Gourry kicked his horse into a gallop and they raced across the stretch of land to the massive manor house, following Roland.
The others followed Gourry's lead and kicked their own horses into a gallop.
"Who owns this place?" Filia asked when they'd caught up to Roland and Gourry.
"Lady Inverse does," was the reply.
It startled the others to find out that Lina owned a huge place like this and still travelled around.
"How did she get a place like this?" Zelgadis asked.
"King Mercham bestowed it upon Lady Inverse along with the title of the Crimson Lady. She is the royal family's most loyal protector," Roland said as he dismounted. "Lady inverse will be here in time to sup with you all," he said and left.
"LINA?!" all her friends chorused in disbelief.
Lina gave them all a strange look and turned to the nearest servant. "Have my other guests arrived yet?" she asked.
"Not yet Lady. Shall I have the meal served now?" the maid asked.
"If you would Mary, I'd be grateful," Lina replied, smiling.
The maid returned the smile, curtsied and hurried out of the Hall.
Lina turned to her friends. "Shall we?" she asked, making a graceful sweeping gesture towards the dias and the long table on it.
Gourry stepped forward and offered his arm to Lina with a bow.
Lina blushed a little as she accepted Gourry's arm. "Thank you Gourry," she said softly and they took their places at the table, the still-stunned others following them.
"YOU are the lady of this estate?" Martina asked in disbelief.
"I am. Follow me and I'll show you to your rooms," Lina said and led Martina and Zangulus up to a spacious stone suite of rooms. "I'll see you in the morning," she said and left.
"Lina owns this estate? But that's not fair!! She destroyed my kingdom and now she has this beautiful place!" Martina cried, stamping her foot.
Zangulus wrapped his arms around Martina. "calm down and let's go to bed. You can be mad at her in the morning," he said and yawned.
Martina nodded and undressed, slipping beneath the covers with her husband.
"Why are you up Lina?" Xellos asked, appearing from thin air.
"I had guests to greet," Lina replied, looking at Xellos. "What are you doing up?"
"Looking around the manor. You have a nice place. Why didn't you mention it before?" Xellos asked.
Lina shrugged. "I never thought it was relevant to mention. I rarely ever come here when I'm with you all," she replied, climbing up the stairs.
"But everyone here seems to know you. How's that?" Xellos asked.
Lina smiled. "I've known these people since I was 14 years old. Of course they'd know me," she replied. "Now if you don't mind, I'd like to go back to sleep."
Xellos nodded and kissed Lina on the cheek. "Night Lina," he said and disappeared.
Lina continued up the stairs and entered her chambers. "Gourry! What are you doing here? It's the middle of the night," she said when she saw the blonde swordsman.
Gourry got off his seat on Lina's bed and walked towards her. "I came to talk to you Lina. It's been so long since I've talked to you in person that I couldn't wait until morning," he said, his hands gripping her shoulders.
Lina smiled then yawned. "You talk. I'll listen," she said, slipped off the robe and slippers and climbed into bed. She patted the spot beside her and Gourry sat down beside her. She fell asleep to the sound of Gourry's voice.
