Mariah Sunshine
His eyes followed a sea of red as it curled and waves across her tiny peachy face. It seemed to dance with particles of orange and swim with hints of yellow until it ended in a soft curl of dominant red. If Gourry didn't know any better he would have said that it was dyed, but then again, that was only if he was on a suicide mission.
His Lina was lying quietly on his chest her head tucked under his chin as she played with his long blonde hair. There was a somber sense throughout the air, as both stayed close and dared not to move from each other's warmth. Gourry couldn't help but wrap his broad arms tighter around her form, and she continued to finger and primp at his hair.
Split ends, huh Lina?
Yea, but not bad.
Are you tired?
No.
Hungry?
No.
Me neither.
It was a sad day indeed. Neither one was hungry and the day seemed to rain on dreary and wet outside their windows. For hours they stayed in each other's embrace, neither speaking nor thinking. For those hours in time, their minds and their hearts stayed blank, until a knock on the door brought them back into the real world.
Master Gourry? Madam Lina?
The maid stayed outside the door for a few moments until finally giving up and coming inside the room. They were both curled up in bed under their white fluffy comforter, neither looked up at her, and neither acknowledged her presence.
Master, Madam, Your presence is requested by her highness Amelia in the Dining Hall.
She waited a few seconds for a response, but neither spoke. She opened her mouth to speak again, but then Lina sat up, wrapping a white sheet around herself. She was entirely naked underneath the sheet and the maid blushed wildly from what she might have interrupted. Neither of them seemed to notice her sudden discomfort and Lina merely shooing the maid away with the flick of her wrist. Bowing heavily, the maid exited leaving the two to get up and get dressed.
After the maid left, Lina dropped the sheet and walked quietly to her white vanity on the other side of the room. She pulled out her fine bristled brush, a bra and panty set, boxers for Gourry followed by two towels. She made her way to the white closet not far from the bed and swung the heavy doors open by their golden handles. She sighed once before she pulled out a long red dress and black handsome suit for Gourry. Gourry, who was still lying in bed, sat up and watched her as she moved quietly, obviously tired and stressed out. Her movements weren't graceful or as smooth as they used to be. They seemed to jerk about as if she had had too much coffee. Well, she was up, meaning he would have to be as well. Standing, he came up quietly behind Lina, and she turned and welcomed his embrace. They stayed for a few moments until Gourry awkwardly let go, and patted her on her head. She forced a smile on her face, and he did as well, as they grabbed their towels and hurriedly dressed and bathed.
When they walked down the grand staircase, Amelia and Zegaldis were already seated at the head of the table. Amelia stood up quickly, and Zegaldis did the same as they politely welcomed their friends to the table. They peered at Lina as she walked in slowly, her head low and her mouth closed tight. Gourry followed behind her with a forced smile on his face but looking stunning in the silk suit that Lina had picked out for him. She didn't look bad herself. She was wearing a beautiful blood red dress, sleeveless and tight around her upper bodice, flowing into a pool at her feet. Her hair was pinned up in a sloppy yet elegant bun held tight with a single cherry blossom. Gourry positioned himself behind her chair, and Zegaldis behind Amelia's and the four proceeded to sit and began their meals.
Miss Lina, you look very lovely tonight.
Thank you Amelia, it was a dress I picked up on my way through Disnia. You don't look bad yourself.
And it was true. Amelia looked actually quite lovely in a pale blue dress with puffy sleeves and her hair down and around her face, topped off with a tiny gold crown. Amelia blushed slightly, however knew the most wondrous at the table tonight had to be Lina.
Gourry! Your hair is in a braid?
Yeah Zel. Lina thought is it a good idea, being it's supposed to be a fancy dinner tonight.
My compliments Lina.
Thanks Zel. Hey… where are the guests? I thought you were entertaining someone tonight you guys.
With you around Lina? I think not!
What the hell do you mean by that Zel?
Nothing.
Uhh, Ms. Lina what I think he means by that is that we'd much rather spend it in your company then having some boring old politicians taking up our time.
Hmm, that's what I thought he meant.
Hardly.
What was that Zel?
Uhhh.. Esther! More tea please! Umm, Mr. Gourry would you like something?
No thanks Amelia. The soup is really good though, my compliments to the chef!
Thanks. I'll be sure to tell them personally. Ms. Lina?
Hmm.
I just wanted to wish you a safe journey tonight. What time are you guys leaving?
Close to seven should be the appropriate time. I wan to get to the lake before the moon arises.
What a plan!
Excuse me Zel?
Well, Lina I don't see how you can go parading off at night because of some stupid myth told to you by the hired staff. Then what if the child is not there? Then you'll come home broken hearted and back where you started. Why do you even think the child is there!
How can she not be there! This is the supposed 1,000th year after the death of the priestess! And the person who killed her was the same person who stole the child today, some immortal fool whose managed to grasps the power of the necklace.
And you plan to kill the immortal?
If I can kill a mazoku and I can destroy the dragons, I'm pretty sure I can handle the supposed immortal. Such as your dear friend Rezo.
Hmp. And you still have yet to tell me what that has to do with the lake.
I'll let you answer that for yourself. Where do wandering soul's return?
To wherever it is that they were killed.
Exactly, so that's where we will return.
But the Father was never killed.
But the child was.
Silence befell the 4 friends as Lina made her sad point. Anger pulsed through Zel's face and veins as he forced himself to find a way to keep his dear friends there. Amelia had a sense of hopelessness across he face. Gourry lowered in his chair and Lina rose with a sense of dominance and determination. Finally Zel snapped.
Lina! If you think I'm going to allow you to go out there and fight some stupid 1,000-year-old myth your mistaken! I'll have you thrown in a magic prison cell or anything it takes.
Lina finally had had enough. Banging her hand on the table she stood quickly and turned her anger towards Zel.
And I'll dragon slave each and every one of you who try to hold me back! What concern is it of yours what I do!
Ms. Lina but we're your friends!
Friends or no, that is my child and there is nothing you can do or try that will stop me from getting her back.
Forgetting the manners forced into her head by countless years of being with Amelia, Lina turned on her heels and exited quickly, making sure to neither look back or hear their protests. As soon as her figure was gone from sight, Gourry dropped his napkin on his plate and stood.
Mr. Gourry, please don't let her do this! She's irrational right now! She'll get hurt!
Amelia. Zel. I don't think she's irrational at all. You know how much Lina loved little Mariah, and now she misses her like crazy. I'm willing to do anything to get Mariah back, and make Lina… and myself happy again.
But-
No buts Zel. This is what she has to do, and there is no way I'm gonna stop her. Now if you'll excuse me, we need to go get ready.
Quietly, Gourry turned and exited up the stairway walking swiftly, hoping to catch Lina. Amelia was left sitting there. Her face crumbled and Zel came to her aid. He helped her rise from her chair quietly she made her way crying made her way up the stairs to her own quarters. Zel called for a maid and whispered something in her ear before climbing upstairs himself to join his weeping wife.
Have 2 of the finest horses drawn for her highness and myself. Lay out the finest magical swords and shields and capes. We have a real battle to fight and I want it done right.
Yes my Lord.
Katana-Seishin- I just wanna say thank you so much for reviewing my fanfic. It was a pleasure to write knowing that you would review my chapters and encourage me to write. I'll be sure to return the favor with your fanfics. You've been consistent and it really means a lot to me. Thank you very much. bows deeply
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To that person who reviewd me anon.- Lol, thank you as well Me! I'm happy to have received a Review from you. Gracias!