A Lily in the Snow
Summary: In order to gain an alliance with the Uchiha Clan, the Hyūga Clan send Lady Hinata to wed the future clan head. Being sent away from the only home she has known, Hinata must brave her new life and clan. The desolate, snowy mountains offer little for new life to grow, but she must try.
This is a story I've been thinking about for a while. I had part of the first chapter written but never got around to finishing it until now. I'll update this when I have a chance.
This was not how Hinata had imagined her wedding to be like. Her mother had told her of the grand wedding she had when she was a little girl. The flowers, the music, the joyous occasion. Being surrounded by everyone she loved, and being able to marry a man she loved. Hinata had imagined her own wedding to be like that someday. However the reality was a stark contrast to the dreams of a child.
Dressed in her warmest traveling clothes, Hinata watched as horses were prepared and a cart was filled. Every servant was busy getting things ready for her trip. Turning her gaze from the scene she looked up at the mountains that loomed in the distance. Gray and snow capped, they were desolate compared to life in the valley. A shiver went through her as she tried to imagine life in the mountains.
"Lady Hinata?" She turned her attention away from the mountains. Neji offered her a small smile of reassurance. "It is time we leave."
She sighed. "Thank you, Neji." Taking one last look around her, she felt her heart clench.
She would miss her home. The valley was always pleasant and flowers of all kind bloomed year round. She recalled running through the gardens, laughing as Neji gave chase. An apple tree in bloom caught her eye. She spent countless days under the shade of the tree reading. She could remember her mother sitting under the tree reading to her.
Biting her trembling lip, she hastily wiped away a few stray tears. Her father would scold her if he saw her crying. Going over to her horse, a speckled black and white stallion, Neji helped her on to the saddle. She stroked the horse's head as Neji got on to his own horse.
"Hinata," her father called to her. Steering the horse toward the gate, she met his stern gaze.
"Father…"
He scrutinized her for a moment. Then he said, "Do not disappoint us." She gave a single nod. "Also, we will be there in three month's time for the wedding." The last part made her pause. She had thought she would be getting married alone. However it was a relief to know she would have some family there.
"Thank you, father. Stay well." She bowed her head to him. Steering her horse forward, the group started leaving.
"Wait!" Hanabi came rushing out of to the gates. Stopping near her horse, Hanabi held out a small, cloth pouch, "For you, sister."
Taking the offered pouch, she opened it. A smile formed on her face. "Thank you, Hanabi. I'm not sure if a cherry blossom tree can grow in the mountains, but I will try my best."
The younger girl grinned. "It's for luck!"
Tucking the pouch into the secret pocket of her padded jacket, Hinata gave her a sister and father one last look. "Stay well, both of you. I will see you on the day of the wedding."
As they left on their journey, Hinata couldn't help getting misty eyed. She had grown up in the valley. It was her only home and now she would be leaving it for a life on the mountains. She would be joining a clan she didn't belong to. She would be marrying a man she had never met. All for the sake of her own clan because it was her duty as the Hyūga heiress.
~o~O~o~
"I've always wondered what it would be like in a place where it snows," Sakura commented. The young woman had drawn her horse beside Hinata's as they traveled.
"I heard that plants are hard to grow," Hinata mumbled. Neji kept quiet; his horse at the head of the traveling group. "I hope there will be some way to grow plants."
Sakura hummed thoughtfully. "It'll be interesting to see their medical techniques. We use plants and herbs to make our medicine, so a place that has limited plants must have different forms of treatment."
Hinata smiled a bit at Sakura's rambling. Being one of the best medics, she always had her mind on new treatments. Sakura had trained under the legendary Tsunade and used her knowledge to help the sick. She had been with the Hyūga clan for a little over two years, and would be coming with Hinata in case she needed professional medical help. The pink haired woman was thrilled to be traveling to a new place if only to sample their way of care.
"I heard they just put snow on everything," Kiba piped up. Walking next to the cart, the young man's voice traveled far. Though he preferred to ride his giant hound, he begrudgingly rode a horse for the travel. Akamaru was forced to remain behind, but Kiba would be traveling back after Hinata arrived safely
Sakura rolled her eyes. "You can't solve everything by putting snow on it. It could cause infection in certain wounds."
Kiba scratched his cheek. "Just saying what I heard. Anyways I'm more curious about this guy Hinata is marrying!"
This time Neji was the one to speak. "Uchiha Itachi is the eldest son of the head of the Uchiha Clan. He's known as a prodigy within their clan as he led them to victory in a feud that had lasted years in only a few days at the age of fourteen. Calculating, intelligent, skilled in combat, he's wiped out many of the clan's enemies when others before him could not. He's fought in every battle and come out victorious. He's both deadly in combat and in tactics. That's all we really know about him."
"Sounds scary," Sakura remarked. "A man who won a war at such a young age….he must be some sort of monster."
Hinata shivered at the thought. Would he be a monster? Someone who had led battles and won them could only be hardened after witnessing such destruction. She shook her head to clear the thoughts. It was too early to judge a man she hadn't met.
"Does he have any siblings?" she inquired. Her father had mainly kept her in the dark about her future husband and his family. Most likely to keep her from fearing for her future. Now that he wasn't here, she wanted to know as much as she could.
"He has a younger brother. I believe he's the same age as you, Lady Hinata." Neji paused before continuing, "Uchiha Sasuke is just as skilled as his brother. Though the rumor is that he can be a bit reckless, especially in battle."
Kiba grunted. "Sounds like we're sending Hina into a den full of wolves."
"And I'm the sacrificial lamb," she thought to herself.
"Despite what we've learned about the brothers, the Uchiha Clan is a clan of honor. They believe in strong bonds between families and allies. They may not be as traditional as the Hyūga Clan, but they do uphold some traditions." Neji wanted to reassure Hinata that the clan wasn't completely barbaric. He had his own worries, but he didn't want her to fear for her life. He would be there to protect her if need be, however he knew she was capable of protecting herself despite her fragile looks.
~o~O~o~
The trip took five days and five nights. They needed to take breaks in between traveling not just for themselves but for the horses. The first half of the trip was easy. They met no other travelers, though the other guards were always alert. It was the trek up the mountain that took the most time. They hadn't expected the so much snow or the bitter cold. The wheels of the cart would often get stuck in the snow and they would have to stop to dig it out. The mountain trail was narrow, and they had to travel one by one.
Despite wearing her warmest clothes, Hinata's teeth chattered. Her fingers were numb and her face hurt from the wind. "N-Neji h-h-how m-much f-f-further?"
"W-we're almost there." Though he tried to keep his voice steady, the cold was getting to him as well. The snow made it difficult to see in front of them. Thankfully the mountain path had widened enough that they no longer needed to travel in one line.
Barely making out a light of a torch, Neji could see the outline of a watch tower. He felt a sense of relief as he realized they must be close. However he heard something whistle through the air, and his eyes widened.
"Watch out!"
An arrow embedded itself into the snow mere inches away from Hinata's stallion. The horse gave a loud whine of distress. Rearing on his hind legs, Hinata gripped her reins tighter trying to steady her horse. "C-calm down!"
Unfortunately the horse continued to whine and jerk around. Her stiff fingers couldn't keep a firm hold on the reins. Falling off the horse she landed in the cold snow. Sitting up she pulled herself to her feet and grabbed the reins. Pulling them firmly she managed to stop the horse from rearing again. Stroking his face, she murmured words of reassurance.
"Hinata, are you okay?!" Neji ran over to her.
"I'm f-fine, Neji. He was just spooked." She glanced around. Everyone had dismounted their horses and were forming a protective circle around her.
"Halt!" Two figures stepped forward. Dressed in animal hide and fur, one man's face was covered by a mask. Wearing an eye-patch he observed them with his single eye. The other man held a bow in one hand and glared at them with dark eyes. His face was not covered and he looked young. Dark hair peeked out from under his hood.
"State your name and purpose," commanded the bow wielding man.
Neji straightened himself up. "Hyūga Neji of the Hyūga Clan. We have come to present Lady Hyūga Hinata, heiress to the Hyūga Clan, to Uchiha Itachi, her betroth." His eyes were cold as he appraised the two men. The one with the eye-patch was definitely older, though he let the younger one speak.
The young man eyed her. "I am Uchiha Sasuke, second son of Uchiha Fugaku, head of the Uchiha Clan. You're late."
Before Neji could say more, Hinata pushed herself to stand in front of him. "We a-apologize for the delay, Uchiha-san. H-however the trek up here was not an e-easy task, as we are not use to such climates." She gave the younger Uchiha her best stern look. Her father often had that look on his face, and it never failed to intimidate others.
However her look did not have the same effect as Sasuke just stared at her blankly. "Well sorry to break it to you, but my brother is no longer interested in marrying you, princess."
The entire party was silent. Hinata felt faint as she tried to wrap her mind around his words. Had she messed up the alliance before she could even do anything? Her father would be extremely disappointed if she returned home.
It was Sakura that broke everyone out of their dumbfound silence. "Did Lord Itachi say that he no longer wanted to marry Lady Hinata?"
He gave her a withering look. "You are no longer needed. Go back to your valley." Turning his back to the party, he started to head for the gates. The man with the eye-patch did not follow however.
Neji scowled at the young lord. "Let us return home, Lady Hinata. I will tell Lord Hiashi that it was my mistake."
For once Hinata did not listen to her cousin's words. "N-no, Neji." She took a few steps forward. "I wish to speak to Lord Itachi personally," she called to Sasuke.
The raven haired man stopped in his tracks. "He's not here right now. I am in charge until his return. Leave." He turned to give her a dark glare.
Steeling herself, Hinata lifted her chin up and have him a defiant look. "I wish to talk to Lord Itachi. If I must wait for his return so be it." She looked away after a few beats as his stare bore down on her.
Grinding his teeth Sasuke took a menacing step toward her. She did not move from her spot though she was secretly terrified of the angry young man. She noted that the snow had seeped through her boots. Before he could take another step the one-eyed man placed an arm in front of him.
"Come Lord Sasuke. I think you've had enough fun with them." He seemed to be smiling under his mask as his good eye closed.
"Kakashi, what do you think-"
"Ah, I'm sure Lady Mikoto would be unhappy to hear you scared away Lord Itachi's betroth." He inclined his head at the younger male.
Now Sasuke was glaring at Kakashi. "You wouldn't…"
He only gave the lord another closed eye smile before turning to them. "Please follow me, Lady Hinata. Lady Mikoto has been anticipating your arrival." Bowing at the waist to Hinata, he straightened up and started heading for the gates.
As they approached, Kakashi gave the guards on the watchtower a wave and the large wooden gates started opening slowly. Sasuke followed behind the group at a slower pace. Hinata couldn't help but wonder if he was sulking. Why he told them Itachi didn't want to marry her was beyond her understanding.
As they walked past homes, she noted how they were all made of stone. Smoke flew up from the spouts on the houses. People were dressed in animals skins similar to the two men. Hinata's own clothes were waterlogged from the snow. Everyone in her party was no better off than she was. Their warmest clothes were not made for this type of climate. People stared at them as they went by. They whispered behind hands. Some gave them suspicious looks while other seemed curious. Hinata kept her eyes forward as she hated to be the center of gossip and looks.
They seemed to walk for hours, though in reality it was only a few minutes. Leaving the large village behind, they started climbing up another steep trail. Sasuke, who had moved to the front, and Kakashi traversed the trail easily despite the snow and ice. Hinata's group was having a harder time even while on horseback. The horse pulling the cart was having a hard time keeping up. Snow would gather around the wheels causing it to get stuck. Their two guards and Kiba ended up pushing the cart from behind whenever it stuck.
When they finally arrived at the top another gate greeted them. Flags with the Uchiha Clan symbol flew proudly on the gates. There were more guards stationed outside, but they waved them in when they saw Sasuke and Kakashi. The building before them was a like a palace. Made of grey stones, the sloped roofs were gilded in red. The courtyard was spacious but devoid of any plants or decorations. The doors inside were red and the clan symbol was etched into the wood in gold.
"You can leave your horses here. We'll have them placed in the stables." Kakashi gestured to some servants who immediately took the reins once they all dismounted. The cart was opened and the gifts inside were taken out.
"Those are for Lady Hinata's dowry. Please be careful with them," Neji instructed one of the servants.
Following the two men inside, Hinata wiggled her fingers. Feeling was starting to return to them. The inside was just as grand as the outside with black polished floors and pillars. The ceiling was lofty and iron chandeliers hung from them. Each chandelier had at least twenty candles on them; each one was lit casting light all around. They passed many closed doors and turned down a few hallways.
Arriving at another ornate door, Kakashi turned to them. "Lady Mikoto and Lord Fugaku are finishing up dinner, but they wanted to see you as soon as you arrived."
Running a nervous hand through her bound hair, Hinata wanted to turn around. She was in not state to see them. Now that she was warming up, the ice on her clothes had melted and she was left dripping water on the floor. Her usual unbound hair was up in a ponytail but it was stiff with half frozen ice. Everyone in her party looked like they had been pulled from a river.
"P-perhaps we could ch-change before meeting th-them?"she inquired, hopefully.
Kakashi smiled. "Nope." He threw open the doors with a bang.
The room was a large banquet hall. In the center was a long table with elegant matching chairs on either side. The table had an array of dishes spread out for more than two people. Sitting at the head of the table facing them was a woman. Sitting to her right was a man. The woman was dressed in a simple charcoal black yukata with a red obi. Her dark hair was left to flow down her shoulder and back. The woman had been leaning toward the man saying something when Kakashi opened the door.
Neither were startled by the loud sound. Instead they both slowly pulled away and turned to look at who had interrupted them. Kakashi knelt on one knee. "Pardon my intrusion Lady Mikoto, Lord Fugaku. Lady Hyūga Hinata has arrived with her entourage."
Fugaku assessed Hinata with cold, critical eyes. She was no stranger to being scrutinized, especially under such a stare. Her father had often looked at her like that when she was growing up. Even now he stilled observed her closely to ensure she made no mistakes. Trying to to squirm under his gaze she met his dark eyes with her pale ones.
Giving them both a polite nod she murmured, "It is a pleasure to m-meet you both." What did they think of the future bride to their eldest son standing in their plush banquet hall dripping water on an expensive red carpet? She and her friends looked no better than vagabonds. No even vagabonds looked better than them.
Mikoto broke the tense silence with a warm smile. "I'm glad to finally place a face with the woman who will be joining our family. I'm sure you're all tired from your journey here." She stood from her seat. "Please rest and recuperate. We can discuss everything tomorrow." Hinata noted that when Mikoto moved the light reflected the details, flowers, on her yukata that she had not noticed before. Simply but expertly made.
A few servants seemed to appear from thin air. They bowed to Hinata. "If you will all follow us," one said.
Hinata felt a sense of relief. She lowered her head. "Th-thank you for your kindness, Lady Uchiha."
The woman chuckled. "Think nothing of it. Please call me Mikoto." Giving her a nod, Hinata and her group followed the servants out of the banquet hall.
"Kakashi, a word?" she called to the silver haired man.
He turned slowly towards her and smiled while scratching the back of his neck. "Of course, Lady Mikoto."
Sasuke tried to sneak out with the group but his mother's commanding, but sweet, voice called to him. "Sasuke, dear, please stay for a moment as well."
Though curious Hinata kept her gaze forward. Whatever matters Lady Mikoto had with Kakashi and Sasuke were there own. She was guided down the hall and the banquet hall disappeared when she rounded the corner. At least she and her friends would be getting a warm meal and some needed rest.
"What do you think of the girl?" Fugaku asked once the doors were closed. His gaze rested on Sasuke. Mikoto had sat down and was sipping a cup of tea.
Sasuke crossed his arms. "She's too timid and stutters a lot. Based on what I've observed, she's been sheltered her whole life in the valley. Though she tries to put on a brave face, you can clearly see through it. She's not fit for our clan." Harsh words but the young lord felt he was right.
"Kakashi?" Mikoto turned her attention to the older male.
He was quiet for a moment before speaking. "She is timid and can't seem to hold eye contact for an extended period of time. However she's kind and aware of other people's needs. She doesn't complain. Though quiet she observes everything around her."
"Do you think she's fit to be part of the clan?" Fugaku inquired. He was weighing the silver haired man's words.
"I cannot say yet. She has a lot of room to grow, but I do not believe she is a terrible match for Lord Itachi," he said, honest in his assessment.
"Sasuke?"
The young male did nothing to hide his distaste of Hyūga Hinata. "Itachi needs someone who is already strong by his side. He does not need someone who needs to be coddled or sheltered. She wouldn't last a month here."
Mikoto set her tea cup down. "We will see how she fares until Itachi comes back. He should be back by the end of this month from his campaign. Whether Lady Hinata proves to be a good match for Itachi or not will depend on her actions."
It seemed everything was decided. Despite Sasuke's annoyance he could do nothing as his mother had already put down her foot. Even his father had no say once Mikoto made up her mind. It seemed the Hyūga heiress would be staying with them until Itachi came home. In that time she would have to prove herself worthy to be part of the Uchiha clan or go back to her clan in shame.
