Chapter 7
Despite the week being full of irritations from Inukimi's endless nitpicking and preparations, it seem to move along quite quickly. Well with the exception of last night. Inukimi demanded that sesshomaru and rin spend the night before there wedding apart. Reluctantly not wanting to be separate from his mate, sesshomaru eventually gave in. Taking the night to run wild in the woods hunting in his true daiyokai form. Giving Rin their bed chamber all to herself for the night. Multiple times throughout the evening did he tell himself this was nonsense almost making his way back towards his mate. But he also kept telling himself he had to respect the custom.
He slept under the stars, taking in the sweet night air. Sunrise was upon him. And he knew he had to make his way back to the palace to get ready for the ceremony. No doubt his mother had all the handmaidens waiting on Rin hand and foot to prepare her for the day. He felt so bad for Rin. His poor mate having to deal with his mother all morning. He hoped Inukimi was not going to far overboard.
Inukimi had awoken Rin Long before sunrise. They spent the entire morning together. Handmaidens doing their hands and feet. Skin treatments, cosmetic appointments, Hair appointments. And now they both stood side-by-side as the royal Seamstress worked her magic on their wardrobe for the day.
Two cups of tea and a small table of fruit and breakfast foods was placed in the room so they wouldn't disturb the decorating in the great Hall. Inukimi was always worried Rin was not eating enough for eating for 3. So she always went out of her way to provide Rin with many options in hopes she would keep picking. But the girl really ate like a bird despite carrying twins.
Rin rather enjoyed Inukimi's Company. The demoness always went above and beyond to make her comfortable and cared for. She wondered if this was what having a mother was like. It had been so long that she had forgotten. Sure everybody in the village looked after her but not to this extent. Being with Inukimi she really could feel her motherly care shining through. They spent the morning gabbing like hens. Inukimi telling Rin all about sesshomaru When he was a small pup. What a sweet boy he used to be. Despite being such a handful. You could tell by her eyes as she spoke how much she really did love her son. Rin wondered how they ever came to constantly step on each others tails. She partly wondered if it was because they were both so similar in the aspect of wanting to be the dominant force. Though she would never say those words to either of them.
"But once he learned to fly it was all over.. almost every night we found him perched on a branch of a tree fast asleep. The cute little puppy that he was. Inutaisho would always know where he was. Many nights he would have to sleep in our bed chambers to keep from his moon light sleep walks" Inukimi smiled at the memory of her son being so small.
Rin giggled It was hard to believe that sesshomaru had ever been such a helpless little pup. Hearing the stories of his childhood really warmed her heart.
"did sesshomaru ever have another mate? before me that is" Rin asked her soon to be mother in law.
" oh by the moon no. He showed very little interest in the female daiyokai. Despite the many marriage proposals that were offered throughout the years to our family. He had every demoness in the west following him like love sick puppies. However sesshomaru Showed no interest Whatsoever. He always said that the demonesses merely craved to elevate their own station. And he would not allow himself to befall an arranged marriage. When he was about 300 or so. He did fall for one demoness but she broke his heart. After that anytime the matter was addressed about him settling down he would spew his usual love his weakness line and storm out of the room. I never thought in a million years I would see the day he actually took a mate and was starting a family"
"are you sure your are not at all disheartened That he chose a human commoner over a noble demoness?" Rin asked in a small voice but and Inukimi had no problem hearing every syllable.
"you would think I would be. But alas no. Though my son chose to take his sweet time in the matter. I believe his waiting only brought him to his true mate. …… oh Daughter aren't you a vision. . I knew upon laying eyes on this pattern it would fall so nicely on you."
Rin blushed at Inukimi's words as she took in her own reflection in a large mirror. She was draped in floor flowing sparkling lilac robes with Silver Ivy Vine embroidery. The necklace Inukimi had given her falling to rest on the top of her cleavage. A crown of purple daisies upon her head. Her hair half parted on the top, yet flowing freely down her back and sides.. Rin picked up her grand bouquet of purple and white roses from the side table to see the whole picture come together as one. She was hypnotized by her own reflection. doubting in her mind if this day was even real. She watched in disbelief as Inukimi took off one of her own mokomoko and draped it over Rin's own shoulder.
Rin ran her fingers through the soft fur that now rusted on her own chest. " Thank you ….Thank you Mother Inukimi…. For everything."
Inukimi took her daughter in-laws cheek in her hand meeting her eyes with a loving smile. " I must leave you now to attend the guests. You haven't long to wait now my child…" Inukimi moved her hand to Rin's baby bump. "My grand pups are growing nicely.. Try to eat something in your wait. to keep your strength up". with that any Inukimi took her leave.
Halfway down the hallway on her way to the Grand balcony inukimi could hear footsteps approaching from behind her, slowing their pace as they caught up with hers and were eventually walking side-by-side.
"Mother….. how fares Rin?"
"One track mind as always my son. For a woman on her wedding day you will find she is most at ease… I see you found the new clothing I had made for you.. you should wear this color more often sesshomaru, it brings out the color of your eyes wonderfully."
Sesshomaru merely grumbled. Pulling at the collar line of the moon silver silk with purple trim he had on. He felt foolish. At least the mokomoko covered the flowered embroidery she just had to add to his shoulder.
" I see you're still quite irritable. I would have hoped that you would have come around by now"
"I am not irritable Mother. Merely Skeptical about how over the top you have gone with this affair"
" I assure you Sesshomaru. I merely did the minimum any mother of my station would do for her only son's wedding ceremony."
Reaching the end of the hallway sesshomaru took in the sight before him not even the least bit surprised. The balcony was filled with endless bouquets of flowers and white pillar candles. The great staircase that lead the center of the balcony had gold and silver ribbon trimmings free floating overhead. In fact every Archway leading into the palace was lined with silver and gold ribbons with white and purple roses meeting in the center.
The center drop where his mothers throne normally sat had been removed and replaced with a large shrine. It was covered with a white silk table cloth edged with white pillar candles. Dusted with purple rose petals and In the center lay a chalice that was made of silver and heavily jeweled with amethyst. The shrine laid under an open gazebo completely made out of purple and white roses. Butterflies of all colors and sizes flying freely.
Some of the guests had even already taken their seats in the golden chairs that's sat one landing down from the shrine. The palace guards greeted each guest ushering them to their seat as Inukimi and sesshomaru took there place standing before the shrine.
sesshomaru was lost in thought scanning the crowd When the familiar voice caused his ears to screech.
"Happy wedding day Big brother" Kagome's overly cheerful Self stood in front of them carrying a large book dressed in her ceremonial priestess robes
"geez sesshomaru you could at least look the slightest bit happy. You look like you're preparing for a burial" Inuyasha greeted his brother dressed in his normal attire of the robes of the fire rat
" I assure you I am quite content…. The two of you are cutting it a little close are you not" sesshomaru raised an eye at his half brother and sister-in-law
" ya well ,you try putting two grown adults and a demon on the back of a two headed dragon and see how fast it flys"
" In any event.. Inuyasha, Kagome …May I present My Mother, The Great Lady Inukimi." Sesshomaru raised an eye watching his mother ever so carefully for even the slightest flinch.
" Priestess Kagome is it? You wouldn't happen to be the very same priestess that abolished the sacred jewel from this earth Would you?" Inukimi Inquired Embarrassing Kagome with the acknowledgment.
"Why ummm Yes my lady, I suppose I am.. it's a great honor to make your acquaintance" wow I guess word travels far. kagome thought bowing her head in respect to The Grate Lady.
"" you must be a powerful priestess indeed. You honor our family by performing the ceremony.. Are you well-versed in daiyokai matrimony services?" Inukimi inquired
"Well i've taken part in one myself for my marriage to Inuyasha.. it shouldn't be to hard to be on the other side of the alter"
Inukimi Looked the Hanyo up and down. " Inuyasha …. You wear Inutaisho's fang at your hip. I assure you you will not need your weapons here today"
" yea well all the same lady it never leaves my side" Inuyasha spoke harshly.
Kagome hissed 'sit boy' under her breath causing Inuyasha to slam hard on his face. Sesshomaru flashed a small smirk as his mother covered her gasp with her hand. " Inuyasha….. you would do well to show more respect to the great lady in her own castle" Kagome whispered as she sat her open book upon the alter ... Hmm Inuyasha Hufft
"Master Inuyasha…. Umm Lady Rin requests you to meet her in the corridor for her dissent.. she a waits you now. if you would fallow me." Jaken spoke meekly
This was not news to sesshomaru. He and Rin had discussed Inuyasha giving her away in detail after he had already sent Jaken to retrieve them. Sesshomaru gave his half brother a nod of his approval. Before Inuyasha Followed the green imp slightly baffled.
" Sooo when you said your half brother was a unrefined mongrel, I see you were being kind" inukimi spoke in a voice so low only Sesshomaru could hear her, bringing a smirk to his face.
Before Sesshomaru could grace his mother with a response a gong sounded followed by the sound of Music filling the air. signaling all the guest to rise to their feet. Every pair of eyes looked towards the flood of butterflies emerging from the center archway, raining a rose petal path In front of the bride towards the groom.
Rin was so grateful Inuyasha had her arm looped with his. Without his footing for guidance she surely would have been frozen on the spot. They inched their way foot by foot closer and closer to the shrine.Rin wasn't even sure she was breathing. This is real. This is happening. In a moments time I will be the wife of Lord Sesshomaru. Oh this is too much. I hope I don't faint.
She looks like a fairytale princess. How was something so beautiful, so fragile, so precious. how was this woman mine and only mine. Nothing in this world is as great a treasure as this woman before me.. if it takes all my days and every bit of power I have I will keep her safe until the day the sun goes out. Sesshomaru out stretched his hand towards his bride when she was within reach. Rin freed her arm from Inuyasha taking the hand of Sesshomaru, they smiled dreamily at each other. Turning in unison to stand on the other side of the altar from Kagome.
Kagome cleared her throat before speaking loudly "You may all be seated. . . We are gathered here to rejoice in the union of these two Souls, To forever bind the life force of The Grate daiyokai Lord Sesshomaru and his chosen mate Lady Rin. From this day until their last day may they be forever as one."
Kagome poured the sacred sake into the chalice and placed it before the couple " Lord Sesshomaru if you would…." Kagome glanced to him then back to the chalice.
Here goes nothing Sesshomaru Thought. Completely blindsided at the fact that he was so jittery. He had no idea why he felt so nervous. He brought Rin's finger to his fang, nipping the skin to draw blood before doing the same with his own. Hands still embraced he hung their fingers over the chalice letting their blood mix into the sacred sake. Trying with all his strength to speak clearly
"Blood of my blood I give to you my mate, blood of your blood you give to me. From this day until my last day I am yours." Sesshomaru nodded to Rin to repeat his words
"Blood of my blood I give to you my mate, blood of your blood you give to me. From this day until my last day I am yours"
Kagome raised the chalice to the sky. "by the light of the moon, and the heat of the sun I bind these two forever as one"
she handed the chalice to sesshomaru. Who took a sip then handed it to Rin to do the same. She smiled as she did so. Rin put the chalice on the table. As Kagome called for the groom to kiss the bride.
No one had to tell Sesshomaru twice he had been waiting for this moment since the second he laid eyes on her coming out from the palace. He took her in his arms holding her as tight as he possibly could, losing himself in the Sweet taste of her lips to the point he forgot that anybody else was near them. She is mine….. Forever.
The crowd broke out in an ear shattering cheer.
Inuyasha smiled at the happy couple.
Kagome put a hand over her ear to ear smile, trying to keep from crying.
Inukimi pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve dabbing the few drops of tears that escaped her eyes.
Jaken was beside himself blubbering like a baby.
Rin and sesshomaru once coming back to earth and remembering they had an audience turned to face the crowd. Before departing together back into the palace. Sesshomaru taking Rin in to his arms, he carried her under the Archway.
Sesshomaru cradled Rin tight to his chest. Walking with heist down the palace Corridor towards their bed chamber. He knew at most they had about 20 minutes before they were expected to make their grand entrance in the banquet hall.
He kissed her hungrily walking through their chamber doors closing them tight by pushing Rin up against them… never once their lips breaking for more than a moment
" My … *kiss* .. Lord… *kiss*… we can't"
He paid no mind to her words taking his lips to her neck. He started with a softest of love bites on the mateing mark that lay on her skin. Before his arousal took him over and his fangs were buried deep into her .. Rin let out a roaring moan, she clawed her fingers at his strong muscular arms in longing. The smell of her arousal made him drunk with hunger. He wanted to rip there cloths off and take her repeatedly until the sun rose again. He traced his fangs down her cleavage making Rins head push back to the door, seeing stars behind her eyelids. His hand was just about up her robes when………..
Bang ….. Bang……Bang. came at the door.
"My lord ….. My lady. …. The lady Mother wishes me to inform you that all the guests have been seated into the banquet hall and are awaiting your entrance" came the voice of one of the guards from the other side of the door.
Sesshomaru let out a growl of irritation. Rin laughed and put her hand over her husband's mouth to hide his grumbles calling sweetly over her shoulder
" we will be but a moment"
Rin rubbed her forehead against her husband's. My Lord we have eternity to do this. We mustn't keep the guests waiting"
sesshomaru rested his forehead upon Rins for a moment. not caring so much for the social obligation that would pry him away from his new wife. He had half a mind to make them wait but he knew his mother would eat him for breakfast. He placed her on her own two feet helping her straighten out her robes and hair before doing the same for himself
" if we must …. " he opened the door for his mate she took him by the arm as they both made their way back down the hallway
" Honored guests it is my privilege to introduce to you for the first time under marital union, The Grate Lord Sesshomaru and The Fair Lady Rin. Rulers of the west."
The doors to the great banquet Hall opened. Sesshomaru Leading Rin by the arm ever as stonefaced, as Rin blushingly smiled ear to ear
The crowd before them stood from their seats at the banquet table to give a standing ovation, as the happy couple made their way to the head of the table to take their seats that sat side by side on the far end. On one side of the couple sat Kagome, Inuyasha And Jaken. And on Sesshomaru's opposite side set his mother
Hours later the reception was in full swing all the guest sat amongst each other at the great table talking as if they were all old friends. Sesshomaru Knew most the guest .. Some however he wished he didn't. His mother provided the biggest feast Sesshomaru and Rin had ever laid eyes on. endless food as far as the eye could see. She must have had at least one of every animal on the table some raw some cooked.
Inukimi sat drinking her tea in a dreamy state . She was definitely pleased with herself at how wonderfully the event had transpired.
Sesshomaru and Inuyasha forced small talk sitting Idle by listening to their women gab about the upcoming birth. It felt like they were talking for hours. As much as he hated to admit it sesshomaru was quite grateful for the priestess. He was actually quite fond of her. more so in fact then he was of his half brother.
"Wait puppy's like with paws and umm tales? I thought it was an expression" kagome looked between Rin, Sesshomaru and Inukimi wide eyed waiting for one of them to tell her she misunderstood.
Her reaction was comical to Sesshomaru who at this point had lost track of how much sake he had, had to drink. He ended up slipping out with a smirk. "well sometimes they come out breathing fire but that's very rare"
" did your tight ass just make a joke?" Inuyasha asked his brother in disbelief
"Little brother as hard as it may be for you, I would kindly ask you to reframe from looking at my toned ass, I am a married demon don't you know" sesshomaru took another sip of his sake
Rin's hand plucked the cup from him. " OK my Lord you are cut off"
" Rin no.. give it back… he's more fun like this" kagome returned Sesshomaru sake cup to him topping it off with a smirk.
"Thank you Sister " sesshomaru spoke taking another sip.
Inuyasha still sat with his mouth open. At this rate Kagome would get Sesshomaru trashed just to see what he would say next.
"Yes Kagome, The little ones will be born in there daiyokai forms. They generally stay that way until they're old enough to learn to transform" inukimi Addressed the priestesses original quarry
"i've been birthing babies for many years. I've never birthed a puppy from a human.. how do they.. umm come out"
"The same way I got them in there" sesshomaru smirked taking another sip of his sake. Everyone mouths fell open in disbelief that those word came from him. his mother covered her face in embarrassment .
Rin took his cup again and put it before herself. Kagome pushed the cup back to Sesshomaru with her finger.
"My son I think you should eat some meat" inukimi spoke placing some rabbit before sesshomaru.
When a voice walking towards them interrupted their conversation "well who would have ever thought …. The two of you putting your swords down long enough to enjoy a meal together. Never did I ever think I would live long enough to see the day…. Kimi you honor me greatly with the invitation dear lady, and might I say you are still as enchanting as ever."
"ohhh ToTosai … such flattery.. we are so grateful you could find the time to attend. I know how busy you are" Inukimi smiled at her old friend ignoring her sons sideways glare at her.
"For you Kimi I wouldn't miss it for the world. . Lady Rin, my do you bring beauty to Sesshomaru's fangs"
Kagome and Inuyasha went wide eyed. oh shit the old man is going to get him self killed they both thought
" ToTosai I would advise you against making such vulgar statements to my wife in the future if you truly value your life" sesshomaru snipped
"My Lord. He speaks of the necklace your mother gave me… ToTosai forged it from your baby fangs. I thought I told you"
Sesshomaru was baffled by this. He's supposed it made sense now how a necklace would be able to bestow his pups with the power of a full demon by still being born of a human.
" interesting… if you would excuse us. Mother I wish a word with you alone" Sesshomaru stood from his seat his mother at his side as they both walked to one of the small balconies on the edge of the great Hall.
as if the light had finally found his eyes. all the pieces of the puzzle of the last few years were falling into place and he could see his mother scheme as clear as day all he needed was her verification.
"Mother….. The necklace you gave Rin… it was yours... I seen you wear it almost daily for years after my return. Did you have it forged with this purpose in mind? Did you know that I would take Rin as mine before I did?"
"The future is a funny thing my son. Bits and pieces not quite solid that shift endlessly until it is their time to fall into place. I knew it was a possibility. Yes.. I also knew you would not fall upon this path without the proper inspiration"
" what you said to me.. The night that you first called for me. You were not talking about your death where you"
"my death ? Why whatever would have given you that idea. …No my son. I was speaking of my time as The Grate Lady of the west.. It is my time to step down... as I told you that night it is your time to take your rightful place as Lord of this palace.. and it is rin's time to take mine as the grate lady. All things must have their end my son. But they must also have their beginning" inukimi smiled at her son in hopes he wouldn't be too upset with her but if she knew her son, she knew his temper tantrum was just about to start.
Sesshomaru took the information in. It was by his mothers maneuvering that he had for the first time in his very long life some thing that he truly cherished. For the first time in over 700 years he had great joy and happiness. He hadn't a a clue if this path would've been his if things didn't play out as they did.
His mother is overbearing nature had always been the one thing that truly irritated him. But in this one instance he was internally grateful for all that he had.
" Thank you Mother. Let us rejoin the celebration."
Inukimi was shocked that he hadn't a long winded take down for her actions. She smiled at him and returned her her seat.
Rin seemed to have found her way to the dance floor with Jaken. And somehow as if by magic Sesshomaru noticed his sake cup was full yet again. His sister-in-law Giving him an innocent smile.
" Inuyasha dance with me?" Kagome asked her husband who was busy stuffing his face.
" I'm a little occupied at the moment kagome " Inuyasha stated dryly
" Little brother it is not wise to deny such a force of nature her wish…" sesshomaru finished his cup between his sentence. Holding out his hand to kagome. "join me if you wish sister"
"Ummm well ...it would be rude to deny the groom" kagome took the hand that was offered to her.
Inuyasha ever so oblivious to what was going on before him. He Didn't even notice until he had looked up to see sesshomaru spinning Kagome on the dance floor beside Rin and Jaken. Eventually the women switching partners and Rin finding herself dancing in the loving embrace of her husband. Kagome and Jaken dancing like children to no rhythm whatsoever. They all look so happy even Sesshomaru was actually laughing. In all the years he had known his brother never did he think he would allow himself to unwind to this magnitude.. Inuyasha looked at the two empty sake bottles at the end of table. Just how trashed was he.
The party went into the wee hours of the morning laughing giggling drinking and dancing. everyone seem to rejoice in the union of sesshomaru and rin.