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.
Hinata let out a satisfied sigh as she sank in the warm water. They had been given a warm and quick meal. No one had really talked as they were all famished. The servants had brought each of her friends to their own rooms after. While they were all situated in the same hall, Hinata had been led down a different hallway. She had been given an overly large room but it seemed Mikoto had wanted her there.
Unlike her bed at home, the bed here was western style. It stood on four legs with a cherry wood headboard and many blankets. There was a bed stand next to it with a candle and some matches in a draw. After being left alone while a bath was being drawn for her, Hinata snooped around the room some more. An ornate dresser was filled with clothes, They looked new and very warm. A vanity sat in one corner of the room. Carved from pure ivory, Hinata was afraid to even look in the mirror in case she damaged it somehow. There were a few lamps resting on the dresser, a desk, and vanity that lit the room. Before she could look around some more the servant had returned and led her to a private bath just beyond the sliding doors in her room.
Soaking in the warm water Hinata felt all her aches starting to fade. As she sat there her mind wandered to before. Uchiha Sasuke seemed to dislike her for some reason. She couldn't understand what she had done to receive the young lord's ire. The silver haired man seemed fine with her presence. She was still trying to understand Kakashi's relationship with the clan. Perhaps he was from a different village that the Uchiha Clan had conquered? Yet he seemed to be on a more intimate relationship with the heads and Sasuke. Perhaps he was like Kiba, a friend and loyal to the clan.
Taking a deep breath she submerged herself in the water. Coming back up her indigo hair had plastered itself to her face. Brushing it aside, Hinata finished up her bath. Stepping out of the water she shivered and wanted to go back in. However she could not soak all night no matter how much she wanted to.
Walking into the changing area she saw that her clothes had been replaced by a simple nemaki. Lavender in color it had small flowers dotted on it. The sash was a shade lighter than fabric. As she got dressed there was a knock.
Not entering the servant knelt behind the screen. "Lady Hinata, we were unable to save your clothes. However Lady Mikoto believes that you will be warmer in the clothes she hand picked."
Hinata flushed. It was very kind of Mikoto to give her clothes. However Hinata was a bit embarrassed that the Uchiha had to see her ill fitted clothes. "Please tell Lady Mikoto that I g-give my thanks."
"Of course. Will you be needing anything else?"
"No thank you." Once the servant left Hinata finished dressing. Sliding the door open she settled herself on the edge of the bed. The covers had been turned down and the extra pillows were placed on the ottoman at the foot of the bed. The servant had blown out most of the lamps except for the candle on the bedside table.
The room was warm; Hinata had realized quickly that the floors were heated. How they had accomplished that was beyond her. Yet she couldn't help but be in awe at this. No wonder Lady Mikoto wore a yukata despite it usually being worn for spring and summer. The entire building was insulated and kept at a comfortable temperature.
Glancing at the large window across from her bed, Hinata could only see darkness. Maybe the occasional snow drift. Deciding she had stayed up long enough she blew out the candle. Pulling the covers up she closed her eyes. It took her awhile to fall asleep as the howling wind was rather loud compared to the peaceful valley nights.
Hinata woke with a start. Eyes darting around in the dark she knew someone was in her room. She was laying on her side, her back facing the entrance to her room. Better than average eyesight, Hinata could make out the details of the room despite the darkness. Closing her eyes to a slit she strained her ears to listen but kept her breathing even. She heard a shuffle as feet slid on the wooden floor and the almost silent breath of her intruder. A shadow fell over her, and she waited as they reached for her.
Then she turned and slammed her palm into their sternum. A surprised and painful wheeze was heard. She threw her covers over the intruder causing them to stumble. Her bare foot shot out and landed in their stomach. The intruder tumbled back and Hinata was on her feet. She heard a clatter, most likely a weapon. With her right hand raised above her left, both palms open and forward, she stared down her attacker.
Dressed in all black they're face was masked except for the eyes. Muddy brown stared in alarm before they fumbled for a dagger hidden inside their breast pocket. They threw it at her but she easily dodged it. The blade ripped through the screen door to the bath. Using the dagger as a distraction the intruder go to their feet and rushed her.
Hinata easily blocked and dodged their attacks. She hit them on their upper right arm, one to their left side, and ducking around them a hit to the back right thigh. A muffled shout was let out as they assailant fell to the ground. Hinata stood in front of them, breath coming out quickly. It wasn't because of the exertion but rather the adrenaline that rushed through her body.
Her door burst open. "Lady Hinata, are you okay?!" Neji was the first to enter. Following closely behind was Sakura, Kiba, and three Uchiha guards; one carried a lamp.
Not taking her eyes off the masked person, she nodded. "I'm fine, Neji."
The two guards pointed spears at the person on the floor. "Get up slowly. No funny business."
They only groaned clutching their left side with their left hand. "Th-they won't be able to get up," she informed the guards. After all she had struck specific nerves. "You may have to, um, c-carry them." The guards raised an eyebrow as they looked at her. They were reaching for the intruder but Neji stopped them.
Scowling the older Hyūga was eying them suspiciously. "Wait. We need to have a word with Lord and Lady Uchiha about this."
One guard, who looked to be of higher rank than the other two, spoke. "Perhaps you should place your inquiries for tomorrow as they are asleep. We can take this intruder to our holding cell."
Neji coldly glared at the guard. "Leave them here. I suggest you wake them now. An assassin just tried to kill Lady Hinata. Should we take this as an attack from the Uchiha Clan?"
Paling the guard seemed to understand what he was saying. "W-we will fetch the immediately!" He and the others nearly ran out of the room in their haste, but left the lamp.
Once they were gone Neji crouched over the withering attacker. "We are not done with you," his hissed. Then they passed out just by his mere touch on the back of their neck.
Hinata let out a sigh. "P-perhaps we should wait for a better time?"
"Hinata," she knew Neji was deadly serious, "someone just tried to kill you. Not even a day here and an assassin was sent after you."
Kiba growled. "Ya think it was that Uchiha jerk?"
"I don't think he would jeopardize something like this. At least not to that extent. After all Lady Mikoto welcomed us," Sakura pointed out.
Neji shook his head. "We need to get to the bottom of this. We can't dismiss the idea that this assassin was sent by someone in the Uchiha Clan."
"S'that why you didn't want the guard to take him? They might kill him before we get answers?" Kiba asked.
"Yes." Neji wouldn't put it past them if they tried something like that.
Sakura sighed. "I thought this was going to be simple." She knelt down beside the prone assassin. She was checking for any possible weapons or poisons. "Well he's not carrying anything else. Also no suicide pills. Definitely male. I think you might have fractured his sternum, Hinata. Not that he doesn't deserve it."
She resisted the urge to poke her index fingers together. "I-I may have been a bit more forceful than I should have been…"
Their conversation was interrupted as Kakashi knocked on the door. "The Lord and Lady are waiting for you in the interrogation room." He casted a glance at the body on the floor. "I guess we should bring that too."
Kiba and Sakura dragged the limp body down to the maze of halls. They descended down a flight of stairs. Only torches lit the way down and Hinata felt a chill in the air. Unlike the beautiful and ornate style of the upper floor, everything down there was cold, musky, and dark. To think the Uchiha heads had a dungeon right under them. Of course the Hyūga clan had their own form of dungeons but they were located in a separate area from the main house.
They entered the first room off the stairs that had a thick, non-decorated wooden door. Inside was a simple table, a chair with metal cuffs for both arms and legs, and nothing else. Mikoto and Fugaku were already sitting in chairs. Sasuke stood next to his mother, arms crossed.
Two guards took the assassin from Kiba and Sakura. They strapped him to the chair and left with a bow. The heavy door closed with an ominous thud. Fugaku eyed the assassin with a deep frown maring his face. Mikoto looked a bit shocked but quickly composed her face.
Neji was the one to step forward. "We apologize for bothering you both so early in the morning. However as you can see we have a dire matter that needs to be addressed."
"Are you unharmed, Hinata?" Mikoto inquired, her eyes filled with genuine concern.
Hinata nodded. "I am f-fine, Lady Mikoto. I was just surprised."
"Can't say much for him," Kiba butted in as he jabbed his thumb at the still unconscious man. "Hina may have broken his sternum." He was grinning widely at that. Neji gave him a look but the Inuzuka was not deterred.
Neji continued, "Lady Hinata's life was threatened by some unknown assassin. In your home."
Sasuke moved from leaning against the wall. "What are you insinuating, Hyūga?"
"I am merely stating a fact, Lord Sasuke. Unless you know something more?" Neji's face remained blank.
"Sasuke, please stand down," Mikoto said, firmly.
He turned from glaring at Neji to give his mother a bewildered look. "He's suggesting we sent the assassin to kill her! How can I stand down when he's insulting the Uchiha C-"
"Sasuke." Mikoto's voice rang out firm and strong. Her dark eyes were steely as she stared her son down. He closed his mouth with a grim expression.
Fugaku leaned forward. "Kakashi, wake our intruder up."
The younger man nodded. Pulling the mask off the assassin looked like a normal male. Dark brown hair and slightly tanned skin. His only distinguishing feature was his crooked nose, most likely from being broken. Kakashi slapped the man across the face. The sound reverberated in the cell causing a few people to wince. With a groggy groan the man's eyes fluttered open and looked around in a daze. After a second he realized where he was and started struggling.
Kakashi leaned an elbow on the man's head. "Struggling won't get you anywhere." He smiled though it didn't match well with the undertone in his voice.
His dark brown eyes darted around before landing on Hinata. "Bitch! You broke something!" he wheezed. His breathing came out labored, and he winced every time he let a breath out.
Sakura nodded. "Yup. He definitely has a sternal fracture. Good job, Lady Hinata." She gave Hinata a smile which the heiress flushed as every eye turned to her.
"I apologize f-for causing you pain. H-however you did attack me first," she said, not looking the assassin in the eye.
Mikoto was looking at Hinata thoughtfully. Then she turned her attention to the man. "Who sent you and why? I suggest you talk fast."
He glared at the woman. "As if I'd tell you anything!"
"You should think carefully what you say, boy. I can assure you that you don't want to be tortured by an Uchiha," Fugaku warned, not even bothered by the fact he openly said torture in front of his guest.
He sneered. "You'll have to kill me before I tell ya anything!"
Still leaning on the man's head, Kakashi asked, "Should I take him to the other room?"
"W-wait!" Hinata stepped forward and turned to the man. "W-we don't want to hurt you. It would be e-easier if you just tell us what y-you know." She tried to give him a kindly smile.
Looking at her thoughtful his dark eyes seemed to soften. "Alright I'll tell you something, Hyūga. Just come a little closer." Hinata hesitated but stepped a bit closer. "Go to hell," he hissed and spat at her. His spittle landed on her cheek causing her to flinch.
The man found his head being bent in at an odd angle. Neji had his palm under his chin ready to snap his neck. He stood between Hinata and the assassin. His pale eyes blazed with fury. "You will apologize or I'll snap your neck," he said, slowly.
"Do it!" His eyes were bright and maniacal. "Not like your kind hasn't killed us before!"
Hinata had wiped off his spit with sleeve of her nemaki before looking him in the eye. "So you are from K-Kumogakure then."
The sneer on his face fell off as he seemed to go a shade paler. "I-I never said that!"
Her mouth pressed into a thin line. "You n-never said it outright. However your words gave you a-away." If Hinata had learned anything she knew words hold weight. That's why she always had to be careful what she said, and listen to the words of others.
Fugaku frowned. "An assassin all the way from Kumo? You have traveled far just to kill someone. Why?" The man kept his mouth shut.
Neji had released him though he had knocked him out again. "When Lady Hinata was little a head diplomat from Kumo came to sign a treaty between our clan and their country. However it was all a ruse to kidnap her in order to gain leverage. He was killed and Lady Hinata was saved. It seems they still hold hostilities towards us."
Mikoto gave Hinata a sympathetic look. "You poor dear. I'm sure that he also came in hopes of disrupting our alliance. We have been expanding into Kumo territories as of late. The heads of Kumo are not very happy about that."
Fugaku shook his head. "Rebellion is to be expected. However they should just accept that they will be living under Uchiha Clan rule." He turned to Kakashi. "Have the guards take him to the other room. Have them get as much information out of him as possible."
Opening the door Kakashi allowed the four guards waiting outside into the room. Two unchained him while the other two stood guard with their spears pointed at him. Dragging him by his arms they took him out of the interrogation room. The door closed and silence filled the small room.
Finally Mikoto broke the silence. "Well this has been quite a day. Why don't we head to bed and talk about this at a more suitable time?"
Neji looked ready to protest but Hinata implored him not to. He sighed. "Of course Lady Mikoto. We will see everyone later in the day." He gave a stiff bow. They all filed out of the room, leaving the Uchihas and Kakashi.
~o~O~o~
Hinata woke again except it was a reasonable time. She had slept fitfully after what happened. The fact an assassin had managed to sneak into the Uchiha household made her unseasy. The fact it was someone from Kumo set her teeth on edge. She hadn't seen someone from Kumo since the incident when she was three. After that failed kidnapping she had been terrified for a long time. She was not thrilled to see a someone from Kumo even now after so much time had passed.
After washing her face and putting on the yukata laid out for her, she was led to the banquet hall. Upon entering she saw that Sakura were already up. Kiba was most likely still sleeping. Mikoto was also there sitting at the head of the table chatting with Sakura.
She glanced around but didn't Kakashi, Sasuke, or Fugaku. Even her cousin was missing. "Morning, Lady Hinata," Sakura greeted as she stepped in.
"Good morning, Hinata. Please sit over here." Mikoto gestured to the seat on her left. Hinata obediently sat in the offered seat. A servant immediately brought out a steaming bowl for her. The ozoni smelled delicious; she felt her mouth water. The mochi melted in her mouth and the broth had just the right amount of flavor.
"So Sakura," Mikoto continued the conversation they had been having, "you're a medic? Did you have any training?"
Sakura nodded. "I trained under Lady Tsunade. She took me with her as she traveled around, and I learned everything from her."
Mikoto looked in awe at the young woman. "You must be quite talented. I had heard Lady Tsunade no longer took apprentices. You must have proven yourself in order for her to change her mind."
The pink haired woman blushed a bit. "I didn't do anything really. I just showed Lady Tsunade that I was very dedicated in being a medic. I may have pestered her a lot as well."
The older woman chuckled. "When you're passionate about something there should be nothing stopping you. I was young once so I understand." Her gaze fell on Hinata. "How was your sleep, Hinata?"
She set her spoon down. "It was pleasant. Thank you for the b-beautiful room and the clothes, Lady Mikoto."
"I realized that living in the valley you must not have proper attire to stand the cold here. I'm happy you like them." She took a sip of her tea. "Your room is in the same hall as Itachi's. I thought it would be easier for you to get to know him if your in closer proximity."
Hinata felt her cheeks grow warm. "I-I c-could ne-never go i-into h-his room! It i-isn't pr-proper…" Her stuttering had gotten worse.
Mikoto laughed lightly. "Of course I don't expect you to go to his room alone. When Itachi comes home you two can get to know each better, under supervision of course."
Keeping her gaze in her soup Hinata willed herself to calm down. "Lady Mikoto, what is Lord Itachi doing, if I may ask?" Sakura inquired.
"He's on a campaign right now. You see we've conquered quite a few smaller lands. However there is some unrest among the people, as to be expected. Itachi is there with his cousin to try and quell any of that." Mikoto sighed. "I had hoped he would be back before your arrival. Unfortunately he's being held up for a little longer."
"H-he must be very diplomatic," Hinata commented.
Mikoto smiled fondly. "Yes. Itachi is quite gentle despite what you may hear. He abhors fighting, but it is a necessary evil. Or at least that's what my husband says." She looked at Hinata thoughtfully. "Hinata, you were able to subdue the assassin. Are you trained in combat?"
"Y-yes. My f-father believed in a w-well rounded education. Along with our c-clan style of fighting, I am tr-trained in archery and the ko-naginata," Hinata replied. The scars she had received from her rigorous training throbbed a bit.
Mikoto looked a bit surprised. "You must be quite accomplished then."
She shook her head quickly. "I am n-not that good in fighting. I prefer not to use what I learned if I c-can." No, she wasn't a prodigy. Neji was brilliant in both combat and politics much to the surprise of her father. After all Neji was from the branch family of the clan, and there was no expectation of them to be much except loyal guards, servants, etc. The lowly jobs as her father called it. Hanabi was also brilliant in combat as their numerous sparring sessions showed, and she was her father's favored..
The Uchiha seemed to understand. "If fighting could be avoided that would be wonderful. However the world is ruled by hot blooded fools it seems."
After sharing some more conversation, Mikoto offered to show them around the estate. Every room she took them to was grand and filled with splendor. They had multiple kitchens, some smaller dining halls, studies, a library filled with books, and other rooms Hinata could not begin to remember. The estate was a maze and every twist and turn down a hall made things even harder to recall. However Mikoto assured them they would find their way around eventually. Sakura eventually left the small tour in favor of observing the medical wing they had. From the spark in the medic's eyes, Hinata knew this would be Sakura's new favorite place.
"Now down here are a few empty bedrooms. We have so many but we also have times where we host a lot of guests at once." Mikoto gestured to a large door down the hall. "This is our indoor garden. As you can tell it's quite hard to grow anything outside, so we settle for an indoor garden. Unfortunately we do not have much growing."
Hinata looked longingly at the door. "C-could we go in? Just for a peek?"
"Of course. I'm sure you must know a lot about plants growing up in the valley." Mikoto opened the door and the two stepped inside.
The room was warm like the weather down in the valley Hinata noted. The scent of dirt filled her nose. There were six plots of soil in two rows; they were fairly large and spacious. A few potted plants were left on a shelf that lined the wall all the way around the room. What made Hinata stare in awe was the almost all glass room. She could see snow falling on the outside but it seemed to melt after making contact with the glass.
Noting her interest, Mikoto explained, "We had some Kumo inventors come here years ago and create this indoor garden. They said this area of received the most sun, so it was an ideal place. The outside is lined with wire wrapped with tubing to keep it from rusting. The wires conduct heat so any snow that falls on it will melt. Of course when there's a storm the servants have to clean off the snow later."
Hinata noted the lack of plants. Sure there was a few of them in pots, but everything else was empty. It was a bit sad to see such potential not being used. "We have a g-garden at home. I've always loved to spend my time there. I also took care of a lot of p-plants. M-maybe I can do some work here?"
"You're welcome to spend your time here, Hinata. It would be lovely to see the indoor garden actually look like a garden." Mikoto smiled warmly. "Let us go for now. I still have a few more places to show you."
Following Mikoto out Hinata gave one last glance behind her. She would have to remember to bring Hanabi's gift with her next time. Maybe she would be able to grow a cherry blossom tree in this place.
Hinata had returned to her room after the tour. The estate was quite large and had many rooms. The Hyūga compound had also been large but she had grown up there, so it wasn't as confusing. She had just taken a seat on her bed when there was a knock on her door.
"Come in."
Neji stepped in and closed the door quietly. "I apologize for disturbing you, Lady Hinata. I wanted to inform you about the Kumo assassin."
Hinata nodded. "Did you find anything, Neji?"
He sighed. "Unfortunately I did not. The Uchiha's interrogator," he sneered, "tortured the man and by the time I got to him, he could barely speak. However it seems they weren't able to get anything out of him either."
"W-what happened to him? She already knew.
He spared her the unnecessary details. "They'll be taking the body far away to burn."
With her eyes downcast she felt a sense of pity. "I….I see."
"Lady Hinata, you should not feel any pity for a man that tried to kill you," Neji admonished, lightly. She was too sympathetic.
She shook her head. "I know Neji. Still he probably had family. He was only doing what he was told to. In an odd way his loyalty to his country was honorable."
"Only you would think that way," he commented, though his voice held a hint of admiration.
"Have you had a tour of the estate? Lady Mikoto took me on one. They have an indoor garden!" Her eyes lit up.
Chuckling at her delight Neji felt a sense of relief. "I'm sure you'll be spending a lot of your time in there. Still you need to keep up you training, Lady Hinata."
"I-I know. I'm just glad there's a place that plants can grow…" Without Neji around she would probably forget to do her training.
"They have a training room inside as well as a training ground outside. I think it would be best if we learn to fight in this environment as well." Neji was lost in thought. "Learning to fight in the snow and getting use to the cold would be a good advantage to have."
She smiled as her cousin continued to mumble to himself about training and battle strategies. "Would you like to do some training now?" she asked.
Breaking from his thoughts he looked at her, unsure. "Are you sure you want to train right now, Lady Hinata?"
"I'm sure. It's still the middle of the afternoon. Let me just find something else to change into." Getting off the bed, she went to the wardrobe as Neji left her to her privacy.
Finding a pair of fitted pants that cinched at the ankles and a long, plain tunic with slits on both sides and long sleeves, Hinata slipped out of her yukata. It seemed that Mikoto had thought of everything when it came to her clothes. She didn't recognize the clothing style, however based on the Uchiha's preference for Western style decor, she was sure the clothes were from somewhere else as well. She pulled her long hair into a ponytail, and grabbed a few items before joining Neji out in the hall.
The training room was spacious and was set up for various types of training. A large area of the room was open space for sparring and even had a slightly softer flooring. At the other far end, away from the entrance, were some targets set up for archery. In the middle between the sparring area and archery was a wall lined with training weapons. They were dulled in their sharpness, however it would still hurt enough to get hit by one.
Each Hyūga did a few stretches on their own to warm up. Hinata eyed the array of bows lined up. She had trained with a short bow all her life as per her father's orders. There was even a ko-naginata, which she recalled taking up a few years back. Though she had told Mikoto she had been trained in using the ko-naginata, Hinata had little confidence in actually using it in a real fight.
"Lady Hinata, would you like to start with some archery?" Neji asked, bringing her from her inner thoughts.
"Of course." Hinata pulled on her leather tab onto her right hand and adjusted her leather bracer. Selecting a sturdy looking short bow, she stepped a few feet away from her target. She eyed the target for a moment before notching the arrow, readying her stance, pulling back, and releasing. The arrow hit the center of the target with a thump. Neji pulled the arrow out of the target when she relaxed. She continued to do this but took a few steps back each time. Her arrows flew true every time.
Hinata relaxed her posture and sighed. "Very well done, Lady Hinata."
She smiled bashfully. "Thank you, Neji. I had a wonderful teacher." The older Hyūga chuckled.
"Impressive. You can hit a still target," came a new voice from the door. Sasuke was leaning against the frame watching the two with narrowed eyes.
"L-lord Sasuke…" Hinata flushed. Had he been standing there the whole time?
Moving from the door he walked closer to her. Neji immediately stepped a bit in front of her with a glare in his eyes. "Can you hit a target while moving, princess?" he asked, his voice taunting.
Hinata swallowed nervously. "I've trained with a bow while on a h-horse before…"
His dark eyes glinted with interest. "Really? How about a little competition then?"
"Absolutely not. Lady Hinata is not here to play games," Neji cut in.
Rolling his eyes he turned his full attention to Hinata. "Well what do you say, princess?"
Was he testing her? Was this competition a way to assess her? "What does this c-competition entail?"
"We would ride on horses while aiming at targets scattered on a trail around the estate. Whoever hits the most targets is the winner," he explained.
A simple competition it seemed. Hinata chewed on her lower lip before nodding. "I a-accept." She ignored the intense stare Neji was giving her.
His lips curled into a smirk. "We'll have the competition tomorrow around noon. I'll have Kakashi set up the targets." He gave her a mock bow. "Until then, princess." Sasuke left without another word.
Silence filled the training room until Neji let out a long sigh. "Lady Hinata, what possessed you to agree?"
The indigo haired woman shifted her gaze to the floor. "I...I need to prove to him that I'm capable. He doesn't like me, Neji."
"Whether he likes you or not does not matter in the long run. You aren't marrying the Uchiha brat." Neji crossed his arms against his chest. His mouth was drawn in a deep frown.
"I know...but he will be my brother-in-law someday. I want to be able to get along with Lord Sasuke," she murmured.
Placing a hand on her head, Neji couldn't bring himself to be too upset. He knew what Hinata was feeling. "I do not approve of this, however I will not interfere. You will do wonderfully, I'm sure." And possibly put the Uchiha brat in his place he thought to himself.
Looking up she felt a sense of reassurance from his comforting touch. "Thank you, Neji."