THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE US
Chapter 1
Sesshomaru-sama and I stopped by a cottage in the middle of the woods. It was a strange cottage, so far from any village in sight. In it, was an old lady bending over a large pot of something...
"Perhaps that is why the villagers in these parts seem to call her a witch." I casually remarked to Sesshomaru-sama, observing the scene. We were standing a distance away, unbeknownst to the old lady who had her door open.
Jaken was not journeying with us because he had matters to take care of, on behalf of Sesshomaru-sama, in the Western Palace.
"Hn." came his reply.
I looked over to him. He was standing next to me, staring ahead at the cottage, unsure of why we stopped by the old lady's place.
"I need some supplies and since there is no village close by, I don't have a choice but to ask her if she can help me." I whispered to him.
He nodded, ever ready to get the task done. I smiled.
I walked towards the door, but looked back at him to reassure him that this will only take a couple of minutes. He nodded, but his stance was on alert, ready for any unexpected intrusion.
I release a sigh that I did not know I had bottled up in me, as I walked towards the open door. I knock at the open door, to let the lady know of my presence. Her eyes quickly turn towards me, surprised to see anyone there at all.
My thoughts wander to the strange old woman. What is she doing living out in the middle of nowhere, where she might be easy prey to any low demon or human?
"Young woman, what is it that you want?" She asks, her speech slow and steady.
"I am sorry to bother you but I am in the middle of a journey you see, and I have run out of supplies quite unexpectedly and since there is no village near by - "
"You came to me as a last resort, I see?" She looks at me, keenly observing my reaction.
"Well no, I really don't mind stopping by your little cottage." I hasten to say, trying to make it clear that her reputation as an alleged witch would not alter my mind.
She lets out a manly laugh. I look at her curiously. The lighting is dark, save for a lantern by the table top. Her hair is grey and unruly, her clothes are a mish mash, but her eyes are as sharp as steel.
"Oh there aren't many in these parts that would try to make me feel better! And for that, I thank you. I sometimes forget what it is like to be treated with tact and courtesy. So are you alone? Come on in and pull up a chair, I have some tea on the stove if you like; tell me about yourself. What is a young thing like you doing out in the woods at this time of the evening?"
I blink, overwhelmed at the sudden hospitality and influx of questions. I am sure Sesshomaru-sama is aware of the change in conversation too, as his ears are as sharp as ever and his proximity close by.
"Ah so I see there is someone with you." She says, observing my eyes wander outside at the thought of him.
"Ah yes, um...my companion you see. But he is content outside." I manage to snap out of my stupor.
She goes to the door and takes a peek at my travelling "companion". I expected her to yell "demon!" and shoo me outside her house but neither occurred. Strange. I look over to her, as if to ask why, and she seeing my puzzled expression, shakes her head.
"I should've known it was a demon. That kimono you're wearing is made of regenerating fabric, isn't it? Exactly the kind demons prefer. And I see, that your kimono is also rich. You must occupy a high station with your demon." She remarks, bringing the lantern closer to my face.
"Uh, when I was a child, I was his ward but as I am a child no longer, I am his humble companion." I say, quietly.
"A companion, you say? Hmm...rather hard to be mere companions when the two of you are both grown-up, I would assume..." She observed, looking at me with sly eyes.
My eyes grow wide, realizing her meaning.
"No - no! You don't understand, that is impossible. I regard Sesshomaru-sama with the highest respect and would not ever think of..." I stutter, suddenly realizing that I am indeed all grown-up and no longer the child I was...
She barks out in laughter again.
"Easy child, I was only teasing. But I do remember another human and demon couple who came by years ago and they were not as they seemed after they left here."