Kaoru felt nervous.
Who wouldn't?
She was in the forbidden forest.
As the game piece, the one that didn't matter.
She was here on his terms.
He had asked for her. Stolen her from her home.
………..
She didn't have a choice. There were no future prospects in her village. Her family land had been 'given' for 'safekeeping'. It was unlikely she would ever get it back; she didn't have any money or male guardian either.
The old buffoons that ran the council had been plenty eager to give her away. They didn't even question how he had come to know of her.
Leave her in the forest clearing after the largest oak tree. I will come retrieve her without your eyes watching. Be sure she is there by tomorrow at noon.
That was what the note had said. It was perfectly clear that he meant Kaoru, having written her name along with the council members name in the address to on the top flap of the note. He only left a note. Didn't bother coming here for himself. She thought bitterly.
Not having very many possessions, it was a quick to job to pack up what she did have. The lack of friends made it easier to leave. She didn't have to give any teary goodbyes. Right before she had left with the basket of food and possessions, she had visited her parents' grave.
Blinking back tears, she lovingly took out the locket her mother had given to her right before her death. Caressing the copper heart-shaped locket, she stared out at the horizon. Then standing, she turned and walked away. Not looking back.
She knew the villagers were probably watching her for signs of hesitation. Just to have something to tell their children of the girl the assassin wanted.
…………
Walking straight backed to the clearing (she knew where it was, coming often to play around), she looked up at the position of the sun in the sky. Sighing, she realized she was an hour or so early.
Although, being in here sure did make her nervous.
Strengthening her resolve, she mentally promised herself to refuse to make friends.
Even being remotely friendly would be bad.
Lost in her thoughts, she didn't see the loose stone in her way.
Falling to the ground, she instinctively put her arms in front of her to shield her face.
In the slow motion moments, she prepared herself for the fall that never came. Rather, there was a pair of arms around her waist. Freezing, she didn't even want to look up. It was him.
"I've been waiting for you, little sparrow," An amused but velvety, smooth and deep voice sounded in her ear "I go by Kenshin."
Looking up, she saw it was, indeed, him. He now had a name. Thinking of her earlier thoughts, she realized it would be hard enough not to make friends. Instead, she would have to make sure she didn't fall in love with the rock hard body behind her that had silky red hair brushing against her ear and the beautiful and handsome face.
It would be a piece of cake, right?