Chapter 28 Prelude
Once again the day dawned, promising clear and hot with sunny skies. At that time of the day and after the late night; most of the Palace was still shrouded in sleep. Most but not all, Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha were both awake and watching the dawn. They stood quietly drinking tea and watching as the Palace came to life, the servants that would be preparing food in the kitchens and those who would be checking the stabling for the horses of the guests who would start arriving in an hour or so.
'The tea was most welcome' thought the youkai lord as he kept a close eye on his silent brother.
"You are unusually pensive this morning Inuyasha, if you are still tired you can stay and rest. I have ordered that breakfast should be brought to the rooms when people awaken rather than have a set time today."
"Feh! I can't help but worry that Kagome will go through what my mother did if she mates with me."
"It is something she is prepared for Inuyasha, but you two are unique; you each have the power to protect and give strength to the other. Your journey together, as you try to fight against long held fears may not run smooth always, but your miko is no weakling anymore than your mother was. After all, you will have each other as help and support whereas your mother only had you; a baby."
"I still find it hard to think of putting her through this."
"Do stop it Inuyasha, if she could hear you; your miko would be furious about you trying to make decisions for her. She knows what you both may face and she is ready for the challenge, you are no longer on your own either."
"I just wish things were different."
"They will be Inuyasha, if you hold to your new quest. Perhaps it is the reason for your birth, to bring about this change. It cannot be for no reason that you and the miko have such love and understanding for each other."
"I hope she will not regret becoming my mate." Sesshoumaru started to get exasperated with him, he understood the nerves to a certain degree but the self pity was different. He grabbed Inuyasha round the shoulders and spun him to look at him.
"Do I need Kouga again to knock some sense into you, silly child?"
"Huh, Sesshoumaru?" Inuyasha whined. Sesshoumaru got cross:
"When your mother took you both away from here, she was bitterly angry with me and very like your miko; she was not afraid. Protecting you seems to be something these human women tend to do rather well; it brings out their fighting spirit."
"Sesshoumaru." growled Inuyasha warning his brother.
"Yes well, your mother informed me as she left; holding you asleep in her arms that she had never had any regrets over being with our father. She had none at all for birthing you and no matter what she and you may have to endure, she would not change a single moment of her past that gave you to her. Your Kagome feels the same way and you do her dishonour my brother, for thinking that she should accept a life without you over a life with you."
There was silence between them once again, but it wasn't harsh or bitter. Inuyasha leaned into his brother and thanked him; the information was precious to him. Sesshoumaru scratched his brother's ears till they perked up again. He wanted to say something else to his little brother but it was hard.
"Inuyasha, I understand that you would also be welcome in Kagome's time; her family accept and love you. Perhaps the temptation to stay there might overcome you at times, but I ask you to never make a hasty choice about that. You have work to do here and I would trust that even if we have a misunderstanding you would be willing to discuss it with me and not just leave." He did not realise that his voice had taken on a gentle pleading sound, but Inuyasha heard it and understood.
"You would miss me?" He said not quite believing.
"I would miss you indeed little brother." Was the answer. Inuyasha smiled at his older sibling.
"Feh! I aint going anywhere, it's too smelly in the future and I can't piss you off like I can here." Sesshoumaru understood that last bit more than Inuyasha realised, to his own satisfaction; but he let it go. His promise to Lady Higurashi was one reason and the other was that he really didn't want lose his brother and the rapport they had was too new to jeopardise.
"I shall hold you to that Inuyasha, now there was something else. I know you promised never to bring the past up again, but I want you to know that if you wish to ask or speak about it you can do. So long as long as you remember my regret and that you've forgiven me, you should not be afraid of anything you wish to say."
"O.K. Sessh, I have something to say...I'm hungry."
All around them by now the morning had progressed. Many more people were up and busy going about their daily duties. It didn't make any difference for the normal running of the Palace that a Mating Feast was to be held that evening, some things had to be done regardless. Everybody seemed busy, many of the guests were arriving and being shown to their rooms; Jaken kept his master informed of the arrivals.
Kagome, Sango and Mama were having a great time; they were chatting and bathing, breakfasting and more importantly choosing gowns for the feast later on. Sango and Mama had so many to choose from and together they mixed and matched kimonos and obis to their hearts content. Eventually the two women were satisfied and then it was Kagome's turn. She was going to choose from those that Inuyasha had given her.
Sesshoumaru had already assured her that none of the kimonos had any special significance to Inuyasha, no bad memories were attached to them. So she could choose any, although he advised her against a dark green one that looked like the one his mother had worn when she died. She agreed that would not be a good idea, but as there were plenty to choose from it didn't matter.
She still hadn't decided when Sesshoumaru came back. This time he made a formal entrance carrying something in his arms, it was a stunning white silk obi, that had ice blue lettering proclaiming Inuyasha's name and title down one side and her name down the other. Shining and catching the light were hundreds of tiny glass beads, it was a mating gift for her to wear that evening and Inuyasha was to have one that matched; traditional presents from the male's guardian.
Kagome was delighted and bravely gave her nearly brother-in-law a hug, thanking him for the gift. He tolerated the affection with good grace and gave her a slight bow also acknowledging the other women present.
"I trust you too have found something to suit your tastes for this afternoon and Kagome, there are more gowns if you are unable to choose to your satisfaction from these."
"Thank you my lord, I'm sure there will be one here that will be perfect." He then turned to Mama
"Lady Higurashi, I do hope you are enjoying your stay in our time."
"Very much my lord, I hope my future son-in-law is not too much of a strain this morning." Sesshoumaru actually laughed,
"He is nervous but impatient, right now he is training with Tetsusaiga to keep his mind occupied; I believe he is showing off to all of the children at the moment."
"Forgive me if this is impertinant my lord but how are you both today? I do not mean to insult you when I say I can't help but think of you both as sons at times. I wish for you both to be happy and I'm afraid that I feel the need to fuss at you both. Women do tend to worry about a single parentless male, whoever they are."
"You give no offence my lady, I appreciate your concern but we are fine. We spoke long into the night and I think we understand one another. I even found myself begging him to stay here and not just disappear to your time to my shame."
"There should be no shame in letting someone know that you don't want them to leave, it works both ways my lord. You know how he feels about you, he also needs to know you care; he is still very insecure. It will mean a great deal to him to know you actually want him here and are not just tolerating him."
"I do want him to stay, he is my brother not my son. I do not want to miss him for half a millenium when he should be here where I can help him."
"As long as he knows you want him for himself as a brother and not as a duty, he will not tolerate charity."
"I understand, no son of my father wants that." Once again Mama did her own thing and went where her heart led her and she leaned up and kissed his cheek, surprising them all. She just put her hand to her face and smiled at his stunned countenance that held just a hint of a blush. Recovering quickly however he leaned down to her and said,
"There is a kimono in the closet that would suit the obi very well if Kagome could be persuaded to wear it. The colours are fresh and would, I think suit her complexion."
"Thank you, you are very subtle and persuasive Lord Sesshoumaru. Qualities you do not lose I might add." He smiled at her again and went over to Kagome.
"Might I have a word with you in private once you have chosen your gown. Come to my study when you are ready. Oh, and could I ask you to help Rin choose her new kimono out of five of her new ones, she might like to co-ordinate with you if that is acceptable."
"Of course, I'll look forward to it, I'll get her after lunch."
"Thank you; when you are ready, I will be in my study." Then he swept out of the room leaving them all a little breathless. In a little while they had found Kagome the exact gown to go with her obi and would bring out the colours of her hair and eyes. It was a shimmering ice blue with tiny white embroidered silk flowers across the breast and around the hem and on the sleeves.
It was perfect for Kagome and Mama had to admit that Sesshoumaru was right in his choice even if she smiled at how easily he could manipulate her daughter's 'choice' of gown. Mama and Sango took all the kimonos back to be hung up in their rooms and then Kagome went to seek out Sesshoumaru. She was missing Inuyasha but understood the need to keep him occupied; though she could have done with the moral support. However she was glad he wasn't there when she heard what his brother had to say.
He warned her that Inuyasha might use his youkai to make his claim and mark her. The mark came from the youkai not the human side and Sesshoumaru was a little concerned. He didn't think Inuyasha would become mindless and he would have Tetsusaiga with him but would this make any difference to Kagome? Sesshoumaru knew that Kagome was not afraid of Inuyasha's youkai; loving the whole of his brother, but she would be at her most vulnerable. Sesshoumaru didn't know whether or not the youkai Inuyasha would be the only one ever to claim his mate. Had she thought about any of this?
She told him she had thought about some of the things that could happen; blushing deep crimson as she did so, but assured Sesshoumaru that she was not bothered who or which of Inuyasha's personalities was with her ever. He was just Inuyasha to her and as such she had no fear of him. Sesshoumaru smiled and kissed her hand, surprising her and he promised that she and Inuyasha would both be safe under his roof.
It had been a long morning and the day had passed into early afternoon when Sesshoumaru declared that for whoever wished it, lunch would be a picnic outside in the gardens and woods. This was a popular idea and soon the servants were laying out cloths and food dotted about all over the grounds. Guests and family all intermingled, the lake was the perfect place to cool off and the afternoon was soon being enjoyed like a fete.
In such an informal setting the ice was broken between many who had never mixed before and it was easier to walk around and talk to people; sitting at different groups and eating the delicious and plentiful food. There was no doubt that Sesshoumaru was a brilliant statesman and diplomat, he accomplished more that afternoon in breaking down barriers than Inuyasha would have achieved in months.
He was taken round and introduced, once again accepted for himself and his own deeds; all wishing him well in finding his mate. There were some bawdy comments which made him blush, but Sesshoumaru was there to rescue him if the situation got to much for him, but on the whole he enjoyed himself. His confidence was improving and he also had some intelligent answers to give when asked some difficult questions.
The afternoon wore on pleasantly, a lot of the guests dozed or lazed in the warm sunshine, most of the children napped. Rin and Shippou were tucked up either side of Inuyasha. A couple of hours later and Kagome and Mama took Rin inside to choose her kimono for the banquet. The excited child tried on all the new ones that Sesshoumaru had got for her. Mama just thought she looked so sweet and smiled to see how indulgent the lord was towards his little orphan girl. She was treated like a child but also dressed like a princess. Which of course, in effect she was.
They all chose the same one as the best one for her. It was light cherry blossom pink and it also had tiny white embroidered silk flowers in the same pattern as Kagome's. It was an exact compliment to her own. Mama kept her thougthts to herself, but she had no doubt at all that Kagome and Rin were both wearing gowns that the Lord of the West had chosen for them. She could already picture his smug expression for when they were announced and she smiled; everything would be alright.
Mama was correct, that evening after everyone was bathed, primped and made up and nerves were calmed with a small cup of Sake; it was time to make the grand entrance. Inuyasha had apeared before the girls had gone to bathe with a wonderful set of diamond and sapphires comprising necklace, bracelet, ring, earrings and hair comb. They were from his mother's box and were priceless to himself and of course to Kagome.
She squeezed him tight, neither of them able to say anything nor needing to and when she let him go, she knew that the next time she would see him would be just before they were announced for the feast. Kagome looked stunning, her mother and Sango entered the dining room and were ushered to their places. Mama was pleased to see Souta and Shippou in matching kimonos in a rich plum colour that also had the white embroidery although not flowers; theirs were leaves.
Sesshoumaru was seated and Rin was next to him in her pretty kimono, and yes, Mama noticed the smirk; well concealed but definately there. He was wearing a dark blue kimono that shimmered like the midnight sky. It was embroidered with the family crest; the huge white dog. Standing up he then clapped his hands and the doors swung open to allow entry to Inuyasha and Kagome.
Kagome looked every inch the bride and Mama was so proud; her new jewels were not ostentatious but highlighted with a hint of sparkle her natural beauty. She was radiant. Inuyasha too, wearing the same colour blue as Sesshoumaru, but the crests were a little smaller and combined with his mother's family crest. Plus he too wore a white obi as did his brother but Inuyasha's had the embroidery the same as Kagome's. Tears filled all the girl's eyes at seeing them, Inuyasha looked so proud of his mate to be.
Sesshoumaru once again clapped his hand together and announced:
"Welcome all to the Mating Feast of the Second Lord of the Western Lands; Inuyasha and the Miko, Lady Kagome, soon to be known as Lady Kagome of the Western Lands. Let all know they are to be mates this night. Enjoy the feast." Sesshoumaru looked at the couple and noticed that although furiously blushing, the pair now had eyes only for each other and he knew they would not stay at the feast very long.
TBC
