The trio had been traveling for a week now and had arrived on the southern snake tribe's border. Runa had formulated a plan which both Niko and Sesshomaru disliked at first. But eventually they came to the agreement that it was the most believable excuse for them to be in Yoshida's lands. The awkwardness had continued for the first few days but seemed to have waned off much to Runa's relief. Her feet ached and her hair felt filthy. She prayed the snake's were gracious hosts and offered she and her friends shelter and baths. Niko swayed beside her with loose steps chatting about his childhood. Runa nodded her head, only half listening. Her mind wandered to the plan they were about to enact and she felt slightly nauseous. Her acting skills had never been very strong and this plan was going to take some real finesse. Sesshomaru slowed his pace until he walked on the other side of her.

"We are being followed," he pointed out lowly, his eyes looking down to hers.

Niko cut his chattering off and looked to the dog demon with narrowed eyes, "Yes, I sense it to but didn't want to draw attention. Can you tell who it is? I believe your sense of smell is much stronger than mine."

"Snakes. I sense no ill intent. Most likely a patrol squad who picked up on our presence," he responded.

"Alright guys, it looks like it's action time. Remember the plan and the parts we are playing. We have to get that amulet as quickly as possible without looking too suspicious," Runa whispered. Her hopeful eyes met Sesshomaru's. He wasn't a big fan of her plan but had begrudgingly gone along with it. He gave her the tiniest of nods and looked straight ahead. Niko winked at her with his usual crooked smile.

The trees rustled revealing two men. They were tall, almost taller than Sesshomaru. Both had a greenish tint to their skin with yellow eyes in the shape of narrow almonds. Their matching armor appeared to be some type of leather dyed black with metal breastplates. Large swords sat on their hips and when the first demon opened his mouth to speak Runa saw long fangs protruding from his upper jaw.

"You trespass on Lord Yoshida's land. Speak your purpose and we will decide if it is worthy enough to let you live," he snarled, already taking a defensive stance.

Sesshomaru held his hand up, "I am Lord Sesshomaru of the Western Lands. I have come with my companions to discuss a political marriage with Lord Yoshida."

The snakes visibly paled as Sesshomaru spoke his name and title. They bowed their heads in respect. "Apologies Lord Sesshomaru, we did not recognize you, though we have heard rumors of your great skill on the battlefield. Follow us and we shall lead you to our lord."

Sesshomaru inclined his head slightly in acknowledgement before stepping forward. The two demons quickly turned about face and lead the way. The forest gave way to a path which eventually led to a village. Runa smiled as they entered the village and saw children playing. Everyone seemed to be some variation of the demon snake species. Nearly everyone had tinted skin in shades of red, brown, or green. Their eye shape varied between wide circles and the narrower almonds. Runa believed she even saw some half demons, their lower bodies literally the trunk of a snake while the top looked more human. She had never been around many snake demons but she had heard of Yoshida at Lady Mother's court. He was moderately powerful and always looking for a bride, though many of the courts ladies avoided going south since it was a poor area with very little riches.

The group came to the end of the village and Runa stared in awe at a very expensive looking palace. Golden snake columns stood guard at the front on either side before two large wooden doors. The building looked to be three stories. No wonder this area was so poor she thought. Yoshida spent it all on himself and none on his people. She huffed in annoyance but quickly fixed her face before the two guards they had been following opened the massive wooden doors. They waved the three demons through. They immediately stepped into a large throne room decorated with lavish paintings depicting victories the snake tribe had won over the centuries. A red carpet spanning four feet across led fifty feet to a golden throne where none other than Yoshida himself sat, looking bored.

"Ah! I see we have guests!" he quipped, his forked tongue wiggling out of his mouth momentarily as he stepped down from his throne and continued down five golden steps to the red carpet below. "If it isn't the great Lord Sesshomaru. To what do I owe this immense surprise and possible pleasure?" he asked.

Runa studied his features as best she could with her head bowed as a sign of respect. His eyes were round and instead of the yellow she had noticed on others of his kind, they held a black color, making them appear very large. He was taller than his guards with no tint to his skin, instead he was very pale. He wore a blood red top and matching pants. His boots were made of a golden looking leather. His hair was black, braided in a long plait going down his back. He looked all the part of a wealthy ruler while his people lived in poverty.

"I have come to propose a marriage between you and my adopted sister, Lady Runa of the Western Lands," Sesshomaru explained, while Runa stood slightly behind him with her head still bowed, making no move as her name was spoken. Niko stood a few paces behind her, playing the part of Sesshomaru's retainer if anyone asked.

The snake's eyes grew wide as they traveled to the beauty behind the dog lord. Then he let out a hissing laugh. "Was she not your bride, Lord Sesshomaru of the Western Land's?"

Runa felt her body grow tense and stifled a sigh of exasperation. How did he know about that she wondered. She could nearly feel the shock coming from Niko but ignored it, knowing she couldn't move until she was spoken to directly.

"Perhaps once, but our familial bonds were too strong. And my mother wishes me to gain something when I marry. Much as you would gain an alliance with the west if you were to take Lady Runa as your bride. Are you going to ask pointless questions or consider my offer?" Sesshomaru spat back. Runa could tell he was struggling to maintain this ruse.

Yoshida walked towards them passing Sesshomaru and stopping in front of Runa. "Tell me girl, do you wish to be my bride?"

Finally raising her head, Runa stared into his black eyes, suppressing the shiver traveling down her spine. "If that is your wish Lord Yoshida, then I should be happy to serve my Lord and Lady of the West by becoming your bride and aligning our houses," she said sweetly, bowing her head once again.

"My, you are a beauty. I have been after that damn woman for years to send me one of her trained courtesans. It's about time she finally did, but I wasn't expecting the daughter of the west herself," the snake commented as he turned back to Sesshomaru. "I take you up on your offer. We can discuss the details over the next few days and I expect the wedding to take place by the end of the week. You look travel worn. I shall provide three rooms for you, Lady Runa, and what I can only guess to be your servant."

Sesshomaru nodded but stopped short at Yoshida's final words. "Two rooms is all that will be necessary. Runa will lodge with me."

Yoshida stepped back and let out a small hiss, "Is that appropriate my lord? I will not have my bride rooming with another man."

"You will make peace with it Yoshida. She is my ward while we are making the arrangements. I will protect her chastity, and I alone," Sesshomaru sneered out. Runa's eyes widened and she felt her body jerk but she attempted to hold still and not make a scene. She was going to get him later!

"Very well, I concede to your wishes, but I want proof she is untouched goods before we wed!" Yoshida hissed out with a wave of his hand.

Servants came forward to lead the travelers to their room. Runa gave Sesshomaru the dirtiest look she could muster as she walked past him through the doorway of their new rooms.