IMPORTANT: The following two chapters are given in snippets or small scenes. These scenes make up the entirety of winter. This form of writing was somewhat inspired by dokuga challenges, but since I would be terrible at posting to a challenge every week, this is my version ;) Each 'scene' has it's own title which is between a set of *** those.

Chapter 21 - Scenes of Winter - Part 1

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Dragon's Lair

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"What is this place?" She asked in hushed awe. The cave's entrance had been narrow, leading downward into a massive cavern littered with giant glittering crystals, but her eyes were transfixed on the ceiling It was like looking at stars. Thousands of glowworms gave off a luminescent light, sharing it freely with the two below. Beyond the far wall was another opening, leading to a smaller cavern once again adorned in the pseudo stars. A rough set of wide stairs carved in the stone floor led to a large pool of teal blue water laying in the center, light steam rising in the air.

"It's ... beautiful. It looks as if someone lived here once."

"Hn."

"You don't think they will mind us using it?"

"No. The one who once lived here walks a different path."

"Yes," She said softly. "I can see why." She crouched beside the water, her face looking clearly back at her.

"Explain."

"Though this place holds a beauty and calm that I have rarely seen elsewhere, it is isolated. A being may be surrounded by all the beauty in the world, yet they are still alone." She said simply. He watched as she sighed, gently touching the surface of the water. The surface rippled, wiping away the woman's reflection.

"Whoever they were, I hope they found what they sought."

"Remember Lord Sesshomaru, be it man or youkai, we all share the same fault ... regret for the past, and fear of the future. I was fortunate enough to avoid the sharpest regret of them all...forsaking that emotion which you still have yet to name. Time will tell if you will say the same...time will tell."

"Indeed." He said quietly, eyes on the back of the woman before him.

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A Long Winter

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The dreams had stopped, and their nights were restless, though neither spoke of it. The days were full of silence, of secretive glances when the other was unsuspecting. There had been a certain freedom in their dreams. Something that had allowed them to feel at ease with one another. The dreams had, together, forced them to face memories and feelings that in the light of day, were hidden. And now, they were at a stand still. She had grown accustomed to the quiet, it had been her only companion for so long, yet now it seem oppressive. She searched for anything to say.

"The snow falls heavily today." She remarked casually as she prepared the pair of rabbits he'd caught to place over the fire.

"Hn."

"It will be a long winter."

"Yes ... a long winter."

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Distraction

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"This Sesshomaru apologizes." He said formally, his face emotionless. But his actions belied his words. He was gentle, his hands soft as they wrapped the strips of cloth around her bare torso. She had told him she could do it on her own, but he had left no room for argument after he had swiftly carried her back to the cave. So now she sat, as he bandaged her wound.

They had been sparing out in the woods as they always did, when she had been distracted by the flowing grace that her partner had wielded with his sword. Her inattention had cost her when his blade had sliced through her winter coat to the skin beneath, leaving a long cut across her stomach.

"You owe no apology. It was my own fault for not paying attention. If I had moved faster, then I would not have been cut."

"And what was so distracting that it pulled your attention from battle?"

She shifted uneasily. "Something that I wont allow distract me again."

"Hn. Perhaps --"

"No. We will not stop." She interrupted, stilling his hand against her stomach. "You need the exercise and training as much as I do. And if I find out that you are not fighting me fairly, I will not be so apologetic when you slip."

She stilled when she thought she saw the beginnings of a smile cross his lips, but he turned too fast for her to know truly.

"Hn."

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Future's Anger

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"Sesshomaru, ... may I ask you a question?" The snow had been heavy last night as they slept. Two months had passed, and now the heart of winter was here. She was grateful for the warm waters hidden deep in their temporary lodgings. Both her and the taiyoukai used it regularly, taking turns and giving the other their privacy to bathe. She had just returned from such a bath. Her mind had wandered while resting in the warm pool. Wandered to the future, and now, she could not help but wonder what would become of the one she now considered friend.

"Hn."

"Where do you see yourself in 50 years?"

"I am no Seer."

"Yes, but ... surely you have plans ... dreams."

"I will do what I have always done."

She was silent for a while, her eyes staring at the taiyoukai who had yet to turn to face her. "Inu's are pack. They were not born to be solitary creatures." She said quietly. "You are no different. I would like to know that you are ... happy when I am gone.

He turned sharply, a snarl marring his smooth face. She felt an answering anger deep down in the part of her that had been sheltering and nourishing that small, but significant part of him.

"You will not speak of such things."

A determined look stamped on her face, she stood.

"I speak the truth! I do not understand why --" She gasped as he loomed above her, eyes red.

"Do not speak of your death as if it has already come to pass."

Confusion filled her. She had thought he was upset because she had dared to question his life, but instead he was angered at the thought of her death? She felt a pang and had to duck her head to hide the emotion so evident upon her face.

"Sesshomaru ... you must understand --"

Clawed hands grasped her arms, shaking her, forcing her head to snap back so their eyes clashed.

"Never again will you speak of this. Acknowledge that you have heard me!"

"I ... I understand." She whispered.

He released her, striding swiftly out into the night, heedless of the woman who slowly sank to her knees.

Author's Drabble: Alright people, what do you think????? Part 2 will be out next Monday. (PROMISE) With an event we've all been waiting for (even me) I hope you like this. I was really pleased with it as a whole (but then, maybe thats because I know how the winter ends ;) As always, I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions.