Deep Snows

The snow had started to fall heavily outside the hut, it was definitely going to settle this time but there was still time to play for the energetic youngsters. For when the snow became thicker, Inuyasha had built a sled large enough for all three pups at the same time, but also to serve the purpose of moving larger loads whatever they might be. In fact he had even taken Kaede to various homes, well wrapped against the cold, when the snow got too deep for her elderly balance.

It was kind of him to do and kept the older Miko in circulation for far longer than the winters normally allowed, and sometimes he had even carried a couple of other older ones to various huts so that they could chinwag and keep up with old times. He would then work and get in timber to add to the woodpiles of the village before carting the elderly back again.

Inuyasha didn't mind, even if he secretly sniggered to himself, many of these older ones would thank him in kind and he had several blankets and toys for the pups to their credit. Sometimes if he were lucky, they would have been baking and he would bring home treats for the family. All in all, it was good and made his home safe for the hanyou pups from any who would be prejudiced. Because the long winter evenings could also make idle chatter become vicious at times.

The window of opportunity to play or visit however was very small once the snow started to fall in earnest, and soon it reached the windows and eaves of the huts. However thanks to the village elders and Inuyasha, Miroku and others, everyone was well prepared and safe. It was a time of stories and singing, and a lot of patience and Kaede was a good story teller, riveting her audience of pups and adults alike.

Some of the tales were well known fables and myths, and others were her own twist on the happenings surrounding the shard hunters. But the favourite ones of Kagome and her offspring, were those Kaede would tell of their Papa; she made them rare because Inuyasha scowled and some were not in any case for young ears. She would not reveal too many personal details of his, as the hanyou was a sensitive soul and might get upset.

One night though she awoke and pulled her shawl close to her body for comfort, not that she was cold in the hut, Inuyasha kept the fire banked so that it was ready to roar into life and the snow insulated the house very well. She slid her door open and walked to the glow of the fire, the rest of the house silent in sleep or so she thought.

Kaede had barely settled down when she heard a slight sound and saw Inuyasha's golden eyes shining in the firelight. He was watching her and she saw his nose twitch almost instinctively as he checked her health by her scent.

"Couldn't you sleep Old Lady?" He asked quietly.

"Nay Inuyasha, sometimes the elderly don't need the same amount as ye young ones; but ye do not sleep either, or did I wake ye?"

"Nah, you know I am not a weak puny human who needs to sleep his life away. Do you want some tea?"

"Thank ye, that would be lovely." She sat and looked out of the window as snow continued to fall gently and she was grateful to be here and not alone. Kaede was used to her own company and was happy, but the whole winter was long and here she was welcome and pleased to have the company. Soon she was holding a cup of steaming tea.

"I well remember thinking that ye hibernated for the winter Inuyasha; about two months after I met ye and we had the heavy snows."

"I remember it."

"I had brought ye some soup I made and ye had dug a den in the snow and under an old tree root. I didn't realise at the time how cruel thy life had been."

"Feh, I was warm enough...most of the time. You let me in the store shed and brought me food, I've never forgotten."

"Ye are forgetful Inuyasha, ye were frozen and would have died had we not rescued ye that winter."

"What do you mean you old bat, I'd lived many years on my own and survived many such winters?"

"I mean nothing Inuyasha, thy memory is selective that's all. I remember I played hide and seek in the straw with ye, long before I knew ye had the advantage of your sensitive nose; do ye not remember telling me about thy life? I was a child and safe to confide thy secrets to. Ye were bemoaning the fact that ye hadn't found a barn to hole up in that winter."

"Feh! You remember too much sometimes. Did Kikyou know I was there?"

"Aye; when I told her how ye were living she was saddened and said that such was the fate of hanyou and as the village Miko she could do nothing to help ye. Then she said that the store hut seemed very warm for the time of year, and if someone who was not going to be held responsible was to hide ye in there and take out food, as long as Kikyou was not told, she could do nothing."

"It was you who fed me Kaede?"

"Aye, Kikyou had taught me to cook; I always did the cooking, she was usually very busy in and out helping the villagers"

"I never realised all that..."

"We had some good times though Inuyasha; I learned to braid hair that winter by practicing on ye."

"You were such a brat, you pulled like mad, I could have kicked you out often."

"But ye didn't, besides who would have fed ye and kept ye company and played games?"

"Feh! You were O.k."

"Why thank ye kindly Inuyasha; I have my uses. But now I am returning to my bed. Goodnight Inuyasha and thank ye for the tea."

"Night Kaede; don't wake Rin." He grinned, as she snorted in reply.

30 Shards Community lj. Inuyasha and Kaede-Fate