Thrilling as Gyo pushed Kin'u and Sumiko on the swing together they kicked their legs and giggled. Kuro watched on curiously, observing as he did while Towa was in a full blown melt down over it not being her turn.
Hisui sat with Setsuna by the butterfly bush as they watched the small insects flitter about, their fragile wings carrying them high up among the leaves of the tree.
One landed on Setsunas nose causing her to twitch and go cross eyed looking at it. Hisui let out a peal of laughter falling over on his back clutching his sides.
The adults were more concerned. True to what they had feared in the start of the season the drought had carried on. The waterfall that fed the stream and carried on to become the river had dried up making the water level recede significantly.
With no rain many of the fields had been downsized so work could be focused more on crops that would sustain everyone through out the winter.
"We have enough in our food store to get by." Miroku said. Kagome and Rin had worried over their friends well being going forward and had invited them over to discuss it.
"You shouldn't have to just get by." Jinenji replied. "We have enough to help out if you need it. The last harvests here have been good."
"Thank you Jinenji." Sango smiled looking relieved.
"Honestly, what did you think? We'd let you guys all starve?" Kagome demanded sounding offended.
"Besides, Lord Sesshomaru has sustained us through the winter before with supplies and fresh meat." Rin offered turning her attention to her husband who sat beside her. "My lord would it be too much trouble if Sango and Miroku need a little extra sustenance that you would assist them?"
"No. It is of no consequence." Sesshomaru stated unable to ever refuse his wife.
"Thank you my lord. You are such a wonderful provider." Rin gushed taking his hand in hers.
"Yes, thank you Sesshomaru." Miroku bowed to him slightly as did Sango. "We will be in your debt."
"No need." Sesshomaru said. "In the past you both have proven yourselves worthy of this ones protection. By extension you and yours are pack."
"He means family." Kagome whispered behind her hand to Sango. Both Sango and Miroku simply were floored and bowed again their thanks.
As the children played, and Towa got her turn on the swing which she promptly fell off of, Rin took a deep breath.
"Well, as long as everyone is here," She thought for a moment before smiling, "Sumiko!" She called out. Looking to Sesshomaru she whispered, "Pretend to act surprised."
"I do not 'pretend' mate." Sesshomaru remarked cooly. Sumiko bounded over to them standing with her hands behind her back.
"Sumiko, it's time for everyone to know my secret that I told you. Do you want to tell everyone?" Smiling widely as the little girl nodded eagerly she took a deep breath.
"Rin's gonna haf a baby." She giggled out covering her mouth with her hands.
"Oh!" Both Kagome and Sango hugged her tightly. Jinenji and Miroku congratulated Sesshomaru with Miroku offering them his blessings.
"You surprise Shomeru?" Sumiko questioned looking to him with big expectant eyes.
"Quite." He replied with a small smirk. Running off to play with the other children Jinenji watched his daughter rejoin the group.
As long as the children were taken care of and provided for the winter wouldn't be so bad.