In the north, a passing warm front snapped the unusually frigid autumn weather. Nights weren't so cold lately, and though Rin wouldn't complain even when she had a reason to, still Sesshomaru thought to heed his mother's advice.

The sun was just beginning to set over the crags as Jaken weighed down a map with two stones. Beside him was an ink well and a pair of brushes. "Might I recommend somewhere far east, milord? Only a day's ride to her village. Ample pastures for her horse to graze, with fresh water running down from the mountains."

Sesshomaru was only half-listening, but his low hum did sound like approval.

Not long ago, Rin went to soak in an onsen. But she wasn't alone, nor very far away. He heard her voice in the nearby distance chastising something in a sweet tone.

Splashing now. Rin's voice had deepened, as though upset.

Sesshomaru stood then, looking in the direction of all the commotion. "How long," he said.

"Two weeks, milord. Three at the most."