Prologue: Family Reunion
"Haven't you ever been in a fairy tale before?"
-Peter S. Beagle, "The Last Unicorn"
It was a large gathering and the old woman struggled to make herself heard above the exuberant joy of a family finding each other in the stormy sea of life, swept together by a family tradition. A too short weekend spent camping every three years.
"Silence." The voice came from outside the cosy circle of grandparents with their grandchildren on their laps, cousins roasting marshmallows and parents boasting about their children's achievements.
Their heads turned in unison and silence descended. The man was sitting against the tree, one leg bent at the knee and the other stretched out in front of him. To most of the people sitting around the fire that afternoon the image was a familiar one, a part of their earliest memories.
The old woman thanked him with a smile and the lifetime of laughter written in the lines around her eyes. The man bowed his dark head and waited.
The woman glanced at her loved ones gathered in front of her, some of them squinting slightly in the orange light of the late afternoon.
"Our story starts-"
"Story? Like a fairy tale? I thought this was something that actually happened? Not just a pretty lie told to children." Her newest son-in-law asked. One of her granddaughters kicked him in the shin.
"Does it matter?" Her daughter said, quickly, rubbing his back as he cradled his leg. "Storytellers tell lies to show us the truth…" She noticed the glares directed at her husband and then added, "Unlike politicians, who use lies to cover it up." There was some laughter around the fire and a few more jokes regarding certain government officials were told. When good humour was restored, the old woman began again.
"Our story starts…"
Dear reader a.k.a. Sess/Rin lover or hater
This story will offer an alternate interpretation of the Sesshoumaro/Rin relationship. Please read with an open minded attitude. That is all I ask. Wait a minute, I'm lying. I'd also like reviews.
Awaiting your feedback eagerly,
Lomesa