As she passed through the wide arches she had approached, Kagome couldn't help staring. For a village, it looked…more advanced than the one the Bone Eater's Well is nearby. Walking through, she looked left then right, taking in her new surroundings. After who knew how long, she stopped before what looked like a pawnshop. Finally. Entering, she immediately spotted a rather round man with thinning hair sitting behind a broad counter, leaning back on the two back legs of his chair, apparently asleep. Hmph. Like she was going to take that quietly, what type of business did this guy think he was running! Moving in front of him, she gently rapped the glass counter, only to be stopped after one knock. She looked, faced with her reflection in steely gray eyes.
"What you want, girl?"
Gee, what a welcome. Removing the yellow backpack from her shoulders and setting it on the ground, she rummaged through it quickly before taking out a roll of beautiful silky cloth, a gray that shimmered in the light like silver. Cloth courtesy of Miroku. Zipping the pack again, she set the fabric before the man's greedy gaze. She had originally wanted to save the cloth and bring it back for her mother, who had been looking for some nice material to make a new skirt out of, but this was sort of an emergency. She had money on her, yes, but maybe not enough to get a hotel room. Unless the pricing here was different. Maybe she would be fortunate. Yet, before thanking her lucky stars, she'd try to be safe. Lazily watching the man's greedy eyes going up and down the length of cloth, she could already tell he would trade quite a large sum of money for it. She had to agree the cloth was top notch and definitely first rate. And she definitely agreed that she pitied any woman the guy has ever set his eyes on. She could just picture him salivating over them. Ewww… She mentally gagged and barely stopped the look of disgust that was spreading across her features.
"So," Kagome said casually, "how much will you give me for it?"
The man seemingly just registered her presence since the fabric's appearance.
"You're willing to trade this!"
He scurried about, taking a stack of notes and several chains lined with coins and deposited the load before her. She eyed the pile, trying to decide whether the guy was cheating her. She wouldn't know if he was, would she? She had known the material was expensive; Miroku wouldn't have bothered taking it otherwise, but…how expensive is the true question. She started in surprise as the man added a few notes at a time as he watched her, desperately. He must really want the roll of cloth. After he threw his hands up in despair that she might never be satisfied by the amount he was offering, she nodded once and tuned him out as he joyously scooped the pile of money into a red pouch and handed it to her, thanking her over and over. Grabbing the silk and pushing it beside his chair as if he was afraid she would change her mind and call off the exchange, he stood up and made to show her to the door. Kagome shook her head; she was quite capable of finding it, thank you very much.
"But, one more thing please."
"Of course, of course!"
"Where can I find an inn?"
It was almost completely dark outside, the only light coming from the lanterns that lined stores and restaurants or peering from within homes. It really made her feel out of place, walking alone down the emptying streets as she searched for the inn based upon the pawnshop's owner's poor instructions. He must not give directions much. Or, he does but never improves. At long last she stopped in front of a long and wide building, the light illuminating from it casting a cheerful glow into the street. A red lantern hanging outside the doorway told her that she had arrived. She couldn't help breathing a sigh of relief. She couldn't wait to get a room and go out to grab some food. She swiveled around, looking up and down the street behind her. She had been having an uncomfortable feeling for a while now. Like someone had been watching her. You know that feeling, right? Chills, almost, the thing that makes you feel like shivering but you just, can't. She shook her head. Some hot food and a good long sleep would be all she needed; it's been a long day and she must be overly paranoid in the unfamiliar surroundings.
Pushing aside the curtain that covered the doorway, she stepped into the building only to have a warm feeling wash over her. The inn had a very homey feel to it. She was soon greeted by young woman with a dark braid over her shoulder and forest green eyes, and arranged for a room.
"And how long would you be staying, Higurashi-san?"
"Um…"
She randomly fished into the right pocket of her black pants and grabbed a few money notes out, uncertain how long she would be able to stay with the amount but she just didn't feel like digging for that red pouch right now.
"How long can I get with these?"
The woman looked up from…whatever she was doing during her fishing for money.
"Two."
How helpful, that just about cleared everything up for her. Kagome smiled, it's alright, the booking would all be over soon.
"Days?"
"Weeks, Higurashi-san."
She blinked, that was definitely surprising. She hadn't had to do much with the currency for this time period, but, man, things must have seriously changed over the years, way more than she realized. She nodded her consent and was given a key and directed towards the stairs that led to the next floor, where her room would be waiting for her.
The trek up was laborious, who would have thought they would be just as tiring as hiking up a mountain? They definitely looked shorter and less steep from the bottom. The room was simple and spacey, which was nice. There were cream colored walls with a large window set into the one directly across from the door, covered by a sliding paper screen that was open a crack to let a nice breeze float through. A low table was set below it, surrounded by sitting cushions, and displayed a clay teapot with matching cups and saucers on a tray in its center. To the left was a large futon, topped with a pillow, a thin cover, and a much thicker looking black blanket. Next to this she set her yellow backpack after removing her shoes and placing them next to the step that led into her room. Opposite the wall with the futon was a huge wooden chest, the lid propped up, with a sturdy looking lock inside it. She'd remove her things and stuff them in there later. On the left of the chest was a wooden door, which was open, to reveal a considerably smaller room which contained a wooden basin filled with clear water on a metal stand, a metal bar with towels next to it, and a sink next to that. There was also a tub large enough for a really wide person, ready for her to use. Atop the ceiling of both rooms, a prism-shaped lantern hung brightly, illuminated inside by two little flames. Ah well, exploring can come later, first and foremost, the idea of a nice hot meal beckoned her. With that in mind, she took out a jacket from her bag, pulled it over her pink blouse, and replaced her shoes. She debated whether or not to bring her bow and arrows, but decided against it. She didn't know where she was nor the people around her, she wouldn't want them thinking she was out to attack someone now would she? Without covering, her weaponry would look awfully suspicious, which was a definite no-no. Didn't want to draw attention to herself, just act like any ole visitor, yup, that's what she'll do. But she'd bring the shards in that glass bottle buried in her yellow pack. She carefully pocketed in within her blouse and nearly winced. Its energy was leaking a bit. Bet that's what's always attracting demons to her. Well, at least it shielded some of her aura; whatever should come upon her would be unsuspecting of her powers. And that was good, because being inconspicuous is good. This in mind, she left, having already made sure she had a line of coins in her pocket, folded in a few bills.
He waited until the door clicked shut behind her and continued staying in the tree for a few more minutes, for good measure. Sure she wouldn't return, he bounded off, to return home, and to think. That girl, definitely, had something off about her.
TBC
