"So, this is Varsiun." Lina gazed at the town from the top of a nearby hill. Gourry was on her right side, with Sylphiel on his. Gourry looked over at her. "You haven't been here before?" "No, I've just heard about it. Varsiun is supposed to be a very religious city, but with lots of different religions. Nearly every religion there is has a temple in Varsiun, and new religions are sprouting up all the time. "The ruling family has successfully separated themselves from the often-arguing religions. No one knows who they worship, if anything. That way, none of the separate religious groups have a hold on them, and they don't favor any one in particular." Lina gazed at the glittering city, the spires and domes of the various faiths' temples. It was truly a beautiful city, if a bit eclectic, with each of the temples trying to outdo the others, no doubt hiring the best and most expensive architects. Next to her, Gourry also stared silently at the city, but instead of admiring its beauty, he was simply wondering the the heck Lina was talking about. "Uh... okay..." "Well, let's go." Lina, Sylphiel, and Gourry continued down the hill to Varsiun, passing through the gates under the watchful eyes of the guards. <At least we aren't on any wanted posters currently...> "Lina-san, there's a good inn near here; you may want to set up base there," Sylphiel suggested quietly. Lina nodded, and they followed her to the inn. *** A shadowy figure trailed them at a distance, weaving in and out between the people, horses, and carts. It ducked into a back alley as Gourry glanced back for a moment. *** "What is it, Gourry?" "Oh, nothing. I just thought I saw something moving." "Jellyfish brains! We're in a CROWDED CITY! Of course people are moving!" They continued on. *** A few hours later... "Ah, I'm finally full. What a great feeling. Yosh'! I'm ready to take on that cult now!" "Ano... Lina... it's almost midnight." Lina looked around. Gourry was snoring on the table. "Ahh... I was wondering why no one was trying to steal my food," she smiled. Sylphiel sweatdropped. Lina reached over and shook Gourry until the swordsman woke up. "Ne, Gourry, maybe you should go to bed." Gourry mumbled something, then got out of his chair and stumbled up the stairs to the hall where their rooms were. Sylphiel and Lina remained at the table, as a tired and harried waiter removed the empty plates. "So, Sylphiel... I have some questions," Lina said, setting her elbows on the table and resting his chin in her hands. Sylphiel blinked as Lina took her attentive pose, then smiled softly. "Go ahead, Lina-san." "First of all... why did YOU come to get us? Why didn't someone more closely affiliated with the royal family come? You said you were just in Varsiun to find people who would help you rebuild Sairaag." "Well, truthfully... I didn't come find you because anyone asked me to. The king's councillors-- the ones that weren't in the castle, that is-- each sent out agents to find people who could drive out the cultists. Many of the higher priests did the same. They're all hoping that if their warriors save the royal family, they'll get influence in the dealings of the city, and the more sinister ones want to forcibly take control while the king is weak," Sylphiel answered quietly. "Well, that does make sense... it kind of reminds me of Seyruun. But why did you come find us?" "Because I know that at least one of the priests sent their agents out to find you. I don't want anyone but the royal family ruling Varsiun, and I know that with you and Gourry-sama's skills, you would undoubtably defeat the cultists and save the royal family. If I hire you before anyone else, then no one will have any hold on the king." "That's... pretty smart of you, Sylphiel," Lina said, looking surprised. She hadn't credited the shrine maiden with that much common sense. Sylphiel smiled and got up. "Thank you, Lina-san." She turned to go, then turned back. "Also..." Lina blinked. "Yes?" "I also came to find you and Gourry-sama because it's been so long since I've seen you. I was beginning to miss you." Lina was suprised, to say the least. She knew about Sylphiel's infatuation with Gourry, but why in the world would the other girl miss her? Her thoughts must have been visible on her face, because Sylphiel smiled, leaned over, and pressed her lips lightly to Lina's. As the sorceress sat there in shock, Sylphiel turned and left, presumably headed to her room. Lina's thoughts were in a turmoil. Sylphiel liked girls?! More then that, Sylphiel liked... HER?! What the HELL was going on?! She would have to do something... but what? What do you DO in a situation like that. <Hey... maybe she was just joking. Or maybe she meant it in a sisterly way,> Lina thought, but she knew neither of those were true. The look in Sylphiel's eyes... Lina shook her head to clear away the thought. Definitly NOT sisterly. And she knew Sylphiel wasn't much of a joker. Lina felt her eyelids drooping, and decided that whatever she was going to do, it would have to wait until morning. The sorceress made her way to her room, intending to think a little more about this as she tried to fall asleep, but it was not to be. As soon as her head hit the pillow, she was asleep.
Back to Sometimes It's Better to be Bored Index - Back to Slayers Shoujo-Ai Fanfiction