Last updated 1/23/16

Disclaimer: I do not own the InuYasha characters.

Well, now that I've wet my hands in the Rin and Sesshomaru category (as some of you may have noticed), I'm finally going to release a full-length story.

I hope you enjoy!

For the first time in five years, the grounds of the Western palace were filled with jests and laughter, twirling women and running children. Two weeks prior, a messenger had flown over the palace gates and stumbled up the front steps. His stunned mate had stood in the open door, having sensed his approach, and when he'd thrown his arms around her and whispered the news into her ear, it had rapidly spread through the palace and spilled into the surrounding lands. Preparations had begun immediately. Finally, the East had fallen, and the exhausted army was on its way home.

Servants hurried about the palace and grounds, cleaning and decorating for the army's return. All of the windows in the soldiers' quarters had been thrown open to flush out the stale smell of disuse with the cool autumn breeze. The remaining servants, almost entirely women, ran in and out of the large doors, changing bedclothes and cleaning out the dust that had settled within.

The grounds were filled with a lightness and warmth that the palace had almost forgotten. The mates of the returning soldiers were laughing and hugging each other between tasks, tears in their eyes even still, so relieved that their men were finally safe.

Rin watched this unfold from the window of her room where she sat on the sill, hand pressed to the cool glass.

It had always been easy to tell when the Western army had met its Eastern enemy.

The sudden wailing that had cut through the silence still echoed in her mind. One after another, as soldiers were injured, their female mates in the palace would cry out, reaching for the mark that bound them to their partner, sharing his pain and fear, and desperately pressing their demonic energy into their connection to give him strength. Most men survived, and the women would send their love and affection to them as they healed, but other times, the soldier would not recover, and nothing could be done as, hundreds of miles away, the soldier's energy diminished until the connection fell silent.

At the death of a mate, the woman would be overcome with a savage and agonizing emptiness that no words could sooth. Over the next three days, the affected woman would lose demonic energy through her broken bond, weakening until her heart stopped and she followed her lover into death.

The general didn't need to report the casualties or dates of battle. The palace would know just as soon as he.

After the worst battle, nearly one-hundred women in the palace lost their mates and their own lives. For many weeks, the constant cries of the orphaned children resonated through the halls.

Rin took a deep breath to bid the memory away. She'd tried her best to comfort the women and children of the palace during the war, but there was still so much about demons she did not understand, and often, she found herself at a loss of what to say.

How could you comfort a woman who had just felt her lover die? What could you say to a child as he watched his mother waste away before his eyes, unable to do anything while still mourning his father?

It amazed her that demons continued to mark one another with the horrors that it brought. There was still so much about this world that she could not understand.

Spying her lord's human ward in the window, a young servant in the yard waved her whole arm at Rin, flashing a warm smile. Drawn back to the present, Rin smiled back, trying to shake off the dark memory that had consumed her. She returned the wave with a small one of her own, and pleased, the demoness moved on, looking very much like she was walking on her toes.

There was a light knock at her other side of her door. "Lady Rin, we've received word that the masters will be here soon. Would you like help dressing?"

Rin pushed herself to her feet and moved to pull the door open. The servant there gave a simple bob and stepped back to smile at Rin.

"Mai," Rin greeted, returning the smile as she moved aside and allowed her inside. "I still don't understand why my simple travel kimonos are not acceptable here. They are more comfortable and much warmer." She paused for a moment to laugh as the servant shot her a playful look out of the corner of her eye. "I would wear them every day if you didn't get so upset with me."

The young dog demon moved into the room, her eyes moved over the inside of the room, looking for anything that needed straightening. Her gaze fell on the futon, sheets still a mess, and she moved to quickly fix them. Her short-cut, brown hair swept into her face as she leaned forward to gather the blankets.

Even after all of these years, Rin felt her cheeks warm, unused to being served.

"I know, and it's a shame with all of the beautiful clothing Lord Sesshomaru buys you," Mai said, laughter seeping into her voice. She made quick work of the bed before she turned to face Rin again. She took note that Rin was still in her sleeping robe and devoid of socks, despite the chill. "Is there anything in particular you would like to wear today?"

Rin's gaze immediately fell to the low desk beside her leg. A small stack of letters sat by the edge, neatly folded and arranged. She traced the neat characters on the outside of the parchment with her eyes, admiring for the thousandth time the controlled way his brush had moved.

She knew each letter by heart, having read each every day. Only his reassuring words had sustained her through the long war. Many nights, as the women of the palace had cried out, she'd held the letters to her chest, praying for his safe return through her tears.

Mai's eyes followed her lady's, and she gave her a soft smile, knowing what Rin wished to wear. He'd sent more than just letters.

Without a word, the demoness moved to Rin's wardrobe, drawing out the kimono that she'd received halfway through the war.

She laid it over the desk, careful of the letters, and stepped around to remove Rin's simple robe. Rin's skin was pink with blush, and she'd still not said a word. As the gown slipped from her shoulders, Mai boldly pressed, "Are you excited to see him again, Lady Rin? It's been a long war. Are you afraid he's changed?"

Pulled from her thoughts by the question, Rin looked over her shoulder at her friend and shook her head. "He's a strong man, Mai, and he's seen many battles in his life. I'm sure he will be just the same. His letters didn't indicate any type of change."

Though their frequency had decreased as the war had progressed, but this was probably the result of the turmoil in the East, not a change in the sender. Or so she hoped. She'd be lying if she didn't admit it had kept her awake more than a handful of nights.

Silence filled the room as Mai helped dress Rin in the dark kimono. It had many layers of silk dyed with rich greens, reds, golds, and black. Bright golden thread trimmed the edges, meticulously stitched by a careful hand. It hugged her body and pulled in at the waist without being immodest. It stopped just past her ankles, exposing her bare toes.

It was the first time Rin had worn the kimono, and she ran he fingers over the fabric at her throat, admiring the texture of it. It felt different, she realized as she turned, surveying the fabric as it moved against her. It was light despite its thickness, and soft against her skin.

While the West was known particularly for its weaponry and blacksmiths, the East was famous for other artisans. The East did still produce armor, weapons, and tools, but they were better-known for their clothing, jewelry, and perfumes. Eastern products were efficient and aesthetically pleasing, striving for a perfect balance of practical use and art.

"You look beautiful, my lady," Mai observed with a gentle smile. When Rin finally stilled, Mai stepped up behind her, gathering her hair and twisting it up onto her head to pin it up from her neck. "He will be very happy to see you."

Embarrassed by the mention of him again, Rin let her eyes fall to the floor. She ran her hands down the cloth again. It was suddenly so real that he was coming home, and the excitement almost overwhelmed her despite the anxiety also twisting within her.

There was shouting from the yard, and she heard the low groaning of the gates as they were pulled open. Her heart jumped into her throat. The army was close.

Overwhelmed, a giggle was the only warning she gave before she gathered up the hem of her kimono and ran from her room, so many of her teachings forgotten. Her hair instantly fell from its style and tumbled in dark waves down her back.

"Lady Rin!" Mai shouted after her, shocked by her sudden behavior. "You shouldn't run!"

The young servant sprinted after her, trying to stop her before someone saw the lord's ward running carelessly through the palace barefoot again.

Rin moved quickly through the halls, feeling that she had to be outside. She had to feel the sun on her face, and the breeze in her hair.

She had to see them.

Moving quickly down the stone steps to the first floor, Rin made her way for the front doors. She moved past several servants who laughed when they spotted her with her distraught personal servant close behind. All of the servants in the palace knew that despite their lord's best attempts, Rin would always harbor a sort of wildness within her. It was her need for the outdoors and her innocent abandonment of formalities that made the servants love her. She'd brought joy and light to a household that had long known only cold, stoic silence.

Finally, Rin threw open the front doors of the palace, moving down the half-dozen steps before her bare feet finally met earth. In her lord's absence, she had tried to abide by his rules. It was the only way she had felt connected to him during the war, but on days like this, she could not stop herself from wanting to feel the damp earth curled between her bare toes.

A warm chuckle drifted to Rin in the breeze, and she twisted her head, the familiar sound causing her heartrate to quicken. She'd missed it so dearly.

"Rin, I'm glad to see you haven't changed!" his deep voice called, still a distance away.

Rin smiled when she spotted the army entering the palace gates. Her tall lord led the way, walking on foot towards her, expressionless. Close behind, the general followed on his warhorse, returning her smile while his most-trusted captain walked beside him.

Servants let out cries of joy and ran into the large block of men. Soon the formation was abandoned as men embraced their mates, lifting them into their arms and exchanging kisses and whispers. She heard feet moving quickly down the steps behind her before she saw Mai run past her to her own mate halfway across the yard. She threw herself at him, tears running down her cheeks as she cried out his name. He wrapped his arm around her waist, holding her off of the ground as he shrugged off his heavy shoulder bag to pull her closer.

Embarrassed, Rin looked back to the three men approaching her. Her eyes found the golden ones of her lord, and she bowed awkwardly, too excited to remember the proper way after so long, suddenly a child again. "Lord Sesshomaru! It's good to see you. I'm so glad you're home!"

The general chuckled at her again from behind their lord, and Rin flushed, realizing her inappropriate behavior. She took a deep breath and stepped back, hands folded in front of her. She bowed properly. "Welcome home, my Lord," she said slowly, her voice even and calm. "We have all missed you in your absence."

A gentle hand landed on her shoulder, raising her from her bow. Sesshomaru looked down at her carefully, his face expressionless even as he searched her eyes. His hand moved up, and in a rare show of affection, he brushed her cheek with the back of his fingers before tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

"I missed you as well, Rin," he replied. His hand left her face and pulled out a small wrapped box from his pocket. Taking her wrist gently, he brought it forward and pressed the box carefully into her small palm, moving her other hand to cover it. The gift was wrapped in thick, brown parchment and fit easily in her hand.

Rin stared at the unexpected gift then up at her lord, about to question him, but when her eyes settled on his face, she could see the weariness showing just behind his careful mask. It had taken many years, but after travelling with her lord for most of her youth, she'd begun to see the subtle expressions that his eyes betrayed. Bobbing her head, Rin smiled at Sesshomaru and held the gift close to her chest, "Thank you, my Lord."

He tilted his head forward in reply then took a step back, shooting a look over his shoulder at his general behind him. The general's smile slid from his face, and he sat back higher on his demon horse, meeting his lord's gaze flatly. Something passed silently between them before Sesshomaru made eye contact with Rin once more and moved past her into the palace, an expression on his face that she had never seen before.

Puzzled, Rin turned to watch him move up the stone steps, clutching his gift close. His shoulders were not tense, but his gate was measured, and he did not give any of the servants waiting on the stairs a second glance.

A small frown took her face. Had something happened? Why had he looked at his general in such a way?

"Rin."

His voice washed over her, and she closed her eyes when the smooth sound reached her ears, instantly pulled from her musings. He'd said it slowly, as though testing the sound of it on his tongue again after so long. It had a serious tone to it, deeper than she remembered.

It was one of the few times he had ever said her name without title, and the verbal acknowledgement of their shifted relationship put her nerves on edge.

Taking a breath to calm her suddenly racing heart, Rin tucked the gift into the folds of her kimono and turned to him, drawing her eyes up to meet his, feeling shy.

"Master Katsuo," she said in turn, her eyes warm as she gave him a small bow.

His dark hair had grown longer in their time apart, but he still kept it over his shoulder in the loose braid she had become accustomed to. His eyes were a dark green and narrow, intelligent but reserved, carefully taking in her appearance as she took in his. He wore no armor or weapons, and the shirt of his uniform was open and hanging loosely over his shoulders, exposing his wrapped chest.

A grin settled over his face again as she said his name, white teeth against sun-browned skin. Letting out a quick succession of clicks, he ordered the demon horse forward. The huge horse bowed its head and shifted to its front knees at its master's command. Katsuo threw his leg over the demon's back and dropped the several feet to the ground. His stern, wolf demon captain, Noda, stood just beside him, a careful hand pressed to the beast's side to assure it remained still.

When Katsuo landed, the force jolted through his body. He grimaced, the breath stolen from his lungs, and braced himself on his horse with a short, frustrated curse. Noda spun from the horse, catching his commanding officer by the arm, afraid he might fall.

"General, the medic told you to take it easy!" he scolded, helping Katsuo straighten while ignoring his protests.

Katsuo leaned away from his captain. "I'm fine," he said shortly, pushing off of his horse's side and looking embarrassed.

Concerned, Rin stepped forward, examining him more closely and trying to gage the extent of his wounds. Tight bandages wrapped from his upper-chest and over his abdomen. They held no signs of blood, but she could see the faint yellow of fading bruises just above the bandaging.

"What happened, Master Katsuo? I thought the battles ended a month ago." And with his demon blood, he should have healed weeks before now.

"It's nothing to worry about, Rin," the general replied as he folded his shirt over his torso more modestly and tucked it in, hiding his bruised chest from her wandering eyes. "I'm almost healed now." The western crest was embroidered over left side of his chest, the light-colored crescent moon a contrast against the dark fabric of the uniform.

He looked at her again, silent for a moment, and she shied, flushing pink under his gaze. Knowing he could sense her racing heart easily, she tried to calm herself, but the knowledge that he already knew only embarrassed her more. She didn't know how to interact with him now. This was too much.

"You've grown, Rin," he observed after a moment with a kind smile, trying to calm her, "and the kimono fits you well. Do you like it?"

"Yes," Rin replied without lifting her eyes, her response too fast, her voice not quite even.

"What is it, Rin? Why are you so embarrassed?" His words were gentle but humored. She still would not look at him though, so he stepped closer to her, trying to regain her attention.

Rin was unsure of how to respond to the demon. Before he'd left, their relationship had been innocent, hardly anything more than friendly discussions and light-hearted jests. He'd only revealed his feelings for her through his letters during the war. This dimension of their relationship, though exciting, was new and awkward to her now that they stood before one another.

Noda cleared his throat loudly, drawing his general's attention away from the human ward. He stepped in front of Katsuo, half-blocking Rin. Katsuo paused in his stride, looking at his second in commanded with a sideways glance. "Captain?"

Noda twisted his head, his brown eyes moving over Rin for a moment, examining her with a strange expression before addressing Katsuo. "General, what commands do you have for the soldiers?"

Staring up at the wolf demon, Rin felt the breath go out of her. A moment of deep-rooted panic ran through her at the closeness of the captain, his sharp features bringing back memories from her death as a child. She'd seen much of Noda before the war, but they'd hardly spoken, and though she knew he was a close friend of Katsuo's, she still felt nervous so close to him.

He looked at her now with a perplexed expression, his narrow eyes harsh but not angry under his light frown. He looked as though he was trying to understand something about her, examining the lines of her face and neck.

Katsuo placed a hand on his shoulder, gripping it tightly to draw his attention. Noda raised his eyes to his general, his expression smoothing. He gave an embarrassed smile. "Sorry, general."

"Tell the men to rest in their quarters for the evening," Katsuo said calmly, ignoring his apology. "They may not leave the palace grounds. Have messages sent out to any family members who haven't been contacted yet. They will be relieved of duty in three days. Anyone who wishes to remain under my command should speak to me before that time."

Noda stepped back to bow stiffly. "Yes, sir."

Without another word, the wolf demon rose and moved away towards the soldiers' quarters. As he passed Katsuo's massive demon horse, he grabbed the reins and tried to tug him along.

Immediately, the warhorse shook his head in protest, jerking back to free its reins, but Noda's firm grip held as he swung around to give the beast a stern look, and the irritated horse bore its teeth in threat.

Katsuo, hearing the commotion, twisted and called out a sharp, "No!"

The massive beast closed its lips, flicked its tail, and threw its head back over its massive shoulder to glance at the general with its three eyes. Then it stomped its back foot once as a final rebellious act and walked with the captain.

Letting out a small sigh, Katsuo turned back to Rin. At her amused expression, he couldn't help but smile, letting out a light chuckle. "I've had that beast for fifteen years, and he's still as ill-behaved as when I got him, but nothing spooks him, and he's the only horse I've had who will rush onto the battlefield with me, whether I've actually decided to bring him or not."

Rin laughed, feeling more comfortable with Katsuo's returning humor. He offered her his arm, mostly in a joking manner, but she took it, and he led them towards the palace entrance, the tension between them beginning to ebb.

A cool breeze blew past them, bringing with it the earthly smells of decaying leaves and moist soil from the surrounding forest. Rin looked up at Katsuo again, taking in the length of his strong neck, and was reminded of his towering height, his chin several inches above the crown of her head.

Neither one spoke, content to finally be near one another again. She had so much to ask him, and so much to tell him, but right now, neither seemed right. Instead, she thought back to his kind words in his letters, trying to imagine him saying those things to her. Finally placing a face to those words, she felt her chest flutter, and concerned he'd sensed it, she looked up sharply, noticing the new curve at the edge of his lips.

As they approached the front steps, several of the servants moving in and out of the great entrance hall paused to watch them. Many of their expressions were simply observant and thoughtful, while others harbored thinly-veiled disapproval.

When they passed through the threshold, they were suddenly surrounded by even more staring servants, and Rin shied away from Katsuo, afraid of the resultant rumors. They'd never acted so familiar with one another before the war; so it looked strange that they did now.

Katsuo turned to look at her, a disappointed frown forming on his face, then he glanced around, realizing the situation he'd not yet noticed, and shot the offending servants sharp looks. They continued on their way immediately, eyes downcast under the harsh look of their adored general. He returned to Rin, about to offer encouragement, but a young man, too young to serve at the beginning of the war, stepped from an adjoining hall.

"Lady Rin?" he called softly, his voice faltering as the general's unfamiliar eyes fell on him over Rin's shoulder.

Rin turned, giving the boy a warm smile. "Yes?"

The young servant relaxed under her kinder gaze. "Lord Sesshomaru has called for your company." He paused, eyeing Katsuo. The general had stepped back, lips pressed together, jaw tight. The servant's eyes returned to Rin. "He resides in his study in the west wing."

Rin thanked the boy, dismissing him, then turned back to Katsuo. The general was tense now, and she saw the frustration in his eyes before he pressed the emotion back.

"Master Katsuo, are you alright?"

Katsuo nodded. "I'm fine, but you shouldn't keep our lord waiting." His tone became harder when he said the last three words. It was slight, probably subconscious, but Rin caught the change. It gave her pause.

She lingered for a moment, eyeing him.

"Did you and Lord Sesshomaru have an argument?"

The general smiled slightly. "You're observant, Rin," he said, moving closer to her. His hand reached for hers, brushing her fingers before deciding not to take them. "Yes, but it's nothing for you to worry about. We've resolved it."

It didn't look like it, Rin thought, but decided not to say so. Her heart was racing too much from the light touch. They were silent for a long moment before Rin spoke.

"You've been away for five years, and I'm sure you're exhausted, so please, relax and enjoy yourself. We'll talk again soon." Her words were kind and light, but as she turned to go, he gently grabbed her hand, pulling her back.

"Rin, wait, before you go. Will you meet me in the garden later?" he said as she turned back to look at him.

Her heart fluttered. "Yes, of course! When?"

"At sunset."

She gave him a quick nod and smile. "I'll be there."

His face lit up, and he stepped back to bow slightly to her. "I'll see you then."

Their eyes met one more time before he turned in the direction of his rooms. Rin watched him go for a moment, observing his strong stride. He was a good man, well-respect and confident, and she found his romantic interest in her exciting. She enjoyed his company, she always had, but something about this homecoming—she turned to look down the hallway, toward her lord's study— just didn't feel right.

Rin paused outside of her lord's study. The doors were closed, something almost unusual, and she could hear no noise from within. There was no creak of a desk or rustle of papers. He wasn't working. Was he simply waiting to speak with her?

This made her uncomfortable. She enjoyed her lord's company, but rarely did he give her his full attention while in his study. Before the war, she'd commonly joined him while he'd worked, speaking quietly with him throughout the day. During that time, he would continue working, only giving her his undivided attention if the conversation became serious or important. But this time, he waited within the room specifically to speak with her. What could he have to say after all of this time?

She played with the idea of returning later so her nerves could calm before entering, but she should have known he would sense her there.

"Come in, Rin."

Taking a deep breath to compose herself, Rin slid the door open carefully and spied her lord sitting against the far wall, cushions spread out on the floor around him. Rin smiled at him, her worries forgotten at the sight of him.

"Good afternoon, Lord Sesshomaru," she said as she moved into the room and bowed, leaving the door open behind her. Although she trusted her lord completely, rumors were known to spread quickly through the palace. She'd learned the hard way more than once.

Sesshomaru did not speak, beckoning her forward with a raised hand. As Rin moved to him, she noticed his appearance. His armor was gone, for maybe the first time in years, and his usual attire was replaced by a loose outfit of white. His hair fell unbound over his shoulders as it often did. As a child, on several occasions, with many years in between each, her lord had allowed her to touch his hair. It had been softer than anything she'd ever felt and extremely fine to the touch.

Her hand slipped into his outreached one, and his fingers closed gently over hers, pulling her to sit before him. Obediently, her legs folded beneath her. She did not look away from him. There was something present within his eyes. It clouded the gold, making his usually clear gaze hazy and distant.

Rin moved to her knees, leaning forward to touch her lord's face softly with her fingertips, feathering over the dark stripes on his cheeks, something she had not done since childhood.

She whispered his name, almost a question as she searched his face, trying to understand. His eyes instantly cleared, the gold there becoming pure again, focusing completely on her. Rin's hands fell away from his face, but she remained where she was.

His eyes were full of an intensity that Rin had only ever seen him show his enemies. Had she not known her lord so well, she would have been afraid when his eyes narrowed on her. His head tilted to the left, searching her face.

She swallowed, unsure of what her lord was doing, frozen beneath his gaze as he sat up straight before her, bringing them closer, faces only inches apart. She found she could not breathe. This was a new intimacy that she had never shared with her lord, and after being apart for so long, it only added to her nervousness.

His eyes shifted down, and Rin was startled when she felt his hand brush her collarbone. A moment later, he leaned back, the small package he had given her in his palm. Rin stared at him then pressed a questioning hand to her chest, confirming he had taken the gift from its hiding place just within the collar of her kimono.

"Lord Sesshomaru?" she asked softly, confused as he stood with the package, placing it back into the folds of his own clothes. He stepped around her without a word, and Rin pushed quickly to her feet, hurt rolling off of her in waves as she turned to watch him. He did not pause, though she knew he could sense it.

He leaned over his low desk resting in the middle of the room and pulled open a small drawer. When he straightened, a scroll was held tightly in his large hand. He moved back to her, holding it out for her to take, his gaze on her face but not meeting her confused eyes. "Give this to General Katsuo when you see him next," her lord told her before turning back to his desk.

Rin looked over the scroll in her hands. Most scrolls her lord sent out were secured with a blue tie around the middle, the West's main color, but this was sealed with a green one, the East's color.

"What is this, my Lord?" She asked softly. Nothing was making sense. Why would he ask her to give a scroll to Katsuo?

Sesshomaru did not respond as he settled behind the low desk, drawing out another scroll from the open drawer. Rin knew she'd been dismissed. Her heart clenched painfully in her chest. Never had her lord treated her so coldly.

She moved to the other side of the desk, kneeling before it. "Lord Sesshomaru, why did you take the gift back?" she whispered, trying to make sense of it all. "What was it?" He did not acknowledge her, pushing the new scroll open across his desk and drawing out a brush. "Lord Sesshomaru, please," she begged, "What have I done to anger you?"

His eyes found hers then, his face annoyed. "Rin, leave me," he replied, voice low.

Startled, Rin stood instantly, bowing. "Yes, my Lord," she said, her voice uneven.

When she straightened, she found her lord's eyes directed away from her, his free hand fisted on his desk.

Knowing better than to push him further, Rin obeyed his command and moved to the door of his study. She did not look back as she stepped out into the hall, sliding the door closed behind her. When the wood of the door and frame slapped together, Rin hiccupped loudly, tears coming to her eyes. What had she done?

She pressed her palm to her lips and tried to calm herself. She knew her lord could smell her tears, but she couldn't stop. Swallowing hard, Rin went to move away but the door slid open again behind her.

A gentle hand moved through her hair, settling on her shoulder to stop her retreat.

"Rin."

His voice was calm, devoid of the anger he had shown her moments before. Gently, he pulled her shoulder, turning her to face him. His large hand moved upward over her neck to cup the side of her face carefully. She stared up at him wide-eyed, startled by the action. "I am not angry with you," he told her softly. "Do not misunderstand."

For a moment, Rin could do nothing but look up at her lord as his words repeated in her mind again and again. Finally, Rin nodded and closed her eyes, more tears falling as she relaxed into his palm, bringing up her free hand to touch his wrist gently. "Thank you, Lord Sesshomaru," she whispered, truly grateful for his comfort.

When she opened her eyes again, Sesshomaru pulled away, moving back into his study. He left the doors open—an invitation for her to join him. Rin followed him, settling near his desk as he began to work. She did not ask him what he worked on nor did she question any of his previous actions, but instead she sat in silence, content to be near him again.

As time passed, the light from the window dimmed, eventually filling the room with a red hue as the sun began to dip behind the trees of the surrounding forest. Rin did not say anything to her lord in those hours, watching him with a soft expression as he filled several scrolls with characters. He never looked at her, but his eyes were calm now, content in her presence.

Rin took a deep breath, closing her eyes as she took in the peaceful atmosphere she had missed so dearly. This was how it had been before he'd left.

A soft knock sounded, and Rin opened her eyes to see Katsuo standing within the doorway of the study, knuckles still against the wood. He smiled softly at her then addressed his lord, bowing at the waist, braid hanging downward from his shoulder. Rin noted that he had redressed in an outfit of green, black, and gold similar to hers. Likely from the same vendor in the East.

Rin was surprised to see that he had his coiled whip secured at his side. Though she could hardly remember seeing him without it before the war, he had not been wearing it when the army had returned. It bounced at his hip as he moved forward into the room, clicking on the sword also at his waist.

"I apologize, my Lord," Katsuo said, his voice light as he looked upon her, "but I believe I'm here to borrow your ward for the evening."

Suddenly remembering her promise to him, Rin flushed, embarrassed. She'd been so absorbed with her lord, she'd forgotten to meet him.

Sesshomaru shifted beside her, drawing her eyes to him as he stood abruptly. He met Katsuo's eyes for a moment, then said nothing as he moved around his desk and passed him, leaving the room.

Katsuo remained where he was as his lord brushed past him, eyes straight and jaw tense. When the western lord's footsteps faded down the hall, his general sighed, shoulders sinking forward. He brought a hand up running it over the side of his face, bothered.

Rin approached him, watching closely. She remembered what he'd said earlier that day.

"I thought you and Lord Sesshomaru had reconciled?"

Katsuo turned his green eyes on her, his face smoothing. "Well, it seems that I was wrong. I'm not sure why he is still so angry with me."

"What did you argue over?" Rin asked boldly, instantly embarrassed when the question left her mouth.

A grin spread over the general's face, amused as she began to sputter apologies. "It's alright, Rin," he chuckled. He reached out to stop her as she began to bow. "No, please, you don't need to be so formal with me. It was a fair question, but still, not one that I can answer."

Rin, still flushed, kept her eyes down.

"I'm sorry about this afternoon, Master Katsuo," she whispered suddenly. "I didn't mean to forget our meeting."

He tilted her head up with a knuckle to her chin, his eyes soft. "Don't worry, dear Rin. It's been a long time since you've seen your lord." He smiled warmly at her as she flushed at his endearment. "I don't blame you for wanting to stay with him. I shouldn't have asked for your precious time so soon."

Rin smiled in return, grateful for his understanding.

His hand then slid down her arm then, intertwining their fingers carefully. Her heart jumped, startled by the touch. "Now, let's go see the gardens before the sun is completely gone. It's very nice out tonight, and then we can eat, if you haven't already."

He began to lead her from the room, but she stopped when she remembered the task assigned to her. "Wait."

He frowned slightly as she pulled her hand away, his eyes puzzled as he watched her move back to the cushions next to Sesshomaru's desk. She stood with the scroll in her grip.

"What is that?" he asked softly as she moved towards him with it, his tone apprehensive. His keen eyes did not miss the green binding around the scroll.

Rin shook her head as she handed it to him. "Lord Sesshomaru told me nothing but to give it to you."

Katsuo frowned at her for a moment then pulled at the tie, letting it drift to the floor as he opened the scroll. Rin watched his face closely as he read, curious of what her lord had to tell him that he could not just say aloud. Suddenly, a look of shock spread over his face, and he brought the scroll closer, a frown beginning to form.

Rin waited anxiously as he read over their lord's words again and again. Finally, he lowered his hands, the scroll curving by his waist with the lack of tension. His dark eyes settled on hers, many emotions flashing beneath their green color.

"What is it?" Rin asked quickly, worried. "What does it say?"

Katsuo swallowed, looking down at the limp scroll in his hands again. "Lord Sesshomaru is appointing me as ruler of the East," he said slowly, his voice soft.

Rin let out a relieved laugh, touching his arm lightly. "That's great, Katsuo!" she said, excited for him. "You will make a great lord. They will love you!"

His eyes found hers, not sharing her excitement, and Rin stilled, realizing her display had been ill-received. She removed her hand from him, stepping back. There was something else in the scroll. She swallowed. "What is it, Master Katsuo?" she whispered.

Katsuo continued to stare at her, bewildered. He opened his mouth to speak, then stopped, frustrated. Finally, he wet his lips and spoke, his voice strong, "Lord Sesshomaru has given you to me as my Lady." He paused. When he spoke again, his voice was low, hurting for her, "You're to be my mate."

Rin felt her blood run cold, understanding in that moment her lord's odd behavior over the course of the day. She felt her legs fail her and heard the flutter of paper as her vision darkened, strong arms catching her around the waist before she felt nothing.

Although this is an older chapter, reviews are still loved.