Rising up before the crack of dawn and getting dressed, Kagome noticed that Kaede was still in a deep sleep so she picked up her shoes, then stepping outside. Stretching then putting her shoes on, Kagome walked around to the side of the hut to the stack of logs. She loaded her arms with wood and took them inside.
"Good morning Kagome." Was heard behind her.
"Good morning lady Kaede. I did not mean to wake you." Kagome stood up after placing a piece of wood in the kiln to be lit.
"No child, you did not wake me."
"I was going to build the fire for you then head out to bathe."
"No worries. While you bathe, I will make us something to eat, then we will begin this day learning."
Finishing her task, Kagome walked over to where her things were then grabbed a few items and headed out to bathe. Reaching the stream, she sat her things down and looked around to make sure no one was around. Not seeing anyone and not picking up any feel that would be any youkai, she began to undress, then slowly stepped into the water. A shiver went down her spine from the cold as she walked deeper until the water reached waist height.
"Well your not getting your bath done standing here with your arms wrapped around you." She told herself before dunking under the water getting the rest of her body wet.
After bathing and drying off she dressed in a pure white kimono, then grabbed the white haori, then the red hakama. When fully dressed she began heading back to the village.
Back at the hut Kagome sat by Kaede while being instructed on what her duties would be. While being instructed in what her duties were to be a knock came at the door. Rising to her feet, Kagome quickly walked over to the door, pulling the mat cover to the side to see a woman holding a sleeping baby in her arms.
"Is lade Kaede here?" The woman asked.
"Yes, please come in." Kagome stepped aside to allow the woman to enter the hut. As the woman came into the hut Kaede got to her feet to greet the woman.
"What could I do for ye?"
"My son is badly hurt, Him and another boy were playing then the other boy came running back needing help. His father carried my son home."
"We will come with you." Both Kaede and Kagome followed the woman. As they drew near the one boy was holding onto his father's leg staring into the hut where there was load crying. Entering the hut they saw the boy's father next to his son. Going over to the boy, Kagome stood by Kaede as she knelt down by the boy. "What would be the hurt, young child?"
"My leg hurts." Kaede moved the thin blanket off of the boy then gently pulled up the left leg of his hakama. Seeing the bone sticking out of the boy's leg, Kagome turned to look at Kagome.
"Kagome go to the hut, get the ingredients to ward off infections, utensils to sew up things, binding cloth." Kagome quickly left the hut. Kaede then looked at the father. "I need ye to get two boards of wood, a small thick stick, three long leather ties."
"Yes lady Kaede." The man bowed then left the hut. Some minutes later the father came back with the items, followed by Kagome with the things she was sent for. Kaede set out to grind and make a paste as Kagome handed her the herbs and things she needed. After getting the paste to the thickness that was required, Kaede looked at the father once more.
"Take the stick and place it in ye son's mouth with one hand and hold him down with the other."
"What do you want me to do Kaede?" asked Kagome.
"Help the father hold his son down as I have to set the bone back in place." Kagome knelt down on the floor next to Kaede the positioned her hands on the boy.
Kaede nodded at them both then reached out to the leg placing one hand on the bone sticking straight out pressing on it while the other was under that leg. The boy tried to scream out but couldn't do much with the stick held in his mouth, when a loud crack was heard. Quickly after setting the bone Kaede grabbed the sewing items then began to sew the hole in the flesh closed.
"The child has to stay off his feet until his leg begins to heal. Make some tea and mix some of this herbal powder into it. It will help with the pain."
"Thank you lady Kaede."
"Thee is quite welcome." Kagome grabbed everything then followed Kaede out the door with a bow to the boy's family. "This is one of many things you will learn to do well as a priestess."
In the western domain the western lord had just returned to his study from eating his morning meal when a knock came to the door. Not bringing his eyes up from his work when the one who knocked entered.
"M'Lord there is someone at the gate that wishes to speak."
"Have the wolf brought to this study."
"Yes M'Lord." The servant bowed then left to carry out her master's order. Not long after the servant left when there came another knock then the door slid open to let in the visitor.
"What do you seek here wolf? The miko is no longer within these walls."
"Where is she? There has not been no harm come to her has there?" There was a hint of a growl within his words.
"Growl not at the Lord of this domain! There was no harm brought upon her within these walls. She made the request to return to the village."
"Sesshoumaru-sama, when can we see Kagome?" Was heard as the door slid open and both Sesshoumaru and Kouga looked at Rin as she came in. "Oh sorry."
"Come along young miss. The master is busy and should not be disturbed." A servant came in taking Rin by the arm then began pulling her to the door.
"But I want to know when we can see Kagome. I want to see Kagome. Sesshoumaru-samaaaa!" the servant slid the door closed.
"I see that your ward has become attached to Kagome! Not surprised."
"She voiced that she wanted Kagome to live within the domain." Kouga caught the fact that Sesshoumaru did not use the word 'miko' in front of Kagome's name.
"Has your heart not grown attached in some way to Kagome?" The western lord grew silent and did not affirm or deny if he had become attached to the little miko or not. "Well since Kagome is not within these walls, I will take my leave." Slightly giving a bow Kouga turned and left.
By midday both Kaede and Kagome brought in selected herbs from the garden and set into motion the process of drying the herbs, then they grabbed the ones that have been hanging and were dried they took down and laid into piles ready to be ground up. Sitting with the grinder in front of her, Kagome began grinding the herbs as Kaede handed her small portions.
"When all done with grinding these herbs, you will learn how to mix these herbs for different uses. You know the one's for poison, stomach ach, to bring down fevers, different one's for keeping down infections, both for humans and youkai alike."
"When we run out of the herbs that Jinenji gave me, I'll make a trip to gather more from him to have on hand. Though it would take many days to get their and back."
"That we will speak about when needed." Kaede looked at the herbs. Kaede went to her shelf and grabbed some other herbs then brought them over to Kagome. "Watch carefully." Taking a few pinches of the herbs that Kagome just freshly grounded, one pinch of another, and two of a gray smelly herb then mixed them together. "This is a mild mixture for child birth.
You can adjust it a bit."
"That reminds me. Back when Rin and I were healing from being sick, back when you gave that scroll to Sesshoumaru. Well we visited Kougaâ's den to find out Kouga had taken Ayame as his mate and she was pregnant. I wonder how she is doing?" There came a knock. Kagome stood and went to the mat then moved it aside to see Kouga standing there. "Kouga! I was just talking about you. Well you and how Ayame is pregnant. What are you doing here?"
"Let him come in Kagome before ye question him."
"Oh, sorry Kouga. Please come in and take a seat."
I went to Sesshoumaru's domain to see you, but was informed that you requested to be brought here. The ward of Sesshoumaru sure misses you, and is very attached to you. Ayame is still with pup. Word will be sent when she gives birth to our pup. What is all this powder?"
"Different herbs that are grounded up to make remedies."
"I stopped to see you, but the day grows late, so I will leave." He gave Kagome a hug.
"Thanks for stopping by Kouga. Tell everyone that I say hello. Do come by again and don't forget to let me know and I will get there somehow." Kagome walked him outside and watched him leave then went back inside.
"Have you been to the graves since you have been back?"
"No afraid not. I guess that I don't want to really test if I am able to see the graves without breaking down, but soon I will do so."
"If you wish for a break, then go and walk among the village or rice fields. You did well today."
"Are you sure?" She watched Kaede nod. Picking up her shoes then going out putting them on, she began slowly walking around.
"Good afternoon lady Kagome. It is good to see you back in the village. Where might you be going?"
"I was just out taking a walk."
"Would you care for some company?" Without giving her a chance the elderly man called his grandson. "You need a break. Lady Kagome is taking a walk. Why don't you take a break and walk with her."
"That's alright. I was only taking a quick walk then returning to help Kaede." The boy waved Kagome close.
" We could walk till we are out of sight then I could go someplace else and come to you when you head back to the hut so he thinks we took the walk."
"That's alright. You don't need to do that. I don't see the harm in friends walking together." As the two began to walk the elderly man had a big smile on his face.
"Are you glad to be back in the village after being gone for a long time with a youkai who is known to hate and kill humans? Were you afraid to be near him or terrified to be within the walls of his dwelling?"
"Yes it is good to be back. At first I was afraid because of all the known times myself and my group had crossed paths with him. Most of the time was spent with Rin. The only time lord Sesshoumaru was seen was at meals."
"My grandfather complains that I don't look for a woman to become my wife and that I spend to much time working in the rice fields. He thinks to take it upon his self to look for a wife for me."
"I understand very well where you are at with your grandfather, because my own grandfather tried to set my life up with this boy because his family knew how to make healing items and remedies, he thought he could benefit from it if we had got together and married. It was always that one boy and no one else."
Instead of splitting up and going their own ways, they continued walking around talking about different things. During their walk the boy had asked what it was like traveling all over with her group and fighting youkai everyday as well as, if she regretted any of it. She started to answer with short answers, but began over explaining in depth on different places hey journeyed to. Kagome explained that she would not trade anything she had gone through and that she did not regret anything. They were now standing in front of Kaede's hut.
"Thank you miko Kagome for me to be able to walk with you and to speak with you."
"You are welcome. It's getting late and I should be inside helping lady Kaede."
"Rest well." The boy turned to walk back to the hut he shared with his grandfather, as Kagome moved the mat and walked into the hut where Kaede was preparing the evening meal.
"How was your walk? Did ye walk alone or with the owner of the young male voice that was heard?"
"When I began walking, this elderly man asked where I was going and I mentioned on a walk so he called his grandson then had him go with me. So we walked and talked."
"It is good to get to know people within the village."
~Knocking~
"The young miss sleeps within the room the miko resided in upon her stay within the domain."
"Retire if your duties are finished." Rin's servant bowed then left. Re-rolling the scroll that he was reading, Sesshoumaru laid it down then stood and walked over to the door, then headed down to the said room.
Sliding the door opened, stepping in then closing it Sesshoumaru walked over to the futon on which his ward laid. The chamber still held the miko's scent. Standing at the edge of the futon looking at the sleeping Rin, he saw that she had one arm drapted over the kimono that he had given Kagome and she wore when he tested her, as well as a stack of other kimonos she had worn behind Rin. Kneeling down he paused before he picked up Rin. He had known Kagome was nervous, but he picked up the smell of arousal. Picking up his ward, he walked over to open the door, then stepped out and closed it. The scent from the kimono was on Rin's clothing. Going into his ward's room and laying her on her futon then covering her. He turned and left the room. Intending to head back to his study, the western lord headed to his own chamber. Within his chamber he placed his swords by his futon then took off his armor, and outer haori.
" The miko had or was becoming aroused by this Sesshoumaru!? Was that the cause of her nervousness and need to return to the village? Was it because she had become aroused by a full blooded youkai?" He thought to himself. Taking off his inner haori, he stretched out on his futon closing his eyes. No sooner after he closed his eyes did images come to mind of other things he could use to test her to test if she gets aroused. With the images flooding his mind, he quickly opened his eyes and sat up. "This Sesshoumaru does not need such things in his life, so such tests are not needed to do." He told himself as he closed his eyes once more.
Rising early the next morning and placing water over the fire, Kagome started on the separating of the herbs that she did not finish last night when she had gotten back from her walk. Sitting there separating the herbs, she heard a rustle of cloth as Kaede got up to begin the morning meal.
"Morning to you Kagome."
"Good morning Kaede. I thought that I would finish these while waterwarms up." Kaede nodded as she made some tea for herself and Kagome.
Once the morning meal was finished cooking, Kagome placed the basket of herbs yet to finish to the side. Taking the bowl from Kaede, Kagome began to think about Rin and wondered how she was doing.
"What be the matter?"
"Just that it is quiet. I had gotten used to Rin's chatter every morning. I wonder how she is."
"She probably misses you while the young lord having to deal with her onmissing you."
"He's good at being cold towards things so he can manage." Taking a bite of her food, there came a knock. Getting to her feet, Kaede went to see who was at the door. Moving the mat aside, she saw the young man who'd walked with Kagome.
"Morning Kozue. What brings you here? Is your grandfather well?"
"Yes lady Kaede, he is well. Grandfather wanted me to bring this over for lady Kagome."
"You may come in and give it to her." Kaede moved to the side to let him enter.
"My grandfather thought you would enjoy these." He handed Kagome a medium box.
"Thank you." She took the box then slowly began to open it. " What is it?" Taking the lid off of it she saw four good sized fish. "Oh it's fish!"
"Yes, he went out early this morning and caught them."
"That was nice." She put the lid back on then set the box down.
"Ye should thank his grandfather, by inviting them over for the evening meal."
"Kozue, we would be honored if you and your grandfather would join us for the evening meal tonight."
"Until later." Kozue bowed then left the hut.
"This reminds me of home. With the grandfather playing match maker."
"Would it be so bad?"
"No not really. It's just I'm not ready for anyone yet. Well not that I know of."
"Give it some time child. No plans need to be made at a rush. Find out what you wish to become at the moment."
While waiting for the morning meal to cook, they had more tea while discussing what would taste good with the fish. Kagome's stomach rumbled as they spoke about food. Embarrassed at how loud the rumble was, Kagome was very thankful when the food was done cooking and dug into her food for the first few bites.
"We will check on the healing of the young boy's leg following this meal." Kagome nodded her answer as she continued eating her food.
~Knocking~
"Lady Kaede, lady Kagome. It is good to see you."
"How is young Yukio?" They followed the mother inside.
"He is still in a lot of pain."
"Do you still have the herbs to make tea for him?"
"There is not much left." The mother went over to get the small container as Kagome knelt by the boy.
"So you still your still not feeling better with all the soreness. I'm sorry to hear that. It's not fun not being able to play with your friends. My brother was very sad that all his friends were outside playing when he had to stay in bed when he broke a leg and one of his ribs." She smoothed his hair back from his face.
"Here is what is left." The mother handed the container to Kagome then she showed Kaede.
"Mother, I am going to marry lady Kagome when I get older. She is nice and pretty." Everyone chuckled.
"Only if you get better, and follow everything your mother and father tell you to do, not to mention continue being a kind and caring person until you are grown then that sounds good to me." Kagome looked over at his mother.
"You really mean it! I promise and I will become a strong protector." The boy smiled.
"I'll go and get some more of the herbs." Standing up, Kagome quickly left the hut.
"Priestess Kagome!" Turning she saw Kozue and his grandfather.
"Hello. It's not close to evening."
"Grandfather wanted to come early and speak with lady Kaede."
"Lady Kaede is at another hut. I'm heading to get some herbs for making tea when I was heading back to the hut where she is at." They continued to follow Kagome until she stopped outside Kaede's hut.
"My grandson and I will wait here until you and lady Kaede return." The elderly man held the mat to the side so Kagome could walk into the hut. Quickly going inside, she gathered the different herbs, grounded them, placing them in the container. Placing the lid back on, Kagome left the hut and quickly walked to the other hut. Going into the hut Kagome handed the herb filled container to the mother. They spoke for a bit longer before both Kaede and Kagome bowed then left.
"Kozue and his grandfather are waiting at your hut."
"It is not evening for them to come for meal."
"Kozue said his grandfather wishes to speak with you."
"Was there mention as to what he wishes to speak of?" Kaede watched as Kagome shock her head no.
Drawing near the hut they watched both Kozue and his grandfather stood up to greet them. Kaede moved the mat to the side as Kagome went in followed by Kozue and the grandfather. Stepping into the hut letting the mat fall back into place, Kaede went over and sat by Kagome.
"Would you care for some tea?" Kaede asked.
"That would be nice."
"Yes. Thank you." Kozue answered.
"Kagome would you mind getting some water?" Nodding, Kagome stood up then took the water pot to go fill it with water. Coming back in, she placed the pot over the fire.
"What would ye wish to speak to me about?"
"I wish to speak to you about arranging a courtship between my grandson and priestess Kagome."
"Grandfather, should that not be..."
"If left to you my grandson, you would not find a wife."
"I'm not looking for anyone to be married to right now. I'm not sure as to what I am needed to do other than adjusting to a life here within this village without having to pick up and traveling around. I'm sorry, but right now I would like to get to know everyone personally in this village and making friends before I think about settling down either to be married or a total life as a priestess."
"You both are still to young to know what is truly good for you."
"What do ye say Kozue?" Kaede looked at the boy.
"My wish is to marry, but I want to build a life before taking a wife. My own dwelling means and a life to be able to give to my future wife. Priestess Kagome is nice, caring, easy to talk with, fun to laugh with. Someone I would like as a wife, but friends would be greatly excepted, so to know we could know more of."
"Listening to all that has been said, I believe both the young ones posses the right understanding for each of their lives. Young Kagome has over come one rough obstacle and has many she still has to over come. Which ever she chooses to do, I will be there for her."
"Would you want me to begin cooking the evening meal Kaede?"
"That would be good."
~Japanese Names and Meanings~
Yukio = Snow Boy