A/N: Italicized sentences = personal thoughts.

So I've been on a writing frenzy, trying to use the momentum while I've got it :] So, here is a significantly longer chapter! Hope that's a good thing lol. Without further ado, enjoy!

"Rin!" Lady Fugashi quipped as she waited for Rin outside her room.

Rin walked out of her living quarters in her new kimono, a soft and elegant powder pink . She felt uncomfortable in it, it felt a bit too silky on her skin, it felt foreign to her. But Rin knew that 'comfortable' meant it would be something of the 'old' Rin.

"Ahhhh, that's a good first step!"

Lady Fugashi looked Rin up and down, admiring the simple and feminine kimono she had chosen for her new student.

"Although, we have much to do…" The Lady stared at Rin's face and hands, tanned like a peasant who had been working in the fields.

"That will not do...not at all."

Lady Fugashi was pleased that she could finally begin to mold this defiant human into a fine lady. Even though it would take much work, she was demon royalty, the Lady Fugashi, and she would make the Lord of the West proud of her student.

Rin stood there, now terribly uncomfortable under the gaze of the Lady of the House. She felt like she was naked and that the Lady could see every imperfection. I wonder what she sees? I wonder if she can fix me? God, I don't want to do this...

"Ok, young lady…"

Rin was stunned, that was the first time the Lady of the House didn't refer to as some type of pesky, human girl. Rin felt that glimmer of hope flutter a bit inside her. Maybe if Lady Fugashi can like me my Lord could grow to like me too…

"Stop daydreaming, Rin!" the Lady scolded,

"Let us begin our first lesson…"

The Lady began to walk down the hall, expecting Rin to follow in her steps. Rin scurried toward her. Without looking back the Lady began to speak.

"A lady does not clamper around, she walks as if each of her steps could barely break a cloud...though your steps will never be as soft as a lady demonness of course, but that doesn't mean it can't be exceptional."

Rin bit her lip, trying to to ignore the stinging words. She shifted her stare to the bottom of the Lady's draping kimono, watching it float and drift over the floor. The Lady's steps were so silent and swift. I've never noticed how loud or quiet anybody's steps are. Lady Fugashi's are so…soft. Rin noticed her own steps, heavy and quite boisterous in sound. She paused for a moment, looking down at her feet and then taking one step at a time trying to be as quiet as possible.

Lady Fugashi noticed the sudden stop of following footsteps and looked back. "Yes, Rin. Quietly. But don't stare at your feet, keep your gaze low but graceful". Rin tried to embody something graceful as she continued to walk, she had to imagine something to conjure up this "graceful" appearance.

"Ahh, that's it! You are a quick study, Rin!"

Lady Fugashi praised Rin and praised herself for her masterful teaching. As Rin continued walking the halls, Lady Fugashi stopped the human servants and in hushed tones boasted of her newfound success.

"Look! See the young lady has already changed so."

Rin continued walking, a soft smile emerged on her face. No one needed to know what she was thinking and why she felt graceful, just as long as she could perform well. The 'why' would be her little secret. This is how I would walk next Lord Sesshomaru. This is how I would be by his side.

[A little more than 3 years later, Rin is 16]

Rin had been an exceptional student, and was becoming an exceptional lady. Rin had managed to change herself dramatically. Instead of being constantly insulted and demeaned, she was adorned with compliments on her lady-like nature, manners and appearance. And under the constant eye and teachings of Lady Rin and her assistants, Rin found herself becoming the lady she was supposed to be, and expected to be.

"Riiiiin"

Lady Fugashi called in her delicate and intentional "lady-like" voice, waiting for Rin to grace their revered guests with her skilled shamisen playing. It seems the countless hours of practice had paid off. The prided themselves in her playing.

Rin walked towards the door, sliding it open and gently bowing before entering. Her hands behind her, she kept her soft gaze low and didn't look her guests in the eyes. She barely looked at them at all. She focused on her duty. She quietly sat down in the center of the room and dawned her Shamisen from behind her. Looking to the Master and Lady of the House she waited for their approval. Master Fugashi gave her a nod and she brought her gaze back to the ground before her. A moment later she was playing her instrument. She was undoubtedly skilled. The soothing sound resonated through the house's chambers and not a person in the room made a sound. In these moments, Rin internally felt a sort of freedom…a sort of unparalleled power. At first, being a "lady" took a lot of submitting and she couldn't help but feel as if she was losing a part of herself. BUT in these rare moments, when everyone who once criticized and laughed at her gazed upon her with admiration and respect, she felt she was strong. She clandestinely loved and savored these moments. You're doing it Rin, you're making him proud.

When the song ended and Rin gracefully bowed and lowered the shamisen to the ground in front of her concluding her performance, a gentle clap of hands ensued.

"Is she not the most elegant and skilled musician in these lands?" Lady Fugashi praised looking to the honored guests with pride and joy in her eyes.

"Indeed she is", one the guests agreed in a low and regal tone.

Rin looked up for a moment, gazing upon the stately man seated several feet in front of her. He caught her deep brown eyes looking at his and grinned at her brazenly. Rin's gaze immediately dropped down to her shamisen, waiting for the moment to pass and for the red to leave her face. She had never entertained outsiders before, only local villagers and family. And she had never seen a man look at her that way, it made stomach tie into a strange knot. Be a lady Rin! Be a lady. Do not be a burden. Make them proud. Rin internally scolded herself and reminded herself of all the lessons she had learned. I know how to be a lady, this Rin will make her Lord proud. Rin gracefully rose from her seated position and began to walk towards the door to exit since the Master and Lady had made no indication to stay.

"Lady Rin, would you not honor me by staying in my presence" the smooth voice spoke once more.

Rin felt the blood rushing to her face again, caught off guard by the man's request. Her hand already on the door she didn't look back. Just dismiss me, please.

"Yes, Rin, you shall stay and entertain our valued guest" Master Fugashi stated firmly.

Rin knew there was no other option. Master Fugashi was a royal demon in these parts and rarely interacted with her or much of his family for that matter. When the rare occurrence of him speaking happened, everyone took noticed and obeyed immediately. It was best to follow his directions and make yourself useful. Rin remembered her first interaction with the Master of the House…

[FLASHBACK]

"Th-thank you for caring for my well being and education, Master Fugashi", Rin stuttered as she tried to remember Lady Fugashi's words about how a proper lady would thank her Master.

Breathe, Rin. Just Breathe. He was such a stern figure, always removed and stoic…kind of like Lord Sesshomaru...but not the same at all. Rin never felt so uncomfortable around Lord Sesshomaru. Rin took a quick glance at the Master of House, seeing his face clearly for the first time. He was a fierce tiger demon, a renowned war hero known for his ruthless ability. Oddly, he looked more like a human in features. His dark black hair pulled back in a tight bun and and his black eyes sharp and narrow. However, his forehead bore three, vertical, black stripes—his markings. He was definitely a demon. He wore those stripes like a badge of honor and Rin could sense his power and superiority he held. Rin had heard that in battle he transformed into his demon self, a ferocious and merciless tiger, but she had never seen this herself. Supposedly, the Master of House remained in this form to rule the human village with as much peace as possible, it was said he wouldn't change form for anything less than war. Rin always felt a pang of fear when near Master Fugashi, so she did her best to avoid him. His appearance reinforced that gut fear, from what she could see he was not the warm or welcoming type.

In that moment, Rin suddenly she felt Master Fugashi's gaze shift onto her like a weight bearing down, crushing her slowly.

"Leave my sight, human." The Master of the House turned his gaze away and waited for Rin to make herself unseen. Rin instantly knew that she once again was considered a burden and utterly useless. After that day, Rin tried her best to stay clear of the Master of the House, and to her best ability make herself an asset him...that she may in some way gain his approval and respect, eventually. I will not be a burden. She repeated this mantra in her mind every time she entered the same room as the Master.

[FLASHBACK ENDS]

"Yes, Master Fugashi" Rin responded to the Master of the House as she turned away from the door she so wanted to exit, her fingers were hard to pull away.

"I would love to see the Fugashi Gardens. Lady Rin, I've heard it's beauty is truly breath-taking" the low and smooth voice addressed her once again.

Before Rin could even process the words of this unknown man, another comment was inserted,

"Indeed. Our Rin shall escort you" Master Fugashi gestured back to Rin without taking his gaze off the guest. Rin had taken her place, seated slightly behind Master Fugashi, waiting in submission.

"Yes, Our Rin will tend to you, Baron Hara." Lady Fugashi assured the man with a smile.

Baron Hara? This was the notorious Baron she had overheard Lady Fugashi gossiping about a week before? Isn't he the one she said had many valuable connections? Isn't he the one she said could 'bring good fortune to the Fugashi Household'? Rin, you need to pull yourself together and make the Fugashi Household proud. Rin arose from her seated posture and walked slowly towards the Baron. When she stopped a few feet in front of him she felt his heavy stare on her and her stomach clenched. Without a word he picked up her hand and pressed his lips to her bare skin. Rin blushed heavily and instinctually wanted to pull away, but she quickly remembered her place and manners and endured what seemed like an eternal kiss. She had never had her hand kissed, and it made her feel something strangely unfamiliar. When she momentarily looked into his eyes, which were locked on hers, his expression was quite sinister. His eyes were dark emerald green and his long hair black hair was pulled loosely into a ponytail. His jaw was sharp and defined. He was very handsome. But for some reason the look in his eyes made Rin want to retreat. It was obvious he was wealthy, his clothing made of fine materials and his mannerisms distinguished. And Rin could tell by the long grin across his face that he was enjoying how uncomfortable she was. Who is the man? And why does he care about me? The kiss finally ended and Rin drew her hand back to her side. She was now very uncomfortable, but she knew her place and duty was clear.

"We shall see you at our shared dinner table tonight, Baron Hara, shall we not?" Lady Fugashi walked towards him, fanning herself in this social dance she performed epically.

"Of course, I wouldn't miss it for the world, My Lady."

Lady Fugashi blushed and fanned herself then bowed in front of the Baron before returning to the standing Master Fugashi by the door.

"We shall see you at the table then" Master Fugashi took a short bow and then slid the door open and exited with Lady Fugashi.

Now what? Rin's gaze was on the door that just closed behind the Master.

"Show me your Garden, Lady Rin" Barron Hara whispered in her ear. His warm breath against her neck made Rin stiffen. No one had ever spoken to her in this manner, and she didn't know how exactly to feel about it. She was obviously internally fighting her uncomfortable state. Is this ok? Master and Lady Fugashi wouldn't leave me with the Baron if they didn't trust him. I must perform, just like the Lady of the House. Rin remained silent while her mined raced with continuing questions and mild panic. Baron Hara reached for Rin's hand, and at the grasp of her hand Rin was prompted to move or be trapped in a closer embrace. Her formal etiquette training kicked in. She immediately took a step away, moving towards the doors leading toward the Gardens.

"Shall we tour the Fugashi Gardens, Baron Hara?" Rin brought her gaze up to his eyes even though it felt so unnatural. Rin felt so uneasy with Baron Hara and his three guards she had noticed he had traveling with him. While Baron Hara was brazen and charming, they stood several feet behind him and were stoic and silent and it's as if they didn't even breathe.

"Tsk. Tsk. Call me Ryuu, My Lady Rin" He grasped her hand again, pulling her closer to him.

"Let us not worry about all these formalities. I hope I did not frighten you, I only wish to get to know you better…I already like you so".

With those last words Rin found herself stunned. He already likes me? But he's only known me for a few moments. Is this what being a lady is truly like? Her eyes came up to his and widened slightly. The Baron's eyes suddenly looked more genuine and trustworthy to Rin. He likes me, and wants my presence?

"I've done it. I've scared you away" Baron Hara released Rin's hand and began to bow. "I shall leave you to recover from my playful terrorizing. My apologies for my bold advances"

"No!" Rin eeped out and surprised herself.

The Baron grinned and stood upright looking at Rin's innocently panicked eyes.

"So you want me to stay?"

Rin felt conflicted. He had made her feel terribly uncomfortable at first, but he also seemed to be politely apologetic. Maybe I'm just inexperienced. Maybe I just need to continue on and do my duty and it will get easier. She knew she had to continue regardless of her feelings because her role was made clear by the Master and Lady of the House with their last commands.

"R-Ryuu, please do not let me shyness disrespect you…I would be honored to escort you through the Gardens" Rin bowed her head and then looked up at him. He was smiling widely, and in that moment Rin saw this endearing and playful man before her. His emerald eyes seemed powerful yet inviting. She resisted any desire to be playful back and internally focused on her role as a lady in training of the Fugashi Household.

Ryuu gazed at the shy, young lady in front of him. After a moment of silence they began to walk towards the door and Rin began to lead Ryuu. Silently his guards followed then into to the Gardens. By the end of their tour of the Gardens Rin found herself finding it hard not to giggle at the Baron's kind and flattering words. Even though she was polite and even a bit standoffish, the Baron somehow made her feel so…wanted. He praised her presence and lavished her with personal compliments. And Rin secretly enjoyed feeling so wanted and desired, it was something she was not use to feeling.

At the end of that day, Rin felt drastically different about Ryuu than she had in those initial moments of meeting him. She lay on her bed staring up at the ceiling is a bit of a daze. He's so kind and gentle and it's so easy for him to say how much he enjoys my presence. No one ever says those kinds of things to me. I've never felt so wanted in my whole—Rin thought of Lord Sesshomaru and Master Jaken. She squeezed her eyes shut trying to erase her last thought. Rin, you will never be wanted by Sesshomaru. Don't even think about that, Rin. Rin no longer needed the reprimands of the Lady Fugashi or her assistants to remember her place. Rin knew very well how to reprimand herself, she had mastered that skill a long time ago.

When Rin awoke the next morning, she sat up and began to lower her feet to the floor. She heard the squeak of the old floorboard and immediately thought of her tattered kimono. Rin hadn't thought about it for a while, but with last night's thoughts she couldn't help but think of that old piece of fabric and of Lord Sesshomaru. She wondered if he'd ever come back. She wondered if he ever thought about her. Before Rin could ponder anymore on the subject, Lady Fugashi knocked at her door.

"Riiiiin? Will you being joining Baron Hara for his village visit today? He loves to see the marketplace of each village he visits. And you promised him at dinner last night that'd you join him, and as a lady you should ALWAYS keep her word. Remember that lesson, Rin?"

Rin remembered Ryuu's invitation and her promise to oblige. She took a deep breath and got up. She didn't mind spending time with Ryuu, he was so sweet to her after all. Ryuu wants my company.

"I do remember, Lady Fugashi. And I will keep my word as a lady"

Rin looked at the single floorboard that hid the wrapped kimono below. That is the old Rin…she was a burden. This Rin is a lady in training. This Rin makes them proud.

"I will be ready shortly, My Lady." Rin began to change into her kimono and prepare for her day with Baron, Ryuu.

A/N: Uh Oh! Could Rin fall for Ryuu? We shall see...