Adult-FanFiction.org : Anime

Tell the Northern Lights to Keep Shining	By : QueenHimiko Category: +S to Z > Slayers Views: 3352 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the Slayers, I make no profit.

Chapter List
- 7
- 8
- 9
AN: Chapter title is from "Harbor" by Vienna Teng.

Gourry’s eyes narrowed in annoyance as someone knocked at the door. He had already told Rainclaff in no uncertain terms that his questioning of Lina the previous night had set her back into the throes of depression and that she was currently indisposed and was not available for another round of his sadistic interrogation. And the jerk had had the nerve to threaten them with derailing their entire case!

When he answered he was not too surprised to find that it was Amelia. He opened the door slightly but didn’t let her in. “Lina doesn’t want to see you.” He said.

The princess nodded, though she was obviously hurt. “I understand that. Can I talk with you?”

He stared at her warily. Lina was mad at her, and he couldn’t blame her. He was mad himself! “Five minutes.” He said as he opened the door.

Really so that he could give her a piece of his mind. As soon as he closed it he started before Amelia had the chance to blabber on about justice. “I don’t know much about diplomacy or inquiries. What I know is a lot simpler. Lina was hurt.”

“I know…”

“And you brought someone in with the tact of a troll and made her relive every moment of the worst night of her life in graphic detail!”

“He’s the best…” she tried to cut in again.

“He can’t be the best if this is what happens, if it means raping her again process!” Gourry exclaimed more loudly than he meant to. “I’ve been working my ass off to pick up the pieces for the last few months, and then he comes along and questions every move she has made and even tells her that she made it up so I wouldn’t find out that she had slept with someone! When the whole reason she couldn’t come to me in the first place was because she was terrified that I would think that she had wanted it!”

Amelia looked as though she was about to cry. Gourry was so mad he didn’t care. “Are you so set on seeing justice served, whatever that means when the men who did this are rotting in the ground, that you’re willing to feed her to the wolves to do it? Because I’m not!”

Amelia’s eyes widened as though she had been slapped in the face. He continued, “I love her more than anything, and I have no ties to this world other than her. I will take her across the ocean if I have to! But I will see that she is safe and that she can heal.”

Amelia had never felt more intimidated by the swordsman. She had never noticed just how tall and imposing he truly was. But then she had never done something to unfurl his wrath. And it cut her to the core that she had unleashed it because he saw her as a threat to Lina. Something within her recognized the irony of the fact that, had his speech been aimed at anyone else, she would have felt light headed with giddiness over the way he protected her friend.

“I want to protect her too, Mr. Gourry.” She said, surprised at how even her voice was. “I really do. She’s never going to be able to fully move on until this matter is settled, though! Someone will say something or the authorities will find out and bring it all back again.”

He barely blinked even as part of him realized that she did have a point. They couldn’t walk five miles on the way to Seyruun without hearing the tale of Lina the slutty murderess.

She continued, “I’m sorry about Councilor Rainclaff. He can argue any point flawlessly, but you’re right. He has the tact of a troll. I should have been more sensitive to that. I told him that he will need to work with Miss Lina through a medium. I will screen her, I think Miss Lina would be more comfortable with a woman. The medium will ask the questions, but she will be tactful. She will coach Miss Lina on what to say. Miss Lina will still have to be with Councilor Rainclaff during the inquiry, but hopefully by then she’ll be stronger.”

Gourry stared at her warily. “I’ll talk to Lina about it. It’s her choice. Remember that. And one more thing.”

Amelia nodded that he continue.

“Any question she doesn’t want to answer gets dropped.”

“Of course.” Amelia offered. “Mr. Gourry, I truly regret not stopping it.”

He opened the door, and no trace of his usual warmth shone through his features. “Prove it.”

Her stomach knotted as she walked out the door. Gourry quickly closed and locked it and then glanced at the bedroom. He regretted not taking Amelia to his chambers and talking with her there. Lina had most likely heard everything.

He walked over to the bedroom and gently opened the door. Lina was wearing a robe over a nightshirt and lying on her stomach, a breakfast tray laden with food on her bedside table. She stared off at the wall blankly. She’d been like that more or less since her interview with Rainclaff. Sometimes her face was wet with tears. This was one of those times.

If she noticed his presence she said nothing. It was scaring him. He’d never seen her like this. He sat down on the bed and put a hand on her back. “How much did you hear?”

“Everything.” She whispered.

He was silent for a moment, waiting for her to voice an opinion. When she said nothing he asked, “What do you think of Amelia’s plan?”

“What does it matter?” she asked, “Everyone thinks I’m a slut. I’ve already been tried and condemned. I’m surprised my parents haven’t written to disown me.”

“I don’t think that!”

“Then you’re the only one!”

“The Rolats don’t think that either.” He pointed out. “Everyone who knows you knows what bull shit that is!”

She was silent for so long that he sighed. “Do you want me to leave you alone, or do you want me to stay?” he asked.

“No one was holding me down yesterday.” Lina said.

He frowned, not sure where she was going with this. Without a word from him she continued, “And I didn’t stop it! I could have walked out at any minute and I didn’t! Why didn’t I do that?”

Gourry realized that they had finally gotten to the heart of what was bothering her. It was bothering him as well that he didn’t end the conversation by grabbing Rainclaff by the collar and throwing him out. “This is their playing field.” He said quietly. “If Amelia and that man said it would get you off the hook, who were we to argue?”

But when Rainclaff dropped the killer accusation…

Someone knocked on the door. “Better go get that.” Lina said tartly as Gourry seethed.

He got up, resolving that if it was Rainclaff or Amelia they were going to see a side of him that would leave them trembling in their shoes. His annoyance went out like a flame as he opened the door and saw Pearl Rolat standing there, looking resplendent in a pink silk dress. “May I speak with Miss Lina?” she asked, “We’re leaving today to go home.” She added.

Gourry decided that Pearl was quite possibly the only person other than him that Lina would want to see. He opened the door. “Have a seat. I’ll tell her you’re here.”

If Pearl suspected anything was amiss her face betrayed none of it as she sat down on the couch and soothed the folds of her dress. Gourry disappeared briefly into Lina’s room. After a minute he returned, “Go ahead and see her.”

Pearl got up daintily and brushed past the swordsman as she entered the room and closed the door, leaving her alone with Lina, who was perched on the edge of the bed. Her shoulders were slumped, and her hair was a tangled mess. “You’ve looked better.” Pearl commented.

“I’ve also looked worse.” Lina responded. She glanced at her. “Aren’t you a picture?”

Pearl sat next to her and put an arm around her shoulders. “I think I was saved the full inquisition by the police due to my rank. It was still brutal.”

“And now you’re putting that bastard behind bars.”

Pearl smiled wryly. “Damn straight.”

“A lady is not supposed to use those words.” Lina said, a hint of amusement in her voice.

“I’m channeling your fighting spirit.”

Lina’s smile was tired, “So that’s why I feel as though I have none.”

Pearl wrapped her other arm around her and gave her a sideways hug. “Somehow I feel as though you have enough to fuel a whole army.”

Lina let the words sink in a little. “Are you scared?”

“Petrified.”

Lina patted her knee. “You will write me.”

“And you me.” There was a pause before she whispered in her ear, “Our mansion leads into an underground labyrinth. Only family knows about it. If it gets so bad…”

The thought of spending her days rotting in a labyrinth was not enticing. But it was certainly better than a jail. “Thanks. But I’m going to get out of this mess.”

Pearl smiled, “I’m glad to hear it!”

She pulled her into a frontal embrace and gripped her tightly. “Good luck!” Lina said.

Pearl took a deep breath, “You too. I’d still be there if it wasn’t for you and Mr. Gourry. If you ever need anything…”

“I know.”

Pearl stood up, “I’ll see you again at your wedding.”

“What wedding?” Lina asked.

Pearl winked, “I’ve never seen a man so in love as he is with you.”

Lina blushed as she walked out the door. Gourry walked in, and she hoped he hadn’t heard that last bit. “You okay?”

She smiled as she stood up. “I’m getting there.” She started rummaging through her clothes with a zeal that she did not truly feel, “I can’t sit here moping around anymore, especially as I’ve got a meeting with the head guard in two hours. If Pearl can move forward, I can too.”

***

There were few times in her life when Amelia felt worse. It had been a month, and still Lina was not talking to her. She’d seen her only briefly when they passed in the hallways, and Lina was careful to avoid eye contact. Amelia had put a woman named Melynda on the case to work with Lina to prepare her for the inquiry. Melynda reported that she had established a connection with Lina, and Gourry had confirmed it. But Lina still refused to forgive her.

Amelia sat down at her desk and rummaged through her mail. Her heart fluttered when she noticed a letter in Zelgadis’ handwriting. She tore it open and read it.

Dear Amelia,

I’m afraid I must postpone my trip back to Seyruun. I don’t want to say much via mail, but it is related to the matter in Anilorac and could help Lina.

Love,

Zel

Amelia re-read it several times, disappointed in how short it was and craving more information. What had he found that could help Lina? There was a knock on the door. A flutter of hope sprang within her that it might be Lina. “Come in!”

It died when she saw Gourry, looking unusually grim. What had she done now? “Mr. Gourry? How can I help you?”

He pulled out a stack of letters and put them on her desk. “Be glad I found them before Lina did.” He said.

Amelia frowned and picked one up and instantly crumpled it up. It was vile! The writer had called the men who attacked Lina fine upstanding citizens, and then had proceeded to hurl a number of vile slurs at her. “Who would write this?” she exclaimed.

“I don’t know how they realized she was here.” He said, “But tell your couriers to have her mail searched!”

“Done.” Amelia said. “I’ll go through them myself.”

He noticeably relaxed. “Thank you. It’s just, this is the last thing she needs.”

“You don’t need to convince me.” Amelia said as she winced at the thought of the damage to the palace that would likely result should Lina read them. “How is she doing?”

“A little better than yesterday.” He replied. “I’ll see you around.”

Amelia wanted to say something as he walked out but it died in her throat. Feeling unusually despondent she picked up the letters and threw them into the fireplace. She than rang for her secretary. “Ma’am?” he asked.

“Please see to it that any letters addressed to Lina Inverse are delivered to me.” Amelia instructed.

“Right away. Also, there’s a young woman here to see you. She says it’s related to the matter at Anilorac.”

Amelia’s interest was piqued. “Oh?” she asked. Then she remembered the letters. A feeling of unease settled within her. “Send her in.”

Fifteen minutes later a slender, dark haired woman was seated across from her desk. Beside her sat a man who looked so similar to her that it was easy to conclude that he was her brother. “Miss Celia Somat and Mr. Anton Somat.” Her secretary introduced.

“Thank you. I’ll let you know if I need anything else.” She waited until he had left before addressing Celia, “What can I help you with?”

Celia looked briefly at her brother before taking a deep breath, “You’re friends with Lina Inverse?”

Amelia hoped that her smile did not falter. She was no longer sure if she had that privilege. “Yes.”

“The rumors, that she seduced three men in Anilorac and killed them? I know they’re not true.” She said.

Amelia’s heart started to flutter. “How do you know this?”

“It was about eight months ago. I was traveling to visit a sick friend, and I stayed at the Ant’s Head Inn.” Celia said. Her voice was even, but her words came fast, as if she had been holding her story back for so long that a dam had burst and it was spilling out of her faster than she could control. “I stayed to myself. I don’t usually travel alone but circumstances as they were I was the only one who could afford to travel. I ate, went to bed. I woke up because someone had slapped me.”

Amelia’s eyes widened as Celia continued. “There were four of them. They had gagged me, I guess so no one could hear me scream. They were holding me down. One of them said that if I cooperated they would make it feel good, but if not they would make it hurt. I was so scared I did what they wanted.”

She paused briefly to wipe the tears from her face as her brother rubbed her back before she continued, “It went on for hours. Finally they finished and said if I told anyone there would be consequences. After they left I eventually cleaned myself up and I went to the police.”

Amelia’s heart was beating so fast she felt as though it would shatter her ribs as Celia continued, “And two of them were there! They worked there! I didn’t even get to make a report, one of them saw me as soon as I stepped in the building and he pulled me into a room. He chained me to the desk and got his brother, and they did it again! They went easy on me that night, but when I went to the precinct they were…”

Her voice trailed off as she shook her head, “By the time they finished I could barely walk out of there.”

“Do you know their names?” Amelia asked.

“Brody.” She said.

Amelia stood up, walked so she was in front of her, knelt down and clasped her hands, “That was very brave of you to come here and talk with me.”

Celia’s eyes took a determined stance, “I heard what they were saying about the sorceress, and I knew it was the same bastards who had done this to me! When I heard that she was here I knew I had to help. Not just because I don’t want to see her punished for this, but because the fourth one is still out there!”

“Do you want to press charges?” Amelia asked, working hard to keep her tone neutral.

“Yes!” Celia said, the conviction burning like a flame in her eyes.

“I’ll work to get a warrant issued for his arrest immediately. And I’m going to bring a woman, Miss Melynda in to speak with you. And after that I was wondering if you would like to meet Miss Lina?”

***

Lina sighed as she kicked off her boots. It had been an awkward but productive day. She had met with Prince Phil to discuss the changes she was making in the ranks. They kept it professional, but it was still strange to work with him when she was not on speaking terms with his beloved daughter. Now that it was over all she wanted to do was have a good dinner and cuddle up with Gourry before getting some rest.

“I spoke with Amelia today.” Gourry said as he removed his armor.

“That’s nice.” Lina said as she removed her mantle.

“She asked about you.”

“I don’t want to talk to her.” Lina said. It didn’t help that if anything things seemed to have been worse since she first met Rainclaff. She would walk into rooms and people would stop talking and look bashful. And while Gourry tried his best to keep it from her, she could not escape noticing that a lot of people believed that she made up being raped solely to gain sympathy. Lately Lina wondered why she was still hanging around. Thus far all going to Seyruun had done was make a bad situation worse.

Someone knocked on the door, and both of them groaned. “I’ll get it.” Gourry said.

Lina sat on the bed as she listened as the door opened. “What is this about?’ she heard him asked.

She couldn’t make out what the other person said, only that it was Amelia who was talking. Lina bristled at her nerve before feeling her stomach drop as she heard him say, “Come in. Let me get her.”

Was it that bad? Gourry had been a good watchdog, making sure that no one disturbed her. If he was inviting Amelia in then it must be pretty dire news. “Lina,” he said as he opened the door, his face flushed slightly with excitement, “You’d better come talk to her.”

Her stomach churned as she got up and walked to the living area, and she was stunned when she saw that it was not Amelia sitting there but a woman she had never seen before. “What is this about?” she asked.

“My name is Celia.” She said.

Lina regarded her cautiously for a minute as she stood beside the couch. “Lina.” She clipped.

“I wanted to meet you so that I could thank you.” She said.

“Thank me?” Lina asked, confusion rolling over her in waves.

“Yes, to thank you. Because I couldn’t kill those bastards. I couldn’t even send them to jail for what they did to me. But you gave them their comeuppance.”

Lina’s eyes widened as her legs turned to jelly and she sat on the couch as a million different emotions waged a battle within her. “I wasn’t the only one.” She breathed.

Celia nodded, “Eight months ago they did to me what they did to you.”

I’m not the only one! I’m not the only one! The thought circled over and over in her mind. She had suspected but now she had proof. And what was more, Celia had risked traveling, had even had to stay in inns to come this way to let her know and show her support. For the first time in months Lina felt gratitude bubble within her like a geyser. “I know the muck they’re slandering you with is false.” Celia continued, “And I want to help you prove it.”

Lina’s chest became tight under the magnitude of the moment as Celia grabbed her hands suddenly and squeezed them tightly, “We’re no longer alone in this.”

In seconds a connection was forged. Lina pulled Celia to her tightly. How could she ever explain to her how much it meant that she had come down to stand beside her? “Thank you!” she whispered.

***

Celia was the first, but far from the last victim of the Ant’s Head Inn to make their way to Seyruun. Soon the palace was flooded with eleven women who shared similar horrific stories. With each woman who came forward, Lina felt the burden placed on her shoulders ease as another person shared it. That eleven complete strangers would risk the danger of travel and the humiliation that came with speaking out to support her and see justice served was heartening.

They effortlessly formed a community. A banquet hall was set aside for the survivors of the Ant’s Head Inn, and anyone who was not a survivor was not allowed to enter it. At any time they could rest assured that they could go there and someone who had been through something similar would be there to lend a non-judgmental ear.

It became easier to believe that it wasn’t anything she herself did when she heard the same story come from the mouths of other women, some who had been drinking, most who hadn’t. Some were sorceresses, others were normal women. Some even had a degree of proficiency in black or shamanist magic. But like Lina, while gagged they were just as unable to use their spells as her.

Lina also became more convinced that she had locked her door. There was no way all eleven of them forgot. It became reasonable to conclude that the innkeeper’s son had gotten a hold of a key.

The only thing that seemed to differentiate Lina from the others was that she was the only one who had fought. “I wish I’d fought, but at the time I was just so scared! There were four of them and they were so large!” said Margie, a merchant who had been traveling to secure supplies when she was attacked.

“I started wondering if I wanted it, because I gave it up so easily.” Added Daniella, a sorceress.

Lina shifted uncomfortably. At least with all of the guilt she had carried this had not been one of them. “You survived, survival is what matters. Sometimes we have to do things we don’t want to because our survival depends on it. It doesn’t mean that we wanted it.” She said.

“That’s easy for you to say! You fought, they had to draw a weapon…” Celia cut in.

Several of the women who had not heard that aspect of Lina’s tale gasped. “And I barely survived.” Lina pointed out. “I’m actually starting to wonder if there’s a reason more women who fought haven’t stepped forward.”

There was a tense silence as each of the women drew that thought to its natural, terrifying conclusion. “I think Miss Lina is right.” Said Meredith, a traveling healer. “We survived a situation we should never have been put into in the first place.”

Gloria, one the youngest of the victims and the most fragile, whose stomach was swollen with a reminder from that night looked at Lina with big eyes, “Did they make it hurt?” she asked timidly.

Lina nodded, “It was agonizing.”

Lina didn’t want to ask how it was for them, and she didn’t have to. Gloria looked at the ground as she said, “It was so embarrassing. Some of what they did felt good, but I didn’t want it to.”

“Well, they’re touching places that feel good when they’re touched.” Said Margie. Everyone looked at the older woman, who shrugged her shoulders. “I’m just stating a fact. Your body can’t tell if you want to be touched there or not. Just cause it felt good doesn’t mean that you wanted to be touched in the first place.”

Lina, along with several of the other women blushed. “It was so embarrassing though!” Celia persisted, “I was so ashamed.”

Several others joined in the chorus. Lina knew a little of what they meant. She had been embarrassed that she had been aroused. But they had handled her so roughly that the pain she had felt outweighed any pleasure that could have been felt. Once again, Lina found herself glad she had resisted. Yes, she’d jeopardized her life, but she never would have gotten a hold of the ax and had the satisfaction of defeating them. She also would have had to grapple with additional shame. What she had been carrying was bad enough.

“It felt like my body betrayed me.” Gloria said as her voice started to break.

“Margie’s right, though.” Said Jeannie, “I mean, it’s embarrassing but it wasn’t like we wanted it. We can’t help it if some of it felt good. It doesn’t mean they should have been poking around places they weren’t invited to.”

“A lot of it hurt, too.” Added Sefonie quietly. Many of the women nodded, and then Sefonie added, “Is it different when it’s someone you want to be with?”

Lina’s ears perked as Margie replied, “Very. When you want to be with someone you’re focused on what each other wants, making it fun and enjoyable. You don’t feel humiliated or threatened or that horrible sense of dread.”

“You’re not trying to block it out either.” Added Jeannie.

“Exactly, you’re focused on giving and receiving pleasure.”

“And there’s trust.”

“Have…” Lina started, and then looked at the floor as heat flooded through her face, “Has anyone in here been with someone willingly since…?”

“As soon as I got home my husband wanted to go at it.” Margie said. “I wasn’t quite ready, but I got there. It was about a month.”

Lina felt herself relax. So she wasn’t a slut for feeling her desire return for Gourry after two months. Jeannie added, “A month, a month and a half. I’ve always liked getting between the sheets, though it was several months before it felt right again.”

Margie nodded in agreement as Jeannie’s answer made her feel less comfortable. Jeannie seemed especially experienced and had one time boasted of having numerous partners. And while she said nothing, it seemed hard to believe that she had not wanted sex when she always seemed to rip roaring and ready to go. But her story had started like all of the others, though she had been one of the ones who had not even bothered going to the police. “They would have called me a common whore.” She explained when asked.

But then, Lina figured, just because four nights out of five she was having sex didn’t mean she wanted to on that fifth.

“I went out and did it the next week, just to see if I could enjoy it.” Said Celeste. “I figured I’d already been ruined. Why not go full force?”

“I feel so much better knowing I wasn’t the only one!” said Celia. “I’ve never before, but a week after I just started sleeping with anyone who would have me. I felt horrible about it but I couldn’t stop.”

“Me too!” a few others chimed in, and there was a gaggle of blabber as they shared their experiences. Lina’s eyes widened in surprise. Both at the fact that someone would do that after being raped, and at how accepting of them she still was. She understood the impulse.

Lina took a deep breath and felt better about the things she had done with Gourry. The deep, passionate kisses, the wandering hands. Clothes remained on, all the way a distant goal. And if she could view all of these woman sympathetically and not see them as sluts, then she could feel confident that she wasn’t as well.

“I have a hard time believing anyone would want me.” Gloria said weakly, “Especially now that I’ve got this.” She said, pointing at her stomach.

“Someone who loves you would.” Lina said.

Margie nodded in agreement. Gloria reddened, “That’s easy for you to say. He was in love with you before it happened. And who is going to want to raise another man’s child?”

“I was pregnant.” Lina said quietly. “Gourry would have helped me. But I got rid of it.”

“You could always drop it off at temple when it comes.” Said Celeste, “That’s what I’m going to do.”

“I don’t know that I could do that.” Gloria said, “It’s not the baby’s fault.”

“I don’t want to live with the reminder. It will be better for it that way.” Celeste said.

“How did you get rid of it?” Gloria asked Lina.

“I cast a spell.” She said as she folded her arms across her stomach.

“Do you regret it?” Gloria asked as her eyes widened.

“Not one bit. It’s better this way.” Lina said decidedly.

“I hear that.” Margie said, “It’s hard enough without the reminder.”

Celeste smiled, “It’s been hard, but I’ve only got a few more months. I’m sure it will be easier once it’s gone. This, though, this has already made it so much easier. Hearing everyone’s stories, knowing I’m not alone in what I feel.”

“I was so scared to make this trip, but I’m so glad that I did.” Celia added.

“I am too.” Lina said quietly, “I’m still knee deep in trouble, but this has helped a lot.”

Margie patted her knee, “We had to help the one who killed three of those bastards.”

“I also want to see Captain Brody rot in jail.” Celia said vengefully.

“Oh, I heard Princess Amelia say that he was apprehended the other day.” Gloria chimed in.

There was a round of applause, and Lina felt the weight on her shoulders lessen even further. “Now that calls for a celebration!”

***

“Lina’s been scared to see her folks ever since this has happened,” Gourry said quietly, “But I actually think I’m more scared. How am I going to explain to them that because I was drunk I had no idea what was happening until it was too late? I was supposed to protect her. I don’t know how I’m going to ask for her hand now.”

“I get that.” Said Fred. “There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t feel guilty about not making that trip with Margie.”

“Most likely her folks feel the same way.” Said Harold, Gloria’s father. “They’re probably wondering why they let her travel on her own.” He sighed, “The fact of the matter is that we’d smother them if we zealously protected them twenty-four seven. Usually they don’t get hurt this bad though!”

“She’s coming home alive.” Said Fred, “That is what matters the most.”

Gourry thought back to what Lina said, about all of the times that he had saved her life. “She still thinks I’m worthy, but I’m scared that her parents won’t.”

“With all you two have been through I’d let my daughter marry you in a heartbeat.” Said Harold, and several of the parents in the room nodded in agreement.

“The way you’ve stood by her through all this,” said Nelly, “Anyone who would stand by my Celeste like that would be worth it just for that.”

Gourry smiled warmly. “Thank you.”

“Nelly has a point.” Said Sefonie’s sister, “My sister was dating a young man when it happened. He left, said she was vile and disgusting now. That only made it so much worse for her, there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t want to tar and feather him. It’s amazing how supportive you’ve been. Surely her folks will see that.”

“That’s horrible!” Gourry said, and there was a clatter of talk as people shared their stories of people who were supportive and people who weren’t. Eventually he glanced at the clock and bid his goodnight and headed back to Lina’s chambers.

There had been such a different dynamic since the other survivors had come forward. It felt wonderful to talk with people who were feeling the same things they were, to hear a different perspective, to find a new way to think of it. There was still the worry about what would happen during the inquiry, but at least they knew they were no longer alone.

He opened the door and closed and locked it. “Lina?” he asked, wondering if she had made it home yet.

“In here.” She called from the bedroom.

“Hey,” he said as he walked in, and then felt his jaw drop. She was sitting in bed, reading a book and wearing a button down shirt, and not much else.

“Hey!” she said, obviously happy to see him as she got off the bed and made a few quick paces to where he was and threw her arms around him and pulled him down for a kiss.

He kissed her lightly, and quickly found her lips back on his, demanding more. He grinned as he returned her affections, breaking to ask, “What’s brought all this on.”

“Captain Brody is in custody.” She said as she untucked his shirt and put her hands underneath it, “And I feel like celebrating.”

Shivers ran up his spine as she explored him. His breath started coming more rapidly as he moaned delectably. “Lina, this is doing things to me…”

“That’s the point.” She said as her hands moved lower and caressed his erection through his pants.

His eyes shot open as he gasped, “And taking it slow?”

“I want to speed things up.” She insisted.

Who was he to argue? Whatever you do, don’t grab her arms! he told himself as she undid his pants. “Just let me know if I need to slow down.” He whispered as his pants fell down around his ankles.

She kept one hand on his hip and she brought the other one to his cheek and caressed it gently, before guiding him down so that she could kiss him again. He wrapped his arms around her and Lina started to pull him back towards the bed. He lowered his hands to cup her bottom and she lifted herself up, wrapping her legs around him, making it so that he didn’t have to lean down so far to kiss her.

He grinned as he sat on the bed, and she gasped as it caused their bared genitals to rub directly together for the first time. She found herself grinding against him, pleased with the response it elicited from him as her hands reached for the hem of his shirt and pulled it up and over his head. There was a strained look on his face as she continued to writhe against him, as if it was taking all of his willpower to keep from entering her.

She wasn’t ready to let him in quite yet. He moaned in protest as she moved off his lap and stood between his legs as she trailed a series of kisses down his chest, and down further until she reached his manhood, which she tenderly grabbed.

“Lina?” he asked, not quite believing that this was really happening.

“Just let me know if I’m doing this right.” She said as she knelt down, opened her mouth and took him in.

Focus on his pleasure. She told herself. It was easier to be the one calling the shots, the one doing, and she directed all of her energies to indulging him. “You’re doing good.” He cooed, “Just like that, yes, run your tongue like that.”

She complied, grinning as he moaned delectably. “Careful, watch the teeth.”

She opened her mouth wider, ignoring the awkward way she had to fit everything in there as she worked to make it good. She moved her tongue against him, and suddenly he had put his hands on her head and was pulling her away.

“Gourry?” she’d asked, wondering if she’d done something wrong, when something clumpy and salty smelling hit her face. “What the…”

“Sorry,” he said, an expression that darted between bliss and embarrassment on his face as she wiped the sticky stuff from her face. “It’s been awhile, I didn’t mean to come that soon. I tried to pull you away to buy more time, but it was too late.”

“Yuck, this is gross.” She said as she wiped her hands on the bed sheets as she stood up. “What?” she asked, as she noticed the smoldering look he was giving her.

He put one hand on the small of her back and moved her forward to kiss her. It was a slow, meandering kiss, but there was such intensity behind it that it caused gooseflesh to form all over her. His hands moved to the bottom button on her shirt and he deftly undid it, before moving up to the next one. She inhaled sharply as he moved upward, undoing her shirt, knowing that it was a matter of seconds before she would be just as naked as him.

It was an awkward moment of ambivalence when he pulled her shirt apart and started to fondle her breasts. She wanted to be like this with him, and she wanted to be comfortable with him, and she was enjoying herself. But underlying everything was the fact that the last time she was naked with someone she was being raped.

Do not let them in here tonight! she yelled at herself as Gourry brought his lips to her right nipple, making it easier to focus on the pleasure. She worked hard, too hard it seemed. All of her attention was focused on telling herself to enjoy it that it seemed as though the spontaneity required for the occasion was lost.

He pulled her into his lap and she wrapped her legs around him as his hands breezily traced patterns around her spinal cord as he left love bites along her collar bone. She gasped in surprise. She’d had no idea having someone rub your back could be so erotic! She started to stroke his hair, enjoying how soft and fine it was.

Slowly he twisted so that he could lay her on the bed. He loomed over her and unbidden memories of that night shot through her consciousness. She willed it away as he reached a hand to part her sex and stimulate her. She wrapped her arms around him, reminding herself of who she was with. But it was awkward having someone down there!

Awkwardness battled with pleasure, and there was pleasure. She directed her attention to giving herself permission to enjoy it, but it took something away from the moment. Lina could tell he seemed to be working hard for something that wasn’t happening. Deciding that she needed to regain control she grabbed his shoulders and gave him a gentle push, flipping things so that he was on his back and she was straddling him. “But you haven’t…” he said.

“Shh…” she said as she put a finger to his lips, feeling better now that she was on top and calling the shots. She moved her hand down to grip him again, and he slowly hardened. It took him a bit longer than usual to get to the hardness that the task required, but she managed. She took a deep breath. She wanted to do it like that couple she had found, and now he was ready.

She positioned herself over him, hovering awkwardly as she got him to her entrance, and then in a flash they were joined. His hands squeezed her hips as he drew a long sigh of release, while she gasped in delight. Yes, this was how she wanted it.

She moved up and down, pumping him slowly, enjoying the feel of him moving within her. She relished the moans and cries of delight, the knowledge that they shared the same goal of pleasuring each other.

He traced patterns on her hips and she kept her hands on his shoulders. Desperate for more stimulation she quicken the pace, squeezing her hands as she worked to control the pleasure. His hands suddenly dug into her hips, keeping her grounded to him as he cried out in. She grinned as he tried to push himself in deeper until he relaxed bonelessly beneath her.

His eyes fluttered opened. “You okay?” he asked as he reached up to stroke her cheek.

“Yes.” She said as she leaned forward and kissed him tenderly before moving so that she was cuddled up to him, and he surprised her by just how tightly he held her. “How was it for you?” she asked, trying to keep the nervousness out of her voice.

He stroked her hair and kissed her forehead. After years of waiting and who knows how many close calls to death it was bliss to have finally moved within her, “Wonderful. I love you.”

Lina smiled against his chest and squeezed him a little tighter. If her being so ill used had changed things for him he certainly gave no outward sign of it. “I love you, too.”

There were still things to work on. She would have to get comfortable getting as good as she gave. But they had time for that, of that much she was certain.

***

Gourry sat with Lina in Melynda’s office as she reviewed the transcripts of the other victims. “This is looking very good for you, Miss Lina. It’s hard for them to say that you were the rapist when we now have thirteen signed and sworn statements alleging otherwise.”

Lina nodded, still feeling overwhelmed by the sudden outpouring of support. “I knew there had to be others. I just didn’t think any of them would have risked all of this to help me.”

“There are some bad eggs out there.” Melynda conceded, “But most people want to do the right thing. In some more good news, I received word from Mr. Zelgadis that Captain Brody has been arrested. Several women in Rolat have come forward and pressed charges against him and several other police officers as well. People are livid at this abuse of power. Right now people are distrustful of the police, and the jurisdictions are working to rebuild that.”

“What does that mean?” Gourry asked.

“It means that the authorities likely will not pursue her should she set foot in their precincts.” Melynda spelled out. “And the warrant for her arrest has been rescinded. The other good news is that the Inn Owners Guild has removed Mr. Skiro as its head. There’s no evidence that Mr. Skiro knew what was going on, but it has certainly given his business and reputation a black eye. So it’s likely that you can sleep safely should you decide to travel.”

“And what about the bounty?” Lina asked.

Melynda opened her hands in an apologetic gesture. “If the third person had been anyone but the son of a duke, this wouldn’t even be an issue. Even if he had been the one you gutted with an ax, it would be tricky. Unfortunately rank is the hang up here.”

Melynda sat down so that she was opposite Lina. “So instead of having to prove that you were raped and that your actions were justified, we just have to prove they were justified. What helps is that three of the young women attest to going to the police and being assaulted again for breaking their silence. That’s a strong argument that Rainclaff will use. Added to the sheer brutality of the crime and I think we have a good case.

“I’m not going to lie, though. Nobles protect their power, even if it means screwing commoners over.”

“So in other words, keep an escape close.” Lina muttered as Gourry rubbed her back.

Melynda smiled warily, “I’m also not going to lie about this. When other women stepped forward it changed some people’s minds. I’d say about half of the population is outraged on your behalf. But the other half, well, you know how ugly people can be about this. Reactions range from people who think women are asking for it if they travel alone to people who are stupid enough to think that you bought out a lot of country girls to make the accusations up.”

Lina stiffened a bit, “People are going to think what people are going to think.”

The older woman reached into her pocket, “On the bright side, it looks as though the right people are thinking the right things.”

Lina looked at her quizzically as she handed her a letter. Her eyebrows shot up as she recognized the handwriting on the envelope. “Lina?” Gourry asked as she removed the paper within the envelope with shaking hands.

“It says: Dear Lina, Give them Hell! Love, Mom, Dad and Sis.”

Gourry wrapped an arm around her as she finished. “P.S. Come home soon.”

***

“All of these normal girls, never held a sword? Doesn’t surprise me one bit. But me? I never thought it would happen to me.” Camilla said as she stared down at the floor.

Lina regarded the swordswoman, the thirteenth person to come forward. “I know exactly how you feel.”

“You’re so tiny.” Camilla continued, “And gagged you’re about as weak as any other girl.”

Lina wasn’t quite sure how to take that. “I can hold my own in a sword fight.” She paused as she considered, “Granted, brute strength isn’t something I have in abundance.”

“I thought I was strong.” She said bitterly. “I gave them a hell of a fight, though!”

Lina smiled. Of the fourteen women who had come forward, she and Camilla were the only ones who reported putting up a fight. And while it had been agonizing, painful and terrifying, at least she had that satisfaction. “Celia and the others were talking about how they felt so guilty for not fighting. I tried to tell them they did something right, they survived. That’s what matters.

“And sometimes,” she continued with newfound insight, “We get overpowered. I’ve been outgunned so many times, though I’ve never had anything like this happen. I’ve been shot through the gut. But I’ve never felt that guilt before for not being strong enough. And it’s stupid.”

“Perhaps.” Camilla conceded.

Usually kept the door closed to preserve privacy, but it had been a hot day so they kept it open to let a breeze go through. Lina looked up just in time to see Amelia walking down the hallway. She patted Camilla on the knee, “I’ll be right back.”

She got up and quickly caught up to Amelia. “Hey, Amelia!” Lina said.

Amelia turned to her, her expression unreadable, “Miss Lina?”

“Can we talk for a minute?”

Amelia smiled, “Sure.” She said, as she indicated an empty meeting room with a nod of her head.

Lina followed her in and closed the door. “If you’d not gotten the ball rolling, I don’t think they would have known where to find me even if they had wanted to come forward. So I guess I owe you some thanks.”

Tears welled up in Amelia’s eyes as she threw her arms around her, “I’m so sorry about what happened with Rainclaff. I wanted to tell you and I was afraid…”

“It’s done.” Lina said. “Why discuss it anymore?”

Amelia pulled away and sniffed. “I guess you’re right. How are you doing?”

Lina smiled, “Good, actually. And humbled.”

“Humbled?” Amelia asked.

“That I’m no more immune to this than all of these normal girls.” Lina admitted. “None of them can do the things that I can. Not even Camilla, or the other sorceresses.”

Amelia squeezed her arm, “And may be that was why you were the one who took them down.”

Lina shook her head. “I lucked out. The innkeeper’s son couldn’t hold his liquor. It could easily have gone the other way, and I wouldn’t be here.” There was a tense silence as the seriousness of the situation weighed heavily on both of them. Lina reached out and squeezed her arm, “But thanks for the vote of confidence.”
- 7
- 8
- 9
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Tell the Northern Lights to Keep Shining