Capriones8/29/2006
Disclaimer: We shall make use of several of the characters from The Slayers, none of whom belongs to us.
Chapter Thirty-Three – Parting Ways
"I want you to marry us, today," Gourry said. "Me and Sylphiel."
"It is difficult to say when we'll have a better chance," Xelloss replied thoughtfully. "All right."
"I hadn't thought of that," Gourry said. "I was thinking more of her. Sylphiel would feel better about, you know, with us being married and all."
"Ah, yes," Xelloss said, coloring slightly.
He and Lina hadn't been intimate. The night before, their nerves had been shot by their magic use, and after Xelloss had administered the 'sleep' spell, Lina was out until dawn. Now, she was back at the canteen, refueling. And, to tell the truth, he felt both anxiety and nervousness when he thought about making love to her. If he faced the bitter truth, it wasn't his strong point. His only comfort was that he knew she hadn't anyone else to compare him to, and that she truly loved him.
"I should take care of that, too," Xelloss said with a slight smile. "Before Lina forgets."
"Yeah, well, she's not one to forget a promise of marriage. She loves you, man. I can see it in her eyes. She's pretty young, though and might need a little encouragement from you."
"You mean I should romance her a bit more?"
"Call it what you will, but you're gonna have to be the one making all the moves."
"Ah, yes. I think you're right. I can do that," Xelloss said, unable to meet the other man's steady gaze.
"Oh, I imagine you can," Gourry said, chuckling. "I was thinking that maybe Zel would like to tie the knot with us?"
"We could demonstrate our Caprione traditions to his father-in-law," Xelloss said grateful for the change of topic. "Okay, I'll check with the others."
As he found the interested parties and made his suggestion, Xelloss discovered that before any nuptials could begin, he must assemble everyone to hear out and discuss all their upcoming plans. They were terribly excited, bursting with ideas, and creating a chaos of his simple-ceremony plans.
Finally, Xelloss called for order and announced, "We have to settle what's going on right now. We have people waiting for us to do something, so I'll start. Lina and I will first pay a visit to our benefactors and thank the beast people for their help. After that, some of the Capriones must return here and retrieve and reclaim their belongings, repair what they can, and get re-established before the winter hits. This place...will not be suitable."
"The Capriones can stay with the beast men all winter," Valgaav said, "and until a new settlement is found for spring. Dilgear promised me that."
"That's very generous of him to say," Xelloss pointed out. "It's all the more important that we get there today, then, and see if they still feel the same way. That's a lot of people to assimilate for one town."
"Okay, then, Filia and I will go with you and help them."
"Valgaav, I thought you wanted to travel to the Ancient tribes' lands to see if it would be a possible place to settle in," Filia reminded him.
"Afterwards, yeah. That's what I want to do." Valgaav rubbed his hands on his pants and met Xelloss' eyes nervously. "It will be your decision where we, er, the Capriones go, but the Ancient tribe lands are south, near the ocean and on the Caprione trade route."
Lina perked up. "That's close to Zephillia, sounds to me. I could help going there, maybe."
Xelloss wilted at her suggestion, but said nothing to Lina. His attention remained on Valgaav.
"You want to travel with the Capriones, or return to the Cepheid people? Or, do you know?"
Valgaav shook his head, looking over Filia's shoulder to the vast pit from Lina's deadly castings, disfiguring the distant landscape. This had been the only home he really knew. It held both good and bad memories.
"I don't know," he admitted. "A little of each, I guess. It's something I need to figure out for myself."
Xelloss smiled and touched his brother's arm. "Okay. You can talk to me, you know? No pressure. Just remember that you'll always have a home with us."
Valgaav's face relaxed into a smile, which grew into a grin. "Yeah, bro..."
Philionel had been in quiet consultation with Amelia and Zelgadiss, and chose this time to speak up. "It is my vow to have supplies delivered, whatever you need, food, clothing, blankets. What was that, Amelia? Oh, yes, of course. And free passage throughout our kingdom. When you're ready, let's discuss citizenship for your people so you can take advantage of our schools and services."
"And taxes?" Xelloss asked.
"The march to modernity comes with a price."
"And don't forget, father," Amelia said. "I would like to use the treasure from my dowry chest to help the Capriones get re-established. We can have it delivered here or to Madiran."
"Not to mention our things. Remember? We left a bag of clothes at the palace, which I am certain Lina neglected to pick up," Filia said, and she and Amelia made plans to have their belongings delivered.
"Maybe I should go with you," Lina said, uncertainly.
Xelloss pretended not to hear her as he lifted his eyes to gaze over her shoulders. He wanted Lina to show interest in him, not everyone else's endeavors. He looked quickly over at Zelgadiss.
"Won't you need the gold from Amelia to fund your own cause?"
"No." Zelgadiss shook his head. "I don't think you really ever appreciated how wealthy a man I am– your mother certainly didn't or she might have been more interested in gaining my sympathy. I'll have plenty, once I get to Atlas City and defeat the rest of the Red Guard."
Zelgadiss continued, "We will be heading to Atlas city with Rodimus and Zolf straightaway."
"We shall bring justice to Atlas City!" Amelia cried, taking up a triumphant stance.
"With the army of Seyruun ay your back," Philionel roared with vigor. "We shall be victorious! We shall secure the city, the kingdom and the throne."
"Well, not exactly," Zelgadiss put in.
Philionel drew a deep breath. "You must secure claim to the throne."
Amelia broke in. "Oh, daddy, I explained this part already. Zelgadiss is not to be crowned king. He wants the officials to be elected, like Mr. Milgasia was."
Her father frowned and appeared about to argue, then his face cleared after having worked out a solution.
"Well, then, we have to elect Zel to the throne."
Lina appeared to be torn between joining in on the plans of her friends or Xelloss. Zel wasn't too involved in his own intricate schemes to see that Xelloss was aware of this by the hurt in his eyes. Zel knew he was a lucky man in comparison. Amelia's plans and his were locked together, but Xelloss was tied to the Capriones, whereas Lina was not. She was a rover and a mercenary. Would she move on with the roving Capriones, or on her own? How much was she willing to part with her old ways to remain with Xelloss? How deep were her loyalties to him? He owed it to Xelloss to find out and end his friend's misery.
Zel extricated himself from Philionel and found Lina. He pulled her off to the side.
"What is it, Zel?" she asked.
"You know, we have all the fire power we need to finish the job ahead."
"So?"
"I just want to say that Xelloss needs you more now than ever."
"I know..."
"What's the matter, Lina? Second thoughts? If you don't want to be a part of his life, now's the time to tell him. Don't put it off any longer."
"No, no! It's not like that at all, actually. I want to be with Xelloss, it's just. Well, I don't think he really, you know, wants me."
Lina, embarrassed to admit that, looked away. "There were times when he seemed so passionate, when I least wanted it, of course, but not last night or this morning. I don't know what he wants from me."
"Lina, he's thirty-five years old. The Capriones has been the focus of his life, forcing him to restrain his personal feelings. While Zelas had the freedom to sleep with just about anybody she wanted, he was forbidden to even dream about a lover, because if he did, he couldn't have obeyed her every order, been the perfect soldier, whatever it was she expected of her. He hid it from everyone, which is why Valgaav thought he must have liked boys, I guess."
"Yeah? How do you know so much?"
"When I was first 'enslaved', as you might call it, Xelloss shared his room with me-- afraid Zelas would kill me in the night, I suppose. He talks in his sleep."
"Oh, that's great," Lina said, rolling her eyes and smiling.
"Yeah, well. I learned a lot those nights. Anyway, you put the cracks in his defenses. Now that his mother is dead, the woman who ruled his life even to the point of telling him who to love, I'll bet all he needs is the slightest encouragement from you, the tiniest provocation, and the floodgates will open. You'll have more of Xelloss than you can handle."
"Oh yeah? We'll see about that. I can handle a lot, of anybody." She smiled and touched Zelgadiss' hand. "Ah, thanks, Zel. I know just what to do, or would, if we had the chance to be alone."
"What if you and Xelloss stayed behind and let Valgaav and Gourry carry some of the weight for a few days?"
"Convincing Xelloss of that would be hard," Lina said.
"Give me a minute," Zel said.
Zel scampered over to Gourry first, then to Valgaav, explaining his idea.
"We'll make it our wedding gift to him," Gourry said.
Trailing behind Xelloss, the friends formed a procession. They gathered by a hedge of wild flowers, now an overgrown thicket of blackberry vines entangled with prickly rose stems. The sky had cleared, the late autumnal sun warming the chill air.
"Okay everyone. This won't take long," Xelloss called out. "Gourry, Sylphiel– you're first."
He withdrew a red satin ribbon from his pocket and waited for the couple to take their places in front of him. The couple held hands beneath a bower of wild roses, which not long ago was a romantic arch they passed under, heavy with fragrant white blossoms, but was now stripped of flowers and any remaining foliage. Xelloss took their right hands, clasped them snugly, and then wrapped the ribbon loosely into a bow at their wrists.
"I'm thrilled to be here today uniting my brother and his lovely bride in matrimony. There is no more important choice you make in life. Gourry? How do you feel towards this lovely woman?"
Gourry looked Sylphiel in the eye and smiled. He told her how he felt and promised to take care of her and cherish her always. When it was her turn, Sylphiel spoke to him in a voice so low no one could hear, but the pleasure in Gourry's shining face was apparent to everyone.
"I wish you the best life has to offer until the creator of us all calls you away," Xelloss said, and then he kissed both friends. "Now, since Sylphiel is a Whine Shrine priestess, it is only natural that our resident Cepheid priest put in a good word."
Milgasia stepped forward and cleared his throat. "Yes, well, this is a rather extraordinary day, isn't it? I haven't my book of dignified litanies to read."
"Just wing it," Xelloss said.
"One doesn't 'wing' an hour-long process," Milgasia said seriously. "However, in light of the situation, Sylphiel and Gourry, I proclaim you man and wife in the name of Cepheid."
"That's what I said to you," Zelgadiss whispered to Amelia. "Remember?"
"Yes. It's what's in the heart that counts," Amelia said, nodding
She was gratified that he remembered what had been a significant moment in her life. She didn't think anyone would have guessed him to be the romantic.
Gourry and Sylphiel thanked Milgasia, and then moved to aside to make room for Zelgadiss and Amelia. Xelloss snapped a ribbon, this one gold, in the air to straighten it out.
"Next?" Xelloss said, smiling.
The procedure was repeated for the two young people of royal bloodlines, just as simply. Even Milgasia stepped up and blessed their union, since Amelia was a priestess, too.
"And it's not done yet," Amelia said, through her tears, "you all must promise to come to Seyruun mid winter for my formal wedding party."
"I've never been in a palace before," Val said. "What do we wear?"
"Oh, we have hundreds of costumes to choose from," Amelia said. "So, don't worry. We'll take care of all that. You just come and have a good time."
Valgaav didn't look too sure, so he shrugged. Filia thanked Amelia for her generosity and assured her they would be there.
"Your turn, bro," Valgaav said. "Who's going to bind him and Lina?"
Xelloss again, looked to Milgasia. "I'd be honored if you would, in place of my mother today," he said in a low voice.
Xelloss held out a pale green ribbon and waited anxiously for the man's answer. He hadn't long to wait.
"Might as well make you legal," Milgasia said, taking up the ribbon. "Come here then."
Lina snuggled close to Xelloss, clasped his hand, and impatiently stretched out their arms to the Cepheid leader. "Ready."
Milgasia fussed with tying an elaborate bow while listening to the young couple repeat declarations of love and assure one another of their commitment.
"And I promise to cherish you and give you everything I have," Xelloss said, stopping to give her a wink and flash a glance back at Gourry. "Well, almost everything, just not that."
Lina knew he meant the Philosopher's stone and flushed darkly. "I'd forgotten about that," she mumbled. "I don't want it. Much. I don't want much from you except your undivided attention and loyalty."
Xelloss grinned. "Oh, my..."
"What?" she said, wondering how he'd twisted that around in his mind to produce that expression.
"And for my promise of undying constancy, you'll give me children?" he asked, seriously, but with a glimmer in his eye she took to be lust.
"Well, sure...I guess..." Lina muttered uncomfortably. "eventually."
"And so I pronounce you man and wife," Milgasia concluded quickly with a nervous smile.
"Thanks, Mil," Lina said, unable to wrest her hand from Xelloss' even if she'd wanted to.
Everyone milled around knowing they had to leave, but wanting to postpone their departures as long as possible. In the short time close bonds of friendship had been created. Still, there were responsibilities and obligations driving them apart.
Valgaav had acquired two devoted followers, Gravos and Jillas from the beast men's village. They had announced that they would follow "the boss man" anywhere. This was satisfying to hear, but Valgaav sensed that the Cepheid troops had split loyalties.
He and Milgasia spoke to them at length, deciding that some would remain with him, accompanying him and aiding where needed, and selecting out a few men to continue on with Milgasia. While he was busy with the Cephied men, Jillas became particularly clingy toward Filia.
"You'll be with us, too, won'tcha?" Jillas asked her. "It wouldn't be the same without a beautiful woman like you around."
Filia wasn't certain how to respond. She was both flattered and uncomfortable by the young fox-man's obvious attraction to her.
"Well, I... Ah... Certainly, if I'm needed..."
Valgaav cut the tension as he snaked an arm around her waist, and said, "Sure she'll come. She knows she's what gives me class, and," he added quickly, "there's no one I'd trust more in a fight."
Filia smiled, embarrassed, but pleased. "Yes, Mr. Jillas. I plan to accompany Valgaav to Madiran and see this to the end."
The other half of the Cepheid fighters would leave immediately with Milgasia, bearing Zelas' body for burial back to her home lands. Gourry, Xelloss, and Valgaav agreed to the plan, not needing or wanting to be present as their mother was put to rest. It was only her body, Xelloss said, putting an end to the discussion. Since the trip was on the way to Atlas City, Milgasia would accompany Zelgadiss and Philionel part way. Eventually he and Valgaav would re-mobilize in the lands near Madiran, before returning to their mountaintop retreat.
At last, the party broke into separate groups heading different directions. The Atlas City entourage was first to set out. Zelgadiss and Amelia said goodbye, both tearful, but excited.
"As long as I know I'll see you all in just a short time," Amelia said. "Then I'll leave happy."
"You bet we'll be in Seyruun for your celebration. Wouldn't miss a party like that," Gourry assured them and watched as his wife and Amelia cried in an embrace.
Lina tightly hugged a surprised Zelgadiss. "I'm going to miss you. You gotta promise me an invite to Atlas City, okay?"
"Of course, Lina. In particular, I'd like you to be the first one to enter the library of magic, which has been closed for decades."
Lina's eyes flamed with interest. "I didn't know about that. Yeah, thanks."
Xelloss was unprepared to be left behind. He and Lina, he had been told, were to remain at the ruined camp, alone.
"My brothers' have been scheming behind my back?"
"It's the right thing to do, and you know it," Val said. "Stop whining about it."
"But, but, but...!" Xelloss sputtered.
"You get a couple days of honeymoon," Gourry repeated for the forth time. "Our gift to you. Don't worry. All the Caprione folks will understand why you're meeting them here and not in Madiran. It will be okay."
"Yes, but..."
"Bye!" everyone shouted, and departed with more parting words, tears, and promises.
"Now, that wasn't so hard letting your brothers carry the burden of leadership," Lina said as they watched the last of the Cepheid forces leave the camp.
Zelgadiss and the Seyruun army were barely discernable on the horizon, heading toward Atlas City.
"Yes it was," Xelloss said with a smile.
"Then I'll have to coax you into forgetting about them for a couple days."
"I'm coax-able. In fact, I have a wonderful idea. Meet me back at my tent in ten minutes, okay?"
"Ten minutes, eh? Okay."
End Capriones, Chapter Thirty-Three.