"Why are we doing this?" Lina asked irritatedly of Xellos as they sat in the otherwise silent carriage. The Mazoku looked up from fumbling with his bow tie, and blinked.
"The Lamina Clan is not only the world's oldest nomadic clan still in existence," he explained, "but the only group of people with records of forbidden magic from before the Kouma War."
"And why do I have to wear this dress?!" She gestured furiously at the burgundy silk garment that Xellos had chosen for her. The outfit in question had a sleeveless, V-neck bodice and an ankle-length skirt with a long slit up either side.
"Formal dress is required!" he chirped, and she hit him with the handbag that matched the ensemble.
All at once, the vehicle halted, letting them off at a dismal fortress. Well, perhaps dismal is an inaccurate description. The thick walls were made of obsidian, extremely smooth and sharp, and impossible to scale. Blood red banners decorated each of the five towers, all of them either silk or satin.
"I thought you said the Lamina were nomadic!" she hissed upon seeing the seemingly immobile building.
"They are," he whispered back, and motioned to the base of the fortress. Strangely enough, the material there was hazy and seemed to drift in and out of solid existence.
"Whatever the Hell it is, it looks dangerous," she muttered.
"It should be quite safe," he assured her. "This castle has been around since at least the Kouma War. If it hasn't collapsed by now, it's not likely to, ever."
"That's reassuring..." She grumbled.
"This way, please." The black-haired swords-woman appeared in the doorway as the stone portcullis was lifted. She was dressed in the same outfit she had worn to deliver the invitation, Xellos noticed.
"Fine." Lina scowled and complied, albeit reluctantly. No sooner had they crossed the threshold, than the gate slammed shut behind them. Lina spun around in surprise, but Xellos remained calm.
They never did get that fixed... he shook his head and chuckled, earning him a dour glare from his petite companion.
"Lord Noddegamra awaits you." Their guide hinted, leading them up to a massive set of double doors. Inside was the largest dining room Lina had ever seen. Going into detail would be a waste of time, so simply put, Lina was in heaven. It was all Xellos could do to keep her from diving head first into the tables piled with all sorts of food.
"Manners, Lina-chan." He chided. Again, she glared at him.
"Welcome, honored guests." Somewhere from behind a roast turkey and several pounds of mashed potatoes, a man's voice greeted them.
"Huh? Who said that? Where are you - honored host?" Xellos' quick jab to her ribs reminded Lina of the necessity of formality.
The speaker sweat-dropped, although unseen.
"Kwah, could you do something about this?" he sighed. The swords-woman complied, silently moving around platters to increase visibility.
"Better my Lord?" She asked demurely when finished.
"Quite, thank you." The man in question appeared quite young, in his mid-twenties, greeted them. His almond-shaped eyes were an original shade of mulberry, occasionally glittering with ruby-tints. Wavy indigo hair framed his pale face, tied at the name of his neck with a black ribbon. His violet tunic and black pants were neatly pressed, a symbol of his important position. It was the blue cloak, however, that hung from his broad shoulders, that struck a chord of memory in Lina's mind.
"You!" She cried out, a little louder than she had intended. "You're that guy from the bar! The one who said I should ditch Zel!"
Korongar's face reddened slightly, and he squirmed under her heated gaze.
"Ahem, yes, well, ah.... It was in your best interest, Inverse-san, to separate you and the Runecaster, even if only for a little while." He cleared his throat nervously. It is imperative that you know all of the story. If you can eat and listen...?" He gestured to the food, and she was immediately seated at the table with a slightly larger than lady-like portion on her plate.
"By all means, speak." She insisted, then began to eat. The leader of the Lamina clan sighed and sat down across from her, neatly folding his hands and closing his eyes.
"The Lamina clan has been around long before the Kouma War," he murmured. "We have records dating back 200 years prior. We specialize in the lost knowledge and history of magic. We are also responsible for the destruction of the Runecasters."
"I figured as much..." Xellos sighed, now seated next to Lina. Korongar opened his violet-red eyes and focused on the Trickster Priest.
"You, Master Xellos, should not chastise us on our actions." The youth from the house of Noddegamra spoke sharply. "Or should I address you as - "
"Don't!" The Mazoku warned him sharply.
"Very well." The young man backed down coolly. "We, the Lamina, are the protectors of the planet against the powers of man that would destroy it. You, Lina Inverse, were one of the very powers we are wary of."
"Well, you sure chose a fine and dandy time to act." She spat, remembering the battles with Gaav and Phibrizo. Korongar blushed again.
"We were, at the time, a bit preoccupied," he admitted. "It takes quite a bit of time to move this fortress. And besides, did you not seal off the Giga Slave?"
"Right." Lina still looked skeptical.
"The reason you were brought here was not to discuss why we were delayed in our business with you, Inverse-san." Kwah interjected, but earned only a reproachful glance from her master.
"Kwah is, however, correct." Korongar scowled. "Our business here tonight regards the fellow you call 'Zel', the last Runecaster."
"If you think I'm going to let you kill him..." She growled, but Korongar raised his hands in defense.
"The Runecaster is now the most dangerous problem to solve." He stated. "He controls the Blood Runes - "
"WHAT?!" Xellos rose and hit the table with his fist, trembling in rage. "He has the Blood Runes, and you could do nothing?!"
"Which is exactly why the two of you are here." Korongar's gaze narrowed. "If push comes to shove, we will need someone to kill him... Someone who can get close to him without raising his suspicions. That's were you come in, Inverse-san. Isn't that right, Master Sollex?"