The chirping of birds and scurrying of tiny critters from behind the low line of bushes offered no danger. In fact, nothing other than the slight chill in the air presented even the most remote of threats. An ague was no desirable outcome, not when she had just recovered from her latest ailment. Rin continued to scrub at the thick folds of the kimono she'd spread out with a great deal of care. She had been gathering her courage for the past couple of days to ask for further details with regards to an earlier conversation. It was no easy feat, considering apprehension mounted whenever she managed to get the least bit of her hopes up that she might speak only to have her tongue poke out and wet her lips awkwardly.

It was not that she feared whatever information the older woman might impart upon her. She was frightened at what it meant. Certainly, she had some notion of the roles a woman might occupy. She might followed into the footsteps of Kaede, with whatever success, her study in the arts of healing certainly allowing for some use beyond her own pride at the mastery of the subject. But that would be a lonely life. To forever be part of society and yet not. To know she would live and die alone, without the comfort of a soul close by. On the other hand, she could pursue the far more popular option of marriage. But that too would take her from her lord's side. She would have a husband and eventually children to see to; she would be as her mother had been, waking up with an exhausted air and trudging through the daily chores of life before going to bed with an equally tired smile. If her husband was kind, that was. If her husband was even remotely as kind as her father had been, it would be a comfortable life. Yet it would mean leaving Lord Sesshoumaru's presence; she knew, in her heart of hearts, she somehow was aware that choosing such a life, with as kind a man as she could want, would mean the end of their association. Other than that, she could return to being his constant companion for as long as he allowed it or as many years as the gods gave her.

He had ripped her from the claws of death twice over. That was two times more than any human had the right to expect. A third time would be impossible. The thought caused her pain, thus she shied from it. It would be many years before death claimed her a third and final time if she took care of herself as she ought to. No closer to peace, she shifted ever so slightly until she could see Kagome from the corner of her eye. The woman was attempting to soothe tired muscles. She was a diligent worker, if a bit quick to tire. But as she'd explained, having to wash by hand was a tad of a newly acquired task for her.

"You are awfully quiet, Rin, and equally fidgety." The observation had her pausing with a sleeve in hand. At long last, her chance to unburden herself. Kagome pushed back her bangs, turning to face her fully. Rin followed suit. "Truly, if anything is amiss, I hope you know you can always come to me." Rin bit back a smile at the awkward phrasing, focusing instead on the sentiment, no matter the strangeness of the utterance. Of that she was well aware. Since her return, Kagome had taken her under her wing, by manner of speaking, always ready with a kind word or a piece of advice when she felt it was needed. Indeed; it was to her Rin had flown in her panic at the sight of blood staining her sleeping yukata. It was she who had showed her to fold linens strips and instructed her on how to wash them out and replace them. She had ever so kindly explained that such changes, while perfectly natural, brought with them a need for caution until she was well and truly grown.

Thus Rin had kept close by to Kagome or Kaede whenever she was about, not out of fear, never that, but because she recognised no one treated her any differently. They still spoke to her as they did to Kane and Iwa, who, she knew for a fact, were not suffering the same ailments as she was, from having accidentally overheard a conversation amongst the older women. Indeed, no one had seemed to note the difference in her without her having voiced it but those with keen demonic senses. Lord Inuyasha had known as soon as she'd staggered out of the hut on that grey morning. He'd given her a long look, blinking as though he meant to chase some grain of sand out of his eye. He had then crouched before her, asking whether she felt well enough to walk to the hot springs. Kagome, who'd been but a mere step behind her, had suggested that Inuyasha could carry her if need be. In any event, he had been exceedingly kind about the whole thing and helped ease her nerves with a relaxed attitude.

Jaken had been decidedly more unkind in nature, his comment about the strangeness of her scent as they'd met a couple of days since the end of her ordeal finding purchase under her skin and burrowing deeply into her flesh with a painful stab. She had seen her lord glare at his minion and had put on a brave face, plastering a smile to go along with it. The creature whose opinion mattered most to her had allowed her closeness as they walked together. She spoke of inconsequential matters, chattering just to fill the silence, after he had returned from speaking with Kagome. She had wanted to ask what it was they'd had to discuss, but Kaede had long since impressed upon her that she was not to question her superiors without good reason. Mere curiosity was not a good enough reason, she had also learned. Yet her lord had maintained his customary expression in spite of whatever changes he doubtlessly noted in her scent, conceding Jaken's departure at some distance from them by manner of apology. He, at least, did not seem uneasy in her presence, promising he would come again soon by the end of the pleasant interlude that ever was a visit from him.

"Would you be wrought, truly wrought, if Rin chose to return to her lord?" she questioned, slipping into her old speech pattern as concern mounted. Her companion released her grip on the cloth she'd reached and grabbed but a moment past. "Whenever it is that Rin is fully grown, that is." She didn't wish to give anyone false hope; let alone to Kagome who'd taken quite a bit of pain with her.

"My feelings on the matter don't signify." Startled, Rin raised a worries gaze to meet those words. "That is, as long as you are pleased with such a life, I will be perfectly happy for you. But Rin, are you certain you would be happy? Have you thought of your own expectations? You would be cared for, given clothes and food and entertained. That is all good and well for a child, but what happens when you become a woman in truth?"

"The passage of time shouldn't have to change Rin's place at her lord's side." Relief fluttered in her breast at the agreement of the other. "But Rin knows that will change whether she wills it or not; even should Lord Sesshoumaru himself set himself against it. However, it is unbearable to consider any other existence."

"Then by all means, Rin, do not alter course." It was as much of a blessing as she was going to receive on the matter, she suspected. "There are some years yet to go, of course; you have barely begun to bloom, you know." She hadn't known, and commented only that Kagome had more or less declared her no longer a child. "In the truest, most basic of sense you are not," the woman assured, "for you see, your body is now as capable as that of any other woman to bear life." To breed, to birth children, Kagome meant. No wonder she'd been told to keep away from the menfolk of the village. She knew children came about by some act between men and women; perhaps to do with their sleeping arrangements. Her own parents had slept together more often than apart, although she could recall no particularities. Her face must have betrayed some of the underlying tension, as Kagome chuckled. "If you truly wish to know about the birds and the bees, I will tell you. But you must promise not to share the knowledge with anyone."

"The birds and the bees?" There she went again with odd turns of phrase. "Rin won't tell." She needed to know, so she might avoid losing her place at her lord's side.

"I suppose we could sit here a short while longer, while I explain it to you. Now where to begin?" Rin would have suggested the very beginning, but in truth she figured the question was not addressed to her. "Well, you see, Rin, in order for any species to survive, the members of it must reproduce. In the case of humans, as well as in the case of demons, this is achieved when a male and female of the species come together." Surprisingly, Kagome's face grew red.

"You mean marriage, do you not?" Rin question, quite proud to have grasped what the woman keeping her company spoke of on a fast note; her gaze moved to her lap though.

"In a sense; although that is only part of it." Kagome cleared her throat after a moment. "You see, marriage is an assurance a man gives to a woman that he will care for her and their offspring. In her turn, the woman promises to abide by him. However, it is the sex that results in children."

"Sex?" The word sounded harsh to her ears. It did not roll easily off her tongue.

"The act of mating." If it were possible to grow any redder than she already was, Kagome would likely turn the colour of spilled blood. "Now this can be done with or without marriage." Rin's eyes widened at that bit of frankness. "But as you may guess, the cost it entails is usually enough temperance to encourage, if not outright necessitate matrimony."

"I see." She had managed it atlast; if only she might continue on in like fashion. Her thoughts turned to Kagome's words; thus whatever went on between wivees and husbands led to the birth of children. That at least she had some experience with. "But why should marriage occupy such an important place, if it is irrelevant to the outcome?"

"On the face of it, it is baffling, isn't it?" Rin nodded. "Marriage itself holds little value outside the power we ourselves give it. You see, the tendency is to look at it as a binding promise; it's the reason why marriage is public, made known to the general area where we live. I suppose it is to do with society holding the pair to their vows." That made enough sense.

Glancing down at her front, Rin mused over her findings. It seemed an inordinately intimate thing, to hold someone's child in her own body. Perhaps far more intimate than even the coming together Kagome spoke of. A teasing thought needled her then, an impossible wish certainly; her lord had oft called his brother a half-breed. A creature born of demon and man in equal measure was what he'd meant. His distaste for the very concept could not fail to put paid to all hopes she might conceive in that sense. Fighting back her disappointment at the realisation, she reached back for the kimono and brushed with vigour. There was nothing for it. And certainly bebothering herself further would not avail a solution. "You have given Rin much to consider," she murmured, momentarily distracted by what sounded very much like twigs splitting apart. Belatedly, she realised her speech betrayed her once more. Her blood ran cold.

An involuntary jerk alerted her companion as well, though Kagome's concern concentrated on her own person while Rin was looking over her shoulder into the line of trees. That was an awful lot of noise for a small critter to be the culprit. She tensed, half-prepared to abandon her crouch for a run, if need be.

From the shade emerged a man. Rin didn't have time to do more than climb back on her feet and take a step to the side. Nor did she need to; Kagome had abandoned her washing and grabbed hold of her bow, expertly notching an arrow in preparation for attack. In their defence, the man had a sword at his hip and looked very much like a warrior. His helm masked whatever expression, well or ill-favoured though it might be. His mask was a grotesque facsimile of a frowning face.

He approached no further, but raised both hands up, palms out towards them. "I mean you and yours no harm, woman." Rin blinked gently; she had forgotten Kagome no longer donned the priestess garb she had once worn. And indeed, with her hair pinned out of her face and the long neat apron wrapped around her waist, she looked very much like one of the village women. As did Rin, no doubt. "Does the village of Edo lie hereabouts?"

"What business have you in our village?" Kagome demanded, not slacking her vigil, though she lowered her weapon a fraction.

"My lord is injured, good woman, and would like to reach Edo ere he perishes, if it can be managed. Mayhap the girl yonder can fetch some men to assist us." He nodded towards her as he spoke. Rin looked to Kagome for guidance.

In her turn, Kagome eyed the man a moment before glancing at Rin. "Get Inuyasha and have some of the other men follow." That was as a good a response as could be, but Rin did not like leaving her alone. Still it had been the man's suggestion that call the village forth. Surely, if he were planning some mischief, he would not give such a suggestion.

"Rin will call the men." She turned on her heel and fled, picking up speed as she went. The fastest she was going down the slope of a small hillock. There was some distance between the small river and the house Inuyasha was building, though not as great as it might have been.

Coming down yet another mound she observed that not only was Inuyasha not at work, neither was he alone. Eyes widening, she drank in the sight dearest to her, noting both of them paused in their speech and turned at her approach. By the time she stopped she was breathing hard, pressing one hand to her chest as though to slow the intemperate pace of her heart. "Kagome said to go by the river; there's a man there–" She would have gone on but for the haste with which Inuyasha leaped away from her. Her lord, however, remained staring at her. Rin blinked owlishly. "He might have let me finish."

Her cheeks were red and her breathing laboured. His ears easily picked up the sound of flowing blood and beating heart. Both were somewhat erratic, but no less welcome. They marked her continued well-being. Soft lips parted to draw in more air. "Rin, sit." His command was met with a small smile and shake of the head.

"I cannot; I promised to send the men on their way as well." Her lips stretched wider and she waved to one of the men who'd made his way out of the house. He nearly grabbed the shaking limb, disliking the way she signalled the male over, paltry a threat as he might be. Thankfully, the vermin did not push his luck overmuch, listening obediently to her directions before he turned to the other men and took off, leaving him alone with Rin. He reminded himself sternly that they could not feel it with their blunted senses, the web he weaved over her.

They could not smell the wonderful aroma wafting off of Rin either. The inviting scent teased him. The gods themselves couldn't have devised a more potent lure. Sesshoumaru had always known his own mind; he saw no advantage to obscuring the truth anymore when it revealed his desire. That his desire was for a human woman fazed him none either. It was what it was and he'd made his peace with the fact. He made no claim that the conclusion had been easily reached, yet as his will had settled on her, Sesshoumaru had no trouble putting thought to deed. He leaned in, his aura grazing hers. Rin could not feel it, not yet in any event. He wished he'd paid more attention to his sire's benighted romance with his woman at such times. But he had not and thus must trust his own instincts. Though he would do well to temper them for the time being.

Casting to his conversation with the strange priestess, he wondered at her assertions. His greatest consolation remained that the humans his Rin associated with hadn't the remotest notion of her state. Not that he would hesitate to lay waste to anyone who dared reach their hand at her. For the men it seemed enough that his presence and attention remained constant; they avoided growing too close to her. Additionally, he'd long since begun clothing her in garments which carried his scent. It was nowhere near as potent an aroma as lying with her would have produced, but needs must. She was, in fact, much too young, for all her body signalled readiness. On that score he was very much in agreement with the priestess.

He lowered himself to ground, pulling her along. She offered no protest, perhaps understanding without the aid of words that her part in the village's affairs did not supersede her duty to him. But then Rin always gave him his due. A fine breeze swept past, bringing with it a deep chill and the smell of rain. It was she who broke the silence at long last. "Rin is astonished her lord would return so soon." She lowered her gaze to her lap, brining both hands under scrutiny of her stare.

He eyed the point of her focus as well. They were small hands, dainty fingered, ending in rounded nails. The rest of her was equally tiny, as though built to be a symbol of her own fragility. Though to say she was powerless would be a mistake. "This one always does." It wasn't so much a promise as it was a statement of fact. A foreign note intruded upon the sweetness of her fragrance. Wide dark eyes flickered to him, dark lashes spreading like flower petals. He made no outward answer to her reaction even as he decided it was surprise on her part. She was young and having known his care as long as she had, there was bound to be some confusion as to his aim when before there had been none to speak of beyond accomplishing the obvious. Colour suffused her cheeks. The province of humans, such changes were, and foreign to him, though he was somewhat aware they had to do with a state of strong sentiment or emotional disarray. "There is no need to be nervous, Rin."

"Rin–ah," she paused, pursing her lips ever so slightly. "That is, I would speak frankly." She drew in a sharp breath, looking away from him once more. Her face grew redder still. Her scent spiked, though he could not say he enjoyed the dread threading her own unique perfume. He regarded her in silence for a long moment. If he did not know her troubles he could not put her at ease. Sesshoumaru nodded his head, knowing she caught the motion for she watched him still from beneath her lashes. "Has my lord given any consideration to Rin's place?" Nervous, once more, was she? "Time passes much swifter for my kind and I find myself wondering at my own fate." Her eyes darted fully to him before moving away.

He contemplated the future he had in store for her. It was all so clear to him; Rin seated at his side throughout the rest of their days together, his constant companion and faithful lover. That she might have some other plans had never occurred to him. "Say on." But then neither was he worried.

"Many have been the years of your care and protection, my lord, and perhaps it is selfish in me to reach for more as I do; you told me I must stay in the village and learn the ways of my own kind. And so I have. There is now not much left to learn and I would return to your side, if I may. Whenever my lord might allow for it."

The beast within hummed with approval. In his turn, Sesshoumaru gave her an answer. "This Sesshoumaru had no intention of giving you up to the humans." Her gaze filled with joy and she beamed up at him. "Though, it must be understood some changes are inevitable."

"Changes, my lord?" She frowned.

He did not repeat himself. Instead, he gave her another matter to ponder. "You are no longer a child." It served sufficiently by way of explanation. "One full year more will this Sesshoumaru grant you. In this time, think well upon my words, for if you come to me, I mean to have all of you." It was quite the most loquacious he had ever been with her. But then, humans needed words. They could hardly scent intention. Rin opened her mouth, perhaps thinking to claim surety before her time was up. He held one hand up, stopping her short. "Think very carefully."

"But why one year more? One moon would surely suffice. " If he were asking her to share merely his bed it might have.

For her benefit, he exerted himself to explain. "To be with this Sesshoumaru is to be Lady of the West." She would not have an easy time of it, for there were many who would oppose her. To take her as mate was to expose her to the scrutiny of others and against that he could not shield her no matter his wishes. His late sire had long since had his own lady mother by the time his human bride was a blink in the afterthought of some cold star. And that one had been of as noble lineage as human might achieve. Even then their union had raised both eyebrows and tempers.

He saw the understanding take root, her eyes cloud over and her lower lips tremble ever so slightly as though under great effort kept in its place. "Lady of the West," she murmured, her voice thread. Hope flickered and died in her gaze. Had she been hoping they might simply be mates with no further anchors upon their time and wants? Perhaps; he had not, Sesshoumaru reminded himself, burdened her with knowledge of his duties when first she'd come to him and then he'd accomplished much of his goals outside her sight.

"Think only of your own wishes, Rin," he directed, voice even, face expressionless. He would not sway her own way or the other for he wished to know her heart and his place in it. And a year was ample time for her to truly consider it.

Boldly, she grabbed hold of his sleeve. Her touch was not something he was accustomed to, for seldom had she done it as a child and even less as she'd grown after their parting. Her weighty pull offered relief, for it seemed she had no wish to part from him. "Will my lord be visiting during this time?"

"If you wish it." The gamut of emotions crossing her face eloquently answered him in lieu of words. Rin released him and pulled her hand back, lowering her head. He left her to it for all of a moment before he caught her chin between thumb and forefinger forcing her head to lift. He had burdened her; it was unavoidable. She too must put girlish hopes aside and prepare.

Once satisfied, he drew away from her and climbed to his feet. Holding one hand out, he waited for Rin to place her hand in his. She did not disappoint. With nary a struggle, Sesshoumaru pulled her to her feet. "The priestess is returning. Be of use of her, if you wish."

"You are leaving, my lord?" A soft smile threaded her lips. "I shall await your return." She bowed, folding at the middle. A formal farewell which would not be amiss in courtly surroundings. Mayhap one day their parting might be warmer. "Safe travels, my lord."

"I will return," he said by way of parting, taking flight before she had fully straightened herself. A year was but a blink of an eye to his kind, though the days might drag for Rin. He had need of some preparations and there was, unfortunately, the inevitable confrontation with his lady mother that he'd been avoiding. He would have liked to go to her with the deed done, but he was neither so churlish, nor so ignorant that he might.

His regard notwithstanding, Rin would need the support and he would secure it. It was with those thoughts that he leaped into the skies, tearing through the distance, under sun and moon alike, until he caught wind of the familiar scent. He had not expected her to be so close by as to be reached within a few days' journey.

The distinguished dowager reclined in her seat, apathetically meeting his arrival. "You have returned, my child." Her voice was cold and brittle, ever as it had been in the days of his youth. He made her no answer. "Your manner, however, have not made the journey with you, I see. Alas, such a cruel boy you are." She bestirred herself enough to sit properly. "Why have you come then?"

"This Sesshoumaru wishes to have words." She blinked and cocked her head to the side in a sly manner. Never had she been ignorant, nor was she in that moment; he was willing to bet she knew precisely the reason of his coming.

"I am willing to indulge you," his mother answered. Her gaze turned sharp, the vague smile upon her lips dyi ng away. "How is your little pet these days? I understood she was growing well." When he said not a word, she pressed on, "Humour me, for if you have come for what I believe you to seek, then you must."

"Rin is well." The words were grudgingly bestowed, but his mother did not seem to mind. She made a thoughtful sound and leaned back in her seat, resting her chin upon her palm.

"Say on; what would you have of me? Unnatural child that you are, I am well aware you have not come all this way merely to see your poor mother." Unmoved, Sesshoumaru levelled her a stern glare. She remained unaffected.

"You will aid Rin in settling at court." She raised one eyebrow at the demand, but hummed quietly.

"Goodness, you are very much like your father," his lady mother observed. "And when is that to be?"

Sesshoumaru repressed the growl deep in his throat. He could not deny the comparison much as he wished it, though he had for himself the consolation in that some things he was not at all the like of his sire. "This Sesshoumaru has given Rin one human year to decide her fate."

"My, how generous you are." She studied him quietly for a brief time. "You do understand this will bring enemies at your door?" His nostrils flared with contempt. Something very much akin to pride flashes across his mother's face. "Well then, I suppose this is good. About time you took an interest in your duties. Too long have these halls been silent. I will enjoy having little ones to watch over." She eyed him then, as if watching for a reaction. She would be disappointed. Yet she would not be so easily dissuaded from pursuing the topic. "Shall they look much like you, do you think?"

Gritting his teeth, Sesshoumaru answered, "They will have my strength." If Rin wished them, though that was by no means certain, he would not deny her.

"Your conversation is lacking, my child. Surely you do not mean to subject your future mate to sullen silences whenever you are thrown together. I would see the girl myself." He tensed, intensely disliking the notion. His lady mother tittered. "I shan't gobble her up, if that is your worry."

His only worry was that she would discomfort Rin. "Remember well, lady mother, she is under my protection."

"Oh, what it is to be young," she chuckled undaunted, fully ignoring the warning in his words. "Now that you have come all the way, stay and take your ease before venturing out again." It was little to ask for in those circumstances and he accepted, even if not gladly. "Good; there are some matter I would speak to you of, now that this has been settled."

Dutifully, he allowed her that, thinking not for the first time that a creature such as her would never be quite happy if she were not advancing some cause or another. Such had been bred in her bones, sustaining her even time flowed onwards. He would be on his way before long, in any event, and need not concern himself overmuch with whatever it was she spoke of.