So, with this chapter, I was able to cross off SEVEN more tropes from my Reddit Bingo card. The tropes in this chapter are: Comical Overreacting, Happily Married, Indy Hat Roll, Not Worth Killing, Van Helsing Hate Crimes, Combat Pragmatist, and Comically Small Bribe.
Also, we have finally arrived at some smut, people. Rejoice! But, also be warned about some gore, so… You know. Take care of yourself and all that.
Let's get on with it.
Raven
Chapter Three: The Call
o0o
Kagome
Lord Kouga was a gracious and generous host—at least towards Kagome (and Rin, admittedly). The very first thing she asked for, rather humbly, was a bath, and Kouga was more than happy to oblige. He sent her off with a team of handmaidens who led her several floors below, to the immense hot spring underneath the estate. The sight of it had taken the young woman's breath away, truly a sight for her tired eyes.
Natural hot water flowed into a large pool built from black stone, while real rocks framed the corner edge and piled up to the ceiling, water spilling down the center of the arrangement. More of the black slate spanned the platform around the pool, and donned each step from the teak floors of the entrance area. The room smelled of fresh, herbal steam, and Kagome breathed deep with a comforted smile. Besides the pool and rocks, many decorations were placed around the room itself, or hung on its walls: statues of wolves in various poses and temperaments, tapestries of wolves hunting packs under a majestic full moon, and carvings of wolves in the black stone itself.
Lord Kouga's estate had a motif of wolves throughout, it seemed. She remembered the twin wolf statues out front at the gates, and the wolves forged into the iron gate. There were more of them on the top of the estate itself, watching over the massive property, stone guardians with cold, daring eyes.
Sesshomaru explained that a moonclaw, as he had called Lord Kouga, was a being halfway between a man and a wolf. They could change into a wolf at will most days, but on nights of the full moon, their minds would be consumed with the desire to hunt in the wilds, as man and beast. On these nights, the transformation showed moonclaws as they were: a blended state between man and wolf.
In normal circumstances, Kagome would have been horrified or disbelieving of Lord Kouga's secret—but as it were, and how her life had changed, she could find no fault or lie there. It was simply the truth. And it certainly wasn't her place to judge, not after everything.
But she willed herself not to dwell on it for the moment, determined to enjoy the rarity of an underground hot spring.
As the handmaidens helped her undress and comb out her travel-tangled hair, Kagome couldn't help but feel a jolt of embarrassment. Lord Kouga was probably the most avid of the suitors who had visited her estate. He sent her gowns, sweets, oddities, books—anything and everything that might catch her interest, he freely gave to her. At the time, she thought him like the others, just wanting her wealth for himself. He would bid her to come see him at his estate, always offering her a place to stay—but she'd never visited him. She never left her home.
She could see now that her worries about Kouga were completely unfounded, that he had wealth enough to engulf hers many, many times over. She would need to remember that, and express her gratitude properly when she saw him next, and perhaps be more open to learning about him.
Another thing she worried about was the mention of this Order, and what it meant for her, specifically. Both Sesshomaru and Kouga were rather tight-lipped about it, refusing to elaborate. In due time, she supposed, slipping the last of her soiled clothing off. The handmaidens took them to wash (or dispose of—Kagome didn't care), and she began to approach the steaming water.
They had tossed in various herbs for her to soak in: mint, lavender, lilacs, camomile… It was refreshing and floral and soothing all at once. Kagome smiled as she sank in the water, feeling her tired body relax in the heat.
"My lady," a handmaiden said behind her. "Would you like some warm sake to enjoy as you bathe?"
She turned to look at the young woman standing with a small tray carrying said bottle, with a small saucer to sip from. Kagome smiled, "Please, thank you very much."
The other woman smiled with a polite nod and set the tray beside the pool, pouring a small amount for her before retreating. "Will there be anything else you require, Lady Kagome?" she asked.
"Not at this time, no," Kagome said sweetly. "What is your name, if I may ask?"
The girl smiled, "I am Ayaka, my lady. Please ring the bell when you are ready to leave the bath. Lord Kouga has prepared a room for you, as well as a collection of gowns for you to choose from when we dress you."
She felt herself flush brightly, "My goodness… He spoils me so much. I don't know what I ever did to deserve it."
"My lord speaks of your kindness and strength, Lady Kagome—and often," Ayaka told her with a sweet smile. "And he often speaks of your beauty. If I may, I can say without a doubt, my lord was not exaggerating."
Kagome's blush became ever brighter, and she waved a hand, "You're too kind, Ayaka. Thank you."
With that, Ayaka the handmaiden departed, leaving Kagome to soak in peace. She sipped her sake with a soft hum, letting it bathe her tongue before she swallowed it with closed eyes. The aroma of the bath filled her nose pleasantly, and she let her fingers slide along the surface of the water, playing with the herbs and petals. Setting the saucer of sake down, she pushed off the wall and swam to the center of the pool, dunking her head and wetting her hair. She took a few minutes to scrub her body, getting herself clean before she sank back down and relaxed.
When she came back to her sake, Kagome felt rejuvenated and content. A new feeling slithered into her at that moment, one that made the contentment blossom into something else entirely. Kagome finished her sake and let her hands sink into the water, letting her palms rest on her thighs. The feeling bid her to feel her body, and she bit her lip as she ran her fingers over her skin, opening her legs wide and leaning her head back.
Kagome had never really experimented with touching herself before—it was unladylike, after all. Anytime she tried, there was a part of her that made her stop out of shame. But that voice in her head was far away at the moment. Instead, she took liberties with herself, cupping her hand against her mound, feeling herself as she never had before.
She let out a soft breath, moving her fingers into her folds, running them up and down her slit tentatively, her touch gentle and eager.
A curious, foreign tendril eased its way into her mind, inquisitive. It did not disturb her thoughts, but merely stayed, and listened.
Sesshomaru…
He could feel her, Kagome realized with mild embarrassment. He knew exactly what she was doing, but he didn't seem to want to interfere. She knew she should stop, she knew it was an indecent thing to do—but the draw of doing such a thing appealed to her in a way she couldn't describe.
So, she continued.
Her other hand explored her breasts, unsubmerged in the hot water, but damp. Her nipples were hard in the air, and when her finger gently rubbed against it, she gasped. Her arousal grew, as did her confidence, and her hands worked at her body. Between her legs, her fingers found another bud of flesh that sent jolts of pleasure when she stroked it. At her breasts, she cupped and pinched and rolled her sensitive skin until she was mewling softly.
Sesshomaru's presence in her mind emerged, enshrouding it in a way that made her feel safe—safe to explore, safe to feel—and Kagome let herself get lost in the feeling, with him. He projected images of them in her mind's eye—flashes of their bodies as one in a fit of lust and desire, flashes of his tongue on her skin, flashes of filling her core with himself…
Kagome widened her legs even more, her heels resting on the seat in the pool as her hand went further down her slit to her entrance. She slipped her fingers inside, and she quickly bit back a moan.
Sesshomaru sent her more, filled her mind with more and more and more—heat of flesh, heat of his breath, heat of his cock—
A wave of sensation washed over her then, overwhelming her. It rocked against her entire body, starting and ending between her legs, but making her tingle everywhere. She trembled under the force of it, a scream of pleasure pressing against her vocal chords, but she didn't let it escape. For several long, blissful moments, Kagome was consumed by this wave, bucking her hips into her hand, feeling her core clamp around her fingers, and her face flushing at the rush of pleasure.
Slowly, it faded away and left Kagome in a breathless heap. She took her fingers away from her body, swallowing. She felt wonderfully relaxed as reached for the saucer and took a generous sip.
As she drank, she realized her throat felt drier than usual.
So it begins, Kagome thought.
o0o
The handmaidens dressed her in a maroon gown of satin, even lacing her up in a corset. As they piled her hair in curls, dabbed her with perfumed oils, and smoothed out the finishing touches, Kagome felt like herself again. They'd even dabbed her cheeks and lips with a bit of pink rouge, and placed an enormous ruby pendant around her neck—a final gift from Lord Kouga.
Getting ready had been a bit of a challenge, though, because Kagome wasn't sure if the servants knew of her change. She had to avoid sitting by a mirror, explaining that looking at herself embarrassed her. The handmaidens seemed to believe that, so they sat her at the circular lounge seat as they retrieved her wardrobe and styled her hair—they even turned the mirrors over before she entered the room, lest she accidentally "see herself."
Once they were finished, Kagome thanked them copiously and asked if she could join Lord Kouga wherever he was at the moment. They brought her to the vast gardens outside, and the sight of it made her gasp.
Ten-foot high hedges framed the perimeter, with the inner wall of them decorated with her favorite flower: pink roses. At the garden's center was a gazebo with a large tea table at the center, and a slim moat was dug around it, with polished river rocks lining its edge. As Kagome was brought near it, she could see koi fish swimming around in its glittering depths. She smiled at them.
The path leading up to the large gazebo was made of pale gravel, and several topiaries towered over it on either side, each one sculpted into a wolf.
Lord Kouga was seated at the tea table, and when he spotted her approaching with the maids, he grinned happily and stood to greet her like a gentleman.
"My dear Lady Kagome," he said as she lifted her skirts and climbed the steps. "You are a vision in red." He took her hands in his, "I trust you enjoyed your bath?"
Kagome blushed slightly and gave a nod, "Yes, my lord—I am so grateful to your hospitality. I cannot even begin to thank you enough. For the bath, the gown—this pendant! You're too kind to me, my lord."
But he only smiled a warm smile and shook his head, his turquoise eyes sparkling, "No, my lady. It is not possible." He gestured to the table, "Come. Sit with me. Have some tea and sweets." Kouga pulled out a chair for her and Kagome sat gracefully, placing one of the lace-trim napkins in her lap.
An array of sweets and sandwiches were beautifully displayed before her, and she wasn't sure where to begin. She didn't require much food anymore, as Sesshomaru had told her in the last week, but even still—it all looked so wonderful.
Kouga poured her a cup of tea, "It's a simple breakfast blend for today. Two sugars, I recall?"
Kagome nodded, smiling softly, "Yes, that's right."
He placed two sugar cubes into the cup and then set the cup in front of her before seating himself. "I'm so glad to finally have you out here to my estate, Lady Kagome," Kouga told her. "Though, I do wish it was under better circumstances. I can't imagine what you've been through."
She wilted, nodding sadly, "Yes… I wish things were different, too." She looked at him, "And I'm sorry I haven't visited you before now. I was… I was wrong to lump you with the others, with their motivations."
Kouga, ever surprising her, gave an understanding nod, "Your trepidations are well-founded, my lady. I took no offense. I had hoped to break through the fray of suitors one day, however." The corner of his mouth turned up in a charming little smile, just for her.
Kagome found herself returning it, "You were the most enthusiastic one. You sent gifts, invitations, and visited me often. You asked about my life, even though I wasn't much for company." She shook her head, "The others only boasted about themselves. I see that now, how foolish I was to think of you in their light." She met his eyes again, "Forgive me, Lord Kouga."
He shook his head again, "There is nothing to forgive, Kagome."
"Please, my lord," she insisted earnestly. "Indulge me this one last thing."
Kouga chuckled, nodding, "Very well, my lady. I forgive you."
Kagome smiled and lifted her teacup, "Thank you, Kouga." She took a sip and shook her head at herself, "You give me such hospitality, and yet here I am demanding more from you, in your own home." She gave a slight laugh, "I'd ask you to forgive me, but I believe we'd be having the same conversation for an eternity."
"My lady," he said, his eyes piercing into hers, "you can demand all you like of me."
She felt herself flush all the way down to her collarbones, and she became bashful, "My lord… What on Earth have I done to earn such… devotion from you?"
Lord Kouga continued to smile at her, his eyes softening, "You really don't remember, do you?" He shook his head, "I suppose it should be expected—it was so very long ago—but we met, you and I. When we were young. It was brief, but in that moment, I was smitten."
Kagome touched her flushed cheek, setting her tea down, "Oh dear, I'm afraid I really don't remember. I'm so sorry."
He shrugged, "As I said, it was years ago, and it was around the time your father passed away. You were grieving."
She nodded slowly, thinking, "Please, my lord. Remind me."
Kouga let out a pleasant sigh, grinning fondly as he remembered, "It was the seasonal Lords and Ladies Ball, with all the noble families gathered in celebration. I always hated the parties my family would drag me to—I didn't like the clothes I had to wear, I didn't like the pleasantries, and I abhorred the dancing."
"My goodness," Kagome commented with a slight grin.
Lord Kouga shrugged, "I was an impatient boy. But that night, things changed when I saw you." He stared at the table, a warm, far away look in his eyes, "I'd left the fray inside and went to get away from everyone out on the patio. You were also out on the patio, sitting by yourself in the corner, probably for the same reason I was. Your cheeks were rosy from the night air, but you didn't mind, sitting there in your gold silk gown… My cousins Ginta and Hakkaku were outside, playing with your younger brother—"
Kagome gasped, "Yes! I remember now. And that awful boy—"
He nodded, "Yes—Mukotsu. Always smelled rather… pungent, if I remember correctly." Kouga shook his head, waving a hand, "I digress. Mukotsu came out of the party and began teasing all three of them, throwing dirt clumps at them, just being altogether cruel. But when the noise became so loud that you heard it from the patio, my lady—and before I could react—you immediately went over and berated him for being so hateful towards children younger than him. You defended my cousins as if they were your own flesh and blood." He smiled at her, "That kind of loyalty—so fierce and unyielding—is highly-regarded among my people. And I knew that night you would make a fine wife and mate, should I win your heart."
Kagome blushed, putting a hand to her face, "Kouga, I… I don't know what to say…"
"You don't need to say anything, beloved," he told her. "I would wait for you a thousand years, and a thousand more. My father used to tell me there would come a time when I would meet a once-in-a-lifetime kind of woman, and I have no doubt that woman is you. I would consider myself eternally lucky if I won your hand, Lady Kagome."
Her face was still hot, but she smiled gratefully at him, "You flatter me, my lord."
"I only speak the truth, my lady. Nothing more." He took a sip of his tea, smiling over the rim of the cup.
They were quiet for a moment, enjoying the nice breeze of the gardens, and then Kagome spoke again, "Lord Kouga… would you mind telling me more about your people? How did you come to be?"
He gave a short laugh, setting down his teacup, "It is unknown how my people originated, but it is believed to be… a curse, set upon our family hundreds of years ago—perhaps thousands."
"I'm sorry to hear that, my lord," Kagome told him sympathetically. "How does it… manifest?"
"When we come of age—usually around fifteen—we start to feel almost violently irritable before a full moon," he explained, sitting up in his chair. "When the night comes, we have our first transformation. Luckily for me, my family was well-versed in our curse by the time it reached me, so we had the foresight to go out into the woods before nightfall." He sighed, shaking his head, "That first transformation is… painful. Forgive my frankness, my lady, but it felt like my skin was being torn apart, all at once and very slowly. After, I could think of nothing but the hunt. I wanted to track, to chase, to kill… It was scary, but also very freeing."
Kagome nodded slowly, "Yes… I can understand that."
Kouga frowned at her, "How are you, Kagome, truly?"
"Horrified," she said at once, sadly. She went on, shaking her head as she stared at the table, "Devastated. Ashamed…" Kagome swallowed, "And yet… I feel powerful. I feel awake—my lord, I feel good."
"You look it," he told her with a nod. "I must admit, Kagome, you look far better than you have in recent years."
She only nodded again, not looking at him.
"Do you wish me to take you away from here? Away from him?" he asked her, reaching across the table towards her hand, but not quite touching it.
Kagome met his eyes sadly, "I couldn't run away from him if I wanted to, Kouga. We are bonded, as giver and newcomer, forever. We will always know where the other is, no matter how far away."
"There are other ways to be rid of him, Kagome," Kouga told her with a dark edge in his voice. "I know all about night creatures."
"I would not have you risk yourself, Kouga," she said with a shake of her head. "Promise me you won't do such a thing."
For a moment, it looked like he might protest, but then he nodded firmly with a long exhale, "Very well. I will not—but if you change your mind, Kagome, you need only ask." He looked at her seriously, "I will stay by your side as well. I will protect you from the Order, and from him, if need be."
Kagome straightened in her chair, "Kouga, what is the Order? Please, you two were being so cryptic before."
"I apologize for that, my lady. I was thrown when I learned you were in his company, and I knew what you'd likely been through in the last few days. I simply didn't want to add to your distress," Kouga confessed. He went on, explaining, "The Order is an organization dedicated to both the hunting and protecting of monsterkind. They are technically part of the police, but they operate of their own accord when monster problems arise. They hunt down rogue monsters, and keep the law-abiding ones from straying from the path."
She felt her stomach drop, "S-So they… they'd come after me, for what happened at my home…"
Kouga nodded, "I'm afraid so, my lady. To my knowledge, a newcomer hasn't been made in over a hundred years. It is expressly forbidden by the Order to create them, as they are extremely dangerous, and more than likely will kill dozens before their first feed is satisfied."
"It wasn't my fault," she whispered, feeling her eyes water. She looked down into her lap to hide it, her fingers clutching the napkin in her lap. "I never asked to be this way… What could I have done differently?" She looked up at Kouga, "What would they do if they caught me?"
His turquoise eyes were filled with sympathy for her, "As I said, my lady, a newcomer hasn't existed for over a hundred years now. I don't know what they would do to you if you were caught. I would hope they would be understanding of you and your situation—and if it were me, I would assign blame to Sesshomaru, not you."
A thought came to her, and she peered curiously at Kouga, "Why did he say you 'owe him'?"
Lord Kouga's face soured, and he looked away from her, "I… made a mistake. Several years ago, I was working late in the city, and it was the night of a full moon. I'd thought I could get the work done before night fell—and I almost did—but I transformed right at the edge of town." He squeezed his eyes shut, "I was seen, and I nearly attacked a group of people right on the street, but then Sesshomaru was there. He managed to subdue me for a short time, and then used some kind of night creature ability to erase their memory of my change. They left, and he took me far away from the city, into the woods, where he set me free to hunt. The morning after, I woke up, and he found me again to tell me what happened."
Kagome's eyes were wide, and she let out a breath, "I am glad you didn't hurt anyone."
"I am, too," Kouga said with a grave nod. "If I had, the Order would have dispatched me."
"It was good Sesshomaru was there, then," she said.
He snorted, folding his arms, "Hardly. The bastard probably only did it so that one of the most powerful men in the country owed him a favor." Kouga's eyes widened, and he looked at her apologetically, "Forgive my language, Kagome. I know better than that."
She waved a hand, thinking, "I don't believe what you say is true, my lord—about Sesshomaru."
"No? Why is that?"
"Well, if you'd been caught, would it not have upset the hierarchy of things for monsterkind? I imagine before that moment, you were in the good graces of the Order, and set an example for other monsters, correct?" she asked.
Kouga considered this, "I was, and still am…"
"So then, if someone as powerful as you—in society, while also being a moonclaw—were to be caught and dispatched, other monsters might have risen up to cause more chaos without someone like you to help the Order keep them in line. Therefore, it would benefit both you and Sesshomaru if you weren't caught that night," Kagome concluded. She gave a shrug, "And, coincidentally, you would owe him a favor. I would consider that a lesser evil if there ever was one."
He chuckled, "You speak wisely, my lady. I had not considered that."
"I imagine Sesshomaru explained himself in such a way that you had no choice," Kagome said with a smirk, almost rolling her eyes.
Kouga barked a laugh, "That is the truth of it, Kagome." His eyes held humor in them as he looked at her, "Though, perhaps it is not such a burden to owe him a favor—it did bring you here to me. You truly are a blessing to my home, and you shall have all you desire while you stay here—for a long as you wish."
Kagome felt her cheeks pinken again, "Once again, I humbly thank you, Lord Kouga. You have saved me. You saved Rin."
"And gladly," he told her, standing. He offered her his hand, "Would you like to see the girl? I believe some of the handmaidens have taken her to the other side of the grounds with the goat you brought."
She nodded enthusiastically, rising to her feet as she took Kouga's hand, "Please." Kagome looped her arm into his and he led her down the steps of the gazebo towards another side of the estate.
"My lady," he said as they walked, "I also offer you… my blood, should you ever have need of it. I am told moonclaw blood is a delicacy to your kind."
Kagome looked up at him in surprise as they walked, "My lord, that's… quite an offer. I don't know if I should—not yet. I have not fed since my first feed…" She bit her lip, wondering if it would be dangerous to feed off Kouga so soon after being made a newcomer.
"Well it is yours," Kouga said, looking down at her, resolute. "You need only ask, and you may drink from me."
"She will do no such thing, moonclaw," a cool voice said behind them.
Without turning around, Kouga said, "I believe it is the lady's choice, night creature."
Kagome turned slightly and saw Sesshomaru standing not far off behind them. He had taken off his traveling cloak, and now only wore his shirt, silk vest, slacks, and polished shoes. She never would have known he'd been on the road for a week, looking at him.
Sesshomaru elegantly tucked a strand of his long, ebony hair behind his ear, causing his sleeve to ride up and reveal a set of black stripes on his wrist, matching the ones on his face. Kagome wondered if he had them anywhere else, and then she quickly blushed at the thought. Sesshomaru's eyes met hers, and they sparkled knowingly. The redness of her cheeks intensified when she remembered what happened in the hot spring, and she quickly looked away.
"It would be foolish to offer yourself to a newcomer, moonclaw," Sesshomaru said matter-of-factly. "It is as you say: the blood of your kind is highly regarded by mine. Kagome must get used to feeding before trying blood of that caliber, otherwise you could be killed."
"And once she does this, you would have no qualms about her feeding from me if she so desires?" Kouga asked, this time turning his head slightly as they all walked.
"Correct," Sesshomaru said curtly.
Kagome chewed her lip, turning back towards him, "Sesshomaru… I need to talk to you privately later. Soon."
He purred slightly, "Yes, I imagine you do. I believe you enjoyed your bath? You certainly seem in better spirits now."
Her face flushed but she didn't shy away from him this time, "I am… but it's a serious matter I have to discuss with you."
Sesshomaru's eyes lost their playfulness and he nodded, "Of course, angel."
Lord Kouga walked on, leading them both towards the stables and livestock part of his estate. They found a few handmaidens with Rin and the goat, laughing as they fed the creature some fresh grass.
The girl lit up when she saw Kagome, and waved happily as the goat ate grass from her hand, "Lady 'Gome!"
She grinned and Kouga let her go see the child. "How are you getting along, Miss Rin?" Kagome asked sweetly, bending down in the grass.
"Happy!" said the girl, beaming. "A-Un happy, too!"
Kagome tilted her head, confused, "A-Un…?"
The handmaiden kneeling next to Rin gave Kagome a knowing look with a shrug, "That's the name of the goat, my lady. Lady Rin came up with it herself."
"I see," Kagome said, nodding. "Well, alright then. A-Un the goat."
"We should give her some water, Rin," the handmaiden said sweetly. "Would you like to see how we fetch a pail of water for it?"
"Oh yes!" the girl said excitedly, bouncing on her feet. It was endearing to watch.
Kagome took her hand and followed the maid to the well nearby, A-Un trailing not far behind. The maid hooked a bucket onto the rope of the well and began sending it down the deep well. Rin clumsily climbed up to the edge of the well, hoisting herself by her arms to peer over the lip.
"Careful, Rin," Kagome warned gently. "Wouldn't want to fall in there, would we?"
The girl nodded up at her, "Yes, Lady 'Gome."
"After we water the goat, I will take Lady Rin for her bath, my lady," the handmaiden told Kagome as she brought the water-filled bucket back up.
"Thank you," Kagome told her with a grateful nod. She heard footsteps in the grass behind her, and then a silky baritone voice slithered into her ear.
"You wanted to speak, angel?"
She blushed and turned, "I did." With a cautious look over her shoulder at Rin and the servant girl, Kagome jerked her head away from them, "Let us speak a little farther away…"
Sesshomaru hummed an agreement and offered Kagome his arm, which she took, and he led them away from the group, to a bench at the edge of the gardens. It looked over the barn and livestock area of the estate, under the shade of a willow tree.
Kagome sat and he joined her. She bit her lip.
"I enjoyed earlier," Sesshomaru said, an air of suggestiveness in his voice.
She reddened, folding her hands in her lap, "I… That isn't what I wanted to discuss."
"I know," he chuckled. "But I wanted to say it regardless.
Kagome didn't say anything for a moment, but then she looked up at him, "I think I need to feed."
The humor in his citrine eyes faltered, and he became serious once more, "Alright. Then we shall. Tonight."
She shivered, but steeled her resolve. It would be the first time she drank from another since her change. Kagome swallowed, "Good."
Sesshomaru's face eased a bit, looking bemused. He slowly smiled down at her, "I look forward to it, angel."
o0o
They both entered the city at nightfall, just as Sesshomaru had promised her. Kagome could feel the call now. She could feel her fangs pulsing with need around so many humans. Her mouth watered. Her pupils dilated. She felt aware. Her body thrummed with fear and excitement, the anticipation of something new, something unknown.
Though not entirely, she remembered. Kagome recalled the way she had licked Sango's sweet blood off her palm, and then pressed her tongue to the pool of it on the rug in desperation.
She hoped it wouldn't be like that.
Kagome took a deep breath, clutching her traveling cloak around herself in the cool night air. Sesshomaru had donned his again, and the two of them appeared on the deserted city streets as two dark spectres, gliding across cobblestone pavement.
"Take a deep breath, Kagome," Sesshomaru murmured to her as they walked. "Take in the scents of the people around us, sleeping in their beds."
She did as she was told, closing her eyes. One deep lungful of air had her humming in pleasure. She could smell Sesshomaru, who was closest, and his citrus and mint scent overpowered her, making her shiver. Concentrating, she breathed deep again, and this time other scents clouded her mind: sweet ones like peaches, strawberries, and honeydew; savory ones like salted butter, fresh onion, and steamed rosemary; and then ones that were strictly herbal, like thyme, basil, and parsley.
Focusing, she isolated a scent that pleased her: of oranges and ginger. Kagome opened her eyes and began walking towards the smell, licking her lips.
"Found one already?" Sesshomaru asked, amused. "That is good."
They walked on a few blocks, Kagome leading as she pursued the deliciousness the scent promised. It grew strongest from a building at a nearby street corner, and they peered into the window. Only one light was on, but it revealed a man slumbered over a counter, papers strewn about his head. Another scent flared under her nose: the unmistakable scent of fresh meat.
"A butcher shop?" Sesshomaru commented. He chuckled, "How… appropriate."
"Him," Kagome said, nodding at the sleeping man. "It's him I want."
Sesshomaru seemed to bristle at that, and she could feel the flare of his jealousy in the back of her mind, "If you must. Let me feed off someone first though, so that I may properly observe you, and ensure you do not lose control."
She nodded again, "Alright."
Kagome watched him sniff the air as she had, and then suddenly, he rose in the air. She followed him to a floor above the butcher shop, seeing a woman sleeping in the darkened bedroom. She had honey-brown hair, and wore a blue sleeping gown.
"His wife," Sesshomaru assessed, flying towards the window. It was already cracked open, and he lifted it all the way, allowing them both to climb through. Kagome returned the window to its previous position, and waited. Sesshomaru turned around to face her, "Watch me." She nodded.
Silently, he approached the sleeping woman on the other side of the bed. Her throat was already exposed to him, and Kagome could see the distinct throbbing of her pulse under her pale skin. The woman smelled like sunflowers, and as Sesshomaru descended upon her neck, Kagome felt her own jealousy surface.
Sesshomaru's golden eyes flicked to hers, and a knowing smile spread across his lips as he sank his fangs into the woman's pulse. He gave a soft murmur as the blood went into his mouth. The exposure of it to the air made the sleeping woman's scent rush harder under Kagome's nose, and a needful sigh escaped her, almost a whine.
Another feeling gripped her as she watched Sesshomaru drink, one that tingled between her legs as it had earlier that day. Kagome bit her lip, unable and unwilling to hide how she felt—and it was useless to try anyway.
He drank deep, swallowing a few mouthfuls before running his reddened tongue over the marks on the woman's neck. He stepped away a moment later, dabbing his lips with his cloak.
"Our fangs have a venom that causes a deep slumber in humans," Sesshomaru explained quietly. "She will not wake for a while, but she is fine."
Kagome nodded in understanding.
"Come," he said, beckoning her to the bedroom door. "Let us get you your blood now, angel."
She followed him out the door and down the stairs to the shop area where the man was slumbering. Seeing him up close, he was rather handsome, Kagome thought. His hair was black and he had thick planes of muscle down his arms and back. She trembled nervously.
Apparently sensing her discomfort, Sesshomaru touched her shoulder, "The trick is to feel the pulse, little fang. Do not let it slow too much. I will guide you. Don't be afraid."
Kagome nodded and stepped towards the man, letting his orange and ginger fill her nose. Her mouth watered doubly so, and she swallowed thickly. She leaned over his back, and her eyes snapped to the jumping of his pulse beneath the skin. Her fangs throbbed wantingly.
Without delay, she sank them into his neck.
A rush of flavor hit her tongue, and she moaned loudly. Faintly, she heard Sesshomaru chuckle. Kagome's eyes were closed as she sucked and lapped at the sweet spiciness of the stranger's blood. Swallow after swallow of his warmth restored her, and a swarm of tingles washed over her whole body. Her fingers ran into his lovely hair, gripping it to expose more of his throat to her. Kagome lovingly flicked her tongue over the wounds she'd made on him, cleaning the blood she'd let drip from them in the process.
She let go of his hair in a shuddering breath, the taste of his blood still on her lips. The tingles intensified when she met Sesshomaru's eyes, and Kagome shivered under his hot citrine gaze. He crossed over to her in one motion, and seized her lips with his own. Sesshomaru's tongue laved over her bloody lips, and she let him into her mouth to lick more of the warmth from her fangs, teeth, and tongue.
Kagome kissed him back fervently, almost growling. She fisted her hands in his cloak, snatching him to her.
He pulled away with a lick of his own lips. "Mm," he murmured over her mouth, "you chose well, angel. He is quite delicious."
"Sesshomaru," she whispered, her grip tightening in his cloak. "I…"
"You want me?" he asked, curious and hopeful.
Kagome nodded.
He purred, "Then come. It is best when the blood is fresh on the tongue…"
o0o
Sesshomaru
The sight of Kagome feeding had his desire for her at an all-time high, and his grip on her tightened as they flew. She was mewling in his arms, squirming from the blood-stirred arousal. Her palm rubbed against his chest, toying with his cravat and the bit of his throat that was exposed to her. Sesshomaru shivered.
There was a lake nearby outside of town, and he landed in the dewy grass beneath a massive oak tree. Kagome snatched him down to her lips again, her hands running into his hair. He moaned and unfastened her cloak, letting it fall to the ground. Moonlight bathed them and glittered on the lake.
He pecked and licked at her lips, still tasting the butcher's blood on her, and he moaned softly. Looking down into her midnight eyes, Sesshomaru smiled warmly, "Our kind are expressive with our bodies, Kagome. We communicate with touch, with sensation, and tongues on skin…" His fingers played behind her, with the laces of her dress, "Shall I show you what mine has to say, my angel?"
"Yes," Kagome breathed.
Sesshomaru undressed her, doing his best not to be hasty. He didn't want to scare her. Her own fingers fumbled with his clothing, unpracticed at the fastenings of men's garments. Nevertheless, his little fang persevered, peeling the layers off him until his torso was exposed in the moonlight.
Kagome's eyes explored him wondrously, curiously. Endeared, Sesshomaru let her look upon him. He had black stripes on his wrists as well as his hips, and other places she had yet to see, underneath his trousers.
"Do I please you, my lady?" he asked, trailing a clawed finger down her soft cheek.
She nodded, "Yes."
Kagome then let the top layer of her dress fall away, leaving her in only her corset and underskirt. Sesshomaru groaned softly at the sight of her collarbones, and her heavy breasts heaving against the tightness of her undergarments. Swiftly, his arms encircled her again, and he ran his lips up and down her neck, over her chest, and kissed the top of her cleavage. "I have desired you for so long, Kagome," he whispered to her. "So, so long…"
"Have me," she whispered back, just barely.
Sesshomaru kissed her possessively, cupping the back of her head as his other hand snatched the laces of her corset open, loosening it. Kagome pulled it open and let it fall at her feet with her underskirt, now fully-exposed; only the wolf's ruby pendant remained on her body, and it sparkled gorgeously in the moonlight. He took his turn to look at her, his mouth feeling dry at the sight of her beauty.
Full breasts, curved waist, flared hips, flawless skin…
She really was an angel.
He told her as much, and a delightful blush tinted her lovely face and chest. Sesshomaru smiled and began with his trousers, letting them drop in the grass for her to see him. He had another set of black stripes on his ankles, as well as the base of his cock. Kagome's eyes settled on it, seeing it jump and twitch freely. Her perfect lips parted in a lustful sigh, and in an action that deeply surprised him, she reached forward to grasp him, experimentally pumping his length a few times.
"You are… large," she said, the adorable blush further tinting her cheeks.
Sesshomaru smiled down at her, "Do not fret, my lovely… You will feel nothing but pleasure—let me see to you."
He urged her to lay down in the soft grass, and for a moment he was stunned by how she looked in the moonlight with her hair fanned out behind her, eyes wide yet filled with such raw need. Need for him, he thought proudly.
Yes, my angel. Yes.
Sesshomaru lay atop her, kissing her all over. Kagome's hands went into his hair again, tangling her fingers in it as he ran his hands and tongue over her breasts and nipples, rolling them between his fingers and teeth. She gasped sweetly, openly, into the night—back arching sharply. Her hips bucked under him, and Sesshomaru moaned over her skin. He could smell her lilacs and honey, making his mouth water. He would taste the source of that scent tonight, that sweet source between her legs.
As he trailed lazy, open-mouthed kisses down her chest, over her navel, and then at her mound, Kagome whimpered shyly, her hands fisted in his hair. Sesshomaru nuzzled her thigh, kissing the smooth skin, "Shh, it's alright, my lovely. It's alright. Let me show you…"
He parted her folds, and a fresh burst of that delectable scent hit his nose. With a low moan, he dove between her nether lips and ran his tongue from her entrance to the little bud of flesh at the top.
Kagome cried out, arching her back once more. It echoed into the forest edge, and a song of ravens answered her as they took flight.
Sesshomaru kissed at her bud, flicking his tongue over it—the tip and flat of it undulating sensually. She was far better than he could have imagined. The taste of her was heavenly, and if he wasn't a night creature, he would declare her honeyed lilacs all he needed to live. His eyes fluttered closed as he continued to lick and feast upon her, driving her cries closer and closer together.
"Sess-Sesshomaru," she panted, her hips beginning to rock against his face. "It's… It's happening again…"
"Let it," he told her hoarsely before continuing his work. He brought a hand to join his mouth's ministrations, moaning when his fingers entered her snug, slick cavern. It gripped around them hard, needful and desperate—Sesshomaru smiled against her folds.
Two pumps of his fingers had Kagome crying out again, her breaths coming in shocked, high-pitched gasps as she found her release against his face. It came over her so fiercely that her arousal spilled out of her in a wave, almost squirting against his mouth and fingers.
"Yes, my lovely," he said, his hand coaxing more out of her as he rose to watch Kagome writhe beneath him. "Just like that… Ride it out for me."
When her hips slowed their bucking and her breathing evened somewhat, her midnight eyes flicked up to his, her need still clearly evident in them.
"Again," she demanded breathlessly. "Again, again, again!"
Sesshomaru chuckled softly, nodding as he loomed over her, "As you desire." He sucked his wettened fingers clean, watching her blush as he licked her dew from his claws.
Carefully, he urged himself inside her tightness, his breath leaving him at the sheer power of her muscles around his cock. Kagome didn't cry out in pain, but moaned in pleasure, bucking her hips for more. Sesshomaru hissed, but gladly obliged her.
Kagome's hands excitedly rubbed at his chest and shoulders, and her eyes sparkled up at him, "Do everything you showed me today, Sesshomaru… Please."
"Yes," he breathed, nuzzling her neck.
His hips moved in a fluid, unbroken rhythm, going deeper with every thrust. Sesshomaru groaned against her neck, kissing up to her panting mouth. Her breath and tongue were sweet with the taste of orange and ginger. Teeth nipped at his lip, and he allowed her to explore his mouth, swallowing her eager little cries.
He bucked faster, rutting in the wilds with her, as his kind often did—all under the watchful eye of the moon. He shared his angel with nature, basking and relishing in her joyous moans, and letting his own sounds of pleasure escape into the night air.
Kagome clung to his shoulder blades, her breaths quickening, her skin slickening. Sesshomaru sensed another release in her, and he leaned further over her, pushing her creamy thighs back as he collided with her over and over, their slapping flesh echoing in the cool, quiet dark.
A sharp gasp left his angel, and as she cried out, he felt her mouth press to his collarbone, and then her little fangs sunk into his skin. She drank. Sesshomaru moaned.
"Taste me, Kagome!" he roared, tossing his head back. "Yes, yes!"
Her small tongue lashed against the wound, sucking blood from him. Her mouth fell away, thoroughly red with his essence. His eyes narrowed lustfully as he watched her lick it from her lips. Growling, he pulled out of her and turned her over.
Kagome, fully driven by her body's needs, got on her hands and knees, pushing out her shapely rear for him. Sesshomaru hummed agreeably at the sight of her glistening sex, shoving himself inside her once more. His angel keened, rocking back onto him, collapsing onto her forearms—but Sesshomaru lifted her to sit in his lap, driving up into her sodden, virginal cunt with wild, reckless thrusts.
"You are perfect," he growled in her ear, squeezing at her lovely breasts, pinching her pink nipples. She merely gasped in response, moving her hips in rhythm with his. "You are so perfect, little fang—your sweetness, your beauty, and your lovely, lovely cunt."
Kagome was lost in her pleasure, but leaned into him, arching her back into his chest.
He reached down into the nest of black curls between her legs, feeling the wetness around her folds—it was dripping down their thighs as he continued to ravage her from behind, slick and hot and messy. His finger played with her jewel, rolling the whetted bit of flesh with the pad of his middle finger, his hot breath in her ear, "You are so wet for me, Kagome—do you know? Do you know how wet you are? This is what your body says to me, my lovely." Sesshomaru growled and clenched his eyes shut as he felt his own release building, "Ohh, let me show you… what MINE SAYS!"
With a maddening series of thrusts, pleasure exploded inside him and spilled out of his cock, and Sesshomaru roared out into the air. Kagome screamed with him, another rush of her slick coating his cock and thighs, splashing over the wet grass with a different sort of dew—one that smelled of honey and lilacs. And as his seed filled his lovely angel, Sesshomaru sunk his fangs into her neck once more, as he had seven nights ago.
Mine, mine, mine...
The victory of pleasure had never tasted sweeter.
o0o
Inuyasha
He was laughing. Filled to the brim with joy as he stared out at the revelry before him. His face hurt from smiling, but he didn't care, and he couldn't stop. The wedding guests were laughing, cheering, and drinking. They clapped him on the shoulder and congratulated him on the ceremony.
He waited for his bride to return. She'd gone to get fresh water.
In an instant, the cheers of happiness changed to screams of terror. People trampled over each other as they ran for the doors. All were locked, barred from the outside. Blood rained down upon the decorations, the food, the wedding presents. Viscere was slung across the walls, tables, and chairs.
Inuyasha watched in horror as a monster bride floated over the terrified guests, with a red-dripping razor grin, and a crimson-stained tongue lolled out of her mouth.
"Kikyo," he whispered.
He watched her ripping their friends apart. A woman's head was torn off. A young man's throat was slit. Her claws plunged into a portly man's gut and she let his entrails fall through her lengthened fingers with the same kind of fascination of a child playing in sand. Her red, slitted eyes took in the sight with glee, and she plunged her face into the gore.
He would never forget the sound of those teeth… Chewing. Ripping.
Inuyasha knew what he had to do.
With shaking hands, he pulled the silver fang from his coat's inner pocket. He never went without it.
The creature's eyes found him, the creature who had been his love, his bride…
His Kikyo.
In its madness, it did not see the stake as it dove down to him, and Inuyasha easily sank the fang into its heart.
The creature screamed. Tears ran down his cheeks.
"I'm sorry, my love," he told it.
The creature who had been Kikyo dissolved into a pile of blood and entrails, coating his hands and the floor beneath it.
He retched into the bloody filth, vomiting all the joy he'd swallowed. After he finished, he looked up at the remaining guests, only a few left standing. As he looked about the room, his eyes landed on the window, and he saw him.
Golden eyes stared back, his fangs showing in a triumphant grin.
"SESSHOMARU!"
Inuyasha shot up from his sleep, panting in a cold sweat. He was shaking, and for a moment, had forgotten where he was.
Morning light shone in through a small window, lighting the cozy bedroom within. Swallowing, he remembered: the inn, Miroku's ridiculous lie, and their mission. Inuyasha's eyes shot to the bed above him, where the scoundrel had slept. The hunter had insisted on sleeping on the floor, refusing to share a bed despite Miroku's insistence he didn't mind.
He was staring down at him, worry in his violet eyes.
"Are you alright, Inuyasha?" he asked, frowning. It wasn't the first time he'd woken up in such a manner since their travels together, but Inuyasha was unsure if he had screamed those times before…
Inuyasha shook his head, giving a wave of his hand, "I'm fine. Just a nightmare." He rose from the floor, groaning as his bones ached. He splashed water over his face and chest from the washbowl in the corner, and then began to dress, "We should go down and have some breakfast before we talk to the miller. I'll meet you down there."
He didn't wait for a response from the thief as he went for the door, but he heard it nonetheless.
"Alright, Inuyasha…"
o0o
Miroku
He didn't know if he should bring up the nightmare with the hunter. It was getting worse since they started. Inuyasha tossed and turned in his sleep, and would startle awake in sweat. This time, however, there were names.
Kikyo. Sesshomaru.
Miroku didn't dare ask, but he knew these nightmares were likely related to Inuyasha's empathy towards the thief. He hoped one day the hunter would trust him with the story. They'd eaten breakfast in awkward silence, save for the polite greetings they gave the kind, pretty waitress of the tavern.
Now, they walked toward the edge of town, approaching the miller's home. It was a simple stone house with a modest-sized windmill behind it, and a fence made of stacked river rocks lined the outer edge of the property. Several smaller houses were built across the road. Miroku found the street oddly familiar, but he paid it no mind as Inuyasha led them towards the miller's yard, where an elderly man was tending to a group of goats and chickens.
"Good morning, sir," Inuyasha greeted politely. "How are you?"
The elderly man raised his head, stopping his feeding of the chickens. "And to you," he returned, cheerful but confused. "I'm well, young man. How are you?"
"As well as I could hope to be," the hunter told him humbly.
"What can I do for you?" the miller asked. "I'm afraid I cannot sell any more of my goats. Though, if you'd like to trade for a couple chickens, I am willing."
Inuyasha retrieved a notepad and pen from the many compartments in his coat, "It is actually the goats I wanted to talk to you about, sir. Not the purchase of them, mind you, but of the person or people who bought one from you the other day."
"The pretty lady, you mean?" he asked.
"I believe so, yes," Inuyasha confirmed with a nod. "What can you tell me about her?"
The miller took of his cap and wiped his brow, setting down the bucket of feed, "Mighty pretty thing, she was. Dark hair, pale skin, rosy cheeks and lips. Biggest blue eyes I've ever seen."
"Was she alone?" he asked curiously, nodding and writing on his notepad.
"No, not at all," the miller confirmed. "She had a little girl with her."
"How old was she?" Miroku asked quickly.
The elderly man regarded him with a shrug, "Looked to be around two or three. Loved petting my goats. She was a sweet girl."
Inuyasha looked at the man seriously, "What else can you tell me about them? Was there anything strange about her?"
The man thought, "Nothing too out of the ordinary, I suppose, but the pretty woman looked like a wealthy woman. I didn't know why a woman of status would be buying a goat herself and not a servant, but I didn't dare ask her why."
"And why is that?" the hunter asked, eyes narrowed.
The miller shivered, "Her traveling companion. The strange, thin man. He unsettled me, scared my son to drink."
Inuyasha and Miroku shared a look. Turning back to the miller, the hunter said, "Describe him for me, if you would."
"Strangest man I've ever seen," the elderly man said with a shake of his head. "He had long, long hair—longer than yours, sir—and these… haunting gold eyes. He wore some kind of face paint as well."
Miroku noticed that Inuyasha's writing hand had frozen in place, squeezing the pen tightly. The hunter's jaw had clenched tight.
"What kind of face paint?" Miroku asked, as Inuyasha had apparently lost the ability to speak.
"Black stripes on his cheeks," said the miller, drawing them on his wrinkled skin as he spoke. "And a crescent moon on his forehead, dark red. Like dried blood."
"Bastard," Inuyasha growled under his breath.
The elderly miller was hard of hearing, and cupped his hand around his ear, "What was that, young man?"
The hunter sobered, taking a deep breath and putting the notepad away, "Nothing, sir. Thank you for your ti—"
"I KNEW THAT WAS YOU!"
A woman's shriek behind them had the two investigators turn around. She was older, her dress and shoes filthy from farming work. Her brown hair was tied up in a bun, but was coming loose as she stomped through the yard's gate up to the two men.
"Do not listen to this charlatan," she hissed, jabbing a finger into Miroku's chest. "Tobi, this man is a thief and a liar, and you need to stay far away from him." She jabbed him again, "You are a bloody fool to return here, sir!"
"Ma'am, I believe you have me confused with—"
"Do I?!" she shrieked, the sound shrill and sharp in his ears, making him wince. "You defiled my daughter and stole our priceless heirloom!"
Inuyasha snorted, "I am sure that does little to narrow things down, miss."
"You are not helping," Miroku hissed at him. He looked to the woman, softening his expression, "My dear, sweet lady, I do not recall such transgressions. Whatever can I do to assuage your worries?"
"Nothing!" she shouted. "Just wait until my husband hears you're back in town! You won't survive this day, mark my words, thief!"
He put up his hands, "Let us not be too hasty, ma'am. Come…" Miroku dug in his pocket for a certain item, a lady's hair comb he'd stolen long ago, and held it out to her, "Please, take this as a peace offering. It is pure silver, carved by a well-renowned artisan from the continent." In truth, it was merely painted wood that he'd carved himself—a gift meant for Sango—but this woman didn't need to know that.
She slapped it out of his hand and it landed in the dirt, "I don't want your fancy trinkets! I want my grandmother's golden sewing box!"
"Golden sewing…?" Miroku trailed off, thinking as the words were vaguely familiar to him.
"What in the blazes is going on out here, Hitomi?!" a gravelly man's voice shouted. A door from one of the houses across the road was kicked open, and the largest man Miroku had ever seen stepped out. He was doughy, but clearly gave off an air of raw strength—and as the scoundrel met his steely gray eyes, the memories came flooding back to him.
"YOU!" the husband shouted, eyes wild.
"Shhhit," Miroku said, he eyed Inuyasha, "We need to leave, now!" He turned to the wife and offered a quick, apologetic smile, "I'm sorry in advance for this, ma'am…" He shoved her with his forearm and scooped up the hair comb from the ground before bounding towards the stone fence. He heard Inuyasha shout a thank-you to the miller before following him.
"What in the bloody hell did you do to these people, you idiot?!" he shouted as they jumped over the fence.
Miroku, panting, shrugged and offered an awkward laugh, "I ah… may or may not have robbed them blind…"
"And fucked their daughter!"
"She was hardly a virgin," Miroku snorted, and he angrily shouted over his shoulder at the pursuing farmers, "AND THE SEWING BOX WAS BRASS! I SOLD IT FOR PENNIES!"
"Shut up and run!" Inuyasha shouted, pulling him down an alleyway as they got far enough away. They sprinted down the narrow passages, twisting and turning to confuse their trail. Finally, they stopped beside a large waste bin. Inuyasha opened the lid.
Miroku scoffed, "You must be joking. I just had this suit washed."
A gunshot and shouts sounded in the distance.
He squeaked, "On second thought—good idea."
Miroku clambered into the smelly garbage, groaning in disgust under his breath. He turned on his back, lest he be shoved face-first into the waste—only to come face-to-face with Inuyasha, who laid directly on top of him as he closed the lid above them. He felt his face flush, being so close to him, but the fear he felt at being caught allowed him to put the thought aside, remembering just before the whole mishap with the farmers happened.
"Do you know the man she's with?" Miroku whispered to him.
"What?" Inuyasha asked, also whispering.
"You had a strong reaction to what the miller said," he told him. "Like you knew who he was talking about."
The hunter paused, looking away, "I… did. I do."
"Who is he? A night creature, surely, right?"
"Not now, Miroku," he hissed at the scoundrel. "But yes."
"Is it Sesshomaru?"
The name made the man above him visibly tense, and his indigo eyes filled with rage, "Do not say that name again."
"Who is he, Inuyasha? You said you wouldn't hide things from me anymore," Miroku whispered hotly.
"I won't, but we're being hunted right now, you damned idiot. Can't exactly talk about my complicated family life—"
"FAMILY?!" Miroku cried incredulously.
Before Inuyasha could berate him, the lid to the waste bin lifted away, revealing a group of farmers—including the scary big one and his wife. All of them pointed rifles into the bin, aimed at the two men's heads.
Miroku laughed sheepishly, "Come now, we can discuss this like rational adults, can't we?"
The steel-eyed man shook his head. "No, scoundrel, you're coming with us."
o0o
Whew! Finally got this one done! I was stuck on it FOREVER! But glad it's over, and I'm tremendously happy I got to cross off so many more tropes off my bingo card.
Next, I'll be finishing my Mass Effect AU story, and then I'll be working on a one-shot for the SOFA Bingo Event. After that, it'll be a sequel to my story, Hawk! So y'all be on the lookout!
Stay healthy, safe, and warm,
Glacier