The moments that followed were quiet. Only the soft sobs shaking Rin could be heard. Slowly he drew Rin to an arms length away. Her eyes had fallen to the floor, and Sesshomarus beautifuly dangerous hands lifted her face to him. He met her gaze stedily. "You must promise this Sesshomaru that you will not use the gift." His voice shook on the last word. Kagome wondered if gift was the right word for anyone to use for this power.

"There is one more thing ye must hear from me child." The old miko's rough voice cut through the silence like a saw blade. "It is tradition that Miko's with this gift to come to our temple and honor the Miko before them. It would also be good for ye to know how to harness your power if ye were ever in a life or death situation. Your Lord should have had you training for battle many a reap ago. It is dangerous business being a Lord's daughter." She smiled warmly at Sesshomaru, her face lighting beautifully despite the cavernous lines. "We, the Lifebreathing Miko's can teach you. Don't worry getting to know the basics will not effect you greatly. "

Sesshomaru had to fight to keep his grip on Rin gentle. The thought of her leaving hurt. It was the same reason Rin had not been trained in combat. She was old enough, big enough to handle a wooden sword. He had never let himself think she would need to use it. She would never be put in danger, but then she had been before. On thier quest for the jewels. He had been a fool.

But he couldn't make her stay. She did need to know how to wield her power, and how to abstain from it. A pregnant silence filled the room once more as Sesshomaru considered Nasura's words.

"I need to go..." Rin whispered to him. Her expression was soft but longing. She knew it would he hard to leave. But she needed to know more about all this. What was so bad about it. If she was as powerful as they said she was then maybe she could use her power. Just a little. Just to practice...yeah.

"You will take a guard of 10 men. They will accompany you whilst Rin is in your care. When will she be returning?"

The old woman seemed to think deeply now. "Well it's two weeks trek to the temple. Training may take as long as she needs, months maybe."

Sesshomaru raised to his feet and gave Rin a last look as she turned to the old Miko. "You will leave in a week." He turned to leave, catching the sleeve of Kagome's kimono to bring her out the door with him.

"Actually M'Lord I asked for this meeting to happen today because I was swooped up so suddenly by your men that I did not have time to alert the proper people of my village of my departure. It is only a day's ride back and we must return quickly. I am the village Miko people need me..."

Some would argue that Lord Sesshomaru would most definitely have decapitated Nasura the moment after she had told all about Rin's power. Those that knew Lord Sesshomaru as an enemy that was. Others, like Kagome, now half out the door, knew that he had only bent to kiss Rins brow and bid that they go to their horses. They would be ready and waiting for them, along with the 10 best guards and 3 months worth of travel food.

They departed within the hour, Sesshomaru stood in the middle of the open gates watching their silhouettes disappear among the horizon.