"Lina? Hang on a second while I go and get her," Zelgadis said and went to Lina's tent. "Lina, there's a young boy with a message for you waiting at the edge of camp," he said.
Lina stepped out of her tent and strode over to the boy. "You have a message for me?" she asked.
The boy bowed and handed Lina a folded piece of parchment.
"Come and sit by the campfire while I read the message," Lina offered, holding out her hand to the boy.
The boy took Lina's hand and walked with her to the campfire. He sat down and waited while Lina read the message.
Lina read the words on the parchment and paled. "What's your name?" she asked the boy.
"Roland, Lady," the boy replied.
"Well Roland, can you wait for about half an hour while I pack? I'm goig back to Ceilo with you," Lina said. She got to her feet and began to pack. She was taking down her tent when Gourry and Amelia returned with more firewood.
"What are you doing Miss Lina?" Amelia asked anxiously.
"I'm leaving for a couple of months. I'll see you all in Saillune later," Lina replied and finished taking down her tent.
"Where are we going?" Gourry asked.
"You aren't coming with me Gourry. I'm going alone," Lina replied. "Take care of Amelia and Zel for me, okay?"
Gourry nodded slowly, hurt that Lina didn't want him to come with her.
Lina arranged her stuff into a medium sized bundle and got to her feet. She could see the hurt in Gourry's eyes and she didn't like it. "Come here Gourry," she called softly. When Gourry reached her side, Lina took his hand. "Follow me," she said.
Gourry followed Lina into the woods, still hurt. He bumped into Lina when she stopped abruptly and turned to face him, knocking the two of them over.
Lina fell onto the mossy forest floor, her eyes widening as Gourry fell on top of her. Then she blushed.
Gourry rolled off Lina and sat up, facing away from her. "Why'd you bring me here Lina?" he asked.
"I wanted to say good-bye to you alone, without anyone around," Lina said softly. She crawled over to kneel in front of Gourry, taking his face in her hands. She looked deep into his eyes.
Gourry looked into Lina's ruby eyes and knew that she didn't want to leave him. But it still hurt that she didn't need him. "I want to go with you Lina.What am I going to do without you?" he asked.
"Wait for me. I'll send word to you if I need your help," Lina whispered. She placed a soft kiss on Gourry's lips and hugged him. "I'll miss you," shse sighed.
Gourry was startled by Lina's kiss and hug. "Lina?" he asked hesitantly, unsure.
"I'm just saying good-bye Gourry," Lina whispered and kissed Gourry again.
Gourry wrapped his arms around Lina and deepened the kiss.
Lina broke the kiss and smiled softly at Gourry. "I have to go. Roland is waiting. But do you want to be able to talk to me when you sleep at night?" she asked as she got to her feet.
Gourry nodded. "I want to be able to see you too," he said.
Lina whispered a spell that caused her lips to glow. She gave Gourry a kiss on the forehead, once on each eyelid and then a deep kiss on the lips. "Bye for now Gourry," she called then walked back to camp.
Gourry caught the piece of parchment that fluttered to the forest floor and opened it.
To the Crimson Lady, Your land is in danger and the kingdom under seige. If you plan to honor your pledge to your king and queen, come now.
Lord Miram of Surison
