Kagome followed silently as Sesshoumaru followed the worn path from the lake to her hut on the outskirts of the village. He glanced at her, "Pack lightly. We have a long journey ahead of us and I won't tolerate you falling behind."
She gawked at him for a moment before huffing and stomping into her hut. She grabbed a few of her workout outfits, since they would be the easiest to travel in, and two drying cloths; some soaps, and her bow and quiver of arrows. Strapping the bag and the quiver to her back, she held the bow, and stepped outside, immediately heading for Kaede's hut.
Pausing outside, she knocked lightly and waited. An elderly voice drifted out, biding her to enter. Sweeping the bamboo away easily, she stepped inside, her gaze immediately focusing on the old woman sitting at the low table.
"Ah, Kagome, child. I had a feeling you would be visiting today."
Kagome tilted her head, curious, "You did?"
"Yes, child. Have a seat. Surely there is something ye must tell me?"
Kagome sank into a seiza, eyeing Kaede's earnest expression. She really wanted to know. "Yes, Kaede, there is something. I'm leaving the village. I understand that this is sudden, however, I feel that my welcome has run out, and its time for me to move on with my life. I cannot promise to return. But I can promise that you will always be in my heart."
Kaede smiled, "Dearest Kagome. You must know that I would never try to keep you here. If you feel you are called elsewhere, then you must go. There are others who are in need of your skills."
Standing Kaede bustled around the small hut for a moment, searching for something. After a moment of digging through a chest, she pulled a small package. Kneeling at the table again, she slide it across towards Kagome. "It is for ye, child. But do not open it until you are gone."
Smiling Kagome placed the package inside her haori, intending to open it the second they stepped from the village. "Thank you, Kaede. You have done more for me than anyone, and I could not appreciate it more."
"Take care Kagome."
