Chapter 7

The Love of a Thousand Years

Rin had no idea when it was she passed out. She only remembered waking up to a soft breeze in the warmth of Sesshomaru's arms. She had not so much passed out as she simply fell asleep. Rin yawned and stretched her arms greatly before instinctively Pulling into Sesshomaru to hug him around his neck. Sesshomaru made no complaints as he nuzzled into the side of her neck that did not hold her "mate mark". It was the sound of his contented purr that broke her out of her semi-sleeping revelry. When Koru would "purr", even after lovemaking, his purr did not totally resonate throughout his body. When Sesshomaru purred, his entire body would shake and tremble in delight. That resonance could be felt down to his very feet! Rin came to with an abrupt shake that would have dismounted them both had Sesshomaru not had so firm a hold of her.

Rin blushed deeply.

"Forgive me Lord! I have no idea what came over me just now!"

Sesshomaru gave a small smile. "Exhaustion perhaps?" I am of the understanding that you have been through quite the ordeal. It may well be that you merely needed a moment to relax."

Rin adjusted herself, and tried to give Sesshomaru a bit more room on the saddle. Sesshomaru gave a soft growl, and kept her in place.

"You may not pass out again, but this Sesshomaru is not interested in taking that chance."

Rin could only chuckle in approval.

"How long was I out for?" she inquired.

Sesshomaru wrinkled his brow slightly in thought. "Not long. Mere minutes actually." He then pointed to the hills ahead. "We are nearly home." He said casually. Rin could only smile. No matter what may have transpired between them, or how many years this trip was in the making, The Palace of The West would always seem like "home" to her. It was where she grew up. Where she learned how to be a "Lady of the court". Kagome and Kaede may have taught her about her "humanity" but she learned about "life" here.

While it took every bit of his control to do so, Sesshomaru remained ever the gentleman throughout the entire flight. No hand "strayed" to fondle a breast or caress a thigh. In his mind there was no telling what this visit might bring about, and he did not want to "ruin" whatever chances that may be lurking with an "inappropriate" act.

The Great Staircase was now plainly visible. Rin could see a small group of demons waiting for Sesshomaru to land. Jaken was in rare form screeching and squawking at servants that scurried by. Things looked like a standard "welcome party" waiting for the Lord of the house to return from wherever he may have gone to.

Ah-Un touched down lightly with Sesshomaru gracefully dismounting simultaneously. Before Ah-Un could crouch low enough for Rin to dismount, Sesshomaru offered his hand to assist her. Rin rewarded him with that smile that he knew in his heart belonged only to him before stretching out both arms to be lifted to the ground. It was only in lifting Rin to the ground that Sesshomaru took a slight liberty. While lifting, he spun her about just enough to emit a small squeal of delight out of her before pulling her in just close enough to feel her heartbeat before he released her to the ground. His slightly brash move was rewarded with feeling Rin's racing heartbeat. Once firmly on the ground, Rin blushed slightly at the contact. She grabbed his hand as she often did as a child, and breathed in deeply as she looked around.

"The palace has not changed a bit." She said with a smile. "I look forward to seeing all if it during my stay." Sesshomaru did his best to remain stoic, but Rin could see the "smile" in his eyes. Jaken was so lost in ordering the servants that he missed the pair's arrival altogether. It was not until Sesshomaru called his name with authority that he finally stopped his ranting to notice that he was not alone. The little kapa could not hide his beaky grin when he saw Rin. He stumbled awkwardly before falling on his face in front of the two.

"Welcome home milord! Welcome Lady Rin! It's so good to see you both!"

Rin released Sesshomaru's hand and bent down to help Jaken to his feet. Once he was upright once more, Rin took Jaken into her arms and firmly hugged him.

"It is good to see you too my friend!" she whispered.

For only the briefest of moments did Jaken allow himself to be caught up in the warmth of Rin's hug. It was when he accidently looked up to Sesshomaru's very jealous glare that he began to cough and sputter and chastise Rin about her lack of diplomatic protocol or something like that. The truth was, that he was genuinely enjoying his embrace, but knew that to linger too long would no doubt guarantee a "fiercer than usual" beating from his master when Rin was not around. Rin playfully obliged.

"Your rooms are ready Lady. You must be weary from your travels. Perhaps a light repass, before dinner this evening would be in order?"

Rin smiled and turned to Sesshomaru.

"What I would love is some tea, and a bit of rest. Knowing Koru, he will have sent along some provisions for me. After all, I can't stay for any length of time with you and have only one kimono!"

Sesshomaru wordlessly snapped his fingers, and an older spider youkai appeared.

"The Lady needs a few kimonos. Measure her, and have at least one ready for dinner this evening."

The spider youkai merely glanced at Rin, nodded her head, and was gone without another word.

Sesshomaru then turned an even eye to Jaken.

"Show us to Rin's rooms."

Jaken's eyes went wide for only the briefest of moments. After all, it was the servant's duty to escort a guest to their rooms. The Lord of the home would merely be informed as to where they were. In truth, Jaken had no idea if Sesshomaru was returning alone or not. Rooms were prepared just in case. If the effort was needlessly done, it was no big deal, there simply would be a few less rooms to attend to for a day or so.

To Sesshomaru's delight, Rin once again took hold of his arm as the trio made their way through the various curves and turns to the block of rooms intended for Rin. They walked in comfortable silence until they passed through one of the garden areas that would eventually lead to Rin's rooms.

There seated amid the flora, were Aya, Soten and Lady Midori. It made sense for them to be there. While it was known that Sesshomaru had gone to the south, there may have been a dignitary of some sort returning with him. It would have been the height of disrespect for them not to try to greet whomever may have returned with Sesshomaru. All three demons did their best (and failed miserably) not to gawk at the sight of Rin.

Both Ari and Soten were quietly terrified. When standing next to Sesshomaru, Rin looked every inch the Alpha female standing by her Alpha mate. Ari knew that it was not impossible for a male demon to have more than one mate if he so chooses. Was this Rin her new Alpha? Or worse. Was she her replacement? And what of Soten? Would he be able to accept this new female? (Did he really have a choice?) Would he be allowed to live?

Midori, who was seated next to Aya, placed a steady clawed hand over her trembling ones. Soten could sense his mother's fear, but was desperately trying to hide his own. It was Lady Midori who stood and gave a deep bow to the pair in front of her. Any questions that she may have had would have to wait for later.

"Welcome home my son." She said with a "put on" graciousness. "And who is this that graces our home this fine day?"

Sesshomaru was about to speak, when Rin released her hold of his arm and stepped forward. "Has that much time passed for you to have forgotten me mother? I am Rin!"

There was a slight bit of sarcasm to Rin's tone. Given different circumstances, Sesshomaru might have laughed. Midori placed a hand to her chest, and took in a harsh breath in an effort to appear surprised (she knew well who stood before her). "Child is that you? By the Kami you look so different! Time and the southern demons have treated you well! I barely recognized you!"

In front of Lady Midori, Rin was in full "diplomatic mode".

"Thank you, Lady! And you look as beautiful as ever! Rin then smiled and turned her gaze in Ari's direction. "And who is this seated with you?"

Both Ari and Soten were both so lost in their own thoughts that they had totally forgotten to stand in greetings. She hurriedly stepped from behind the small table she was sitting at to stand by Midori's side. Out of respect to the Alpha female standing before her, she did not make eye contact, but merely bowed submissively. "I am Ari Lady." She said softly.

While Midori understood Ari's submissive greeting, she was not about to have her chosen daughter-in-law play "second fiddle" to ANY female! She placed a strong arm around Ari's shoulder, and pulled her forward.

"Allow me to introduce to you Ari, Lady of the Western Lands and my grandson Soten!" Soten stepped forward and bowed.

Rin knew exactly what Lady Midori was doing. With that one introduction, she was making it plain that This demoness was her son's mate. The demon standing next to her was her grandson – Sesshomaru's "heir apparent" to The Western Lands. BOTH were true youkai. No matter what may have transpired in her life. Midori would always see Rin as "Sesshomaru's Pet".

The unspoken "message" was not lost on Rin or Sesshomaru. Before Sesshomaru could take a breath to protest the display, Rin had once again beaten him to the punch. She then stepped in front of Ari, and bowed deeply.

"It is truly an honor to meet you Lady." Rin looked at no one else but Ari before speaking again. "With your permission Lady, may I continue to my rooms? The journey was long, and I would appreciate a time to rest. We can speak more at dinner if you wish."

Ari looked up into Rin's eyes with a combination of sadness and relief. But she quickly squared her shoulders and smiled. "Of course, Lady!" she said with a weak smile. Sesshomaru took his cue to take over.

"Jaken. Take Rin to her rooms."

The little kappa immediately bowed.

"Right away Lord." Rin then excused herself to all present, before following after Jaken.

Once he was sure that Rin was not able to hear him, he turned a red eyed glare on the three demons before turned first to Ari. His displeasure all but palpable.

"I would strongly suggest that you start acting like the lady of this house." He hissed. "I know what you are thinking. Know now that if I meant to replace you, you would be dead by now."

A stern look was thrown in Soten's direction.

"You have one opportunity to give me a reason to be content with your existence. I suggest you make the most of it."

Sesshomaru then looked to his mother. "You two may leave. I need to speak to my mother in private." He growled. Ari and Soten were gone in an instant. Lady Midori dropped all pretense and spoke plainly.

"What is that human doing here and what are your intentions?" Surely you don't mean to make her your mate? I understand that she is already servant to the South!" Sesshomaru allowed his mother to rant about "human stains" and "hanyou" and what ever else she felt like going on about. He wanted her to say all that she needed to say to get it out of her system. It almost amused him to see just how much she was taking his silence for obedient complacency. Once he was certain that Midori had "lectured" him enough, he cleared his throat to speak. Midori, surprisingly complied. Sesshomaru stepped in close to his mother.

"I will be honest mother. I know why Rin is here. YOU on the other hand, do not need to know. Right now, it is enough that Ari and Soten still live. Be grateful for that. Because should you decide to interfere in any way, your best laid plans will end in one of two ways.

I will end my life leaving the three of you to what is left of my land. We both know that between the three of you, this house will be reduced to a memory in short order because YOU no longer hold the power in court that you once did.

Soten lacks both the strength and the knowledge to rule. He will be killed almost immediately. Probably by one of the servants. And Ari? If she is smart, she will return to her people before things become hopeless for her here. Your precious "house" will fall. Leaving YOU to scrounge about at the mercies of whatever lord would have you."

Sesshomaru started to walk away, when Midori cleared her now very dry throat.

"You mentioned two possibilities my son. What was the second?"

Sesshomaru turned an especially "toothy" grin to his mother.

"My second option would be to kill you."

Elsewhere in the palace…

Ari had gone to her private gardens to calm her already frazzled nerves. Soten was not far behind her.

Both Ari and Soten were badly shaken by Rin's arrival. She sat on a nearby bench and did her best to collect herself. She knew better than to cry because Sesshomaru would undoubtedly smell her tears and see them as an act of weakness. To many questions remained unanswered, and both were far to terrified to ask. Soten sat next to his mother and took her hand to comfort her.

"Let us both not jump to conclusions mother. I have heard that this Rin is quite the diplomat. Her reasons for being here may very well be of a political nature."

Ari looked up into her son's hopeful eyes, surprised by the bit of wisdom she saw there.

"You may be right my son! I had totally forgotten about Rin and her position in the South. But the Rin that Lady Midori always spoke of was human. The female we both saw did not appear to be human in the least."

Encouraged by his mother's budding optimism, Soten smiled.

"She also did not look much the hanyou either!" Soten tilted his head in thought.

"Mother? There was something about the way she looked at you that makes me feel that she means us no harm. It was not pity I saw, but something else."

Ari now sat up strait. Her countenance seemed to be full of hope now.

"I believe you Son. When she looked at me, I could sense an old soul in her. Someone wise beyond their years." Ari sat and fully faced her son.

"I mean to talk to her alone. I believe that Sesshomaru will allow it. But I'm guessing that your grandmother will be staying close by for the duration of her visit." Soten laughed and grabbed both of his mother's hands.

"If it's privacy you need, I will see that you have it! Just tell me the day you mean to be with Rin. I'll handle Oba-san!"

AUTHOR'S NOTE AGAIN! –

Better chapter now?

Two Items.

ITEM ONE - I totally had a brain fart on the Japanese word for GRANDMOTHER. If what I have here is wrong, please feel free to correct me (I'll need it later anyway!)

ITEM TWO – When any of you have a question, I will gladly answer. The ONLY time you will not receive an answer is if you are here to "just read" and you have no account, or if you are listed as a "Guest".

To answer one Guest question – Soten is Sesshomaru's son

Daichi and Aya are Rin and Koru's children.

To Natalie – You just hang in with me! Things will move a lot more fluidly once I have all my characters in place.

I will do my best to have another chapter for you before the new year.