The crackling fire was the only noise as they settled in for the night. Gourry had already fallen to sleep after their big meal, and Naga was settling down herself. The magical wards were in place already.
Then she realized that Lina was still staring at the fire, thinking hard. "So, Lina," Naga ventured, "Where exactly are we heading now?"
Lina didn't respond right away, the fire playing shadows across her face. "Well," she said at last, "There are two choices. I have some questions about all that has happened that need answering... but the only place I could find those answers would be in the Clair Bible."
"Yes, I remember that. So you're saying you know exactly where the Clair Bible is? The original, not just some manuscripts?"
Lina nodded. "More to the point, I now where both the original Clair Bible is, and where the only complete copy of it is."
Naga blinked. "There's a complete copy?"
Lina nodded again. "Yep. It's where most of the Clair Bible manuscripts were copied from, actually."
"So which are we heading for?"
Lina sighed. "That's the problem. The copy is closest, but it could take days, or even weeks to find the answers I want there. The original would give me my answers right away, but..."
"It's further away?"
"And protected by dragons."
Naga smirked. "Shouldn't be too hard for you, 'Dragon Spooker.'"
Lina glared at Naga a moment, before going on. "A dragon, sure. A few, no problem. But we're talking about two whole clans of dragons, Naga! Not to mention that I don't want to have to fight them."
Naga gave a low whistle. "So how did you make it through... before?"
Lina sighed. "At the time we were traveling with someone who turned out to be a rather powerful Mazoku in disguise. He scared the dragons spitless. That's how we got to the original Clair Bible the first time."
"Lina, we need to talk about your choice of friends..."
Lina growled. "He was not a friend. Just an ally who was as dangerous to us as to our enemies. But I knew how far to trust him, and we were useful to each other."
"So, which are we going to head for?"
Lina shrugged. "I guess I'll decided when we get closer. They're both to the north for now."
There was a moment of silence between the two.
"I have a question of my own." Lina said.
"Oh?"
"Yeah. Why'd you go back to 'Gracia,' all of the sudden?"
Naga sighed. "You ever have an epiphany?"
"I've had one or two."
"Yeah, well, I had one myself not too long ago. I left home mostly to protect myself and Amelia. I became someone completely new... and it was all for nothing!"
Lina nearly jumped back from the intensity of Naga's voice.
"It seems that Amelia got into way too many close shaves anyway, even with me gone. And where was I when she was fighting to save her life and the world? No, don't tell me, probably drunk off my ass, not even knowing there was anything wrong!"
"Naga..." Lina started, but trailed off. She didn't know what to say.
Naga snorted. "So, if 'Naga the White Serpent' is utterly useless, then I don't want to be her anymore. I don't want to rule Seyruun... but mark my word, Lina Inverse! The name of Gracia ul Naga de Seyruun will be spoken of in legends for years to come!"
Lina smiled at seeing the fire in her friends eyes. "Can I still call you Naga?"
Naga shrugged. "Sure. Just... try not to blow me up so much from now on. It's considered rude to detonate a princess, you know..."
The two women shared a laugh.
(Posted Sat, 01 Feb 2003 21:45)
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