Chapter Nine

His mother had decided to attend his wedding ceremony. It was sure to be an uncomfortable experience for her but she had been adamant. Her only child was to be wed; she would not miss this. Sesshoumaru wasn't sure how Inuyasha would take seeing her so soon after his own mother fled the shiro. He was particularly worried about how his sire would react to her presence. Truthfully he could not object since they were still married and it was her child being wed. The fact that she had deserted her consort in the face of his infidelity was meaningless when it came to supporting family and showing public face. Despite losing face for abandoning her duty to her family, his mother was still held in high esteem.

As soon as Sesshoumaru entered the Higurashi compound with his family's entourage his senses were seeking out Kagome. The fiery woman really did make him feel better just by her presence. She was by no means a proper woman and he loved it. He knew he should have been disgusted by the fact that she could fight, and that she spoke with given leave to, or a horde of other offences. All it managed to do was entertain him.

Higurashi-san was waiting for them at the gate to invite them in. The Inu no Taisho led the gathering followed by Sesshoumaru as heir on his sires right and then slightly behind and to the left of Sesshoumaru came Inuyasha. Dignitaries followed as well as servants bearing piles of gifts for the bride price.

"Inu no Taisho, is it a pleasure to welcome you to our home on this important day," intoned Higurashi-san. His voice was pleasantly neutral.

By virtue of months spent at the compound Sesshoumaru could tell that the clan leader was anything but pleased. The man was always polite, and his words held the proper decorum but there was a slight ting of disapproval in his tone. His sire had not made the best of impressions.

The Inu no Taisho waves a hand imperiously toward the piles of gifts, "Indeed, Higurashi-san, the bride price as agreed."

Sesshoumaru wanted to cringe at his father's near dismissal of the Higurashi clan leader. He never met the other man's eyes and his tone was one of dismissal. Even his body language, so important to a dog, youkai or not, screamed impatience.

"If you will follow me, Inu no Taisho, I will show you to the shrine." Bowing politely Higurashi-san led the way toward a shrine building near the center of the compound. The towering flight of steps and gates were beautiful.

Sesshoumaru used each step as intended and meditated as he rose higher toward the shrine. Anticipation warred with anxiety. He was looking forward to seeing his fiancée and was fearful of his sire's reaction to his mother's presence. Higurashi-san hadn't asked about the dignitaries yet, but it was only a matter of time. Inviting outsiders to a wedding, unannounced as well, was rather insulting. He had cautioned against it but as always his sire had done as he saw fit.

"Your consort is already here, Inu no Taisho, if you would join her." Higurashi-san bowed politely before turning his attention to Sesshoumaru. "Prince Sesshoumaru, if you would kindly take your place next to the altar."

Nervously, though he tried not to show it, Sesshoumaru stood next to the low table topped with three wooden pedestals. He could see his father to the side of him sitting next to his mother glowering at her. Inuyasha occupied a seat behind them looking ill at ease. The dignitaries were seated in the last row of that column. Already the other columns were filled with Kagome's family. Sango-san looked particularly annoyed at the foreign dignitaries. She had probably already figured out that they weren't relatives.

"Prince Sesshoumaru, do you desire for me to explain the ceremony? I am aware that it is not your religion and am eternally grateful that you allow us this." Higurashi Yoshi had lowered his voice and offered a way to save face if Sesshoumaru had managed to forget any of the ceremony. The man had already instructed it to him, though no one else needed to know that.

"Thank you, Higurashi-san, this Sesshoumaru remembers." He had made sure to commit the entire ceremony to memory. He had no intention of shaming himself, or his new bride. The other man bowed, which Sesshoumaru returned, before heading to his seat.

The ceremony passed Sesshoumaru in a haze. He vaguely noticed the priest enter the building, taking his position on the other side of the altar with the attending priestess. His attention had been stolen by Kagome as soon as he saw her dressed in her Shiro Maku. The white kimono dress had been wonderfully painted. He didn't think even the royal kimono painter at his father's shiro could have done better. She was easily the most beautiful bride he had ever seen.

His attention was brought back to the ceremony briefly as he was forced to sip sake. A drink meant for downing with speed it was hardly pleasant to sip. The act brought to mind Higurashi Yoshi's explanation; it would remind him that marriage like sake is not always pleasurable. It was difficult to refrain from coughing as the liquid burned his throat. He was amazed that Kagome was able to do it without her own coughing fit. The San San Kudo was a relatively new ceremony and he wasn't sure if its popularity would hold the test of time. He understood the deep symbolism used, but it was rather painful on the throat.

Sesshoumaru couldn't honestly tell anyone how long the ceremony had lasted. One minute he was downing foul rice wine in tiny burning sips, the next he was surrounded by well-wishers.

AN: For those of you interested in a decent description of san-san-kudo I recommend this page. . 2011/ 03 /18/ san-san-kudo/

Cultural tidbit: in America it is considered polite to greet a stranger with a smile. In Japan it is considered polite to greet a stranger with a neutral face: showing neither favor nor disfavor to the stranger. Sesshoumaru's quick dropping of this politeness to Kagome is very bold and his use of it toward his own father, very telling.

As always with my stories important things are revealed IN THE DETAILS. I had considered writing explanations for some confused reviewers but decided against it. Reread the story and look at the tiny things. Behavior and what is NOT said is as and sometimes MORE important than what IS said. Jane passed on some reviews that had several serious misconceptions stemming from lack of attention. I am far too busy raising a child and dealing with my husband's 4th deployment to worry about ppl not paying attention. If it hasn't been explained yet it will be… in time. I do not deal in instant gratification when I write. If you were looking for a story that has no hidden depth then find a different author, you WILL be disappointed in my style.