Kaede smiled as Sesshomaru left the village after having given Rin to her care. He had told the girl he would be back soon, and so she waved happily at him while she stood next to her new guardian, as the demon's form disappeared into the distance – unaware that it was the last she would ever see or hear from him for a long time.

Rin's spirits were high and merry as was her usual default for quite a while after Sesshomaru's withdrawal, and took to her studies under Kaede with passion, wanting to impress her true guardian when he came back. However, days turned to weeks, and in turn those became months. Kaede watched as the girl gave less of an enthusiastic smile each morning as she rose from bed – her perusal of educational books became more listless. She ate less, and though her rapidly changing figure needed fuel she refused.

Kaede became worried and frowned a lot more.

'Rin. You must take care of yourself. What would Lord Sesshomaru think?'

'I wouldn't know' Rin's reply went; 'he is not here to tell me'

Kaede folded her arms across her old bosom.
'Look here, my young lady. I am putting in a great deal of effort into you to ensure you turn out well – have the wild wrung out of you so to speak. Depression doesn't become a pretty young girl'

But Rin could not bring herself to enjoy the little things anymore. Her dear Sesshomaru seemed to have deserted her; not even a brief note came.

Rin's descent into misery brought about a return of her muteness. Kaede, now feeling her charge's condition beyond her control, spoke with other village elders, and the consensus returned that the Demon was no good for her. They believed Rin was far too affected by the creature, and that having her happiness pinned on his presence was not normal nor healthy.

'Kaede-san' the eldest of them pointed his walking staff at her as they all sat around a fire in a log cabin. 'Any communication from him must be hidden from her. He must not be allowed to sully or bewitch her any further. There never was any good that came from a demon and human co-habiting.'

'But Rin loves him so, Reiji-sama' Kaede objected 'I received a note from Lord Sesshomaru in fact the other day, but I did not give it to her as I've been upset at her attitude. But it wasn't like I was never going to pass it on, if only to liven her up momentarily'

'Well done, Kaede-san, and absolutely do not give her the note at all. Out of curiosity, what was contained in it?'

Kaede pursed her lips.
'He told her that he was going to come and visit next week.'

There was a murmur of worry and disapproval. Another of the elders spoke up.

'The only way to stop this nonsense is to write him back. Our shaman could make a reasonable attempt at turning a note to appear as though it were Rin's handwriting. Let him know that the child has adapted so well to human company that she no longer wishes to associate with him'

'We can't do that!' Kaede gasped 'what if he comes anyway and finds out we were lying? He'll kill us in the blink of an eye'

'True' the elder Reiji mused 'perhaps there are less straight forward ways. Maybe; take Rin for a trip away from the village next week. When he finds her not here, we will tell him she is involved in some important training under another tutor and cannot be disturbed. Leave him with some sort of example of her progress and assure him she is well looked after'

One of the elder's scoffed.
'Do you take the most powerful Daiyokai for a complete fool? He'll smell out that lie like a rat'

Reiji's brows furrowed.
'Are there any other suggestions? If he really wants her, remember he'll be able to smell her out no matter where she is'

Kaede interjected quickly 'Lord Sesshomaru is not like that. He might have some kind of strong, strange connection to Rin, but he has never forced her against her will in any way. I believe a simple note, from me, will be best. No tricks or smoke and mirrors that he'll see through right away. I will return his letter and let him know that Rin merely is not willing to see him'

The elders were silent for some moments.
'I suppose it's the best way' Reiji said slowly. 'We will go with this course of action, and please ensure to tell us all as soon as any other communication is given. Rin will be raised a human and remain among humans. It's the way of nature, and nature will not be mocked'

They rose, bowed to each other, and left.

Over the next couple of years, Rin very slowly came out of her mute bouts again and became a demure, soft-spoken lady, a sadness always behind her eyes. It lent the attractive girl an air of mystery that young men pined after.
But she did not have the heart for any young human male; after all – they did not have long silver hair or burning gold eyes, nor would any of them be likely to risk anything to save her life.
Despite the comparison, her anger toward her dear old guardian was growing daily.
Little did she know that all his attempts at reaching her were being thwarted by the very old woman who had sworn to the Demon to protect her.

It was when Rin was around sixteen that a letter came of which contents Kaede became almost ill over. Immediately she had called a gathering of the elders.

'He wants to offer her a proposal' the old ladies words rushed out without ceremony as soon as the esteemed gathering were all seated around the fire, their eyes collectively beholding the held out the missive.

'What?' Reiji shot up, grasping the paper.

'All heaven and earth' the senior elder muttered 'does this mean he wants to marry her? A Demon of his standing, wanting to connect himself to a nondescript human? Inconceivable!'

Another elder let out a shocked laugh, adding;
'His status aside, has the creature not received the message of Rin's disinterest yet? How can he think of sending such a note?'

Kaede looked away a moment.
'I may have let him know that Rin often talks of him, though be sure I made certain he knew she didn't want to see him. He has already asked why she has not written to him herself, seeing as by now she should be able to write. I had to tell him that Rin injured her writing hand. As to him wanting to marry her – well, maybe it is convenient for him. After all there's no other woman out there who knows him as well as Rin; or that he has allowed to know him so well. He's probably lonely, being at the top.'

Reiji sunk his head in his hands.
'You gave him hope!' He sighed heavily 'if his intention has been to marry her, then hearing that his intended speaks of him often would be enough invitation to send this note. Demons do not mess around, lonely or otherwise'

'We absolutely can't let her know' an elder wrung their hands. 'A Daiyokai – marrying our Rin? Impossible!'

'Not quite' Kaede conceded wryly 'I don't know if you are aware of Sesshomaru's father Inutaisho'

'We do know, indeed' Reiji replied darkly 'and we will not see it repeated. Izayoi has become some heathen corruption of both demon and human flesh. It is unholy to nature'

'Yet, they are in love still – and she lives as long as he does' the old woman countered.

'Rin doesn't love that creature!' an elder said 'she loves the idea of him, as any child loves the idea of something that they hero worship. But what of ideals, morals, long term plans – desires of the heart, ideas of freedom? Rin has now grown up and has formed her opinion on many topics, a lot of which would be at variance with a powerful demon. I could put my money on it that she really doesn't love that demon for who he really is.'

'It's a good point' Reiji raised his brows, nodding, his finger and thumb stroking his measly beard. 'Who knows what such a beings' intentions are toward our sweet Rin. He will not be allowed to corrupt her with his blood thirsty, power hungry ways. I know a little of his character – and the five hundred years that spirit has been around, he's caused nothing but terror in his wake. I am certain he will go on to rule as his father once did, and very soon too. Throne rooms, battle fields, and political intrigue is no place for a girl like Rin.'

Kaede sighed deeply as the note was passed back to her.
'So how do I even tell him the news?'

Reiji's eyes narrowed as he looked into the flames before them.
'Break his heart, if he has one. Tell him - she is already married'

000000

*present*

Rin's heart felt an intense wrenching at what had just transpired; Sesshomaru's words echoed in her ears like a curse, and it was then that she knew he had reverted to what he always had been – an empty vessel of hatred.
Knowing that he saw himself as such a blackened, imprisoned creature caused Rin to cry for him. There was something so pitiful in his words, though they had been spoken so harshly. It was as though he had accepted and embraced his old self once again, rather than fought to maintain the change she had seen happening within him ten years ago.
What on earth had caused her dear Sesshomaru to return so viciously to his old ways?

She could not stand shaking in this tent for long. Rin had to do something, so that she did not entirely crumble.
Remembering the prisoners in her stricken mind, she made her way out of the shelter and went toward the source of the delicious smells.
Oh, but where had Sesshomaru gone to in such a state?

The cooks and chefs were laying out a grand feast for all the soldiers and guests of the royal entourage under a pavilion, and Rin's mouth watered despite her heart still straining against her rib cage.

She couldn't save him.

She had not been enough, nor could she be.

There were roast meats, fresh meats – raw and cooked, silver platters of fruit, skewered pigs and young calves, fresh fluffy rice, sauces, vegetables and soups – all manner of delectable dishes.

Now Rin had to figure out how to get some of it in a few cloth napkins and steal it away to her charges.

Perhaps it would be easier to steal away with some of the bounty from the kitchen tents. She snuck around the pavilion and spied the many cooks running back and forth, and she thought of her gallery in Lukuoka, wondering how her employer and co-workers were doing without their livelihoods, remembering to despise the Dog demon for causing such ruin.
Rin did not know that Sesshomaru had ensured the innocent parties were provided for.

Rin would have to pretend to be a cook herself to infiltrate the bustling kitchens for there was no chance to slip in when it was unoccupied; there were always people rushing about preparing and serving food.

She'd have to choose things that were portable, like un-cut fruit and whole legs of meat.

Tipping her chin upwards, Rin waltzed into the kitchen with confidence, pretending it was her old work, and no one noticed as she began feigning preparation of a roast boar. Her stomach practically put the four winds to shame so loud it sounded as it grumbled; she punched it hard, once to try and silence it. Out of the corner of her eye Rin spied an apron and ducking around two cooks she snatched up the white bit of cloth and wrapped it around her waist. This would serve well as a kind of food sack.

'Hey that's my apron!' A tiny little woman with a shrill voice came up to Rin, pointing at the stolen goods.

'Sorry? No, it isn't, this is mine' Rin looked down at her steadily as she continued cutting the boar.

'It has a soy stain right there – it is mine' the old lady put her hands on her hips defiantly. She was not going to give up easily or quietly.

Rin looked down at the stain and let out a half laugh 'Oh, that? I've been using that corner to clean the spoon used to stir that curry over there. See, its brown. Now, if you please, I have meat to cut'

'Soy is darker than that curry' said the old woman forebodingly 'you thief!'

'Excuse me?' Rin turned fully now, her own hands on her hips 'and you're a liar, trying to steal people's aprons! Go and find your own and leave others aprons alone!'

The old woman looked as though she had steam coming from her ears.
'I have my eye on you, wench' she spat 'don't think you'll get away with it that easily'

Rin turned back to her project, rolling her eyes.

Once the old woman had stopped sending her death dagger glares and left the room for a little, Rin slipped some meat into the coveted apron and knocked as many pieces of fruit as she could into it as well; even managing some rice balls and steamed buns.

The cloth bulging to its limit, Rin walked quite awkwardly out of the kitchen, thanking the kami that the cooks were too busy to even glance her way. What she did not count on was running into Shota in the doorway of the tent.

Rin stopped dead in her tracks, looking like a deer at the end of a gun.

'What on earth are you doing?' Asked the tall dog guard.

Rin decided laughing would help her case to lighten what appeared to be a very dodgy scene.

'Oh, this?' she looked down at her bulging smock, before scooting forward and whispering behind her hand to the incredulous soldier; 'you know – girl's stuff – we get really hungry – and me and Lady Machiko are in sink already! She's too sick to attend the dinner, so I'm taking it to her. Though don't be surprised if she shows up later anyway. As I said – really hungry'

Shota went slightly pale, before clearing his throat.
'O-of course. I apologise for asking. Please, continue' Rin's smiled at him and began walking away when he stopped her again.
'By the way.'
Rin turned at his voice, the smile now somewhat forcedly plastered on her face as she wished nothing more than to get away from him.
'Yes?' She prompted.
The guard seemed to look intently at her for a moment, before asking;
'Is that prisoner Sota really your husband?'

Completely not expecting such a left field question, Rin frowned, blushing.
'Ah – he is a very close friend' she said with deliberation, at a loss as to how a maid servant's relationship to a prisoner could be of any interest to one of Sesshomarus' guardsmen.
Unfortunately, her caginess of tone in response caused the demon sentry to question the truth of her answer.

'I see' Shota responded, before turning and walking away into the night.

Confused more than ever, Rin also turned and made her way toward the prisoner's carriage, ensuring to take a roundabout route in case either Shota or the crazy apron lady was watching her.

The carriage was secluded in a dark area well away from the camp, in front of a dark alleyway. It was cold despite the summer season in this damp corner of the city, and Rin had to force the tears down at what her Sato was enduring. She approached them as quiet as a mouse, before whispering her friend's name.

'Rin?'

'Yes it's me' she responded, still with a low voice 'but keep your voices down. I must go back as soon as possible.'

'Rin, please tell me what is happening. We are in Fyuoshu, aren't we?'

'Yes. We are stationed here for a few days, I think. Lady Machiko's maid became ill and the Emperor asked me to fill in for her – which has become a permanent position. Here, I brought as much food as I could carry for you all'

Rin began unloading her heavy parcel one item at a time, and indiscriminate hands grabbed at the food haphazardly sticking out of the cage.

'Kami this tastes like heaven' a prisoner muttered.

'Thank you, Rin' Sato sighed, biting into some meat.

There were general murmurs of gratefulness, but a handful of the inmates were silent, still jealous that Rin had been allowed to wander free so soon after entering the hell cage. It did not mean they rejected the goods she'd brought.

'Someone has to try and treat you like living creatures' Rin exclaimed in a harsh whisper 'I'll try and bring food as often as I can get away with it – and maybe some blankets'

'Maybe bring us some of that gold they have too' one of the prisoners jeered.

Rin wasn't offended, instead she sighed. Uncannily she remembered the generosity of Hitori.
'If I come across the chance I will' she responded seriously, and the mocking person laughed.

'It's not Rin's fault the Emperor wanted her as a maid!' Sato turned and addressed the sourer occupants next to him. 'She's at least trying to help us'

'My question is, why her and not Chizue here?' Rin guessed the night-shrouded speaker meant the skinny woman who had fallen asleep on her lap last night.

'Don't be stupid, do you think a demoness would want a walking stick for a maid? Rin looks like a gentlewoman' it sounded like the voice of the very first man who had spoken to her yesterday in the cage.

Rin had to cut in on them. 'I can't stand here any longer, my friends. I promise to return to you as soon as I can' She held Sato's hand, and with a slight gasp she felt him kiss her fingers.

'Bless you, Rin' he said, and let her go, watching her silhouette retreat into the night.

Rin's actions did not go unseen; indeed, she was very well monitored. Eyes that saw even better in the darkness than during the day light could see even which fingers Sato kissed in farewell as Rin left the prisoners to go back to her duties. The maid had been thinking of how to get more supplies to her incarcerated friends when her emotionally and physically wrung out body decided it had had enough. There was one moment when Rin was walking down a dark alleyway to get back to Lady Machiko, and then another she simply fell in a heap, out to the world.
Fortunately for her, it was not the unsavoury stalkers of dark spaces that first found her limp body, but the creature who'd been watching her movements closely.

Sesshomaru picked Rin up and held her unconscious, exhausted form to his body, not caring that the filthy apron she wore also stained his clothes.
He walked silently with his old ward to his own large tent, and laid her in the bed there that he never used. The Emperor stood back, watching Rin's face with his unreadable gaze, before in time looking away and leaving with a swish of his voluminous moon lit hair.

'Dear Lord Sesshomaru.

Thank you for your letter. We are both highly sensible of the honour you bestow upon Rin by offering such a generous proposal. There had not been a situation in which to mention this earlier, but it's with sadness that I regret to inform you Rin is already married and has been since she was fifteen, to a young man from the village. I hope this does not cause you too much trouble – I am sure you will find a regal lady who knows much of court life and the ways of your species within your own circles. Rin sends her regards.

Kaede.'

Sesshomaru's claws pierced his palms as they were shut in tight fists when he walked away from Rin's sleeping form, but not even Jiro could tell what emotion his unfathomable Emperor suffered from as he met him over dinner that night. Those golden orbs gave away nothing but steely determination to carry out his will as ruler.

Author's Note:

Hey my beauties! Do you like the cover image for the story? I drew it myself with some pens and pencils as in fact my full-time job is as a tattoo artist. I'm hoping someone opts to get it tattooed to be honest. I'd jizz big time tattooing Sesshomaru hahaha.
Anyway, I love you all for reading this. I hope you're liking it.