Reflection
The cost of perfection is high, but the price is one all of them would willingly sacrifice. Their priestess is by no means perfect and they all admit it to themselves, but her imperfection is what attracts them. Miaka's appetite is infamous in the kingdom of Konan and is a story that will has circulated throughout its citizens fondly when they speak of their miko in affectionate terms. She is the light of their future, and when they look upon her respectfully from a distance, they admire her more for possessing those qualities.
Oblivious to her own seishi's thoughts, Miaka has no idea of the enormity of what caused them to gravitate to her, despite their own initial misgivings. She can see no farther than the bridge of her nose, the same one they snub playfully, jesting all the while as dark clouds form over their heads. Their lives were destined for their priestess and their priestess alone. Their lives freed them of prior attachments, and she has become their world.
Perhaps they were never meant to fall in love her, but simply remain her protectors, her guardians. Miaka and Tamahome were made for each other, complementing the other in all ways, intertwined since her first appearance in their world. Yet, each day they knew her, they have fallen even more deeply in love with her, admiring her from afar, knowing their chance to win her affection has long since been taken; her eyes see Tamahome and Tamahome alone. So, they wait and watch, guarding the two of them and protecting their love.
They have known death and misfortune; there is no pain that is as fresh as that of regret, yet they cannot regret that they had not first met their priestess; a chance they might have found the love she and Tamahome share so deeply. They have no regrets in their lives and no fear of death, for they all are willing to give their lives if it means Miaka will live. Above all, her safety is paramount, and her happiness granted at all costs.
They wait and watch the two lovers from a distance, their eyes trailing the figures fading in the waning sunlight, and then greet them again as they return, Miaka's eyes bright and soft as her slight figure embraces each of them in turn. As she returns to Tamahome's side, enveloped by his larger frame, they are wistful, wishing they could be the one to hold her so intimately, but her affection and love is enough, more than they could have ever imagined.
Therefore, they will guard their miko with their lives and continue to pray to Suzaku for the couple's union, praying against fate that she shall keep the happiness she has brought to them all.
Love, as in life, has no end.