Walking down the main corridor leading to the first library, Kagome and Sesshou were side by side, appearing as complete and total opposites. Sesshou was dressed in the very same outfit Kagome had last seen him in 500 years ago, minus the hair. While she was dressed in a similar time frame, there were modifications to the attire one would expect a priestess to wear.
"I didn't think you would spot that outfit when it was placed for your choosing." Sesshou admitted, side eyeing her priestess garb. Kagome only smirked, adjusting the hem of her skirt. The ends were short, and not like her regular hakama from the past. In fact, it resembled her middle school skirt more than anything, but it was the traditional red instead of her school's green. In truth, she was grateful for the modification. It was breathable, and definitely something Kikyo never would have worn. "When the handmaid I assigned to you was informed of your backstory, she took it upon herself to design some outfits for you. Later this evening you will meet her."
"Good," Kagome's strides were wide and confident, showcasing the black, dragon-hide stockings and matching black ankle boots that went with the outfit. Priestesses were not meant to wear black, but then again, she often found herself in the middle of battle more often than not, and dragon-hide was practically a must with no expense to spare. Along with her dragon-hide stockings, she also wore a dragon-hide leotard underneath the kosode. The sleeves came down and with a loop around her middle finger, were kept in place. "I want to thank her for this. It's just what I needed."
"You do not require warrior priestess attire when I am near." He almost took it as a slight upon his person.
"If Midoriko needed armor, then so do I." She argued, "Besides, it's more of a statement than anything. I'm willing to fight. I'm here to defend myself and my cause."
"Hn." Sesshou took a hand and shoved the girl forward, pleased to see she at least didn't trip over her own two feet. "This way." He guided her into a set of double doors, where a mixture of demonic auras mingled.
Silence split the room immediately as everyone honed their finest senses onto the human in the room. Their energies were a mess of many emotions, some of which did not please Sesshou, but as long as no one behaved improperly, he would continue to ignore it. Kagome felt a different change happen in the room. Some auras were reigned in out of respect and even fear of the priestess, and others, as few as they were, allowed their aura to pulse, exposing only a crack into the vast amount of energy that was shielded so gracefully.
"Come," Sesshou led her further in, heading straight back to a set of shoji doors. Taking an open office room, he motioned for her to sit at one side of the table with him. "Guests will be coming to say hello, so make yourself comfortable. We might be here a while."
Mere seconds after situating herself next to Sesshou, Daisuke was the first to walk in. His height was startling from where she was sitting, reminding her of a time when she was small enough to think her parents were giants.
"Lord Sesshomaru and Lady Priestess," He bowed gently, more so out of formality than anything. The pair nodded back and welcomed him to sit. "Very pleased to see you both at court. These gala preparations are starting to choke the halls and we could all use a distraction."
"As if there isn't enough hallway space here…" Kagome snorted behind her hand.
"That reminds me," Sesshou turned to Kagome, "If you wish to become more acquainted with the halls, Daisuke here enjoys harassing my staff plenty. You may accompany him if you wish to become familiar with your surroundings."
"I'd love to show the Lady around," Daisuke's deep voice hummed and Kagome was once again taken with his demonic traits. "If she would like to, of course?" He aimed his attention at her.
"Hm?" Kagome startled, sitting up straighter, "Oh, of course I would. You could find my handmaid for me. I have to tell her how much I love this!" She lifted her arms to showcase the entire outfit.
"Ami?" Daisuke didn't need to investigate the scents too deeply on her clothing. So far the only people to have touched her clothing were herself, Sesshou, and the creator, Ami. "She's around," he sniffed discreetly, "East wing right now it smells like. So we'll catch up with her later. I'm sure she's got her hands full with some guests."
"Until then, I've arranged for Daisuke to be a go between for you and our guests for the next few weeks." Sesshou had his attention on the two before him, but he kept his senses on the room outside as he spoke. Everyone was listening, so he had to make sure they understood the rules. "You are not to be alone with anyone besides myself, Daisuke, Ami, and my mother."
"Sounds fair," Kagome agreed, "I'm certain I'll be lost without someone to guide me around."
"The main house and West wing will be simple to learn, I assure you." His expression softened from his regular cold demeanor to one that had both Kagome and Daisuke thinking of Rin. Did she get lost around the palace? Was she assigned a nanny?
"We should begin introductions," Sesshou stood, "I will leave you here to make acquaintance with many. If either of you require my presence, I will be in my office."
"You're not staying?" Kagome felt a pinch of herself deflate with disappointment.
"You will be fine." Sesshou nodded to Daisuke, "If she is not, you will be to blame."
"Yes, Lord Sesshomaru." Daisuke bowed again, this time understanding the exchange was more for them than it was for Kagome. He was leaving so the eligible bachelors could meet their priestess without her pack leader glaring daggers from behind her.
With his exit, came an arrival.
"Greetings, Lady Priestess."
Sesshou left the library without incident, but he still felt uneasy regardless. He was beginning to turn her over to the possibility of a mate. It was practically guaranteed, he knew. His brother was a fool to struggle in choice between an undead woman and the next Shikon priestess. Had he made a claim on Kagome, it actually might have granted him a sort of esteem. He almost snorted at the thought of Inuyasha in court, wearing shoes. Laughable.
Making his way opposite of his coveted friend, Sesshou tried his best to remove her from his thoughts. He had other things to concern himself with, and plans to make.
"It's an honor to meet you, really, Lady Priestess." The demoness smiled sweetly, her rosy, apple cheeks prominent with the stretch of her smile. "I was very young when you were with us back then, and I recall word of you circulating around when your betrothed first acquired our late general's fanged sword. Of course," She colored with embarrassment, "Back then you were an enemy to demon-kind."
"Lady Gin, it's okay," Kagome recalled exactly what the woman meant. Sesshou's arm. She still felt sick remembering the anguish and rage take over when he was sliced through by the one thing he wanted more than anything else. "Things were different back then. Sesshou was," She fumbled for the right word to use. Failing for a description, she defaulted to, "Sesshoumaru, and I was still new to the era. And Inuyasha," Kagome swallowed hard. She had never thought about what it would be like if he had lived this long. She swallowed again, clearing the lump forming in her throat, "Those two brothers had so many issues." She tried to laugh, rolling her eyes.
"I'm sorry, Lady Priestess," Lady Gin's pin straight hair waved like moving water with every shake of her silver head, "For you, it must feel like you just lost Lord Inuyasha."
"I've grieved," Kagome averted her gaze. This was probably the third time someone has brought up Inuyasha. "And I'm sure he's relieved to see Lord Sesshomaru welcome me home regardless, as family."
"What a shame you never consummated your mating." Tears welled up in the demoness' eyes, "It's a beautiful moment, binding two souls forevermore."
"You must love your mate very much," Kagome imagined the kind of love shared between two demons forever. Lady Gin was very beautiful, with plump pink lips, rosy cheeks, and eyes that shone like twilight. Her pin straight hair framed her face beautifully, and Kagome's own confidence lost it's luster. "He is one lucky demon."
"Oh, I'm not mated, Lady Kagome," Gin corrected, "However," She let her guard down, rolling her eyes in a girlish fashion that reminded Kagome heavily of her friends. She was beginning to miss the simplicity that followed them. Ever since Sesshou had come along, she had spent less and less time with her devoted friends. "I was once presented for our Lord a few centuries ago!" She giggled cutely, covering her pouty smile with the edge of her kimono sleeve.
"You and Lord Sesshomaru?" Kagome's eyes were as large as saucers. Her earlier heartache forgotten in the stun of this news, she stuttered, "What?"
"It was so long ago," Gin colored, "And I wasn't the only demoness selected for presentation. It was back when he had first come home after Lady Rin's passing."
Kagome recalled him mentioning traveling for a while as Myoga and Shippou began the foundation of YANA. He never mentioned being offered potential brides. Somehow that irked her.
"Obviously he never chose a single one of us," Lady Gin smiled demurely, "And I can't imagine him taking anyone now, but…" She flicked her eyes to the side, a motion that Kagome was keen to see as gesturing to the waiting demons outside their conference room. She wasn't stupid. The women in the court were here for him, hoping to lay claim to his person and his title, just as if he were still the Western Lord.
"I see," Kagome only offered a tight lipped smile, "Well Lady Gin, if you don't mind, I'm sure I need to meet with many more today. We should have tea sometime, though."
"Absolutely, Lady Kagome." Gin rose and bowed lightly, exiting promptly.
Once she had left, and the door closed behind her, Daisuke returned to post as an advocate, eyeing the young human before him.
"Lady Kagome," His deep voice hummed, "Do you wish to speak with me about Lady Gin's words?"
"No," Her watery gaze shifted from her lap to his own deep brown eyes, "Please send in the next guest."