obviously a good move. Still, I will miss some of the freedom we had I think."

Gourry smiled and replied, "Let's have this discussion again when you've got a baby in your arms. I mean, unless you are doing something magical to avoid that, it's going to happen sooner or later." "Yes, I know." she replied simply. "And no, I'm not trying to enhance or avoid it, I am perfectly willing to let nature decide the best time for all that. To be honest, I won't know for at least another week if it hasn't happened already, Queen Naga seems to feel she got with child on her wedding night. And yes, I realise I'm likely not going to miss wandering when I have our baby at my breast, but, I don't know, maybe when the children are grown I might miss it again. But we can deal with that then. And we will have a much bigger and better world to wander in when that time comes. But is there any particular reason we are talking about this?" she asked. "No particular reason, just being home again reminds me of how we all got here and I was just wondering what you were thinking about it all." Lina replied lazily "I think we should be a happily married couple who does what they want, when, and where, they want, as long as it's private of course, and leave the rest to the forces out of our control that have always regulated this sort of thing anyway." "Works for me too." said Gourry, in conclusion.

With that they finally got up and faced the day. Lina had gotten used to the bell pull that had summoned Trina at the castle and was a little at a loss of what to do here. Not that she couldn't go look for her own stuff, but was that what the Gabriev's wanted? Gourry however knew what the score was and went over to a small stove in a corner of the room. Soon a fire was blazing, just big enough to warm the water in the pot on top. Meanwhile he pulled their trunks out of closet and they sorted out some clothes for the day. There was a little quibbling as they decided how much like a noble lord and lady they wanted to be, so as to keep King Alfred happy with his "representatives", and how much like their usual casual selves they wanted to be to feel relaxed in. Lina had to admit that she had come to rely on Trina for advice, dressing properly had never been one of Lina's stronger points. She always liked to boast that the red and yellow garb she always wore was meant to be her "Sorceress extaordinaire" look, but deep down inside even she knew what everyone else did, she had poor taste.

Oh well, she stuck to basics she had picked up from Trina and Naga. She was pleasantly surprised to find a pant suit, white to be sure, but with red and yellow highlights. Bless that Trina, she thought of everything. It actually looked nice enough on her, and felt more comfortable, like her old clothes. Dresses and skirts were great, but she wasn't used to them and they always made her feel formal, even if they were supposed to be casual. Gourry had his usual blue on, but in a better cut than he used to wear, the tailors had been busy. No sign of the breast plate though. Oh well, he didn't need it here. He did however wear his sword, the Blast Blade rarely ever left his side, even at home. Lina tried on her power amplifiers, and to her delight, the jewels didn't seem out of place, even though they were of four different colours. Good enough. They went out.

Gourry was familiar with the place and soon they were back in the great hall from the evening before. The hall was quieter than the previous evening, which made sense, most of the family were out and about taking care of farm life. There had been a faint ringing of some blacksmithing going on somewhere, and the laughter of children at play. It was too early in the year for the winter time activities of spinning and weaving, the harvest was not far away and most of the farm activities were in preparation for that event. So Lina found that she and Gourry were in a far more relaxed environment than last night.

But the hall wasn't empty. At a table off to one side sat Gourry's parents. They had been waiting for Gourry and Lina to get up and now rose to greet the couple with gentle teasing about their being sleepyheads. Soon enough Gourry and Lina were at table and as they ate they talked. Things were not as strained nor as rushed as last night and the two couples finally got to start to really know each other. There were the usual boyhood tales of Gourry growing up, some of which caused him to blush, but Lina laughed, it was good to hear some history that she knew Gourry would never have thought to tell her. She tried to be honest with her own past, when asked, and sometimes she too was blushing while Gourry looked amuzed. And there were family tales, and history of old was told. Lina asked about Mispros island and was told many things that she hadn't known. She asked about Rowdy, and heard much more about him than she had been able to gather from her brief visit to the island, fateful as it had been. She even asked about the elf maiden Melirune, which raised an eyebrow or two, and was asked how she knew so much about that part of the family's history.

Lina quietly, and a little hesitantly, explained about the visit she made, and what she had done to change history with the help of the original Rowdy. Needless to say there was a bit of silence at the end, then Gourry's mother stood up and bid Lina come with her. She took her over to a piece of the great tapestry that hung in the hall and there, interwoven with many other things in the cloth were pictures of a small redhaired woman and a young blue haired man doing battle with a really mean looking eight foot tall, bipedal frog. Lina was amazed, here was the story in simple form of her battle with the demon Joyrock some thousand years ago, a battle that had begun only a few years ago when Lina was maybe all of just turning fifteen, and which had ended when Rowdy, then an old man of un-natural long life, about a thousand years or so, had sent her back in time where she had changed history by getting a young Rowdy to the battle at the village of the elves in time, instead of too late, and there, between her magic and his skilled use of the Sword of Light, the monster had been defeated and sent to the abyss. In amongst the pictures was a beautiful young girl, who must have been representing Melirune, the elf maiden Lina had met.

"So, we wouldn't even be here, we Gabrievs, were it not for you, Lina." mused Mother. Lina replied "I don't know, I have never thought about it that way. To be honest, I cannot recall if there was a clan Gabriev in Elemikia or not before any of this happened, I changed history, I suppose I changed my memories too..." "Hm, well, I don't know what sort of, oh, I don't know what to call it, lets say a "reward" would be appropriate in a case like this." said Gourry's mother, thinking hard. "I already have it." said Lina with a smile. "I feel honoured to be rewarded with the privelage of joining with your son and starting a new branch of the family Gabriev in a new land full of exciting possibilities. It is truely more than I deserve, though I admit to being greedy enough to want it." Gourry's mother laughed with a clear, pleasant laugh. "Well then my dear, I think we can afford to give you what your heart desires, and add to it every blessing that it is possible for humans to give each other. My golden boy as a reward, I felt he was destined for a special life, but I never imagined it to be like this. Still, to be allowed to be made a noble, in a new world, and a great hero of many epic battles, and married to a beautiful woman who truely loves him, all that so he can be a reward? Well, no mother can object to that! But is there nothing else?"

Lina pondered. "We are going to Mispros so I can see the statue again, the one of me and Rowdy that the elves made. I would love to see Melirune again, but I know she would be old, even by elvish count, probably she is dead. But does she have any family? Have the Gabrievs and the elves kept in touch?" asked Lina. "Well indeed we have. You are in luck, but you better not dawdle on the way, she is alive, last I heard, and would be in her eleven hundreth and something year of life. Most elve do live to between a thousand and twelve hundred years, so it is amazing but not surprising she is so long alive. I met her once, a long time ago, as a little girl. The elves as a whole have not kept up much correspondence with us, but Melirune remembers Rowdy and how her life was saved, and has taken an interest in the family's fortunes. Every direct line decendant of Rowdy has gone to see her at least once in their life. I was no exception. Yes, just to be clear here, it is through me, not his father, that Gourry is directly decended from Rowdy."

She gave a sigh. "It is also because of this that there was trouble, for my father had two wives in his life, the first, my mother, dying when young, and the second giving birth to Norman as her oldest. We call him a cousin, but he's really my half brother, though he was born only a year before my Rolf was. By the laws of succession, the sword had to come to the eldest child, who has usually been a male, but because I was a girl the question got asked "Eldest by which marriage?" There was a family council and it was bitter, but the vast majority were for me, and through me my children, inheriting, but some of the others couldn't accept this, and the feud broke my father's heart. He might be with us today if not for that, but alas. Now you know why the bad feelings that my Gourry reacted to. But, if he were fated to have the sword, perhaps all this had to be, certainly, the issue is now laid to rest, with the sword being gone."

Lina mused on this. Gourry's mother went on. "So, now the family's fortunes go east with you two, hmmm, that is good, there has been a terrible deal of cousin with cousin marrying withing this family, not that that is thought bad or evil here, although in some parts of the world I hear it is, still, we have turned in on ourselves too much. Fresh blood, to infuse our veins, before we become stale and start to rot, that's what we need! I hope, Lina, that you prove to be the first of many. Succession and decent from Rowdy will not be the issues they were in the past, with no sword to inherit, yes, it might just happen. And for your part, now that you have been allowed the mantle of nobility, well, who knows! A decendant with a drop or two of Rowdy vintage may, in the normal course of things, someday sit on the throne of your kingdom. Who knows? I don't, but hey why not? At least I can dream." She gave Lina hug then, seeing that Lina looked a bit overwhelmed by her words. "Oh, don't take me seriously Lina dear, I am not prophesying, nor promoting that you scheme and plot. Only an old mother musing on the fate of her family after her. You will understand better when your children are getting married and starting to move on too. So, go to Mispros, and see Melirune. She will be delighted, and Gourry hasn't made his visit to her yet either, this is wonderful. Come, let us rejoin the men, shall we?" she asked, leading Lina back to the table.

When they got there Gourry's father was holding and admiring the Blast Blade. "It looks plain enough, but it is magical, you can feel it!" said his father. "Oh, you two are back. What were you looking at? That spot on the tapestry with the battle against Joyrock? I thought so! So, a living legend! What a charmed life you lead Lina! Tell me, you sure this knucklehead here is good enough for you? We have many other fine Gabriev men who are single you know!" Lina wasn't sure what to make of this until Mother, trying not to laugh, bopped him on the head, which surprised Lina to no end. No wonder Gourry seemed to accept it so easily when she bopped him!

Gourry's mother got control of herself and said "And you are terrible, bait for brains! If she's happy with Gourry, don't you dare try to get her to trade up, we'll never get rid of him!" They both laughed as Gourry sat there with a pained look on his face. But not pain as if he had been rejected, rather pain that he was yet again being teased, and even the pained look seemed part of the ritual. Lina, after doing yet another double take got up and walked over to him and gave him a hug and said to her in laws "Nah, I've got him just about trained now, I'd hate to have to start over again." There was more laughter and Gourry said "Oh Lina, not you too...", a complaint that earned him a kiss on the cheek.

So the afternoon passed in it's own way. There were plans to make sure that some Gabrievs were at the up coming wedding. Then the supper hour came and the hall filled with people who could all eat like Gourry, and did. Lina did manage to impressed them by keeping up. There was a round of eating and drinking stories after that, plus lots of laughter, more merry making, a bit of dancing for those with the energy, while the others sang songs for them to dance to, and finally, they were let off to bed. And so, the week passed. At times it dragged a bit, more often it pressed in around them as family came from far and wide to meet the prodigal and hear of his fame and fortune. At times Lina felt herself to be a bit on display and there were some really tense moment when the press of people made her tempted to just apply the crowd control practices she had employed of old, namely to yell and scream and toss fire balls, but, these were Gourry's family, and he was just getting back to them after years of being an outcast, so she made a monumentally superhuman effort and restrained herself. However, it was mostly at the supper that this happened, during the day the family was too busy working the farm. Because they were perparing for harvest, and because he knew how busy it was Gourry offered to help and his father accepted his offer. Lina suddenly felt like she was being abandoned and some sniffles escaped. She tried to clamp down on them because she knew it was silly, but for some reason, she suddenly felt like her husband of not quite two weeks was abandoning her.

The family noticed and asked what was wrong. She tried to put it off as nothing, but her mother-in-law wasn't a wise woman for nothing. Rounding on Gourry and his father she gently but firmly put them in their place for not asking Lina if it was okay first. She then laid down the law. Gourry could help one day and get his male bonding needs out of the way, then he had to spend at least the next day after that showing Lina around the farm. All of it. Since it was several miles big it would take a good hike or three to do that. Lina felt a bit embarassed, but Mother smoothed it over, and by the end of the day all was well again. So, the new day dawned and Gourry went off to do wood cutting for the winter fuel supply. He took the Blast Blade of course, but he also swung a big axe over his shoulder.

Lina found herself in with a pile of self proclaimed "cousins in law" and got a crash course in labour management, time management, prioritizing, efficiency, and diplomacy, craftily disguised as house and farm work. She had to admit that Mother really knew how to keep everyone, from little children to grown women who were mothers in their own right, busy at their tasks while making it seem like fun. At first her heart quailed, she was going to have to step into this role in a few weeks when they got home and she became Mistress of her own hearth for the first time, but as the day went on she began to clue in to some of the basics and was a bit surprised to find she knew a lot of it already. She asked for help with the finer points and got more information than she could take in from the eager and friendly women. Anyway, by the time the men were returning that day with a lot more wood than they had ever cut before, Lina suspected the Blast Blade had been put to use "demonstrating" its remarkable properties, there was a major meal prepared, the hall was ready to receive, and Lina had learned a trick or two on the domestic front, like Gourry's favourite dishes, even his favourite preserves, something Lina hadn't ever heard him talk about and which, she realized with some chagrin, she had never thought to ask. It had been fun and informative. All the same, she was just as glad the two of them were going to go for a long walk tommorrow. And so they did.

Gourry took Lina for a walk, it felt good to roam around, just like they used to do a few months ago. They talked about everything, mostly about his family, but the future to, of course. Gourry showed her the woods, and some small lakes, even a private hot spring. He also showed her his favourite haunts from when he was a boy. Lina appreciated this glimps into how Gourry became Gourry. It didn't hurt that they were alone a lot, in some beautiful, and secluded places, either...

After seeming so daunting the week ended up going by too fast, and Lina was actually sad that they had to get ready to go one day. Not that there was anything else to do about it, and she was going to have her turn when she brought Gourry home for her week with her family. Plus, Melirune was waiting, if she knew it or not. They went to their bed, which, though not plush like the Queens golden bed in Westhold, had proven to be as comfortable. Trina was there, the girl had been packing, with lots of help from the various female relations who wanted to see some of the finery Lina had brought with her. This had been a bit trying for the poor girl as she wanted to do everything right, meaning her way, but the job was done, clothes laid out for the morrow, the bed turned down and ready.

"Oh Trina! haven't you taken it easy on your vacation?" asked Lina as she and Trina confered about tommorrows plans. "Well, yes, I did get to take in some of the sun today. It was good. And I got to see that Sir Gourry has a very handsom family." she replied. "Meaning that some of the men took a liking to you no doubt?" Lina said softly. "Yeah, they did. I don't know Lady, it's way too soon after the war for me, but in a mild way it was good to feel that, when I'm ready, life is waiting to go on for me. Maybe we could come back in a year?" Trina said with a soft smile. "We shall see..." said Lina with a soft smile of her own. She felt good. Trina would remember her fallen lover, but she would go on. She sent the girl to bed and then went to her own. Gourry wasn't sure where her passion had come from, but after that first fierce kiss, he was too busy to take time to think...